Soil

IMPS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY
NAME - DEBESHRA BASAK
DEPARTMENT – CIVIL ENGINEERING
YEAR – 3rd (5th SEM)

ROLL NO – 17001322043
SUBJECT NAME – SOIL MECHANICS - II
TOPIC – SETTLEMENT COMPUTATION
PAPER CODE – CE (PC) 504
TEACHER’S NAME – DILRUBA ALAM
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to our Subject Teacher Ms. DILRUBA
ALAM Madam for her tremendous support and assistance in the completion of my
project. I would also like to thank our Principle Sir, DR. SUDIPTA DAS for providing me
with this wonderful opportunity to work on a project with the topic ‘SETTLEMENT
COMPUTATION’. The completion of the project would not have been possible without
their help and insights.
ABSTRACT
This technical report provides an overview of settlement computation in the field of soil
mechanics. Settlement, the vertical deformation of the ground surface, is a critical
consideration in civil engineering and construction projects. This report discusses the
various factors influencing settlement, methods for calculating settlement, and their
practical applications in geotechnical engineering.
INTRODUCTION
Settlement is the downward movement of soil or foundation elements under the
applied loads. It is a crucial aspect of geotechnical engineering, as excessive settlement
can lead to structural damage, instability, and safety concerns. Accurate settlement
computation is essential for designing safe and cost-effective foundations.
TOPIC CONTENT
Factors Influencing Settlement
1. Soil Properties: The type, density, and compressibility of the soil.
2. Load Characteristics: Magnitude, distribution, and duration of applied loads.
3. Foundation Type: Different foundation types (e.g., shallow, deep) exhibit varying
settlement behaviors.
4. Time: Settlement can occur immediately (elastic) or over time (consolidation).
5. Drainage Conditions: Permeability affects how quickly water can escape the soil,
impacting consolidation settlement.
Settlement Calculation Methods
1. Elastic Settlement: For immediate, short-term settlement, the elastic method
assumes soil behaves linearly elastic. It utilizes equations like Boussinesq's and
Westergaard's solutions for point and area loads.
2. Consolidation Settlement: For long-term settlement due to soil consolidation,
Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory is widely used. The primary
equation is: ΔH =(C v∗Δσ )/(1+e 0)
Where:
ΔH is the settlement.
C_v is the coefficient of consolidation.
Δσ is the change in effective stress.e_0 is the initial void ratio.
3. Settlement by Field Observations: Real-time monitoring of settlement using

settlement plates or instruments can provide valuable data for design validation.
4. Numerical Methods: Finite element analysis and finite difference methods can
model complex soil-structure interactions for settlement prediction.
APPLICATION
Settlement computation in soil mechanics has several practical applications in the field
of civil engineering and construction. Here are some key practical applications:
1. Foundation Design: Settlement computations are crucial in designing

foundations for buildings, bridges, and other structures. By accurately predicting
the settlement of the underlying soil, engineers can design foundations that
ensure structural integrity and prevent uneven settlement, which can lead to
structural damage.
2. Road and Pavement Design: Settlement computations help in designing
roadways and pavements by considering the expected settlement of the
subgrade. This ensures that the road surface remains smooth and safe for
transportation over its lifespan.
3. Retaining Wall Design: Engineers use settlement computations to design
retaining walls, especially in areas with varying soil types and uneven terrain.
Accurate settlement predictions prevent wall failure due to excessive differential
settlement.
4. Dams and Levees: Settlement computations are critical in the design and
analysis of dams and levees. Accurate predictions help ensure the stability and
safety of these structures, especially in areas prone to flooding or seismic activity.
5. Pipeline and Utility Design: Settlement analysis is essential for designing

underground pipelines and utilities. It helps determine the appropriate depth
and materials needed to prevent damage or leakage caused by soil settlement.
6. Land Reclamation: In projects involving land reclamation, such as port
expansions or coastal development, settlement computations are used to
estimate how much the reclaimed land will settle over time, allowing for
appropriate engineering solutions.
7. Tunneling and Underground Structures: Settlement calculations are vital when
designing tunnels and underground structures, as excessive settlement can lead
to structural damage or safety hazards. Engineers use this information to plan
tunnel alignments and construction methods.
8. Geotechnical Risk Assessment: Settlement computations help in assessing the
geotechnical risks associated with construction projects. This includes evaluating
the potential impact of soil settlement on neighboring structures and
infrastructure.
9. Environmental Impact Assessment: Settlement analysis is used to assess the
environmental impact of construction projects on adjacent ecosystems,
groundwater levels, and existing structures.
10.Forensic Engineering: In cases of unexpected settlement-related issues or
structural failures, settlement computations can be used for forensic analysis to
determine the root causes and develop remediation strategies.
REFERANCE
 Soil Mechanics and Foundations Punmia
 Principles of Geotechnical Engineering B.M. Das
 www.google.com

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IMPS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &

NAME - DEBESHRA BASAK

DEPARTMENT – CIVIL ENGINEERING

YEAR – 3rd (5th SEM)

3. Settlement by Field Observations: Real-time monitoring of settlement using

1. Foundation Design: Settlement computations are crucial in designing

5. Pipeline and Utility Design: Settlement analysis is essential for designing

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