Temporal and Spatial Analysis of Ground Deformation of Beijing Daxing International Airport before and after Operation Using Time Series InSAR

Abstract

The construction and operation of large airports typically result in noticeable ground subsidence. Therefore, regular monitoring of surface deformation is essential to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of airports. However, limited research has been conducted on geological subsidence in the vicinity of the Beijing Daxing International Airport (BDIA)—completed and operating since 2019—and the surface deformation following its operational phase. Here, time series interferometric synthetic aperture radar (TS‐InSAR) was performed using Sentinel‐1A data to investigate the BDIA temporal and spatial ground displacement before, July 2017 to June 2019, and after, August 2019 to April 2020, operations. The results revealed significant ground surface deformation in the airport and its surrounding areas before operations. The maximum deformation velocity recorded here reached −70 mm/year with the areas experiencing deformation primarily being the cargo and maintenance areas, with the largest cumulative deformations reaching 115 and 80 mm, respectively. Additionally, a noticeable deformation was observed in the northern part of the airport work area, whereas the airport terminal and four runways remained relatively stable. After completion, substantial ground subsidence persisted in both the airport and its surrounding regions, with the maximum deformation velocity exceeding −70 mm/year. The abandoned mounds to the east of the cargo area and south of the maintenance area exhibited continuous subsidence, with maximum cumulative deformations exceeding 60 and 50 mm, respectively. However, the work area, terminal, and four airport runways exhibited relative stability. These results hold substantial practical value, offering valuable insights into airport management and ensuring safe and efficient airport operations.