Learn how to prevent a sinkhole properly.
Sinkholes are a major issue that plague cities throughout the globe. A single sinkhole can require extensive costly repairs. Prevention is key to stopping the havoc that sinkholes can cause, and GPR scanning is one of the best ways to detect sinkholes early on in the formation process. How can you stop sinkholes from ripping a hole in your street?
Urban Sinkholes
Urban areas are at a higher risk of sinkholes since many underground utility systems deteriorate over time due to poor maintenance and a lack of infrastructure support. Old sewer pipes and aging sewer mains are the most common causes of urban sinkholes. They form by water slowly leaking over time into the surrounding area. This area becomes unstable and hollow due to erosion. As heavy vehicles drive over the surface and construction occurs around the area, the ground and the matter below it become weaker and weaker. Once a significant section of pipe collapses, a sinkhole could occur.
Stopping Sudden Sinkholes
GPR scanning can be used to detect early sinkhole formations so that municipalities have a chance to repair or replace pipes before a sinkhole occurs. The cost of stopping traffic on a busy day and digging up sewer lines is much lower than the cost of restoring an entire city block that was swallowed up by a sinkhole. Preventative maintenance is vital to stopping the disaster that a sinkhole can be.
Identifying Sinkholes on Your Property
Identifying sinkholes is a possibility if you know what to look for. Some of the most common signs of sinkholes include:
- Large, round circular sunken holes in the ground
- Parts of your property that have suddenly or slowly lowered over time
- A foundation that has begun to start drooping or cracking
- Cracking in concrete, pavement, or streets that isn’t a result of something else
Sinkhole Testing with Concrete Visions
Concrete Visions has over 12 years of experience and expertise in concrete scanning and we know how to detect any problems lurking beneath the surface. We use ground penetrating radar accurately and expertly and are familiar in many other methods that can be used when appropriate like concrete x-ray and electromagnetic conductivity. We are also very familiar with the latest construction safety techniques and train all of our workers to do their work quickly, accurately, and safely. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at (410) 766-2210 or visit us online. For more articles and tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.