Metropolitan France (3SES)
Location
Three selected regions in mainland France with varied exposure to clay shrinkage and swelling risks.
Key facts
France is significantly exposed to shrink-swell risks linked to clay soils, particularly under intensifying drought conditions. The hazard has major implications for buildings, infrastructures and urban planning, yet remains insufficiently documented.
Actions
The Space2Earth Service (3SES) is applied to deliver static and dynamic mapping of shrink-swell risks, using satellite data and physical datasets (e.g. BRGM, CSTB). The study integrates predisposing (soil composition, site characteristics) and triggering factors (climate, water content) to establish mathematical models of risk. This use case explores three distinct regional contexts: one with a high number of claims, one with very few claims, and one with a heterogeneous risk profile.
Impacts
Enhanced knowledge of site-specific geotechnical risks, including the influence of construction practices, environmental context, and land use. Improved capacity to anticipate and mitigate impacts on buildings, infrastructures, and vegetation.
Expected impacts
- Updated and more accurate national exposure maps.
- Foundations for an alert system based on soil moisture variations.
- Development of normative recommendations for climate-resilient construction.
- Contributions to territorial planning, insurance modelling, and long-term climate adaptation strategies.
