The ground beneath your property might look solid, but hidden cavities can form without any visible warning signs. Whether it’s a sinkhole developing beneath a parking lot or a void forming under a concrete slab, catching these problems early can be the difference between a minor repair and a major structural failure.
Although sinkholes and voids get talked about interchangeably, they’re not the same thing. They’re similar in that they both form a cavity or empty space in the ground, and they both can cause severe damage and safety risks, but there are also key differences between the two. Understanding the difference matters when you’re trying to figure out what’s happening beneath your property and what to do about it.
Sinkholes are caused by the collapse of underground rock and soil. This is often due to the dissolution of limestone, dolomite, or other soluble rock types. This can happen naturally or be triggered by human activities like excessive groundwater extraction or underground mine collapses.
Sinkholes commonly form due to soil erosion, leaving voids that can fill with water, air, or other materials. This, in turn, can lead to instability and damage to structures built over these voids.
In addition, the decomposition of organic material, such as trees, can create underground sinkholes.
One of the most significant dangers sinkholes pose is the potential for collapse. A sinkhole beneath a structure can lead to settlement, cracks, and damage due to the structure’s weight.
In severe cases, the structure may collapse, posing a risk to human safety. Underground sinkholes can also cause damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure by causing settling, sinking, or shifting.
Arkansas sits in a region where karst topography makes sinkhole formation a recognized geohazard, particularly in areas with limestone bedrock.
Voids are typically found in the walls, roofs, or floors of a building. They can be caused by poor construction practices, settling of the building over time, or shifting of the foundation.
Voids can cause water damage by allowing water to penetrate and collect in hidden areas. Under buildings, this can result in mold and mildew, as well as structural damage caused by rotting wood or rusting metal.
Missing insulation or gaps in caulking can also cause voids. Water can enter these voids through cracks, gaps, or other openings, and once inside, it can be challenging to detect and remove, leading to long-term damage to the building.
It is essential to detect and identify sinkholes and voids to minimize the risk of collapse and damage to structures.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a powerful tool that can be used to detect and locate underground voids. GPR works by sending electromagnetic waves into the ground and measuring the reflections. The location and size of voids and sinkholes can be determined by analyzing these reflections.
GPR is a non-invasive and safe method of detecting underground spaces. It does not require excavation or drilling, making it ideal for use in populated areas where excavation is not feasible or would cause disruption. It is also much faster and more efficient than traditional methods of void detection, such as digging or drilling, and has the advantage of being able to work both outdoors and inside buildings and structures.
When using GPR to detect underground voids, it is important to consider the type of soil and rock on which the GPR is being used. The type of material will affect the accuracy of the GPR readings and the depth at which voids can be detected.
Detecting sinkholes and voids is just the first step to preventing serious structural damage. Once the problem is found, it must be fixed. That’s why GPR Arkansas partners with Airlift Concrete Experts, LLC. If a sinkhole or void is found on your property, Airlift’s expert contractors can correct the problem and stabilize the soil using polyurethane foam injection.
At GPR Arkansas, our ground-penetrating radar specialists can help you identify potential sinkholes or voids not readily apparent to the naked eye. Don’t wait until the damage has already been done. Contact GPR Arkansas today for a free estimate.
Sinkholes are typically caused by natural geological processes, such as the dissolution of limestone or dolomite bedrock, or by human activities like groundwater extraction or mine collapses. Voids, on the other hand, are usually found within or beneath man-made structures and are often the result of poor construction practices, foundation settling, or gaps in building materials. Both create dangerous cavities, but they differ in origin, location, and the type of risk they pose.
Yes. The Arkansas Geological Survey has identified sinkholes as a recognized geohazard in the state, particularly in areas with karst topography where soluble bedrock like limestone is present. Property owners and contractors in these regions should be aware of the risk and consider subsurface scanning before construction or excavation.
Yes. GPR is effective at detecting both underground sinkholes and voids within or beneath structures. By sending electromagnetic waves into the ground or through a structure and analyzing the reflections, GPR can identify the location and approximate size of cavities without any excavation or drilling.
Finding a sinkhole or void is the first step — addressing it is the next. GPR Arkansas works alongside Airlift Concrete Experts, LLC to not only locate problem areas but help stabilize and correct them. Acting quickly is important, as unaddressed sinkholes and voids can lead to structural damage, settlement, or collapse over time.
