Lecture-7

CE-430 (3 Credit Hours)

Foundation Engineering

Consolidation Settlement
Instructor:

Dr Irshad Ahmad

Department of Civil Engineering

University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar
1
Review of Stresses in the Soils due to Loads

Department of Civil Engineering

University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar
2
 Slope 2:1 Method
Change in stress (z) at particular depth z for Rectangular Footing B

GL

BL
2
z
z 1

L +z

z/2 B z/2

B +z
𝐴𝑍 = (𝐵 + 𝑧)(𝐿 + 𝑧)
B +z
𝑄 𝑄
𝑧 = =
𝐴𝑧 𝐵+𝑧 𝐿+𝑧 This 2:1 method compares reasonably well with
more theoretical methods from z=B to about
For B=L (square Footing) z=4B but should not be used in the depth from
z=0 to B.
𝑄
𝑧 = 2
𝐵+𝑧
 Example (Slope 2:1 Method)

Find stress increase z at mid depth of clay layer using slope 2:1 method

375 kips

10 𝑄
88 𝑧 =
16 𝐵+𝑧 𝐵+𝑧

375
Silty sand 𝑧 = = 1.04 𝑘𝑠𝑓
sat=110 psf 8 + 11 8 + 11
Z=11

10
Soft to very soft clay
sat=110 psf

Stiff silty clay

4
Average Change in Stress (avg) a layer under Square Footing (B=L)
B=L (square Footing)
𝑧2
𝑧(𝑎𝑣𝑔) 𝐻 = න 𝑧 𝑑𝑧
𝑧1
𝑧2
𝑄
𝑧(𝑎𝑣𝑔) 𝐻 = න 2
𝑑𝑧
𝑧1 𝐵+𝑧

𝑧2
1 𝑄 𝑄
𝑧(𝑎𝑣𝑔) = − =
𝐻 𝐵+𝑧 𝑧1 𝐵 + 𝑧1 𝐵 + 𝑧2
 Example (Slope 2:1 Method)

Find average stress increase in 10 ft thick clay layer using slope 2:1 method

375 kips

10 𝑄
88 𝑧(𝑎𝑣𝑔) =
16 𝐵 + 𝑧1 𝐵 + 𝑧2

375
z1=6 Silty sand 𝑧(𝑎𝑣𝑔) = = 1.11 𝑘𝑠𝑓
sat=110 psf 8 + 6 8 + 16

z2=16
10 Soft to very soft clay
sat=110 psf

Stiff silty clay

6
 Example (Boussinesq Equation)
Find average stress increase in 10 ft thick clay layer using Boussinesq equation

375 kips
375
𝑞𝑜 = 𝑃/𝐴 = = 5.859 𝑘𝑠𝑓
10 88
88
16

Silty sand
sat=110 psf B=8
Z=6

L=L/2=4
Z=8.5
2.5
2.5
10 Z=11
Soft to very soft clay L=8
Z=13.5 sat=110 psf
Z=16

Stiff silty clay

L=L/2=4

m=4
7
[Link] Depth, z(ft) m=B/z n=L/z I (ksf)=qo m I

1 6 0.67 0.67 0.0121 2.84

2 8.5 0.47 0.47 0.0772 1.81

3 11 0.36 0.36 0.0516 1.21

4 13.5 0.3 0.3 0.0367 0.86

5 16 0.25 0.25 0.0269 0.63

375 kips

10
88
16

Silty sand
sat=110 psf
6
2.84

Z=8.5 1.81
10 Z=11 1.21
Z=13.5
0.86
Z=16 With H=10 (thickness of the
0.63
consolidating layer)
Stiff silty clay avg =A/H=14.04/10=1.404 ksf 8
 Example-2
Resolve the problem assuming the footing is circular 9 feet diameter.

375 kips D=9

10
9 dia
16

Silty sand
sat=110 psf
Z=6
Z=8.5

10 Z=11
Soft to very soft clay
Z=13.5
sat=110 psf
Z=16 9 feet dia is chosen to get
same contact stress as for the
Stiff silty clay
8x8 feet rectangular footing.
qo=5.859 ksf

9
Depth, z(ft) R/z 1+(R/z)^2 [1/{1+(R/z)^2}]^3/2 I=1-col#4 (ksf)=qo Ic

6 0.75 1.562 0.512 0.488 2.877

8.5 0.53 1.281 0.690 0.31 1.827

11 0.41 1.168 0.791 0.209 1.22

13.5 0.333 1.111 0.854 0.146 0.86

16 0.281 1.079 0.892 0.108 0.63

375 kips

10
88
16

Silty sand
sat=110 psf
6
2.877
Z=8.5
1.827
Z=11.5
10 1.22
Z=13.5
0.86
Z=16 With H=10 (thickness of the
0.63 consolidating layer)

