Building Structures: Foundation Settlements

Alan Wood & Partners www.alanwood.co.uk Building Structures: Foundation Settlements Foundation settlement is caused by the reduction of volume air void ratio in the soil, which changes under the load of foundation structures. Here are some of the other different types and causes of foundation settlements in building structures. Different Types of Foundation Settlements Building Before Settlement Occurs Uniform Settlement Differential Settlement Uniform Settlement Uniform settlement is when foundation settlement occurs at almost the same rate throughout all portions of a building. Differential Settlement Differential settlement is caused by difference in soils, loads, or structural systems between parts of a building. Different Causes of Foundation Settlements Direct Cause The weight of building, including live load and dead load. Indirect Causes Some indirect causes include: Undermining of Foundation Whilst Flooding Occurs Earthquake Induced 72 Settlement Failure of Underground Tunnels and Mines . Yielding of Excavation Done Adjacent to Foundation Building surveying can help with identifying and preventing foundation settlement. Alan Wood and Partners have a dedicated team of building surveyors in Yorkshire and other parts of the country. For more details please visit www.alanwood.co.uk/category/building-and-surveying Alan Wood & Partners have seven offices across the UK Hull, Leeds, Lincoln, London, Scarborough, Sheffield and York. Established in Hull in the 1960's, Alan Wood & Partners provide a comprehensive range of engineering services to the construction industry. Alan Wood & Partners Alan Wood & Partners are proud to deliver outstanding customer care, delivered by specialist teams, with the skills and experience required.