Unveiling the Threat: Sea Level Rise and Saltwater Intrusion's Menace to Building Stability
Abstract
The evolution of construction laws, as witnessed in the Babylonian code of King Hammurabi dating back 4000 years, marked the inception of a symbiotic relationship between occupants and builders, emphasizing safety to prevent failures. This historical perspective set the stage for a foundational approach to architecture, relying on welldesigned foundation systems, stable soils, and a vertical datum based on mean sea level for building elevations. However, the contemporary scenario presents a challenge as global mean sea levels experience a significant rise, disrupting the established equilibrium. This paper explores the implications of sea level rise (SLR) on building foundations, addressing a critical gap in current knowledge. While the scientific community widely acknowledges the escalating global mean sea level, the specific impact on building foundations remains understudied. The shifting relationships between sea level and terrestrial surfaces demand a reevaluation of existing assumptions and practices in the realm of architectural safety. A comprehensive review of existing literature reveals a consensus on the rise in global mean sea level. However, the lack of detailed investigations into the consequences of this phenomenon on building foundations prompts a call for urgent research. The potential risks associated with SLR include compromised structural integrity, increased vulnerability to natural disasters, and economic ramifications due to damages. This paper employs a multi-disciplinary approach, combining insights from geology, architecture, and environmental science, to elucidate the intricate interplay between rising sea levels and building foundations. Utilizing advanced modeling techniques and case studies from vulnerable regions, we aim to quantify the extent of the threat posed by SLR. The findings from this research will contribute to informed decision-making in urban planning, construction practices, and policy development.
Keywords:
Sea Level Rise, Building Foundations, Global Mean Sea Level, Architectural Safety, Climate Change ImpactsDownloads
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10559476%20Issue
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Copyright (c) 2024 Katherine Elizabeth Miller
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