What is the primary cause of soil settlement in foundations?

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Question: What is the primary cause of soil settlement in foundations?

Options:

Correct Answer: Consolidation of saturated soils

Solution:

The primary cause of soil settlement in foundations is the consolidation of saturated soils, which occurs as pore water is expelled under load.

What is the primary cause of soil settlement in foundations?

What is the primary cause of soil settlement in foundations?

Step 1: Understand what soil settlement means. Soil settlement is when the ground under a building sinks or compresses over time.
Step 2: Learn about saturated soils. Saturated soils are soils that are filled with water in the spaces between the soil particles.
Step 3: Know what consolidation is. Consolidation is the process where soil particles get closer together as water is pushed out from the soil.
Step 4: Recognize the role of load. When a building is built, it puts weight (load) on the soil beneath it.
Step 5: Connect the dots. When the load from the building is applied, it pushes down on the saturated soil, causing the water to be expelled and the soil to compress.
Step 6: Conclude that the primary cause of soil settlement is this process of consolidation of saturated soils under the weight of the building.

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