In a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Sensors’, researchers have unveiled critical insights into the ground deformation processes affecting Laiwu, a prominent steel production hub in Shandong Province, China. This research, led by Chao Ding from the School of Civil Engineering and Geomatics at Shandong University of Technology, aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability in a region heavily reliant on mining and steel production.
Laiwu has long been recognized for its rich deposits of iron and coal, fueling its rise as a major player in China’s steel industry. However, the rapid industrialization has not come without consequences. The study highlights alarming ground subsidence and the potential for secondary disasters, consequences of extensive underground mining and the manipulation of local hydrological systems. “The ground deformation signals are highly correlated with human industrial activities,” Ding notes, emphasizing the urgent need for monitoring and risk assessment in these industrial landscapes.
Utilizing advanced satellite technologies such as ALOS PALSAR and Sentinel-1, the researchers employed the small-baseline subset synthetic aperture radar interferometry (SBAS-InSAR) technique to track ground deformation over time. Their findings reveal a 51.57% decrease in the area affected by ground deformation, yet a concerning average subsidence rate of -5.4 mm per year over the observation period from 2015 to 2022. This juxtaposition of decreasing area but increasing magnitude of deformation raises critical questions about the sustainability of mining practices in the region.
The implications of this research extend beyond environmental concerns; they carry significant commercial ramifications for the construction sector. As urban development continues to expand in resource-based cities like Laiwu, understanding ground stability becomes paramount. The evaluation indicates that approximately 8.19 square kilometers of land in Laiwu face medium to extremely high collapse risks. This information is crucial for engineers and developers who must navigate the complexities of constructing safe infrastructure in areas prone to subsidence.
Ding’s research also sheds light on specific industrial infrastructures, such as the Yujiaquan tailing pond, which exhibits significant deformation patterns. “Monitoring these structures is essential to prevent catastrophic failures that could disrupt local economies,” Ding asserts. The findings not only serve as a warning but also as a guide for future urban planning and resource management strategies.
As industries worldwide grapple with the dual challenge of resource extraction and environmental stewardship, this study presents a model for integrating advanced monitoring technologies into construction practices. The insights gained from Laiwu’s ground deformation processes could inform similar studies in other resource-rich regions, ultimately contributing to safer and more sustainable industrial operations.
The study’s innovative approach and its potential to influence construction practices underscore the importance of ongoing research in the field. By prioritizing safety and environmental health, the construction sector can move towards a more harmonious relationship with the ecosystems it impacts, paving the way for sustainable development in traditional industrial cities.
