The analysis focuses on the Chicago Loop, a highly populated area of the United States. The researchers studied the temperature of infrastructure at different depths, such as underground car parks, freight tunnels, underground networks, and buried pipelines. The study revealed that the shallow subsoil has warmed between +0.1 and +2.5 degrees per decade, which can weaken building structures and infrastructure in densely populated cities. The heat stored by the structures diffuses into the ground, putting significant pressure on the materials, which can lead to cracking or settling of the foundation. In addition, the heating of the subsoil can lead to contamination of groundwater and increase asthma cases.
To address these problems, the researchers propose capturing excess heat from buildings and redistributing it for heating, as well as developing thermal insulation for older buildings.
On the other hand, Beijing is facing a similar situation. Since 1935, Chinese experts have warned about the subsidence of the city due to overexploitation of groundwater. Large amounts of groundwater are being pumped and sucked, which has led to a drop in the water table and subsidence of the ground. Although Beijing has made efforts to address this situation, such as the “Beijing South Water” project, which would raise the water table, these efforts have not been enough to stop erosion and subsidence.
These problems affect the city’s infrastructure, including the metro lines, which have experienced significant deformations due to ground subsidence. The researchers suggest that it will be necessary to change transport habits to mitigate this problem in the future.