Impact on existing structures

The construction of a new reclamation or an extension close to existing structures and/or infrastructure may have a serious impact on these elements. The weight of the new fill introduces additional vertical and/or horizontal stresses in the existing soil body and the underlying soil strata, resulting in settlements and/or lateral displacements. Consequently, existing structures may experience deformations and could be damaged, even if they are located at some distance from the new fill. Examples of structures vulnerable to the effects of an extension in, for instance, port areas are  

In an early phase of the design an inventory should be made of existing structures and infrastructure close to the planned reclamation so that, if necessary, measures can be taken to prevent or to limit the impact. 

Differential displacements in vertical and/or horizontal direction are associated with a variety of problems related to existing structures. Consequently, prior to the execution of a landfill project an assessment should be made with respect to the expected soil deformations and their effects on existing structures. These effects can be evaluated according to two principle states  

Some interactional problems and the potential measures to prevent or limit the 

pavements and railways often have a stiff foundation layer or contain rigid elements which are vulnerable to deformations. Differential settlements may even cause damage. The choice for taking measures is often a trade-off between cost and accepted damage level. Some examples of possible measures are  

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