This analysis could be performed for each boring excavated within the proposed footprint of the
building. The settlement could then be calculated for each boring and the largest value would be the
total settlement rmax. The maximum differential settlement Δ is more difficult to determine because
it depends to a large extent on how water infiltrates the collapsible soil. For example, for the wetting
of the collapsible soil only under a corner or portion of a building, the maximum differential settlement
Δ could approach in value the total settlement rmax. Usually because of the unknown wetting
conditions that will prevail in the field, the maximum differential settlement Δ is assumed to be from
50 to 75 percent of the total settlement rmax. The amount of time for this settlement to occur depends
on the availability of water and the rate of infiltration of the water. Usually the collapse process in
the field is a slow process and may take many years to complete.