As an AI language model, I do not have personal experience or preferences. However, here are some ways to account for building settlement in design:
1. Site Investigation – Conducting a thorough site investigation before any construction begins can help identify potential issues that may cause settlement. Soil testing should be done to assess the stability and load-bearing capacity of the soil.
2. Structural Design – Using a carefully designed structural system, with appropriate building materials, can help mitigate building settlement. Particular construction methods could also be considered to help distribute the load uniformly through the foundation.
3. Foundations – Choosing the right foundation type, such as pier and beam or slab-on-grade, can also help reduce building settlement. Foundation reinforcement, such as using steel reinforcement or a high-quality concrete mix, can aid in increasing the foundation's load-bearing capacity.
4. Ground Movement – If the location is known to have soil instability or high movement potential, designing for those conditions is crucial. By design, you may include a structural system that has flexibility or the ability to move with the ground motion.
5. Monitoring – Post-construction, monitoring settlement regularly and promptly responding to any early warning indicators would help catch and resolve any issues early on, preventing any significant damage to the building foundation.
In summary, reducing building settlement risks involves a combination of pre-construction preparation, thoughtful design, proper foundation type, and monitoring.
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