Photo: Walter Bibikow / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Miami Beach, FL - Advanced sensor technology are being deployed to monitor structural integrity and preempt potential problems in response to recent findings of ground subsidence affecting several South Florida coastal buildings.
A December 2024 study by the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science identified 35 buildings along the Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach coastline experiencing subsidence—ground sinking or settling—ranging from two to eight centimeters between 2016 and 2023.
Mario Verciani, CEO of SmartCore Systems, noted that the report underscored known vulnerabilities in the region's mixed soil composition and high water table.
In response, SmartCore Systems, established in 2021, has developed sensor technology to address concerns about structural stability among building owners and residents.
One notable implementation is at Marenas Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, one of the buildings identified in the study.
The resort has installed 11 sensors to monitor the impact of adjacent construction activities.
These include vibration sensors that detect movements exceeding thresholds that could lead to structural damage, and tilt monitors at the foundation to provide real-time data on any shifts or settling.
The continuous data collected is accessible through a portal, allowing engineers to promptly address any anomalies. To date, no concerning data has been reported.
The integration of such monitoring systems exemplifies proactive measures being taken to mitigate structural risks associated with ground subsidence in South Florida's coastal regions.