Karstic zones, due to dissolution of limestone rocks, are a problem in several areas of the world, being associated with damage sustained by facilities, among other issues. A numerical study is presented using Plaxis 2D to analyse terrain subsidence on the surface, considering a transversal section to apply a road load, while cavities in the ground increase due to karsticity. Results allow perception of the surface subsidence, associated with the number of cavities, before and up to collapse of the first voids created. Stress paths developed in the cavities’ opening process are built from the interpretation of results provided by the numerical analyses. These stress paths make it possible to obtain the way in which stress values change between initial and final states, defining an in situ stress variation for the void's presence. Furthermore, it is concluded that there is a tendency towards stability for the superficial displacement and a maximal affected horizontal length associated with a specific number of cavities, despite the fact that more of these are developed in the zone. The rocks and the soil were simulated by Hoek–Brown and Mohr–Coulomb constitutive models, considering the specific characteristics of rocks and soil endemic to Yucatan, Mexico.
Design of road infrastructure in karst terrain is a challenge for any geotechnical condition caused by the weathering of the subsoil. Previous investigations pointed out the efficiency of the roads with geogrids, however there are few studies analyzing road reinforced under karst geohazards. This paper presents a numerical study of the geogrid additions in a typical Mexican road and considering 19 cavities in the subsoil due to failures of the roads in these terrains. The rocks and the soil were simulated by Hoek–Brown and Mohr–Coulomb constitutive models, considering specific characteristics of karstic materials. Hence, it was carried out in different two-dimension finite element models to analyze the geogrid behavior and its benefits. First, the geogrid position was varied inside of the road structure and applying a heavy truck load in its surface and finally, underground cavities were sequentially opened in the numerical model. It was established the best combination of the road-geogrid structure construction and the influence when cavities are developed underground analyzing the stress paths in the medium. From this study, it is found, that when the geogrid layer is embedded between bedrock and subgrade, the failure is mitigated, observing an increase in the factor of safety even with 19 voids presence in the model. Concluding that the geogrid is an adequate solution of reinforcement of roads.
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