The limestone bedrock around Bahrain is known for its karst terrain, which is a terrain characterized by features created through erosion. Above ground, karst is represented by towers and ridges and below ground by fissures, caves, and sinkholes. For excavation and exploration, the hidden below ground cavities can pose problems for construction projects resulting in technical difficulties, schedule delays, and ultimately, unforeseen expenses.
Underground cavities are not visible from the surface, and even shallow excavations fail to identify them. Although drilling boreholes can provide more insights into what lies below, they often miss the cavities because they only offer information proximal to the drilled location. Instead, various geophysical methods can be employed during a geophysical survey to detect hidden cavities and provide critical information for implementing mitigation strategies.
Alhoty’s geophysical surveys mitigate geotechnical risks by providing continuous information and testing that provides comprehensive geotechnical information related to underground cavities and other defects. A geophysical survey identifies the variability of underground conditions, both onshore and offshore. These surveys aid in defining the boundaries of the construction project area and relevant construction corridors. The primary goal is to inform the structural design to ensure they withstand the forces of wind and seismicity and drainage.
Alhoty employs combinations of geophysical surveying techniques to detect underground cavities including: