A new study has found that nearly three dozen high-rise buildings in South Florida are sinking or settling due to subsidence hotspots along the coastline. The 35 buildings, surveyed over a 12-mile stretch from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach, have sunk or settled by 0.8 to 3.1 inches. Half of the buildings are less than a decade old.
Scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science discovered that nearby construction, tidal flows, and vibrations from foundation construction are contributing to the settling. The study used satellite images to capture the changes, with most noticeable in Sunny Isles Beach.
The finding is surprising because some changes occurred several years after construction was completed. The researchers want to further study whether different sections of impacted buildings are sinking at different rates, which could lead to cracks in their walls or utility breaks and long-term damage.
The discovery highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and a deeper understanding of the long-term implications for these structures, especially in coastal areas with corrosive environmental conditions.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/florida-miami-beach-surfside-building-collapse-438007b29e291eecb6ca953f0d55c248