An inverted cone sinkhole is a funnel-shaped depression in the ground where a wide, open faced hole faces upward at the surface and narrows down as it goes deeper.
The proper technique to resolve this problem is the inverted cone sinkhole repair technique. This excavation technique stabilizes the affected ground depressions and involves packing graded stone into the bedrock openings of the sinkhole and lining them with geotextile fabric to maintain natural water drainage.
Inverted Cone Sinkhole Repair Steps
It is important to know what the proper steps are in inverted cone sinkhole repair as to fill it properly and allow for natural drainage. Otherwise, the sinkhole could reappear or the ground could suffer from ongoing soil erosion or severe structural damage.
The first repair step is to dig out all the loose dirt at the top of the sinkhole in order to locate the exact hole or throat of the sinkhole. Then, workers will pack large rocks into the bottom throat opening to prevent smaller rocks from falling through.
Next, crew members will lay down a geotextile cloth fabric and add layers of finer gravel and crushed stone on top. Lastly, the edges of the fabric will be folded over the gravel, and regular dirt will be placed on top to match the yard.
Why the Inverted Sinkhole Repair Method Is Used
People choose the inverted cone repair method for sinkholes for a few good reasons. First, the inverted cone method allows water to still flow naturally through the ground instead of getting trapped underneath.
Next, this method prevents soil loss as the graded rock and cloth both keep any dirt from washing down into cracks between rocks. The inverted cone sinkhole repair method is also generally good for yards and works well in open spaces and smaller depressions where concrete drilling is not necessary.
What Happens If You Don’t Repair With the Inverted Sinkhole Repair Method?
If you do not do an inverted cone sinkhole repair, surface water will continuously wash surrounding topsoil into the voids between bedrock, causing the depression to widen, deepen, and possibly collapse. This can be very dangerous as it can cause damage to nearby building foundations and allows untreated surface pollutants to get directly into local groundwater. Unrepaired sinkholes create hidden safety hazards and entrapments that put you and those on your property at risk.
Benefits Of Inverted Cone Sinkhole Repair
A benefit of the inverted cone sinkhole repair method is that it stops erosion by plugging the throat with graded rock while water passes through. This is extremely beneficial as it prevents further issues from arising. Another benefit of this sinkhole repair method is that it preserves hydrology. The inverted cone method maintains the natural underground drainage flow of the local environment, allowing ground water and surface water to continue freely flowing.
Contact Winterstone For Professional Sinkhole Repair
Overall, the inverted cone method is an effective and efficient method for fixing small to medium-sized ground depressions. This method excavates the soil loss defect, plugs the throat of the sinkhole with graded rock, and lines the hole with special geotextile cloth. This staged aggregate design prevents soil erosion while letting ground water flow naturally and creates a stable, long-lasting repair. In need of professional sinkhole repair? Contact Winterstone today!