Stiff silty clay avg =A/H=14.15/10=1.415 ksf

 EXAMPLE
Estimate consolidation settlement for 10 ft thick soft to very soft clay layer. Given that
eo=0.96 and o=3 ksf
Note: =1.404 ksf as previously calculated by Boussinesq Equation

375 kips

10 13.5
88

21
Silty sand
6 Effective stress at mid height of clay layer
sat=110 psf
10
Soft to very soft clay 𝑜 = 0.1113.5 + 0.11 − 0.0624  2.5 + = 1.84 𝑘𝑠𝑓
sat=110 psf 2
10 eo=0.96
Cc=0.32 𝑜 +  = 1.841 + 1.404 = 3.245 𝑘𝑠𝑓 > 𝑝𝑐
𝒂𝒗𝒈 = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟎𝟒 𝒌𝒔𝒇 Cr=0.035
p=3ksf

Stiff silty clay

 EXAMPLE

LL=50%

Note: Consolidation test is expensive and time consuming test for ordinary structure,
consolidation parameters are usually correlated with index properties to get a quick and
economical estimate if consolidation settlement.

12
 EXAMPLE
Effective stress at mid height of the consolidating stratum
4.5
𝑜 = 1.2 + 3  17.29 +  18.86 − 9.81 = 93 𝑘𝑃𝑎
2
For NCC
𝐶𝑐 = 0.009 𝐿𝐿 − 10 = 0.009 50 − 10 = 0.36

𝑤𝐺𝑠
𝑒𝑜 = , 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑆 = 100%
𝑆

0.2962.65
𝑒𝑜 = = 0.784
1
We need to find  for 40 mm consolidation settlement
For NCC
𝐻𝑜 𝑜 + 
𝐻𝑐 = 𝐶𝑐 log
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝑜

40 4.5 93 +  LL=50%

= 0.36 log
1000 1 + 0.784 93

 = 9.9 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Using Slope 2:1 Method
𝑃
 =
𝐵 + 𝑧1 𝐵 + 𝑧2

580
9.9 =
𝐵 + 3 𝐵 + 7.5
𝐵 = 2.73 𝑚
13
 Boussinesq Method
We will assume different values of B and calculate corresponding settlement. Then plot the B
Vs Settlement curve.

Hence, Assume B=2.4 m

𝑃 580
𝑞𝑜 = = = 100.7 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐵𝐵 2.42.4

 is determined at different depths 3, 4.5, 6

and 7.45 m.

Z (m) m I =qoI(kPa)

3 4 0.0625 25.2

4.5 4 0.0325 13.1

3m
1.5 m
6 4 0.02 8.1 4.5 m
1.5 m
7.5 4 0.015 6.04 6m

7.5 m

14
EXAMPLE

15
EXAMPLE

B=4m

16
 Problem
Properties of silty sand are: =30, c=0 kPa. Find allowable load such that FOS against shear failure ≥3, and
consolidation settlement in 10 feet clay layer is not more than 1.5 inch. Use slope 2:1 method for calculating
increase in stress & Boussinesq Method

Shear Failure Criteria: Failure wedge penetrates

P=? 𝐹𝑜𝑟 =30 into 2nd layer, principally
𝑁𝑞 = 18.4 , 𝑁 = 15.6 we should calculate
Silty sand bearing capacity based on
C=0 kPa multilayer concept, here
10 =30
13.5 88 𝐵  for simplicity we take only
sat=110 psf 𝐻= tan 45 + the upper layer.
2 2
8 30
𝐻 =  tan 45 + = 6.9 > 3.5
Zw =3.5 2 2
6’ H=6.9’
2.5 sat=110 psf So only third term will be effected
1
Soft to very soft clay 𝑞𝑢 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 𝑠𝑐 + 𝐷𝑁𝑞 + 𝐵𝑁 𝑠
sat=110 psf 2
eo=0.96 1
10 Cc=0.32 𝑞𝑢 = 0 + (0.111018.4) + (0.0792815.60.8)
Cr=0.035 2
p=3 ksf 𝑞𝑢 = 20.24 + 3.954 = 24.19 𝑘𝑠𝑓

