What are the causes of urban road surface collapse?

[Ramon]

Road surface collapse causes include natural collapse and man-made collapse. Below are the specific reasons for road surface collapse: Natural collapse: Surface rocks and soil layers subside downward due to natural factors such as seismic vibrations, rainwater infiltration, gravitational pressure, and underground erosion-induced hollowing. Examples include loess collapse in the Loess Plateau region, lava collapse in volcanic lava distribution areas, and freeze-thaw collapse in permafrost zones. Man-made collapse: Ground subsidence caused by human activities, such as underground mining operations creating certain ranges of goaf areas, causing overlying rocks and soil layers to lose support and resulting in ground collapse; sudden water inflow during tunnel drainage or construction, excessive groundwater extraction, reservoir storage and water diversion, etc.

[KarterLynn]

I've lived in the city center for over a decade and witnessed road collapses several times, mainly caused by broken underground water pipes or sewer leaks. Rainwater seeps in and erodes the soil, creating cavities, compounded by aging and corroded pipes—over time, the road gives way. Last winter, this exact scenario happened on the next street over, leaving a half-meter-deep pit that caused a three-day traffic jam until municipal repairs fixed it. The root issue lies in rapid urban development outpacing the timely upgrade of aging infrastructure. Relevant authorities should allocate more funds for pipeline inspections—preventive maintenance could save a lot of trouble. Residents should also report abnormalities, like ground sinking or water seepage signs, early detection leads to early resolution, ensuring safer commutes for all.

[VeraLee]

What I fear most when driving to work every day is encountering road collapses, usually caused by irregular underground construction. The section of road I commute on has a newly built subway, and after excavation, the soil wasn't properly compacted. A heavy rain washed it away, leaving a huge pothole that damaged my tire, costing me 500 yuan in repairs. This phenomenon is quite common in rapidly developing urban areas, where construction teams prioritize speed over safety details. Additionally, chaotic underground pipeline layouts can also lead to localized subsidence, which is quite frightening to think about—how dangerous it would be to drive into one at night. So, everyone should pay more attention to warning signs while driving, and municipal authorities should strengthen monitoring and reporting mechanisms in construction zones, regularly backfilling and reinforcing to reduce such accidents. From a driving perspective, this can prevent accidents and save both trouble and money.

[OHaven]

As someone concerned with urban construction, I understand that road collapses often stem from soil settlement or changes in groundwater levels. The quality of soil varies, with some areas having loose foundations. Excessive rainfall or groundwater extraction for farmland irrigation can further destabilize the ground. Urban development often overlooks these geological factors, rushing construction without proper foundational work. The impacts are significant—poor drainage can worsen settlement and may even lead to damage in nearby buildings. I recommend conducting comprehensive geological surveys during urban planning to avoid building roads in high-risk areas. In the long run, this approach not only prevents collapses but also enhances the city's disaster resilience.