---
title: "Precautions against tilt and shift of well"
subject: "Foundation Engineering"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_5/foundation_engineering:well-tilt-shift-precautions"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/well-tilt-shift-precautions
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Precautions against tilt and shift of well

Foundation Engineering · Chapter 9: Well Foundations

- Asked in: 2081 Bhadra, 3 marks
- Video: [Tilt and Shift - Problem During Sinking of Well Foundation | Avoid and Rectify Deep Foundation Error](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuiZ0aoUngs) — Civil Gyan
- Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5 on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/well-tilt-shift-precautions
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/foundation_engineering/chapter-9

## Question

List out the precautionary measures that should be taken to prevent tilt and shift of well foundation.

## Short answer

Precautions: prepare a level firm base, build curb and steining truly vertical and symmetric, dredge evenly from centre, apply kentledge symmetrically, check tilt/shift regularly with plumb and levels, use guide frames, remove obstructions, avoid sudden sinking by not dredging far below the cutting edge, and take extra care at the final stage.

## Answer

To prevent tilt and shift of a well during sinking, the following precautions are taken.

1. **Level, firm base for sinking:** the sand island or ground is made level and firm before the cutting edge is laid.
2. **Accurate construction of curb and steining:** the well curb and steining are built truly vertical and symmetrical, with uniform thickness and equal lifts.
3. **Uniform dredging:** dredging must be done evenly around the dredge hole, taking out the soil from the centre first and not from the sides.
4. **Even kentledge and loading:** load must be placed symmetrically.
5. **Regular checks:** check the tilt and shift at least once per shift with a plumb and levels, and keep records of the levels.
6. **Guide frames / dolphins** to keep the well in position during the initial sinking.
7. **Obstructions:** examine the soil first and remove boulders and tree trunks in advance, using divers and blasting.
8. **Avoid sudden sinking** by controlling dredging and not dredging far below the cutting edge.
9. **Extra care in the final stage**, when the well reaches the founding level.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Dredging should be done:
   A. From the sides first
   B. Evenly around the hole, taking soil from the centre first
   C. On one side only
   D. Deep below the cutting edge
   Answer: B. Uniform dredging prevents uneven sinking and so tilt. (Key point: Uniform dredging)

2. Kentledge should be:
   A. Placed on one side
   B. Avoided
   C. Placed symmetrically
   D. Placed only at the base
   Answer: C. Eccentric load causes tilt. (Key point: Kentledge)

3. Which is a precaution?
   A. Ignore obstructions
   B. Sink suddenly
   C. Remove boulders in advance and check tilt/shift regularly with a plumb
   D. Check once at the end
   Answer: C. Early removal of obstructions and regular checks prevent tilt and shift. (Key point: Obstructions and checks)

## Related in Foundation Engineering

- [Remedies for tilt and shift of well](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Awell-tilt-shift-remedies) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 9, asked 9×
- [Define grip length, tilt and shift](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Awell-define-grip-tilt-shift) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 9
- [Components of well foundation with sketch](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Awell-components-sketch) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 9, asked 9×
- [When well foundation is suitable](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Awell-suitability-advantages) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Forces acting on well foundation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Awell-forces) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Precautions in sampling and storage](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Asampling-precautions) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 2

## Related in other subjects

- [Preventive measures against corrosion](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Acorrosion-preventive-measures) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 6, asked 3×
- [Well foundation: excavation, sinking, brick, PCC curb](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Awell-foundation-d-four-items) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6, asked 2×
- [Well foundation: sinking, brick, sand filling, PCC](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Awell-foundation-g-sand-filling) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6, asked 2×
- [Well foundation of pier: PCC and steel](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Awell-foundation-dia-7-pier) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6