Introduction  Karst development areas face complex and changeable geological problems. This paper aims to reduce the risk of engineering construction in karst development areas.

  Method  Taking a power plant in northern Guangdong as an example, this paper analyzed and compared the results of elastic wave CT detection and drilling detection, discussed the how to use elastic wave CT results to guide the pile foundation design, and provided the key points of pile foundation design.

  Result  The results show that elastic wave CT detection can be used to guide the construction of advance drilling and the judgment of pile foundation bearing stratum. The pile foundation design can be optimized by means of transfer girder and other methods.

  Conclusion  The research results can provide reference for engineering construction in karst development areas.