A new study reveals that nearly three dozen high-rise condos and luxury hotels along South Florida’s coastline are sinking or settling, with some experiencing unexpected shifts due to nearby construction. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, surveyed 35 buildings along an almost 12-mile stretch from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach. These structures have settled by between 0.8 and 3.1 inches, with about half being less than a decade old.
The findings were unexpected, according to lead author Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani, who emphasized the need for continued monitoring and a better understanding of the long-term implications of this subsidence. While it’s typical for buildings to settle slightly during and immediately after construction, the study found that some buildings continued to sink several years later.
Also Read – South Florida Coastline Buildings Sinking: What the Research Uncovered
The researchers pointed to the unique geology of South Florida, where limestone beneath the beach is interspersed with layers of sand. These materials can shift under the weight of high-rise buildings and vibrations caused by nearby construction projects. Tidal flows and construction activities, even as far as 1,050 feet away, have contributed to the settling of these structures. The study, which used satellite images, found that settling was most noticeable in Sunny Isles Beach, with preliminary data suggesting similar effects farther north along Broward and Palm Beach counties.
This study comes on the heels of the tragic 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, which killed 98 people. Although the collapse was attributed to deteriorating reinforced concrete and poor maintenance, the researchers noted that it underscored the need for ongoing monitoring, especially in coastal areas prone to corrosion.
The scientists plan to further investigate whether different sections of these sinking buildings are experiencing varying rates of subsidence, which could cause long-term structural damage such as cracks and utility disruptions. Earlier studies have shown that sinking is not limited to South Florida, with major cities along the Atlantic Coast, including New York City, Long Island, Baltimore, and Virginia Beach, also experiencing sinking at rates higher than the rise in seawater levels.
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