Systematic assessment of damage to buildings due to groundwater lowering-induced subsidence: methodology for large scale application in the Netherlands
<p>In the Netherlands, subsidence of peat and clay soils due to (artificial) lowering of the groundwater table and loading of soft soils is commonplace, causing extensive damage to exposed and vulnerable assets. Awareness of subsidence-related damage to buildings has recently increased in the...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2020-04-01
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| Series: | Proceedings of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences |
| Online Access: | https://www.proc-iahs.net/382/577/2020/piahs-382-577-2020.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>In the Netherlands, subsidence of peat and clay soils due
to (artificial) lowering of the groundwater table and loading of soft soils
is commonplace, causing extensive damage to exposed and vulnerable assets.
Awareness of subsidence-related damage to buildings has recently increased
in the Netherlands, particularly after reported damages due to the 2018
extremely long dry period. However, despite this being a major concern to
homeowners and public authorities, an integrated and systematic risk
assessment on regional or national scale is currently lacking which inhibits
concrete and meaningful action. In this paper, we propose a methodology for
the systematic regional or countrywide assessment of two subsidence-related
damage mechanisms to buildings: differential settlement of buildings on
shallow foundation, and timber pile degradation due to low groundwater
levels. The methodology is set up in a modular, systematic way – initially
based on expert judgement and validation with available local detailed
information and allows for future improvements. Progress in individual
contributing factors to damages can be seamlessly integrated for the
systematic improvement of damage estimates. This approach can be replicated
for other damage mechanisms and detailed to provide a more local risk
assessment. We expect results to be a valuable input for public or private
decision making, e.g. in awareness raising and evaluating interventions.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 2199-8981 2199-899X |