A typical geological model considering soil cover thickness

geological material types for the most harmful covered karst is established. The karst collapse mechanism is analyzed under groundwater fluctuating and rainfall infiltration based on this model. Furthermore

a comprehensive method for karst collapse spatial prediction that involves physical detection

engineering investigation

geological material physical mechanics experiment

numerical simulation and monitor evaluation is proposed and applied to evaluating a karst disaster area in Huangshi

Hubei province. The numerical simulation

which is based on physical detection

engineering investigation and laboratory test of rock and soil

shows that the ground settlement due to softened clay cover caused by rain permeation is larger than that induced by groundwater fluctuating. With reference to the developing tendency of building fissures and ground cracks

the spatial extent of the karst collapse area is distinguished. It is shown that this karst collapse spatial forecast method is feasible; and the prediction results are in good agreement with observations. Therefore

this method can be popularized as a general method for karst collapse prediction in similar engineering.