cavein

A cave-in is the sudden collapse of the roof or support of an underground cavity, such as a natural cave, a mine, or a tunnel. It occurs when the surrounding rock or the engineered support can no longer bear the load, causing rock, debris, or soil to fall into the space below or within the opening. The term is commonly written cave-in or caving-in, with variations found in different sources.

Causes vary by setting. Natural cave-ins can follow rock weathering, freeze–thaw cycles, erosion, and groundwater pressure, or be triggered by seismic activity. In mining and tunneling, cave-ins often result from inadequate ground stability, poor design, excessive loading, blasting damage, vibrations, groundwater inflow, or deterioration of support systems over time.

Hazards associated with cave-ins include entrapment of workers or explorers, injuries or fatalities, loss of equipment, blocked passages, gas buildup, and flooding. They can propagate to cut off access, complicating rescue efforts and delaying response.

Prevention and mitigation rely on proper assessment and engineering controls. Geotechnical investigations, ground support such as rock bolts, steel sets, shotcrete, and lining, plus drainage to reduce pore pressures, help reduce risk. Regular monitoring, alarms, and emergency response plans are essential in industrial settings. In natural cave exploration, cave-ins are a hazard to visitors, who should avoid unstable sections, follow established routes, wear protective gear, and be prepared for sudden rockfalls.