Examining the Impact of Climate Change on Residential Footing Design in Australia: A Case Study Analysis

Abstract The impact of climate change on building performance is anticipated to be significant, affecting both present and future constructions clay soils. In Australia, the Thornthwaite Moisture Index (TMI) widely used classify zones determine characteristic ground movement for designing residential footings. However, existing TMI map provided by Australian Standard AS2870 Victoria, based meteorological data from 1940 1960, an outdated thus potentially insufficient basis current scenarios. To address this challenge, study endeavours develop updated using weather over a 20-year period (1994–2013) with predictions 2030 2070 models visualize zone changes. shows significant changes in suggests that footing designs may inadequate conditions. A case was conducted evaluate influence size construction material cost. findings indicate constructed 1992 projected climatic conditions 2070. Coping such severe scenarios necessitates larger sizes upgrading steel reinforcements, raising cost approximately 111%.