Geophysical investigation for engineering construction assessment in Karst area

A geophysical survey involving electrical resistivity imaging was carried out in various parts of Perak state, Malaysia, to assess the risk of establishing engineering structures in a karst system. The area is underlain by the Palaeozoic Kinta limestone bedrock. A total of 9 survey lines were established on the proposed sites. The data collected from the survey areas was processed and subjected to computer iteration to simulates physical models of the most common karstic features in the area. The study results are remarkably vital in evaluating weathered zones and hard limestone bedrock, as well as in locating infiltrated water and cavities beneath them. This study emphasized the significance of geophysical surveys for foundation investigation because they can properly assess the competence of subsurface physical properties. •Nondestructive 2D ERI measurement procedure to assess construction risk in karst region.•Pole-dipole and Schlumberger configurations were used for better resolution imaging.•A geological model was deduced, and potential hazards such cavities and infiltered water were identified.•Electrical geophysical methods are efficient pre-evaluating tools for karstic areas hazards.