What can excessive differential settlement cause in a building?

Excessive differential settlement in a building refers to the uneven settling of the building's foundation, which can lead to significant structural issues. The most common and visible consequence of this phenomenon is cracking in walls and the foundation. When different parts of a structure settle at different rates, it places stress on the materials. This stress can cause walls to crack, often manifesting as diagonal cracks in corners or along the joints of walls. The foundation itself may also exhibit cracking, which can compromise its integrity over time.

These cracks can lead to further problems, including water infiltration, which can exacerbate the condition of the structure. A building that has suffered from significant differential settlement may also experience misalignment of doors and windows, contributing to further structural concerns.

In contrast, increased aesthetic value is not a plausible outcome of differential settlement. Uniform stability throughout the structure suggests that the foundation is settling evenly, which would not align with the conditions created by excessive differential settlement. Lastly, while excessive settlement can indeed reduce the load-bearing capacity of a structure, the most immediate and noticeable issue tends to be the visible cracking. Therefore, cracking in walls and foundations is the most direct consequence of excessive differential settlement.