Sinking of Mexico City
Sinking of Mexico City is evident in these architectural icons, and they have undergone various restructurings to prevent further sinking.
According to the information provided by the Government of Mexico City, there are records of 591 sites of ground fracturing or sinking, and according to experts, there are at least 12 critical deformation sites in the capital, located in the boroughs of Iztapalapa, Iztacalco, Tláhuac, Cuauhtémoc, Benito Juárez, and Xochimilco.
As you probably already know, Mexico City sinks about five to ten centimeters per year, and as the population growth continues, this number is increasing to 30 to 35 centimeters and even up to 50 centimeters in some areas. The Historic Center of the capital is one of the most affected places due to the age and monumental nature of the buildings, as well as the clayey soil underneath. But here are some examples of places that are visibly sinking.
National Lottery Building
This National Lottery building has been sinking, so constant interventions have been carried out. However, since the surface sinking is not uniform, constructions can be affected by fractures or weakening of the structure, as the weight is more concentrated in certain points. To prevent these damages, it is necessary to integrate piles into the foundation and make the ground more solid so that the building does not sink.
Angel of Independence
Additional steps have had to be added to the Angel of Independence due to the sinking of the area. Initially, it sank 10 meters, and repairing this 90-meter monument, which has various 4-meter steps built since 1910, posed a great technological challenge.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Although it is almost imperceptible from the outside, there is an area in the basement where the work of piles can be seen. This has been an ongoing process for years, as it is more challenging to work with something that already exists. The issue with this structure is not only to prevent it from sinking but also to ensure that the building is level, and if it becomes leveled, it is at the same level throughout.
Old Basilica of Guadalupe
Located in the north of the city, this Baroque gem began sinking a while ago because the builders over 300 years ago did not anticipate the sinking of the building. Additionally, it is founded on both the hillside and deeper ground. Sinking has been controlled with piles since the 1960s, but the conditions of the facilities are very old.
National Palace
The National Palace is the place that has experienced the most visible sinking due to the soil condition and construction characteristics. The sinking causes structural failures that worsen the building.
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, “La Conchita”
Located in the center of Coyoacán, this beautiful chapel started sinking due to uneven sinking, which caused cracks, collapse, and fracturing of the nave, vaults, dome, and main façade. Restoration work on the foundation has been carried out since 2011 to prevent further sinking of the ground while keeping the building intact and preventing further cracking.
Palace of Fine Arts
This magnificent venue is being affected by the sinking of the downtown area, and it has been said that it will not stop sinking. This is because Adamo Boari, the architect, disregarded the recommendation of Gonzalo Garita, who was considered an expert in foundations and subsurface structures of Mexico City.
