Settlement Control

Settlement of a foundation may be classified as uniform (or total), tilt and non-uniform (or differential) settlement. Structures on rigid foundations undergo uniform settlement. When the entire structure rotates, the structure is said to be under uniform tilt. If foundations of different elements of a structure undergo varied settlements, the foundation is said to be under non-uniform or differential settlement. Foundations are capable of distributing the load evenly under non-uniform loading conditions and non-uniform soil conditions and thereby prevent differential settlement. This can be achieved by adopting suitable foundations such as combined footings, rafts, mats, etc.