Charts for the mining-induced deflection of buildings

Abstract

This study investigates the flexural deformations of buildings induced by mining-related subsidence. A two-stage solution (previously applied to the tunnelling problem) is used. Buildings are modelled as a beam founded on an elastic continuum that is subjected to ground subsidence. A tensionless soil–structure interface is employed. The effects of both building stiffness and self-weight on the building deflection are considered. The proposed formulation is compared with analytical solutions and empirical envelopes from previous research. A parametric study is conducted for both perfect soil–foundation bond and gap formation to relate deflection ratio modification factors and the limit radius of the greenfield settlement curve (associated with the gap formation) to relative structure–soil stiffness, building weight, foundation shape, and greenfield ground curvature (hogging or sagging) by means of dimensionless groups. Finally, a simple case study is used to demonstrate the proposed procedure. The given framework is more comprehensive than design charts provided by previous mining-related works and can be used for rapid preliminary risk assessment.