TLS-Based Assessment of Building Tilt, Torsional Deformation and Structural Response to Mining-Induced Ground Movements

Abstract

Ground deformations induced by underground mining significantly affect the geometric condition and serviceability of buildings located in mining areas. Conventional assessments are commonly based on ground deformation indicators, which do not necessarily reflect the actual structural response. This study presents a terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)-based methodology for assessing the three-dimensional deformation of an eleven-storey residential building located in the Legnica–Głogów Copper District (LGCD), Poland. The analysis was performed using a high-density point cloud acquired from ten scanning positions. Following registration and filtering, building geometry was reconstructed and corner positions were determined from 123 horizontal cross-sections. Horizontal displacements, tilt profiles, and rotation about the vertical axis were subsequently analysed within a local coordinate system. The results revealed pronounced spatial variability in both displacement magnitude and direction. The maximum horizontal displacement reached approximately 0.18 m, corresponding to a local tilt of 5.9 mm/m. Corner displacements at the highest common observation level ranged from 8.6 mm to 178.3 mm, indicating that the observed geometry is inconsistent with a simple rigid-body model subjected to uniform tilting. Analysis of geometric changes with height further identified an overall increase in torsional rotation with height, accompanied by local variations. Comparison of TLS-derived geometry with a theoretical mining-induced ground deformation model showed that the measured structural response does not directly reproduce the underlying ground deformation pattern. The largest discrepancies occurred along the building longitudinal axis, indicating that structural stiffness and soil–foundation–structure interaction significantly modify the transfer of ground movements to the superstructure. These results demonstrate the capability of TLS for detailed assessment of mining-affected buildings and provide quantitative insight into the relationship between ground deformation and actual structural response.