Application of High Density Resistivity Method in Karst Exploration: A Case Study

During engineering and construction activities, water and mud burst, house and ground collapse, as well as other hazards often occur in places where karst develops, which can seriously threaten the safety of people's life and property and limit the development of local society and economy. Therefore, it is a meaningful work to figure out the locations of karst development so that corresponding prevention measures could be taken in advance. In this study, a case was introduced by using high density resistivity method to study the karst ground collapse. The geological characteristics, distribution law and control factors of karst ground collapse were clarified through high density resistivity method. Based on the results, the development trend was predicted, and the corresponding treatment measures and suggestions were proposed. The results show that 2 karst developing belts and 3 karst seriously-developed centers were delineated in the study region, which indicates that the high density resistivity method can effectively identify abnormal underground areas in the study region. The results shown in this research would provide the whole site for future drilling and the useful experience for underground karst exploration in similar areas.