A study conducted by scientists at the University of Miami has revealed that dozens of luxury buildings in Southeast Florida are sinking at an alarming rate. Between 2016 and 2023, 35 buildings from Golden Beach to Miami Beach were found to have subsided by up to 7.6 cm. This list includes prestigious buildings such as the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Trump Tower III, Trump International Beach Resorts and Surf Club Towers.
The main cause of building subsidence, according to researchers, is the vibrations from ongoing construction, which cause soil compaction and its gradual sinking. "This phenomenon is like shaking coffee grounds to create more space," Falk Amelung, lead author of the study and professor of geophysics at the University of Miami, explains to CNN.
What made the discovery even more shocking was the fact that this process continues for years after construction is complete, an aspect that engineers usually do not anticipate. The study began after the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside, Florida, in 2021, although no evidence was found of the building sinking before the tragedy.
The use of satellite images allowed scientists to track small movements of the earth's surface and observe specific points on buildings, such as balconies and air conditioning units, to measure displacements over time.
A double threat is threatening Miami: land subsidence and sea level rise due to climate change. In some areas, buildings are sinking at the same rate as sea level rise, doubling the negative effects and risk of severe flooding.
However, the researchers say these findings could help monitor buildings in the future, preventing catastrophes through technology that works as a health care system for structures. (A2 Televizion)
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