Subsidence broadly refers to the downward movement of a building's foundations, but structural engineers generally categorize ground movement phenomena into distinct classifications including general subsidence and related structural shifts like heave or settlement. Subsidence specifically describes the downward sinking of land and foundations due to underlying soil conditions, such as the contraction of clay soils during prolonged hot and dry weather. Conversely, heave represents the exact opposite movement, characterized by upward or lateral ground expansion caused by soil swelling or the removal of moisture-absorbing mature trees. Understanding these specific geological mechanisms is crucial for diagnosing property damage accurately and determining the appropriate long-term engineering remedy.
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