Investigation and Remediation of the 2006 Nixa, Missouri, Collapse Sinkhole

Abstract

The August 2006 collapse of a sinkhole beneath a residential structure in Nixa, Missouri, offered a new opportunity to investigate such features. Investigation of the roughly 60 ft (18 m) diameter by 75 ft (23 m) deep sink suggested factors that may be precursors of such catastrophic events and provided an opportunity to document a common approach to remediating collapse subsidence events. A review is presented here of the site conditions, the initial emergency response, site investigation and remedial planning, and the final actions taken. In addition, several potential indicators or contributing factors are identified that may allow others in karst terranes to identify future potential hazard areas. These factors include subsurface drainage features, tree roots and macropores, and unique storm-water drainage conditions. Lessons learned during the response to the sinkhole collapse are presented that should prove helpful to others if they need to prepare for, or respond to, similar incidents.

Department(s)

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.15.1.13

Keywords

Christian County Missouri, collapse structures, damage, drainage, geologic hazards, Greene County Missouri, human activity, indicators, land use, Missouri, mitigation, planning, preventive measures, remediation, risk assessment, sinkholes, soil mechanics, solution features, United States, urban environment, urban planning, urbanization, Springfield Plateau, Nixa Missouri, Burlington Escarpment

Publication Date

2009

Journal Title

Environmental & Engineering Geoscience

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