Case analysis of sudden cracking in buildings near a landfill pit in China

Abstract

The causes of cracks in a six-storey building are studied. Based on analyses of crack morphology, settlement observation and geological survey, it is determined that the landfill pit and uneven settlement are the main cause of cracks. The 20 July Zhengzhou rainstorm in China caused a sharp rise in groundwater level, so that the uneven settlement of the office building near the landfill pit intensified, and then, wall cracking followed. The interaction between buildings and landfill pits under different water levels is studied by three-dimensional numerical simulation. As the water level rises, the horizontal displacement of soil in the landfill pit increases, and the lateral constraint of landfill soil to foundation soil decreases. The result is that the settlement of the column foundation near the landfill pits increases and the differential settlement intensifies. Based on the analysis results, the further development of differential settlement and cracks are evaluated and treatment suggestions are given.