KIOST Transfers 'Underground Pipeline Ground Subsidence Prevention Technology' to Company

Published 24 Jul.2025 16:57(KST)

Updated 30 Jul.2025 15:14(KST)

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Alternative to Sand Shortages,
Proactive Response to Sinkhole Occurrences Possible

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (President Lee Heeseung, KIOST) announced on July 24 that it has signed a technology transfer agreement with Dawon Construction (CEO Kim Byungkyu) at the KIOST Busan headquarters, located in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, for the "Technology to Prevent Ground Subsidence of Underground Pipelines Using Lightweight Reinforced Soil."

Technology Transfer Agreement Signing Ceremony. Provided by KIOST

The "High-Flow Reinforced Backfill Technology for Underground Pipelines," developed by the research team led by Dr. Yoon Gillim of the KIOST Marine Spatial Development and Energy Research Division, is a non-compaction method that processes soil generated at construction sites using a lightweight foam method and pours it at the base of underground pipelines.

This technology is expected to address the issue of sand shortages, prevent underground pipeline leakage to avoid ground subsidence accidents, and contribute to reducing sewage treatment plant operating costs by blocking the inflow of external groundwater and rainwater.

The lightweight foam method is an advanced construction technology that enables stable filling even without compaction by injecting a foaming agent into raw soil at construction sites to create lightweight filling material.

Traditional methods for installing buried pipelines require sand bedding and compaction, which have led to issues such as difficulties in sand supply and pipeline subsidence due to poor compaction quality during construction. In contrast, this new technology addresses these problems simultaneously, enabling safer and more efficient construction.

With this technology transfer, it is expected that the technology will be practically utilized to proactively respond to the frequent ground subsidence accidents occurring in urban areas and to enhance the structural stability and construction quality of underground pipelines.