Methods For Dealing With Caves

Steve Manning

Hi guys, I'm working on the concept plan for a residential subdivision where there likely will be public protest during the planning commission meeting. I've been told that an issue of on-site caves will be brought up. I've dealt with sinkholes but not caves or regulated vs unregulated. State law says a land owner can do as he pleases with on-site caves. Where as sinkholes if disturbed require injection well permits. All storm water currently drains to sinkholes and will in the future should the project proceed

There will be some 20 feet of cut on tops of ridges with open throat sinkholes or caves at the bottom of the ridges some 40 to 50 feet below. I guess if there are caves on site it is possible but unlikely we could expose one during cutting operations. What would you do? Start pumping the concrete or just avoid building on that particular lot. What would be other alternatives?

Any advice is appreciated

rino1494

Pumping concrete can get very expensive. Is it possible to fill them with rock and compact ?? I think you may have a hard time trying to sell lots with caves on them. Good luck !!!

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coreylkh

I would avoid the caved lots altogether. Even if you fill in a cave, you may have a pocket that wasn't filled and you just created a sinkhole.....then you're sued. I think you would need to have alot more geotechnical engineering done for this, which probably is about as cost effective as pumping in slurry. Use the cave lots for playgrounds (that have at least been partially filled with excavated material) or detention areas or something but don't build on them.

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Jason Whipple

Maybe you can ...........

never mind

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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coreylkh

Too funny! Yup, spend as much cash as you want.....with this operation you'll make your money back (lawsuits and all) tenfold!

I saw this awhile back and laughed my butt off then. How appropriate now. Everyones' a comedian!

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"An actress can only play a woman. I'm an actor, I can play anything"