The reason(s) of the nonuniform elastic settlement profile below a flexible footing, resting on a cohesionless soil while subjected to uniform loading, is/are:

Variation of friction angle along the width of the footing
Variation of soil stiffness along the width of the footing
Variation of friction angle along the depth of the footing
Variation of soil stiffness along the depth of the footing

Correct answer: Variation of soil stiffness along the depth of the footing

Solution

The correct option is right because the stiffness of the soil can change with depth due to factors like density and compaction, leading to different settlement responses under a uniform load. This variation affects how the footing distributes the load, resulting in a nonuniform settlement profile.

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