Solutions for Differential Settlement in Structures

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Providing  structural solutions for differential  settlement  is a challenge that face by many structural  Engineers during their career.

Generally ,allowable differential settlement is  20mm ,maximum, between two adjacent columns. This is based on the 75% of the maximum allowable cumulative settlement for  shallow foundations  of 25mm.

Below are few general solutions that widely used to cope the differential settlement problems;

11.)Provision of  thick /rigid raft foundation

22.) Provision of deep basement  to reduce the Net Bearing Pressures

33.) Adopt deep foundation solutions such as Piles

  4.) Pre Loading of lightly loaded Columns

55.)  Structural Isolation between differently loaded areas with a Joint