Influence of geological and geotechnical conditions to design a water reservoir in karst area

Περίληψη

The design of a water reservoir in a site underlain by karstified carbonate rocks, encounters many difficulties mainly due to unpredictable location, dimensions and geometry of the karst structure and voids. The objective of this work is to present part of the investigation work that was carried out in Omalos plateau (W. Crete) where a water reservoir is going to be constructed. The survey was based on geological mapping, geophysical exploration, boreholes drilling, sampling and laboratory testing for the geotechnical parameters determination. The soil thickness that is required to provide stability against soil collapse into voids and the subsequent formation of sinkholes was estimated. The evaluations represent a useful decision-support tool in the management of the investigation results for the design purposes of the water reservoir in Omalos plateau.