Three-dimensional sinkhole stability of spherical cavity

Abstract Sinkhole occurrences due to underground water mains operations have piqued people’s curiosity. Most research works were in relation geophysical practices discover the subsurface cavity. Very few can be found investigation of soil stability cavity shapes. The actual shape an and its transformation is difficult predict, though sinkhole failures are mostly circular on ground surface. This study explores three-dimensional collapse three distinct idealized geometries, namely circular, semi-spherical, spherical cavities. For active failure, dimensionless parameters used investigate combined impacts cover, surcharge pressure, weight, internal pressure using advanced finite element limit analysis. Numerical results compared with two-dimensional axisymmetric results, design charts presented cover a wide range for practical applications.