What are the causes of foundation settlement?

1. Excessive self-weight of the building

The foundation is designed to bear the weight of the structure, and its load-bearing capacity is limited. It is typically constructed based on the designed weight of the building. If the calculations are not accurate and the foundation's load-bearing capacity is exceeded, it can lead to foundation settlement.

2. The elastic modulus of the subgrade soil is relatively low.

Improper ground construction, such as inadequate soil elastic modulus, can lead to noticeable settlement.

3. There is a soft subgrade layer beneath the foundation soil.

If the soil beneath the foundation is loose, it will gradually sink over time due to gravity, resulting in either localized or overall subsidence.

4. Foundation Damage

If two buildings are too close to each other, the foundations will be compressed due to stress diffusion, which will inevitably result in sinking.

5. Groundwater level decline

Groundwater is under pressure. Over-extraction can lead to the loss of its pressure-bearing capacity, resulting in subsidence of the foundation.