Using InSAR settlement data in a levee strengthening project for building settlement risk assessment

Abstract

For the levee strengthening project Krachtige IJsseldijken Krimpenerwaard (KIJK) a study has been done to examine all buildings along 10 km of levee. These buildings are an important factor in the design stage, because of its sensitivity to deformations due to the natural compaction of the soft deposits (creep) and the potential effects of the levee strengthening. This paper covers the quantification of building settlement due to natural subsidence using InSAR. Research is performed in the city archives to establish the characteristics of the buildings, such as the foundation type. Although the city archive is well organised, it is not complete. The building data density is substantially improved using InSAR information. This enhanced data set is a key factor in establishing an consistent assessment of the risk of damage for the different levee strengthening alternatives.