A recent study by the University of Miami has highlighted a troubling issue that threatens the structural safety of 35 luxury buildings located in Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, and Bal Harbour.
The group includes, among others, the Porsche Design Tower, the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Faena Hotel, Trump Tower III, and Surf Club Towers (North, South, and Hotel Tower). (Complete list at the end of this article).
As recently reported, these buildings are experiencing a phenomenon known as "subsidence," which involves the gradual sinking of the ground due to geological and human factors.
The sinking of the land in Miami is a multifactorial process, and the study identifies two key causes:
Vibrations from construction: Activities related to the construction of skyscrapers, such as excavations and drilling, compact the sand layers beneath the buildings, which contributes to soil subsidence.
Water movement: The constant interaction of water with Miami's porous soil, whether due to tides, storms, or human activities, accelerates ground instability.
This process, known as "creep deformation," occurs when sand grains compact under the weight of structures.
Impact and characteristics of the phenomenon
The sinking recorded between 2016 and 2023 varies between 0.8 and 3 inches, although in some buildings it reaches up to 8 centimeters. While these values may seem small, the issue lies in differential settlement, where different parts of the building sink at different rates.
This phenomenon creates tensions that can manifest as cracks, misaligned doors, and in extreme cases, serious structural stability issues.
Miami, unlike other cities built on solid rock, is situated on porous limestone covered by layers of sand. This geological combination makes the land particularly vulnerable to sinking, especially in areas with high construction and in the face of rising sea levels.
The case of the Porsche Design Tower: An icon at risk
Among the affected buildings is the Porsche Design Tower, located in Sunny Isles Beach, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Miami.
This 195-meter tall skyscraper, inaugurated in 2017, is renowned for its innovative design and unparalleled luxury.
Each apartment is equipped with a robotic elevator system that allows cars to be parked within the residences, a symbol of exclusivity that has attracted owners such as Lionel Messi, Thalía, and Maluma.
According to the study, the Porsche Design Tower has experienced a sinking of 10 centimeters between 2017 and 2021. Although there is no imminent risk of collapse, the rate of settling is concerning to experts.
The study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of ground conditions in areas like Sunny Isles Beach, where the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in 2021 raised alarms about structural stability in the region.
However, the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, which resulted in 98 fatalities, was not directly linked to the sinking, according to the study.
What can residents do?
Residents of affected buildings must exercise caution. It is essential to consult the building's inspection records, request information on maintenance and monitoring plans, and invest in studies on soil stability.
Miami faces a complicated future regarding urban sustainability. Geological risks, coupled with the pressure of real estate development, are challenges that the city must tackle through planning and technology.
Complete list of affected buildings:
Porsche Design Tower.
2. Ritz-Carlton Residences.
3. Faena Hotel.
4. Trump Tower III.
5. Surf Club Towers (North, South, and Hotel Tower).
6. Regalia.
7. Residences by Armani Casa.
8. Muse Residences.
9. Jade Ocean Condos.
10. Jade Beach Condos.
11. Jade Signature Condominiums.
12. Chateau Beach Residences.
13. Marenas Beach Resort.
14. Millennium Condominiums.
15. Ocean II, III, and IV.
16. Florida Ocean Club.
17. Trump International Beach Resort.
18. Aqualina Resort and Residences.
19. Mansions at Aqualina.
20. Bentley Residence Development Site.
21. Pinnacle.
22. Double Tree Resort and Spa.
23. Sole Mia Resort.
24. Kings Point Imperial Condo.
25. Fendi Chateau.
26. Oceana Bal Harbour.
27. Marbella Condominium.
28. Waverly.
29. Carlisle on the Ocean.
30. Residence Inn by Marriott.
31. 87 Park Tower.
32. Arte Residence.
33. The Atelier Condo.
34. Faena House.
35. Luxury Condo Cabarete.
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