Nearly three dozen high-rise condominiums and luxury hotels along South Florida beaches are sinking or settling in unexpected ways, in some cases because of nearby construction, according to a new study. [emphasis, links added]
Thirty-five buildings surveyed along a nearly 12-mile (19-kilometer) stretch from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach have sunk or sunk by 0.8 to 3.1 inches (2 to 8 centimeters).
About half of the buildings are less than a decade old, according to scientists at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Oceanic, Atmospheric and Earth Sciences.
The study was published on Friday.
“Unexpected discovery of extensive South Florida shoreline subsidence hotspot,” Lead author Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani said in a statement. “This study highlights the need for continued monitoring and a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of these structures.”
It is not uncommon for buildings to sink during and shortly after construction, But the scientists said their findings were surprising because some of the changes occurred years later.
The limestone rocks beneath South Florida beaches are interspersed with layers of sand. It may move under the weight of tall buildings and vibrations from foundation construction. Tidal currents also play a role.
The study used satellite imagery to capture the changes, with subsidence most evident in buildings in Sunny Isles Beach.
Preliminary data also suggest sinking or sinking farther north along beaches in Broward and Palm Beach counties, scientists said.
South Florida communities visited included Surfside, where the Champlain Towers South building collapsed in June 2021, killing 98 people.
However, the collapse is believed to have been caused by deterioration of the reinforced concrete due to poor maintenance and design flaws.
Popular photo on Unsplash by Ryan Parker
Take a reading break on MSN
