Ia. De Bruyn et Fg. Bell, The occurrence of sinkholes and subsidence depressions in the Far West Rand and Gauteng Province, South Africa, and their engineering implications, ENV ENG GEO, 7(3), 2001, pp. 281-295
Dewatering associated with mining in the gold-bearing reefs of the Far West
Rand, which underlie dolomite and unconsolidated deposits, led to the form
ation of sinkholes and subsidence depressions. Hence, certain areas became
unsafe for occupation and were evacuated. Although sinkholes were initially
noticed in the 1950s, the seriousness of the situation was highlighted in
December 1962 when a sinkhole engulfed a three-story crusher plant at West
Driefontein Mine. Consequently, it became a matter of urgency that the area
s at risk of subsidence and the occurrence of sinkholes were delineated. Si
nkholes formed concurrently with the lowering of the water table in areas w
hich formerly had been relatively free of sinkholes. In addition, subsidenc
e occurred as a consequence of consolidation taking place in the unconsolid
ated deposits as the water table was lowered. In the latter case, the degre
e of subsidence which occurred reflected the thickness and original density
of the unconsolidated deposits which were consolidated. These deposits var
y laterally in thickness and thereby gave rise to differential subsidence.
Subsidence also occurred due to the closure of dewatered voids at the rock-
soil interface.
The risk of sinkhole and subsidence occurrence is increased by urban develo
pment, since interrupted natural surface drainage, increased runoff, and le
akage from water-bearing utilities can result in the concentrated ingress o
f water into the ground. Where the surficial deposits are less permeable, t
he risk of instability is reduced. In the area underlain by dolomite, which
extends around Johannesburg and Pretoria, these problem have been more not
able in recent years because of housing development, both low-cost and up-m
arket, and the growth of informal settlements. Residential densities may be
very high, especially for low-cost housing, the development of which frequ
ently has proceeded without recognition of the risk posed by karst-related
ground instability. The appearance of significant numbers of small sinkhole
s has been associated with dolomite at shallow depth, that is, occurring at
less than 15 m beneath the ground surface. The vulnerability of an area ov
erlying dolomite bedrock at shallow depth is largely dependent on the spaci
ng, width and continuity of grikes. When dolomite is located at depths grea
ter than 15 m, the sinkholes which appear at the surface usually are larger
in diameter. The risk of sinkhole occurrence in areas of shallow dolomite
in general, may be greater, although the hazard itself is less severe. A cl
assification system for the evaluation of dolomitic land based on the risk
of formation of certain sized sinkholes has enabled such land to be zoned f
or appropriate development. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of water bea
ring services, and the implementation of precautionary measures relating to
drainage and infiltration of surface water are regarded as essential in de
veloped areas underlain by dolomite. Special types of foundation constructi
on for structures are frequently necessary.