𝑞𝑢(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 24.19 − 0.1110 = 23.09 𝑘𝑠𝑓

Stiff silty clay 𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 23.09
𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) = = = 7.698 𝑘𝑠𝑓
𝐹𝑂𝑆 3
𝑃𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) = 𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) 𝐴
𝑃𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) = 7.69864 = 492.7 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
17
 Slope 2:1 Method
Settlement Criteria:
Effective stress at mid depth the clay layer,
o=(13.50.11)+(0.11-0.0624)(2.5+10/2)=1.84 ksf
Assume (o +  )  p
Therefore use 1.84 ksf
10
0.32
𝐻𝑜 𝑜 + 
𝐻 = 𝐶𝑐 log
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝑜
0.96
 = 0.355 ksf
Since (o +  ) < p’ our assumption is right.
Note: if (o +  )>=p’; use 2nd equation of consolidation settlement
 = 0.355 ksf
Using slope 2:1 equation,

𝑃
 =
(𝐵 + 𝑧1 )(𝐵 + 𝑧2 )

P = (𝐵 + 𝑧1 )(𝐵 + 𝑧2 )

P = 0.355 8 + 6 8 + 16 = 119.28 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

Hence Settlement criteria governs Pall = 119.28 kips
18
 Problem
Properties of silty sand are: =30, c=0 kPa. Find allowable load such that FOS against shear failure ≥3, and
consolidation settlement in 10 feet clay layer is not more than 1.5 inch. Use slope 2:1 method for calculating
increase in stress & Boussinesq Method

Shear Failure Criteria: Failure wedge penetrates

P=? 𝐹𝑜𝑟 =30 into 2nd layer, principally
𝑁𝑞 = 18.4 , 𝑁 = 15.6 we should calculate
Silty sand bearing capacity based on
C=0 kPa multilayer concept, here
10 =30
13.5 88 𝐵  for simplicity we take only
sat=110 psf 𝐻= tan 45 + the upper layer.
2 2
8 30
𝐻 =  tan 45 + = 6.9 > 3.5
Zw =3.5 2 2
6’ H=6.9’
2.5 sat=110 psf So only third term will be effected
1
Soft to very soft clay 𝑞𝑢 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 𝑠𝑐 + 𝐷𝑁𝑞 + 𝐵𝑁 𝑠
sat=110 psf 2
eo=0.96 1
10 Cc=0.32 𝑞𝑢 = 0 + (0.111018.4) + (0.0792815.60.8)
Cr=0.035 2
p=3 ksf 𝑞𝑢 = 20.24 + 3.954 = 24.19 𝑘𝑠𝑓

𝑞𝑢(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 24.19 − 0.1110 = 23.09 𝑘𝑠𝑓

Stiff silty clay 𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 23.09
𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) = = = 7.698 𝑘𝑠𝑓
𝐹𝑂𝑆 3
𝑃𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) = 𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) 𝐴
𝑃𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) = 7.69864 = 492.7 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
19
 Using Boussinesq Method
[Link] Depth, z(ft) m=B/z n=L/z I (ksf)=qo m I

1 6 0.67 0.67 0.0121 0.488 qo

2 8.5 0.47 0.47 0.0772 0.3088 qo

3 11 0.36 0.36 0.0516 0.2064 qo

4 13.5 0.3 0.3 0.0367 0.1468 qo

5 16 0.25 0.25 0.0269 0.1076 qo

Using Sampson rule

ℎ 1 + 𝑛
𝑎𝑣 = + 2 + 3 + ⋯ … + 𝑛−1
𝐻𝑜 2

𝑎𝑣 = 0.41636𝑞𝑜
Assume (0 + 𝑎𝑣 ) ≥ 𝑝
10 1.84 0.41636qo
0.035
1.5
𝐻𝑜 𝑝 𝐻𝑜 𝑜 + 
𝐻𝑐 = 𝐶𝑟 log + 𝐶𝑐 log
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝑜 1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝑝

𝑞𝑜 = 3.728 𝑘𝑠𝑓 0.32 20

3
 Using Boussinesq Method

𝑞𝑜 = 3.72768 𝑘𝑠𝑓

=0.416qo

=0.416(3.7278)=1.55 ksf

o-=3.39 ksf >p (3 ksf)

