🎓 Lesson 16
D5
Differential Settlement Criteria: Codes, Tolerances & Consequences
Differential settlement is when different parts of a structure sink by different amounts, causing cracks, tilting, or even collapse.
🎯 Learning Objectives
- ✓ Calculate differential settlement between adjacent footings using elastic and simplified soil-structure interaction models
- ✓ Apply allowable differential settlement limits from ASCE 7 and Eurocode 7 to evaluate foundation feasibility
- ✓ Analyze how soil heterogeneity and footing spacing influence differential settlement magnitude
- ✓ Explain the relationship between angular distortion (Δ/L) and observable damage thresholds in masonry and reinforced concrete structures
- ✓ Design footing dimensions and spacing to limit differential settlement below code-specified tolerances