In an ever-changing climate, the stability of our infrastructure is increasingly at risk of subsidence. Understanding and identifying these risks is crucial for infrastructure owners and managers committed to safeguarding their assets.
What is Subsidence?
Subsidence is the gradual sinking or settling of the ground surface, often resulting from natural processes or human activities. This can include:
Natural Processes: Tectonic movements, dissolution of soluble rocks, or the compaction of sediments.
Human Activities: Groundwater extraction, mining, and construction.
These activities can cause major changes to the ground over time. This may lead to serious damage to buildings, roads, railways, and pipelines.
Why is Subsidence a Growing Concern?
Climate change exacerbates subsidence in several ways:
Increased rainfall can lead to soil saturation and erosion.
Drought conditions cause soil shrinkage, particularly in clay-rich regions.
Rising sea levels can result in coastal subsidence.
Experts expect the percentage of properties in Great Britain affected by subsidence to increase. It will rise from 3% in 1990 to nearly 11% by 2070, according to the British Geological Survey.
Identifying Subsidence-Related Damage
Early detection of subsidence problems is key to mitigating damage and ensuring the safety and longevity of your infrastructure. Here are some tell-tale signs that your assets may be suffering from subsidence:
Cracks in Walls and Foundations: Check for diagonal cracks that get wider at the top. These cracks often come with sticking doors and windows.
Uneven or Sinking Floors: Noticeable dips or slants in flooring can indicate ground movement beneath your structure.
Tilting or Leaning Structures: Chimneys, fences, and even whole buildings that look like they are leaning are clear signs.
Changes in Water Drainage: Altered water flow patterns or pooling water around foundations may signal ground shifts.
Can Satellite SAR Data Help?
Geofem leverages cutting-edge satellite SAR technology to monitor and analyse ground movement with millimetre-level precision. Here's how we do it:
High-Frequency Monitoring: Regularly updated satellite data allows us to detect ground movement trends over time.
Large-Scale Analysis: We can monitor extensive areas, providing comprehensive view of potential risks.
Detailed Reporting: Our detailed reports help infrastructure managers understand the severity and progression of subsidence, enabling timely and informed decision-making.
Taking Proactive Steps
Infrastructure owners and managers should adopt a proactive approach to subsidence monitoring:
Regular Inspections: Combine on-ground inspections with satellite data analysis for a robust monitoring strategy.
Preventive Maintenance: Address minor issues in a prompt and cost effective way to prevent major damage.
Invest in Technology: Utilise advanced remote sensing technologies for continuous monitoring and early warning systems.
Read this case study to see how InSAR was used to detect subsidence along a road network in Austin, Texas.
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