Using Geophysics to Evaluate the Results of a Grouting Program in Karstic Geology

We are pleased to announce that Christopher M. Mayer’s paper, “Using Geophysics to Evaluate the Results of a Grouting Program in Karstic Geology,” has been accepted for publication. Join us in congratulating Chris who won the Highway Geology Symposium’s Young Author Award for this paper! His co-authors are Jacob Sheehan, Mia Ann Painter, Jeremy J. Brown, and Sarah McInnes.

Schnabel was brought in by PennDOT to address the recurring subsidence, sinkholes, and settlement, stemming from karst geological conditions on Chemical Road in Montgomery County, PA. This paper focuses on the results from one of the geophysical methods used: Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW). To develop the most effective sinkhole treatment plan, Schnabel collected both Pre-grout and Post-grout MASW surveys, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of the results. The Post-grout MASW results indicate the grout area increased the overall strength using shear-wave velocity as a means of measurement.

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Schnabel was brought in by PennDOT to address the recurring subsidence, sinkholes, and settlement, stemming from karst geological conditions.