Geotechnical Engineering · Engineering Glossary
Settlement is the vertical downward movement of a foundation or soil mass under load, caused by compression of the soil or consolidation of fine-grained soils over time. Differential settlement — uneven settlement across a building footprint — is typically more damaging than uniform settlement.
Immediate (elastic) settlement occurs quickly as load is applied; consolidation settlement in fine-grained soils like clays occurs slowly over months or years as excess pore water pressure dissipates. The geotechnical report estimates total and differential settlement under the design loads. Structural engineers use these estimates to evaluate whether the structural system can tolerate the predicted movements without cracking, tilting, or binding of doors and windows. Mitigation measures include increasing footing size to reduce bearing pressure, using a mat foundation, deepening foundations to reach more competent soil, or ground improvement. Apex Grid coordinates geotechnical settlement predictions with structural design.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide geotechnical engineering services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
Request a Proposal