A new study has surfaced, indicating a concerning trend in South Florida: more than 30 high-rise structures, including condos and hotels, have been discovered to be sinking. This phenomenon is largely attributed to nearby construction activities.
The research, emanating from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, points to a 12-mile stretch encompassing areas from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach. Within this zone, a total of 35 buildings have reportedly sunk or settled between 0.8 and 3.1 inches. Notably, approximately half of these buildings have been constructed in the last ten years.
Among the regions under study is Surfside, where the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in June 2021 resulted in the loss of 98 lives. Although the collapse was primarily blamed on deteriorating reinforced concrete due to poor maintenance, the event underscores the vital need to continuously monitor the stability of coastal buildings, particularly in areas prone to corrosive conditions.
The study’s lead author, Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani, expressed surprise at the discovery of subsidence hotspots, emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance and deeper insights into the long-term implications for these structures. The study utilized satellite imagery to document changes, identifying that settling is most evident in Sunny Isles Beach. Preliminary data also suggests similar issues further north along the coast in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
While it is somewhat expected for buildings to experience minor settling after construction, the researchers found it surprising that some of these changes occurred several years post-construction. The geological foundation of South Florida, comprising limestone interspersed with sand layers, allows for potential shifts under the pressure of high-rises and vibrations from foundation work. Furthermore, tidal flows and construction activities up to 1,050 feet away have been identified as additional contributors to this problem.
Moving forward, the research team aims to investigate whether different sections of the affected buildings are experiencing varying rates of sinking, which may lead to structural damage such as cracks or utility disruptions. This method of analysis may offer pivotal insights, as a separate study by Virginia Tech and the U.S. Geological Survey has indicated similar subsidence trends in major cities along the Atlantic Coast.
The findings from this research highlight a growing concern for the structural safety of certain high-rise buildings in South Florida. This revelation calls for enhanced monitoring and further investigations to ensure the longevity and safety of these constructions.
Source: Fox13news
