Gangdong-gu Prevents Sinkholes with Radar Surveys Around Construction Sites

Searching for sinkholes using vehicle-mounted GPR equipment. (Photo by Gangdong-gu Office)

Gangdong-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Lee Su-hee) announced on the 26th that it will conduct ground cavity surveys around underground facilities using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment to prevent sinkhole (ground subsidence) accidents in advance.

Ground subsidence occurs due to complex causes such as changes in underground water levels caused by large-scale construction projects or soil erosion through cracks in damaged underground facilities. When ground subsidence occurs, it often results in personal injuries or long-term traffic restrictions, causing significant damage to residents.

Gangdong-gu has prepared this plan to prevent similar accidents in advance as large-scale redevelopment, reconstruction, and transportation network construction projects are actively underway in various areas.

The ground cavity survey involves detecting the location and size of cavities (empty spaces) using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment. Small cavities are immediately repaired, while larger cavities are investigated through excavation to identify the exact cause and then repaired. Gangdong-gu reported that it has discovered and repaired a total of 49 cavities over the past three years.

This year, the district plans to focus inspections on side roads around redevelopment and reconstruction construction sites, subway Line 8 and Line 9 construction sites, as well as the Gildong and Amsa-dong areas.

Yoon Deuk-geun, head of the district’s Road Division, said, “Through the cavity survey service, we will conduct focused inspections around large construction sites to prevent major safety accidents in advance. We will continue to make efforts to create a safe walking environment so that residents can live with peace of mind.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.