1.1.1                            ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Where it is intended not to follow the design rules given in clause 2.4.1, the problem of differential and total settlement should be fully considered. The time-related total and differential settlement (including predicted time-settlement curves) should be assessed based on site-specific ground investigation, and measures to overcome or accommodate the problem should be provided.

To ensure the reliability of the time-settlement relationship estimated at the design stage, continuous settlement monitoring (through instrumentation) throughout the construction period should be carried out and the assessment of the settlement should be reviewed from time to time.

In the settlement assessment, reference may be made to the settlement measurements collected during the reclamation period and any previous settlement assessments made for the reclamation. However, such data should only be used as reference to the historical settlement characteristics of the site or as supplementary information to the site-specific assessment unless their accuracy can be guaranteed. The historical settlement record and settlement assessment for government reclamation, if available,

can be obtained from the government department who undertook the reclamation projects, usually the Civil Engineering and Development Department.