What are the causes of road collapse?
2 Answers
Road collapse causes include natural collapse and human-induced collapse. Below are the specific causes of road collapse: Natural collapse: Surface rocks and soil collapse downward due to natural factors such as seismic vibrations, rainwater infiltration into the ground, gravitational pressure, underground erosion and hollowing out. Examples include loess collapse in the Loess Plateau region, lava collapse in volcanic lava distribution areas, and freeze-thaw collapse in permafrost regions. Human-induced collapse: Ground collapse caused by human activities, such as underground mining operations that create a certain range of goaf areas, causing the overlying rocks and soil to lose support and leading to ground collapse; other causes include tunnel drainage or sudden water inflow during construction, excessive groundwater extraction, and reservoir water storage or diversion.
I've witnessed road collapses multiple times, often caused by changes in groundwater, such as soil becoming wet and loose after heavy rain, forming cavities, especially in sandy soil areas. In cities, leaky old sewer pipes continuously erode, quietly hollowing out underground support structures; the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall due to climate change exacerbates these risks. Natural events like earthquakes can also trigger sudden subsidence. Newly developed areas with inherently unstable geology are more prone to problems. To prevent disasters, we must strengthen groundwater level monitoring and pipeline maintenance, and invest in rainwater management systems. Organizing community inspection teams is also effective in detecting small cracks early to prevent them from evolving into large sinkholes. Detailed geological surveys before construction must never be skipped, ensuring public safety comes first.
