Control of surface subsidence based on building deformation monitoring data

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to the estimation of ground surface distortion based on the data from the online deformation monitoring systems mounted on the foundations of the group of buildings located in the area of ground instability. The local monitoring systems provide control of building foundation settlements using the hydrostatic level measurement technique. These data are used to calculate the inclination foundation angles which reflect the distortion of the earth's surface at local points. The hydrostatic level system allows one to perform measurements with the desired space and time sampling and to obtain a quite detailed picture of the changes in the deformation parameters over time. A set of such local monitoring units forms a distributed system that allows monitoring the state of the earth's surface over a large area. Here, we present long-term results obtained using such system located in the city area above mining. The evolution of the inclination angles of the group of overlying buildings is shown. We discuss the validity of this approach, and estimate the accuracy of the measuring method and the factors that influence it. Finally, we assess the possibility of making short-term predictions of deformation processes inside the rock massif.