Journal of Engineering and Architecture

Can Sea Level Rise and Accompanying Saltwater Intrusion Contribute to Catastrophic Building Failures?
Frederick Bloetscher, Ph.D, P.E; Anthony Abbate, N.C.A.R.B., A.I.A.; and Khaled Sobhan, Ph.D., E.I

Abstract
The design and safety of buildings against collapse relies on an assumed stability of the soils and stationarity of the vertical datum for the elevation of buildings relative to mean sea level. However, the sea level is now in a dynamic process of change due to global warming, and little is known about the extent of the effects on the building substructures. With concerns raised in the aftermath of the collapse of a residential tower in Florida in 2021 further study is needed about the potential of sea level rise to accelerate corrosion in buildings. Undulating cyclical exposure to fresh and salt water as a contributing environmental factor to accelerated corrosion should also be investigated in buildings in similar contexts. This project examines data presenting a consistent occurrence of tide levels above previously held design assumptions.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jea.v11n1a2