Settlement can range from what amount?

Settlement refers to the downward movement of the ground that occurs when soil compresses under the weight of structures or changes in moisture content. The range of settlement can vary significantly depending on several factors, including soil type, load conditions, and environmental factors.

The correct choice indicates a potential settlement of a few inches to 10 feet, recognizing that in extreme scenarios—such as those involving unconsolidated soils or significant loading—settlement can indeed reach substantial depths. Soils that are poorly compacted, subjected to heavy loads, or located in areas prone to subsidence can experience significant settlement.

While smaller settlements measured in inches or a foot are more common and manageable in many engineering contexts, extreme cases do exist where larger settlements occur, especially in the realm of deep foundations, geotechnical failures, or expansive soils.

The other options suggest lower maximums for settlement, which may not account for severe scenarios that can arise in practice. Therefore, the range of a few inches to 10 feet captures the breadth of possibilities in real-world applications and acknowledges that extreme cases can arise under certain conditions.