Analyzing the Relationship Between the Formation of Sinkholes and Structural Deformation: a Parametric Study

Abstract

In Turkey sinkhole formations have been observed in recent years, the number of which has increased over time. These sinkholes have started to cause damage to infrastructure and superstructures, especially in rural areas. In this study, considering the rapidly increasing number of sinkholes, first of all, the sinkhole formation mechanism of the region and the characteristics of the sinkhole were examined. Then, an analysis was made on the superstructure inventory of the region. According to the investigations, a numerical study was carried out considering the general characteristics of the sinkholes and the building stock. With this study, three different heights of buildings representing the building stock of the rural area were selected and thus the pressure (S) exerted by the buildings on the ground became a main parameter. In addition to these, a total of 81 finite element models with three different sinkhole widths (D) and four different sinkhole depths (L) selected at four different distances (A) from these structures were created with the finite element program. The structure and sinkhole interaction parameters obtained from the quite comprehensive data set were evaluated in the context of settlements that may occur in the structure. While creating the model, the geotechnical properties of the soil of the region were taken within the scope of the sinkhole formation mechanism. As a result of the analyses, it was observed that the depth of the sinkhole (L), the diameter of the sinkhole (D) and the distance between the sinkhole and structure (A) had a direct effect on the sinkhole-structure interaction, and the structure load had a limited effect. The results also have indicated that the sinkholestructure interaction is limited in the sinkholes formed in diameter and high distance.