The 'differential settlement' between two footings is more harmful than total settlement because:
Choose the correct answer
Total settlement is easy to measure accurately
Differential settlement causes angular distortion → structural cracking and tilting; uniform total settlement less harmful
Total settlement always causes collapse
Differential settlement only affects wooden structures
Correct Answer
B. Differential settlement causes angular distortion → structural cracking and tilting; uniform total settlement less harmful
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Differential settlement: unequal settlement of foundations → angular distortion (δ/L). Structural damage thresholds: angular distortion 1/500 for sensitive structures; 1/300 for RC frames with brick infill; 1/150 for steel frames with brick panels. Even if total settlement is large but uniform (no differential), structure may still function. Differential settlement causes: tilt, cracking, structural distress, sinking at one end.
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