Analytical model for the prediction of building deflections induced by ground movements

The objective of this study is to develop an analytical model that can predict the building‐relevant deflections induced by tunnelling or mining subsidence. The model takes into account soil–structure interactions due to differences in stiffness between the ground and the building. The ground is modelled by the Winkler model with an initial ground curvature equivalent to the free‐field ground movements. The building is modelled by a horizontal beam with uniform loading. The static and cinematic equilibrium of both the ground and the building are then calculated to assess the final building and ground shape, and the building deflection is derived. The resulting analytical model is used to investigate the influence of the ground and the building's mechanical properties, the building load and the initial value of the free‐field ground curvature (hogging or sagging). The model appears to be more comprehensive than those reported elsewhere that address the problem with numerical models. In particular, the analytical model makes it possible to distinguish two different final situations—with continuous or discontinuous contact between the ground and the building. The model is compared with numerical results and used to analyse a case study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.