An Assessment of Karst Collapse Hazards in Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

Abstract

Karst collapse is one of the main geological hazards in Guilin, Guangxi Province, China. Collapse is a geological phenomenon, but the dangerous result is a social and economic phenomenon. With the rapid development of the economy and the increase of human engineering activities in recent years, collapses have happened more frequently and have taken a greater toll on human life and industry. The purpose of this paper is the assessment of potential collapses which can furthest reduce losses, and prevent or reduce collapse hazards. The paper started with the significance of the risk evaluation and zoning of karst collapse. Inducing factors of collapse include geological conditions, development levels of karst, structure of Quaternary soil, depth of overlying soil, dynamic condition of groundwater, faulted structure and well site withdrawal. These influences on collapse were analyzed respectively. And then, using the GIS techniques and discriminatory analysis methods, assessment of the risk of karst collapse hazard in Guilin city was made. Risk zoning was identified and mapped.