Gravity to Cavity: Gravity Measurement for Underground Cavity Detection

Underground cavities present substantial risks to civil engineering and infrastructure, potentially resulting in subsidence and surface collapses. Traditional wave-based detection methods, such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT), are limited by wave propagation issues, interference, and depth constraints, impacting the effectiveness in accurately visualizing subsurface features. In contrast, gravity measurement offers a precise, non-invasive alternative by detecting gravitational anomalies caused by variations in subsurface mass distribution. This paper reviews the principle, technological evolution, and applications of gravity measurement for underground cavity detection, highlighting the development gravimeter from conventional spring-type to advanced quantum type. These advancements have enhanced the precision, portability, and applicability of gravimeter in various fields. In the future, the integration of gravity measurement with conventional geophysical technologies could mitigate the limitations of single-method approaches and increase detection accuracy. Further technological improvements, particularly in quantum gravimeter, is expected to enhance portability, environmental resilience, and cost efficiency, facilitating large-scale deployment and expanding its application in geological exploration, civil engineering, and environmental monitoring.

Keywords: Underground cavity detection, Gravity measurement, Gravimeter principle, Development, Field application, Quantum gravimeter.

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