Gangdong-gu Detects Land Subsidence Early with Radar Survey

Focused Ground Inspection Around Subway and Large Construction Sites Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Detecting Underground Voids to Prevent Road Subsidence Accidents and Create a Safe Road Walking Environment

Last May, ground subsidence occurred in the GTX construction section in Goyang City and this year at Gireum Station. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but traffic around the area was restricted, causing significant inconvenience to citizens.

‘Ground subsidence’ occurs due to complex causes such as changes in underground water levels from large-scale construction projects or soil erosion through damaged underground facilities. When ground subsidence happens, it usually results in personal accidents or prolonged traffic restrictions, causing great harm to residents.

Gangdong-gu (District Mayor Lee Soo-hee) is currently undergoing large-scale redevelopment, reconstruction, and transportation network construction projects. To prevent similar accidents in advance, the district announced plans to conduct ground cavity surveys around underground facilities using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment.

The ground cavity survey involves detecting the location and size of cavities (empty spaces) using GPR equipment. Small cavities are immediately repaired, while larger cavities are excavated to accurately identify the cause and then restored. Gangdong-gu has discovered and repaired a total of 49 cavities over the past three years.

Since first introducing GPR in 2021, the district has annually divided areas by zones to conduct cavity surveys beneath road surfaces where underground facilities such as water and sewage, electricity, and communication lines are installed. This year, inspections will focus intensively on side roads around redevelopment and reconstruction sites, subway Line 8 and Line 9 construction sites, as well as the Gildong and Amsa-dong areas.

Yoon Deuk-geun, Director of the Road Division, stated, “Through cavity survey services, we will conduct focused inspections around large construction sites to prevent major safety accidents in advance.” He added, “We will continue our efforts to create a safe walking environment so that residents can live with peace of mind.”