The bearing plate used varies in size from 300 to 750 mm with a chequered or grooved bottom.

The effect of settlement upon the structure depends on its magnitude, the length of the time over which it takes place, its magnitude and the nature of the structure itself.

The analytical methods for the determination of bearing capacity of footings are based essentially on shear failure.

It is suggested that allowable pressure should be selected such that maximum settlement of any individual foundation is 25 mm.

The recommendation of American code are based upon that if the maximum total settlement is kept within a reasonable limit, the differential settlement will only be a fraction depending upon the type of structure and pattern of loading.

Indian standards (IS: 1888: 1982) recommend that the loading of the plate should invariably be borne either by gravity loading platform or by the reaction truss.

The use of reaction truss is more popular now-a-days since this is simple, quick and less clumsy.

The rate of settlement is defined as the slope or the relative settlement between two points divided by the horizontal distance.

The allowable maximum settlement for warehouse type of structure is 50 mm.

According to Polishin and Tokar (1957), brick masonry will crack due to differential settlement when the unit elongation amount to 0.005.