SYNOPSIS

In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, many prestigious structures are founded in Kuala Lumpur Limestone. The Kuala Lumpur limestone is generally classified as extreme tropical karst.  The karst features reported include but are not limited to the highly variable bedrock profile, and intricate three dimensional network of solution channels littered with cavities, vertical cliffs and overhangs.  The challenges of civil engineering works in limestone have been acknowledged by many designers and contractors and it was given a special session in the 8th South East Asian Geotechnical Conference (SEAGC 1985) in Kuala Lumpur.  In spite of the complexities related to karsts, Malaysians have successfully completed the large diameter SMART tunnel and many deep excavations and foundations in such challenging ground conditions. This paper presents the challenges and risks related to deep excavation works in karsts and some of the possible measures to minimise these risks.


PROFILE OF SPEAKER

Ir. Dr Ooi Lean Hock graduated with PhD from the University of Sydney, Australia.   In the past he has worked as a geotechnical consultant and as a specialist contractor. He is currently the Lead Geotechnical Engineer in the Design & Technical Department of MMC GAMUDA KVMRT (T) SON BHD for the second line of Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit from Sg Bulah - Serdang - Putrajaya (SSP) Line.  He has extensive experience in ground treatment works, more recently in deep excavation and tunneling works. He also has a keen interest in geotechnical instrumentation and testing. He has been involved in many interesting infrastructural projects such as railways, runways, highways, tunnels and hydropower both locally and abroad.