Investigating the drivers of urban cover-collapse sinkholes in shanghai: analyzing dominant factors and proposing mitigation strategies

• DOI: 10.1007/s44218-024-00051-z
• Publication Date: 2024-08-08T07:02:33Z
• Authors: Bing Li; Hanmei Wang; Hang Tang
• Keywords: Sinkhole

Abstract Urban cover-collapse sinkholes pose a significant global challenge due to their destructive impacts. Previous studies have identified groundwater fluctuations, subsurface soil conditions, pipeline leakage, precipitation, and subterranean construction activities as key contributors these phenomena. However, unique geological settings across different urban environments lead variations in the primary factors influencing sinkhole formation. This study focuses on Shanghai, city notable for its extensive urbanization rich historical context, explore dynamics of within urbanized areas worldwide. We employ spatial analysis statistical methods examine data recorded past two decades correlating events with city’s shallow sand layer, ground elevation, proximity surface water. Our goal is identify dominant governing occurrence Shanghai lay groundwork effective scientific management prevention. Key findings indicate that most area are associated thin low moderate elevations, absence nearby rivers. Additionally, many correlate voids confined aquifer beneath cohesive layer. The lack river channels, obscured by development, also indirectly contributes recommend enhancing drainage systems mitigate potential damage from water accumulation.