2.1 Introduction A soil shear failure can result in excessive building distortion and even collapse. Excessive settlements can result in structural damage to a building frame,cracks and equipment failure. In many cases settlement criteria will control the allowable bearing capacity,however,there are also a number of cases where base shear dictates the recommended beating capacity. 2.1 Introduction ▪ A soil shear failure can result in excessive building distortion and even collapse. ▪ Excessive settlements can result in structural damage to a building frame, cracks and equipment failure. ▪ In many cases settlement criteria will control the allowable bearing capacity, however, there are also a number of cases where base shear dictates the recommended beating capacity