Using deep foundations is an effective method to mitigate settlement in clay, as it transfers loads to deeper, more stable soil layers.

The coefficient of permeability is crucial for determining the time rate of consolidation, as it affects how quickly pore water can escape from the soil.

Preloading reduces long-term settlement in soft soils by accelerating consolidation and allowing excess pore water pressure to dissipate before construction.

Settlement in saturated clay soils primarily occurs due to consolidation, which is the process of volume reduction in soil due to the expulsion of water from the pores under applied loads.

The primary purpose of a settlement plate is to measure vertical displacement of the ground surface over time, which helps in monitoring settlement.

The primary role of a geotechnical engineer in settlement analysis is to conduct soil tests and analyses to assess soil behavior and predict settlement.

Boussinesq's equation is typically used to predict settlement in granular soils, as it provides a method to calculate vertical stress distribution and resulting settlement.

Cracks in walls are a common sign of excessive settlement in a building, indicating differential movement and structural distress.