What is the primary cause of settlement in saturated cohesive soils?

What is the primary cause of settlement in saturated cohesive soils?

Step 1: Understand what saturated cohesive soils are. These are soils that are fully filled with water and have fine particles that stick together.
Step 2: Learn about consolidation. This is the process where soil gets smaller in volume when pressure is applied.
Step 3: Recognize that when a load (like a building) is placed on saturated cohesive soils, the water in the soil's pores is pushed out.
Step 4: Realize that as the water leaves, the soil particles move closer together, causing the soil to settle.
Step 5: Conclude that the primary cause of settlement in these soils is the expulsion of water due to the applied load, leading to consolidation.

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