Best Sinkhole Repair Methods

Once a sinkhole is discovered and examined, the repair method depends on the size, stability, location, geological context, and the immediate cause of the sinkhole.

In general, a hole that’s very small and very stable in an open area can simply be filled with dirt and restored with ground cover.

A larger hole in an open area is likely to need excavation down to some sort of bedrock for stability, and then a filling operation with layers of rock, gravel, dirt, and possibly grout.

In open areas, it’s always important to determine the depth of the sinkhole and whether the bottom and sides are stable.   These tests are carried out using a sturdy stick as a probe.

Initial evaluation is more difficult when a sinkhole occurs underneath any kind of structure.  A geological engineer must use specialized equipment to determine the nature and extent of the sinkhole event.  Once this is accomplished, the engineer develops a plan to stabilize and restore the building.  This plan usually calls for grout of some kind to be pumped under pressure to fill voids and compact soil with rocklike material.  This process will be carried out through various techniques of injection grouting that are appropriate to the situation.

Depending on geological conditions surrounding the hole, many different geotechnical approaches could be called upon.  But in every case, the goal is to find or create a solid support underneath whatever is on the surface, including ground cover, homes, or buildings.

The repair process always begins with safety.  You can learn some appropriate precautions here.