Forensic analysis of buildings affected by mining subsidence

This work presents a forensic analysis of ground subsidence occurred in Lo Tacón industrial area, which is located at the outskirts of La Unión (Murcia, SE Spain). Subsidence was triggered by the collapse of abandoned underground mining labours occurred in 1998. Coinciding in time with this event, it was detected a seismic movement, whose epicentre was located close to the study area.In the first part the affected area is analysed and delimited, as well as the spatial and temporal evolution of the damages attributed to the collapse of 1998. Then the causes of ground failure are also determined, as well as their possible temporal and spatial relationship with the seismic movement detected. Through this analysis it is presented a methodology to determine the effects of this phenomenon. It consists on extending field work radially to all existing buildings within the affected area, considering the centre around the zone where the greatest damage was produced. Finally it is analysed the temporal and spatial evolution of the cracks inventoried in buildings to determine active areas where certain subsidence persists. According to the results presented in this work, it may be concluded that damages are the consequence of buildings constructed in a potentially dangerous area where ground settlement occurs due to mining subsidence.