What is a potential problem with placing filter fabric in an excavation?

Placing filter fabric in an excavation can create a potential problem by masking early signs of a cave-in during construction operations. Filter fabric is designed to allow water to pass through while retaining soil particles, which can lead to a situation where the visible surface indicators of soil movement or instability are concealed. When filter fabric is used, any minor shifts or collapses in the surrounding soil that would typically be evident may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of a more significant cave-in occurring. This lack of early warning can pose serious safety hazards to workers and complicate excavation work.

The other options do touch on important considerations in excavation and storage tank operations, but the capability of filter fabric to obscure signs of structural failure directly relates to safety risks that can arise during construction. Proper monitoring and management strategies should be employed to mitigate these risks, especially when using materials like filter fabric in excavations.