So our Assumption is right

𝑃 = 𝑞𝑜 𝐴 = 3.7276864 = 238.56 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < (𝑃𝑛𝑒𝑡(𝑠𝑎𝑓) = 492 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)

so settlement criteria governs and the allowable load is

P=238.56 kips

21
 Question-2
A 50ft diameter storage tank is to be constructed on the surface of a soil profile as show in
figure below. Water table is at 8 ft below the ground surface. The storage tank is expected
to apply a uniform pressure of 4000 psf under the center of tank.
1. Compute the settlement resulting from the primary consolidation of silty clay 1.
2. Compute the settlement resulting from the primary consolidation of silty clay 2

Part-1
Effective stress at mid depth of Silty Clay layer-1
o=(0.1258)+(2 (0.125 -0.0624)+(12.5 (0.0105 -0.0624)

o =1.66 ksf

p / o =1.4

p =2.324 ksf

22
 Part-1 Silty Clay Layer-1:

The change in stress  due to applied load is determined at 3 depths 10 ft,

22.5 ft and 35 ft in silty clay layer-1.

Depth, z(ft) R/z 1+(R/z)^2 [1/{1+(R/z)^2}]^3/2 I=1-col#4 (ksf)=qo Ic

10 2.5 10.88 0.0279 0.9721 3.89

22.5 1.11 2.232 0.299 0.7 2.8

35 0.714 1.51 0.539 0.461 1.844

1 + 𝑛
𝐴 = ℎ[ + 2 + ⋯ … . +𝑛−1
2

ℎ = 12.5 𝑓𝑡 10
22.5
3.89 + 1.844 35
𝐴 = 12.5 + 2.8 = 70.84 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑓𝑡
2

𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐻 = 25 𝑓𝑡 (𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟)

𝐴 70.84
𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = = 2.83 𝑘𝑠𝑓
𝐻 25
23
 Part-1 Silty Clay Layer-1:

As o+avg =4.49 > p=2.324

So use
25 1.84 2.83
0.07

𝐻𝑜 𝑝 𝐻𝑜 𝑜 + 

𝐻𝑐 = 𝐶𝑟 log + 𝐶𝑐 log
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝑜 1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝑝

0.7
𝐻𝑐 = 26 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ 2.324

24
 Part-2 Silty clay layer-2
Effective stress at mid depth of Silty Clay layer-2
o=(0.1258)+(2 (0.125 -0.0624)+(25 (0.105 -0.0624)+(40(0.125-0.0624))+(12.5(0.105-
0.0624))

o =5.227 ksf

p =7.32 ksf

Z D/z Ic =qoIc(ksf)

75 0.667 0.146 0.584

2D=100
87.5 0.57 0.111 0.444

100 0.5 0.0869 0.3476

avg = 0.455

Ho=25
As
o + avg < p

So use; 10%qo
𝐻𝑜 𝑜 + 
𝐻 = 𝐶𝑐 log = 0.3 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
1 + 𝑒𝑜 𝑜
25
 Question-3
A soil profile consists of 10 feet of stiff fissured clay over 8 feet of soft clay over sound
rock. A circular storage tank of diameter 100 feet is placed at the depth of 5 feet below
ground surface. The total weight of the tank when full is 7850 tons (1 tons = 2000 lbs).
Compute settlement under the center of tank
a- After primary consolidation of the clay layer.

26
 Question-3

Area of water tank = 7850 ft2

stress release due to excavation = 5 x 110 = 550 psf
Stress due to tank = (7850 x 2000 ) /7850 = 2000 psf
Net stress applied at the tank base level = 2000 – 550 = 1450 psf
If the width B of loaded area is significantly larger than the thickness of the compressible
layer B>(3 to 4)H, we can assume 1-D loading i.e., Lateral strain is equal to zero.
Furthermore additional effective stress due to applied load  can be assumed practically
constant with depth i.e., =q. (avg) = 1450 psf

Effective stress send at mid depth of soft clay

’o=(11010)+(4(105-62.4))=1270 psf
’p / ’o =1.4
’p =1778 psf
o’ +  = 2720 psf ≥ ’p

