A field and numerical study of a tracer test in a gypsum formation beneath a road

K.R. Moore, H.M. Holländer, G. Ayele, M. Basri, S. Gurke, M. Roemer

In the proceedings of: GeoEdmonton 2018: 71st Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 13th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Hydrogeological Characterization

ABSTRACT: Gypsum dissolution has the potential to create karst and sinkholes which can damage infrastructure. A dye tracer test was conducted between a sinkhole in the Harcus Drain, and a gypsum quarry in the RM of Alonsa, Manitoba, Canada. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the ongoing dissolution along the drain by analyzing groundwater flow properties. Groundwater regionally flows east to Lake Manitoba, however, locally from the drain it flows north toward the quarry. Analysis of tracer breakthrough curves suggested that there is a hydraulic connection between the drain and the quarry, likely resulting from gypsum excavation. As a consequence, dissolution of a gypsum formation in the Harcus Drain, and perhaps, under South Leifur Road are resulting in damage to infrastructure.

RÉSUMÉ: La dissolution du gypse a le potentiel de créer des karsts et des gouffres pouvant endommager les infrastructures. Un test de colorant a été effectué entre un trou dans le drain de Harcus et une carrière de gypse dans la municipalité rurale d'Alonsa, Manitoba, Canada. Le but de cette étude était de fournir un aperçu de la dissolution en cours le long du drain en analysant les propriétés d'écoulement des eaux souterraines. L'eau souterraine s'écoule à l'est vers le lac Manitoba, mais, localement, elle s'écoule vers le nord en direction de la carrière. L'analyse des courbes de pénétration du traceur a suggéré qu'il existe un lien hydraulique entre le drain et la carrière, probablement dû à l'excavation du gypse. En conséquence, la dissolution d'une formation de gypse dans le drain de Harcus, et peut-être sous South Leifur Road, endommage les infrastructures.

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