FEM simulation of large vertical deformations caused by land subsidence and verification of the results by using radar interferometry techniques

Land subsidence induced by the over-exploitation of aquifers is a very common phenomenon affecting extensive areas worldwide. Knowledge about the range and the rate of the deformations is necessary for the installation and the protection of constructions. A detailed study was conducted aiming to validate the efficiency of the Mohr-Coulomb and the Hardening soil models, introduced in the PLAXIS 2D finite-element code, for the simulation of land subsidence. The data used for this case study came from the Kalochori region on the west side of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. The rapid development of the area and the extensive need of water led to the development of surface subsidence, reaching maximum values of 3-4 m, in several parts of the study area. The validation of the simulation results was conducted by using all available subsidence indications as well as a land motion mapping produced by PSI (Persistent Scatterer Interferometry) analysis