Abstract
This report assesses the impact of climate change on the foundation settlements of selected cultural heritage structures in Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. Utilizing climate projections from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, the study evaluates potential foundation instability driven by permafrost degradation. The analysis focuses on thaw settlement, caused by melting ice-rich soils, and creep settlement, the gradual deformation of soil under load, particularly relevant for foundations in frozen ground. By examining various foundation types (shallow, pile, surface) across different structures, the report provides insights into the long-term stability challenges posed by rising temperatures and increasing active layer thickness. The findings aim to inform strategies for mitigating climate change impacts on these valuable heritage sites.