Methods for karst hazard forecast and pipeline protection in South Yakutia

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to consider the ways of monitoring and protecting the pipeline "The Power of Siberia" from karst hazards. The method of protection with bored piles has been recommended and the forecasting methods have been overviewed. Thus, ground penetrating radar allows discovering a soil cavity when the overburden layer is not very deep and predicting sinkhole collapse when used in combination with a balance arch model. Monitoring of triggering factors is widely used to forecast karst collapse when the opening is caused by pumping as the data on dynamic groundwater conditions can be obtained in real-time. However, the suggested protection method is expensive and some forecasts might be difficult to make. The authors have suggested the ways to improve the current situation and to reduce the damage caused by karst collapse.