In earthworks, how is "settlement" characterized?

Settlement is characterized as the downward movement of the ground surface due to load application. This phenomenon occurs when the weight of structures or fill material compresses the underlying soil, causing it to consolidate and settle over time. Such movements can be influenced by various factors, including soil type, moisture content, and the magnitude of the applied loads.

In earthworks, understanding settlement is crucial for ensuring the stability and integrity of structures built on or within the soil mass. Engineers must account for potential settlement during design to mitigate issues such as uneven settling, which can lead to structural damage. Techniques such as proper soil compaction, drainage management, and reinforcement of the soil may be employed to minimize excessive settlement.

Other options, while related to earthworks, do not accurately describe settlement. Soil erosion pertains to the removal of soil material by wind or water, which is a different process than settlement. The creation of embankments involves the raising of land rather than its lowering, and increasing land elevation directly contradicts the concept of settlement, which deals with ground subsidence. Thus, the defining aspect of settlement is its association with the downward movement of the ground due to applied loads.