𝐻𝑐 = 𝐶𝑟
𝐻𝑜 𝑝 + 𝐶𝑐 𝐻𝑜 log 𝑜+
log
1+𝑒𝑜
𝑜 1+𝑒𝑜
𝑝
Hc = 0.61+7.7 = 8.4 inch 27
Average Degree of Consolidation (U)

sc(t) = U  sp

sc(t) = consolidation settlement at

time t

sp= final (primary) consolidation

settlement

U = Average degree of Consolidation

28
U and T relationship

29
 EXAMPLE (Taylor 1948)

 = 102.2 lb/ft3

sat = 123.2 lb/ft3

sat = 111.5 lb/ft3

o=6 ksf

avg=0.345 ksf

30
 EXAMPLE (Taylor 1948)

Required:
Draw the Time-Settlement Curves for column 5, and 9. The average increases in stress in clay layer due
is 0.345 ksf, present effective overburden pressure at mid depth of clay layer is 6 ksf. The final
consolidation settlement of col-9 is 3 inch and that of col-5 is 4.5 inch.
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 Procedure
➢ For average effective pressures
➢ Find Cv for Average effective pressure
➢ Find Tv for different values of U
➢ Find s(t) = U sc
➢ Find t from t= Tv d2/cv
➢ d= 40 feet (double drainage)
 Time settlement curves for col-5 & 9
For average pressures [6+ (6+0.345)]/2 = 6.17 ksf = 3.1 kg/cm2

C-5 C-9

0.0035 cm2/sec

=118.807738 ft2/yr

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Time settlement curves for col-5 & 9

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Secondary Compression

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Structure Tolerance to total and differential settlements

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Structure Tolerance to total and differential settlements

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Structure Tolerance to total and differential settlements

= ½ max
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Structure Tolerance to total and differential settlements

= /L

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Structure Tolerance to total and differential settlements

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 Consolidation differential settlements
The foundation of a building supporting two columns is shown in figure 1. An extensive
soil investigation was not carried out, and it was assumed in the design of the
foundations that the clay layer had a uniform thickness of 1.2 m. Two years after
construction the building settled, with a differential settlement of 10 mm which was
noticed due to cracks in walls. The doors have not jammed, but might be jammed if the
differential settlement exceeds 24 mm. Later soil investigation showed that the clay
layer thickness was not uniform and varies as shown in figure below.

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 Consolidation differential settlements
i. Calculate vertical stress at mid depth of the clay under each foundation by approximate method.
ii. Calculate the primary consolidation settlement under each foundation

iii. Calculate the differential settlement.

1-Stress increase under each foundation

𝑃
𝑧 =
𝐵+𝑧 𝐿+𝑧

780
𝑧 𝐴 = = 30 𝑘𝑃𝑎
1.5 + 3.6 1.5 + 3.6

780
𝑧 = = 42.2 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐵
1.5 + 2.8 1.5 + 2.8
3.6 m 2.8 m

2-Primary consolidation settlement

𝐻𝑐 = 𝐻𝑜 𝑚𝑣 

𝐻𝑐 𝐴 = 1.20.710−3 30 = 25.2 𝑚𝑚

𝐻𝑐 𝐴 = 2.80.710−3 42.2 = 82.7 𝑚𝑚

3-Differential Settlement
 = 82.7 − 25.2 = 57.5 𝑚𝑚

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Immediate differential settlements

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 Immediate differential settlements

1 − µ2
𝐻𝑖 = 𝑞𝑜 𝐵 𝑚𝐼
𝐸
𝑃 10
𝑞𝑜 = = = 277.8 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐵𝐿 66

µ = 0.333 , 𝑚 = 4

𝐵 𝐿
𝐵 = =3, 𝐿 = =3
2 2

𝐻 = 5𝐵 = 30

𝐻 𝐿
= 10 , =1
𝐵 𝐵

For Column-1
1 − 0.332
𝐻𝐿 = 277.83 40.49
15000

𝐻𝐿 = 97 𝑚𝑚

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 Immediate differential settlements

For Column-2
1 − 0.332
𝐻𝑅 = 277.83 40.49
50000

𝐻𝑅 = 29.1 𝑚𝑚

Differential settlement
 = 𝐻𝑖𝐿 − 𝐻𝑖𝑅 = 97 − 29.1 = 67.9 𝑚𝑚

Angular distortion
 67.9
= = = .0023
𝐿 30000

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 Consolidation differential settlements

Time for 24 mm Differential consolidation settlement

𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡: 𝑐 = 10 𝑚𝑚

𝑐 10
𝑈= = = 0.17
 57.5

4 2 4
𝑇𝑣 = 𝑈 =  0.17 2
= 0.037
 

For 24 mm Differential Settlement:

24 4
𝑈= = 0.42 , 𝑇𝑣 =  0.42 2
= 0.225
57.5 
2
2.8
2
𝑇𝑣 𝐻𝑑𝑟 0.225
𝑡= = 2 = 12.25 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
𝑐𝑣 0.036

Therefore, in the next 10.25 years, the total differential settlement would be 24 mm

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