What does 'subsidence' mean in construction terminology?

In construction terminology, 'subsidence' refers to the phenomenon of ground sinking or settling. This occurs when the soil underneath a structure becomes compacted, eroded, or otherwise destabilized, causing the ground level to lower. This process can be triggered by various factors, including natural events such as earthquakes, or human activities like excavation or groundwater extraction.

Understanding subsidence is crucial in construction and engineering, as it can have significant implications for the safety and stability of buildings and structures. If not properly addressed during the design and construction phases, subsidence can lead to uneven settling, which may compromise the integrity of a structure, resulting in serious safety hazards and costly repairs.

Other terms in the list represent different issues related to construction and structural integrity but do not define subsidence. Elevation of land structures, support beam failure, and wall cracking are distinct from the concept of ground settling or sinking, highlighting the unique nature of subsidence in construction contexts.