A phenomenon known as “underground climate change” can lead to damage of building foundations and civil infrastructure, according to a researcher at Northwestern University.
When the ground gets hotter, it can expand and contract, causing foundations to move and sometimes crack. The Northwestern study focused on Chicago, which has a predominately clay subsurface that can contract when heated.
The concern is not limited to the Windy City, though, as many other urban zones contain fine-grained soils that are vulnerable to such deformations. Cities are more likely than rural areas to feel the effects of underground climate change because construction materials trap heat that is transferred below ground. The research team found temperatures under the densely developed Chicago Loop were often 10 degrees Celsius warmer than those under Grant Park.
Underground climate change will not cause sudden failure like a building collapse, rather it is a slow process that degrades structures over the years. To counteract this trend, building teams can reduce the amount of heat entering the ground by installing thermal insulation.
Related Stories
Seismic Design | Jul 28, 2016
Risk of man-made earthquakes now factor in seismic hazard analysis
Significant risk increases seen in some areas of the U.S.
Resiliency | Jul 27, 2016
New York’s resilience plans not taking long-term view, critics charge
Continued waterfront development may be regretted later this century.
Resiliency | Jul 18, 2016
Impact fees on development proposed to fund Miami’s rising sea level resiliency plans
$400 million flood plan includes new valves, pumps, and raised roadways.
Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016
Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction
HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes.
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.
Resiliency | May 12, 2016
Resilience Building Coalition releases progress report
The coalition released a set of guiding principles to help the building industry adopt resilient design and policies. Since the initial signing, the coalition has added 19 new signatories.
Architects | May 11, 2016
AIA to create a resilience curriculum for architects
The program will teach resilient design and decision-making on hazard mitigation, climate adaptation and community resilience.
Legislation | May 11, 2016
Two bills seek to expand flood insurance policy writing to private carriers
Thanks to new floodplain maps, this market, previously the sole province of a federal program, looks more profitable.
Resiliency | May 2, 2016
Connecticut to develop new code standards for resiliency
Expected more frequent severe weather events due to climate change prompts review.
Resiliency | Apr 6, 2016
Houston at high risk for major damage from hurricanes
After a decade of study, little has been done to improve resiliency.
