Foundation Settlement

By Darrel Dunn, Ph.D., PG, Hydrogeologist

(View Résumé 🔳)

When a house is located on compressible material such as sand and clay, the amount of settlement depends on the actual compressibility of the material beneath the footings, depth and width of the footings, and the elevation of the water table.  If settlement is very small and the structure of the house resists deformation, no cracks or other indications of settlement are noticed.  However, in some cases the settlement is noticeable and can produce cracks, tight doors, et cetera.  Information on compressibility of geologic materials may be found on the web page titled Aquifer Storativity.