Final answer:
The maximum tolerable settlement of a foundation for a building with load-bearing brick walls on sand typically ranges from 25 to 50 mm, and it is determined based on soil properties and load distribution specifics. This is critical for ensuring the building's structural integrity and serviceability.
Step-by-step explanation:
When designing the foundations of a residential building with load-bearing brick walls on sand, a key consideration is the maximum tolerable settlement to ensure serviceability. Settlement is the downward movement of the ground caused by a load, like a building. Too much settlement can cause structural damage, so engineers use guidelines and calculations to determine a safe limit. In general, the maximum tolerable settlement for residential buildings can vary, but typical values are around 25 to 50 mm. The actual value may depend on several factors, including the type of soil, depth of foundations, and the sensitivity of the structure to differential settlements.
Specifically, for a wall with a width of 12 m and a height of 3 m resting on sand, the load distribution and soil compressibility would need to be analyzed. Soil testing data would provide the necessary parameters, such as the modulus of subgrade reaction, to calculate expected settlements under the applied loads and to ensure that the design will remain within the tolerable limits for serviceability.