Application of physics for assessment of the subsidence hazard in urban regions a multidisciplinary approach, case study: Isfahan

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential and pattern of progressive subsidence in Isfahan Metropolis, located in the central part of Iran. In this paper, geotechnical and physical studies are conducted. Many samples from the available boreholes throughout the study area are studied. Many different physical tests including grading test, soil type, soil thickness, Atterberg limits, plasticity index, void ratio, and consolidation parameters are applied. Also, the fluctuations of groundwater table from year ۲۰۰۰ until ۲۰۱۴ were also investigated. The results revealed that along the South-East toward the North-West in the study area, the decline in groundwater head was increased from ۴ to ۳۶ meters. Based on the results, the most severe subsidence occurred in the western border of the city and was calculated to be about ۷۳ cm over the ۱۴ years period.