BAKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Sinking roads, also known as subsidence, occur when the soil beneath a road compacts
or loses volume, causing the road surface to sink or collapse. This can be caused by a
variety of factors, including natural soil settling, groundwater withdrawal, or the
presence of underground mines or voids.
Soil profile analysis is a crucial step in understanding the causes of sinking roads and
developing effective solutions. The soil profile refers to the layers of soil beneath the
road surface, including the topsoil, subsoil, and underlying rock or mineral formations.
The study of soil profile in sinking roads typically involves collecting soil samples from
the affected area and analyzing them in a laboratory. Various techniques, such as soil
compaction tests, particle size analysis, and soil moisture content measurements, can be
used to determine the physical and chemical properties of the soil.
Additionally, geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and
ground-penetrating radar (GPR) can be employed to create a subsurface image of soil
and rock layers, which can aid in identifying the cause of subsidence.
The results of the soil profile analysis can then be used to develop strategies for
stabilizing the road and preventing further sinking, such as soil stabilization techniques,
underpinning, and adding new soil layers to the affected area.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To study the soil profile and characteristics of the area along the sinking road.
2. To investigate the causes of soil instability and subsidence in the road area.
3. To evaluate the impact of various factors such as land use, drainage, and human
activities on the soil profile.
4. To identify potential solutions and mitigation measures to prevent further sinking and
instability of the road.
5. To provide recommendations for long-term maintenance and management of the road
to ensure its stability and safety.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS
1. Causes of sinking roads: The first step in understanding the soil profile along sinking
roads is to identify the causes of sinking. This can include factors such as poor drainage,
overloading, and soil compaction.
2. Soil characteristics: The next step is to analyze the characteristics of the soil along the
sinking road, including its composition, structure, and strength. This can be done
through soil sampling and laboratory testing.
3. Road design and construction: The design and construction of the road can also play a
role in sinking. This includes factors such as the type of pavement, the thickness of the
road base, and the drainage system.
4. Site conditions: The site conditions, such as the topography, groundwater level, and
vegetation, can also affect the stability of the road and the soil profile.
5. Analyzing the data: Once data on the causes, soil characteristics, road design and
construction, and site conditions have been collected, it can be analyzed to identify
patterns and correlations.
6. Identifying solutions: Based on the analysis, solutions can be proposed to address the
problem of sinking roads, such as improving drainage, stabilizing the soil, and making
changes to the road design and construction.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The problem in the research analysis of soil profile along sinking road is understanding the
factors that contribute to the subsidence (sinking) of the road and the impact this has on the
surrounding soil and potential damage to the road infrastructure. This may involve analyzing soil
types and characteristics, water content and drainage, and identifying any human-induced
factors such as over-extraction of groundwater or changes to the natural water table. The goal
of the research would be to develop a comprehensive understanding of the causes of
subsidence and to identify potential solutions for mitigating or preventing further sinking of the
road.
HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY
"The soil profile along a sinking road will exhibit signs of instability and deformation due to the
increased weight and pressure from vehicles and the lack of proper drainage, leading to a
higher likelihood of sinkholes and road collapse."
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study in the research analysis of soil profile along sinking road is to
understand the causes and effects of soil instability in the area and to identify potential
solutions to prevent further sinking and damage to the road. This information can be used to
improve the design and construction of roads in similar areas, as well as to inform maintenance
and repair efforts for existing roads. Additionally, the study may also provide insights into
broader issues related to soil stability and subsidence, which can have implications for land use,
infrastructure, and environmental conservation in the region.