Condo Collapse
Background
On June 24, 2021, Champlain Towers South, a 12-story oceanfront condominium in Surfside, Florida, collapsed, resulting in the tragic loss of 98 lives. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. However, a 2018 report revealed significant structural damage to the building, including concrete cracking and spalling, which could be attributed to water damage and steel reinforcement bar corrosion. Additionally, the report identified a failure of waterproofing beneath the pool deck and entrance drive that could have allowed water to infiltrate the building's structure.
Miami Beach is built on a foundation of porous limestone, which is naturally prone to erosion and dissolution. Saltwater intrusion can accelerate the erosion and dissolution of limestone, exacerbated by rising sea levels and further introducing subsidence risk.
Insights
KorrAI’s data identified subsidence trends in the two years leading up to the disaster.
Additional risk areas were identified a few kilometers north in Bal Harbour and along the causeway.
Subsidence signals stabilize on the mainland
