Detection of cavities in Kuala Lumpur Limestone using geo-electromagnetic method

Cavities in Kuala Lumpur Limestone have been known to have caused problems, such as sinkholes, subsidence, slump zone, and other geohazards. Hence, the main purpose of this study had been to detect cavities in limestone with the application of Geo- Electromagnetic Method using EM 34-3 equipment in Kampung Baru Batu Caves and Kampung Wira Damai. EM 34-3 has the capability to map high conductivity anomalies from a minimum of 7.5 meters to a maximum of 60 meters depth. On top of that, the electrical conductivity could detect the soil or rock material as the electric current can be made to flow through it. Meanwhile, ArcGIS 9.3 Software had been the tool used in this study to produce 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Subsurface Mapping by using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) Interpolation technique. In addition, four subsurface mappings were plotted at the depths of 7.5 meters, 15 meters, 30 meters, and 60 meters. Based on the plotted maps, the presence of cavities was detected in some parts of the study areas. Apart from that, borehole log and resistivity data were used to support the geo-electromagnetic mapping for verification purpose. The results from this study could provide essential information for engineering purpose, as well as to prevent disastrous failures of structures and other related geohazard complications.

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