Malvern Sinkhole Investigation

Project Overview

A large ground collapse and a disappearing nearby stream threatened an adjacent wastewater pump house in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Geotechnical engineers immediately responded by assessing risk and mobilizing equipment for investigation and repair. GeoStructures reviewed available published geological and historical topographic maps, as well as geology and sinkhole information of the site and its surroundings. To study subsurface hydrogeologic conditions, bedrock conditions, and geologic structures, site investigative field exploration included GPR, EM, microgravity surveys, test borings, and rock coring.

The geophysical survey covered all accessible locations and revealed void-like anomalies and a large, linear, low gravity anomaly. The test borings revealed variable depth to rock, ranging from about 14 ft to over 52 ft below existing grades. Such variation is typical in carbonate geology. A deeper slot was encountered locally, and possibly extended into the collapsed area. Highly-fractured rock raveled zones were also encountered by the test borings. The sinkhole activity at the site was considered severe as evidenced by (1) occurrences of several sinkholes in such a small area and (2) the disappearance of streams into the collapsed zone. The sinkhole also appears to have expanded towards the pump house. Considering the size and severity of the sinkhole, and the presence of a deeper slot, compaction grouting was the optimal solution to remediate the ground and protect existing structures.

Sinkhole Evaluation and Remediation

Drilling Services and Subsurface Investigations

Our Comprehensive Project Workflow: Step-by-Step Guide

01.

Initial Consultation and Client Needs Assessment

Our team responds promptly to your inquiries, ensuring timely communication and immediate attention to your project needs. We work closely with clients to understand all project requirements, ensuring that we capture every detail and objective from the start.

02.

Development of Work Plan

Our expert project managers extend innovative problem-solving to project planning, resulting in technically-sound, cost-effective work plans to better serve our clients.

03.

Project Proposal and Agreement

We provide a detailed project proposal outlining the scope of work, fee schedule, and agreement terms. The project begins once the proposal is approved.

04.

Execution and Quality Assurance

Our highly skilled team of principals, project managers, engineers, and field staff execute the project with precision, maintaining open communication to ensure alignment with client expectations. Each project undergoes a rigorous quality check by our team of licensed professional engineers, ensuring all deliverables meet our high standards of excellence.

05.

Project Delivery and Invoicing

Upon completion, we deliver the final project and issue an invoice for the completed work, ensuring full transparency and satisfaction.