Authors
Katherine Anne Reynolds
Abstract
<p>This research delves into the historical roots of construction laws, tracing them back to the Babylonian code of King Hammurabi, which, formulated 4000 years ago, effectively aligned the interests of occupants and builders to ensure the safety of structures (FS 2021). Over the course of architectural history, building safety against collapse has been contingent upon well-designed foundation systems, assumed soil stability, and reliance on a vertical datum based on mean sea level for building elevations. Despite a consensus on a significant global rise in mean sea level, the changing relationships between sea level and terrestrial surfaces pose an underexplored challenge to the foundations of buildings. The Babylonian code, an early testament to construction laws, established a precedent for aligning the interests of both occupants and builders to minimize the risk of failure and prioritize safety in construction projects (FS 2021). This historical foundation underscores the timeless importance of ensuring structural stability and safety. Throughout architectural evolution, the integrity of buildings has hinged on robust foundation systems, assumptions about soil stability, and the reference point of mean sea level for building elevations. As the world faces a recognized escalation in global mean sea levels, the implications of this rise on the foundational underpinnings of structures have become a pressing concern. The assumed relationships between sea level and dry land are undergoing transformative shifts, necessitating a comprehensive investigation into the extent of the impact of sea level rise (SLR) on building foundations. While studies acknowledge the global rise in mean sea level, there exists a significant knowledge gap concerning the specific effects of this rise on building foundations. This research seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the nuanced implications of sea level rise on the structural integrity of buildings. By scrutinizing the changing dynamics between sea level and terrestrial surfaces, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential risks and challenges posed to building foundations in the face of rising sea levels. The methodology employed involves a thorough examination of existing literature, historical records, and contemporary studies, synthesizing insights from diverse sources to construct a comprehensive understanding of the evolving relationship between sea level rise and building foundations. The outcomes of this research are anticipated to shed light on the potential risks and challenges associated with sea level rise, offering valuable guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers in developing resilient strategies for building foundations in the context of a changing climate.</p>