- Kansai International Airport (KIX) is gradually sinking due to its soft (Deeper Into the Sea), clay-rich foundation.
- Its original island has sunk roughly 12.5 feet, and its second island by 57 feet since construction.
- In the past year, subsidence measured 21 cm across 54 points.
- The site rests on 20m of compressible clay, making it prone to sinking despite engineering efforts.
- Typhoon Jebi in 2018 caused flooding that stranded 5,000 people for over 24 hours.
- Annual sink rate has now slowed to under 10 cm (4 inches), making it more manageable.
- Authorities have invested $150 million in raising sea (Deeper Into the Sea) walls and reinforcing the site.
- Centrair Airport in Nagoya learned from KIX, achieving higher resilience and accolades.
“Cost and resilience are the ultimate test when engineering meets nature,” says expert Hiroo Ichikawa.
Read More : Why Japan’s Kansai Airport Is Slowly Sinking Into the Sea
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