Q. Describe the Consolidation Settlement?

The resulting settlements which are time-dependent and are termed consolidation settlements. After the consolidation settlements take place, creep (or secondary consolidation) of the soil under applied stress may continue for some additional time. Soil creep is a major portion of the total settlement for many organic and peaty deposits. It appears further, the poorer the soil (soft, stratified, filled-in type), the less likelyhood for a reliable settlement estimate.

Settlement is not always a bad characteristic for the structure, provided it is UNIFORM throughout and does not reach excessive limit or permissible value. If the sefflements are unequal, i.e. if one corner settles down more than the rest of the structure, then it is a very adverse design. Unequal settlement may cause floors to cracks, plasters to crack badly.