Investigation on the phenomena and influence factors of urban ground collapse in China

Urban ground collapse (UGC) is becoming more common in China, resulting in significant socioeconomic losses and even personal casualties. The frequency of UGC accidents is highest in the east coastal area owing to developed urbanization, while it is lowest in the northeast area because of its smallest land area. Natural causes (such as geological conditions and rainfall) and artificial causes (such as groundwater withdrawal, underground pipeline breakage, underground engineering, and other reasons) all contribute to UGC accidents in China. Groundwater influences most factors that lead to UGC. Adverse geology, such as collapsible loess and karst geology, is sensitive to groundwater. The groundwater environment is vulnerable to rainfall, pipeline leakage or groundwater withdrawal. Under the action of groundwater, the steady state of the soil may change, which finally leads to UGC. Groundwater control, which is essential for mitigating the risk of UGC, can be implemented through detailed geological surveys, sponge city and utility tunnel construction, and groundwater-level control measurement.

Automated summary

Urban ground collapse (UGC) accidents are becoming more frequent in China, primarily due to rapid urbanization, resulting in significant economic losses and fatalities. Groundwater is the main factor contributing to UGC, while adverse geological conditions and human activities also play a role. Groundwater control is crucial in mitigating the risk of UGC, and measures such as detailed geological surveys and the construction of underground utility tunnels can be effective.