December 19, 2024
Nearly three dozen high-rise condos and luxury hotels along a nearly 12-mile stretch of beach from Miami Beach to Sunny Island Beach sank or settled between 0.8 and 3.1 inches.
Nearly three dozen high-rise condos and luxury hotels stretch along a 12-mile stretch from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach, study shows. wrecked or settled between 0.8 and 3.1 inches.
A:according to About half of the buildings are less than a decade old, according to scientists and researchers at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Sciences.
“The discovery of landing hotspots along the South Florida coast was unexpected,” lead author Farzane Aziz Zanjani said in a statement.
The investigation also points to the devastating collapse of the Champlain South Condominium Tower in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021. Ninety-eight people died in 2021. building collapse which, according to the researchers, highlights the need for monitoring the stability of buildings in coastal areas.
“Although the collapse was primarily due to deterioration of reinforced concrete due to poor maintenance and design flaws, ongoing concerns remain about the potential impact of South Florida’s coastal karst environment on the structural integrity of the buildings,” the report said.
While scientists say it’s not uncommon for buildings to sink slightly during and even immediately after construction, it’s alarming that some changes have occurred.
a few years later.
What is happening to the surface?
Researchers say South Florida’s geology plays a significant role in its vulnerability.
“The geology of South Florida is generally characterized by young, highly porous limestone that contains dissolution features such as burrows, hollows, and depressions,” the researchers said, adding, “however, the geology of the barrier islands is complex because limestone may contain intervening sand layers.
The limestone beneath the South Florida beach, also mixed with layers of sand, may eventually shift under the weight of buildings and high rises, according to the report, which accelerates settlement.
The scientists’ report is clear. they want to continue to study how buildings are affected and whether they are sinking at different rates.This will give them more insight and help monitor the long-term damage.
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