Abstract: Karst caves were serious potential threats to the construction of subway. Four kinds of karst caves models were built and the numerical simulation were put forth by using the finite element and iteration method. The typical response characteristics were obtained to cross-hole resistivity tomography method of the models, and the response features were analyzed and summarized. Project cases in Dalian subway verified its favourable application effect in practice. Research results proved that cross-hole resistivity tomography method was an effective technology to karst cave detection and could help to ensure the safety of subway construction. Finally, based on numerical simulation and project cases, a few recommendations were given both in working method and data processing when using cross-hole resistivity tomography method to detect karst caves.

Key words: numerical simulation, cross-hole resistivity tomography, prediction of karst cave, project cases, response analysis, city subway;