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4.3: Tolerable settlement

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    As discussed above, limits on uniform settlement are usually associated to the function of the building e.g., access, connection to services etc. Limits on differential settlement (or differential deflection) and angular distortion, which are defined in Figure 4.6, depend on the type of the structure, and on the properties of the load-bearing frame. Building codes and standards, such as AS2870, impose limits on the maximum differential settlement to prevent e.g., cracks in masonry walls. Such limits for residential slabs and footings are presented in Table 4.1. Poulos et al. (2001) summarise typical limit values of uniform settlement, angular distortion, tilt and deflection for various types of structures. These limits are presented in Table 4.2. Of course other, perhaps stricter, project-specific limits may apply.

    Figure 4.6. Definition of differential settlement and of angular distortion.
    Table 4.1. Maximum allowable differential settlement (deflection) of footings and rafts (AS2870).
    Structure type Maximum allowable differential settlement (differential deflection), as function of span length, L Maximum allowable differential settlement (differential deflection), (units: mm)
    Clad frame L/300 40
    Articulated masonry veneer L/400 30
    Masonry veneer L/600 20
    Articulated full masonry L/800 15
    Full masonry L/2000 10
    Table 4.2. Recommended settlement, angular distortion, tilt and deflection criteria, for various types of structures (Poulos et al. 2001).
    Structure type Criterion Limitation Recommended value
    Common framed buildings and reinforced load-bearing walls Structural damage Angular distortion 1/150 to 1/250
    Cracking in walls and partitions Angular distortion 1/500; 1/1000 to 1/1400 for end bays
    Visual appearance Tilt 1/300
    Connection to services Total settlement 50 to 75 mm for coarse-grained foundation soil; 50 to 135 mm for fine-grained foundation soil
    Tall buildings Operation of lifts Tilt 1/1200 to 1/2000
    Unreinforced load-bearing structural elements (e.g., masonry) Cracking by relative sag Deflection ratio (maximum relative deflection in a panel/panel length) 1/2500 for wall length/height ratio = 1; 1/1250 for wall length/height ratio = 5
    Cracking by relative hog Deflection ratio (maximum relative deflection in a panel/panel length) 1/5000 for wall length/height ratio = 1; 1/2500 for wall length/height ratio = 5
    Bridges Ride quality Total settlement 100 mm
    Function Horizontal movement 38 mm
    Structural damage Angular distortion 1/250 for multispan bridges; 1/200 for single span bridges

    This page titled 4.3: Tolerable settlement is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by George Kouretzis (Council of Australian University Librarians Initiative) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.