--- title: "Remedies for tilt and shift of well" subject: "Foundation Engineering" chapter: 9 key: "semester_5/foundation_engineering:well-tilt-shift-remedies" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/well-tilt-shift-remedies site: BCT Engineering --- # Remedies for tilt and shift of well Foundation Engineering · Chapter 9: Well Foundations - Asked in: 2082 Bhadra, 4 marks; 2081 Baisakh, 2 marks; 2080 Bhadra, 5 marks; 2078 Kartik, 3 marks; 2078 Bhadra, 4 marks; 2076 Asoj, 3 marks; 2075 Asoj, 3 marks; 2074 Chaitra, 6 marks; 2073 Shrawan, 4 marks (asked 9 times) - 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-remedies - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/foundation_engineering/chapter-9 ## Question Discuss the remedial measures (methods) to rectify tilt and shift of well foundation, with clear sketches; the measures taken for sinking wells and correcting tilts and shifts. ## Short answer Tilt is corrected by eccentric dredging, extra kentledge on the high side, water jetting, pulling with winches, strutting, or blasting obstructions. Shift is corrected by lateral pulling, excavating toward desired direction, or deliberate tilting. Regular checks during sinking are crucial. ## Answer **Tilt** is the inclination of the axis of the well from the vertical, and **shift** is the horizontal displacement of the well from its intended position. The permissible tilt is 1 in 80 and the permissible shift is about 150 mm at the founding level (IRC 78). They are corrected during sinking. #### Causes Uneven dredging, obstructions (boulders, logs), non-uniform soil, uneven kentledge, sudden slipping of the well and eccentric load. #### Remedial measures for tilt 1. **Dredging unevenly:** remove more soil from the high side and none from the low side so that the well sinks more on the high side. 2. **Eccentric kentledge:** place extra load (kentledge) on the high side. 3. **Water jetting:** jet water at the high side to reduce skin friction (or pump out water there). 4. **Pulling with wire ropes (winches):** pull the top of the well against the tilt using ropes anchored to piles or to deadmen, with a jack. 5. **Strutting the low side** against a firm abutment (props or anchor) to prevent more tilt. 6. **Blasting or removing the obstruction** (boulders, wood) on the high side, where it holds the cutting edge up. 7. **Pushing with jacks** against the sides, in sand, if only a small tilt remains. #### Remedial measures for shift 1. **Pulling the well sideways** with wire ropes/winches anchored to a fixed anchor. 2. **Excavation on the side towards which the well must move**, so that the well can move into the dredged space. 3. **Intentional tilt:** tilt the well deliberately towards its correct position, then sink it vertically so that it comes back to position. 4. **Eccentric sinking and the use of jacks** against the sides. ```text Tilted well Correction \ \ kentledge -> \ \ dredge high side \___\ pull rope <--- ``` **Measures during sinking:** keep the well central with guides, sink uniformly with dredging symmetrical about the centre, check levels and verticality regularly, and use the soil information. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Tilt and shift are: A. Tilt: horizontal displacement; shift: inclination B. Tilt: axis inclination from vertical; shift: horizontal displacement of the well C. Both vertical settlement D. Both rotation Answer: B. Tilt is inclination, shift is lateral displacement; limits are 1 in 80 and about 150 mm. (Key point: Definitions) 2. To correct a tilt by dredging: A. Dredge the low side only B. Remove more soil from the high side so it sinks C. Stop dredging D. Dredge the centre only Answer: B. Dredging the high side lets that side sink and bring the well upright. (Key point: Uneven dredging for tilt) 3. Eccentric kentledge for tilt is placed: A. On the low side B. On the high side C. At the centre D. Under the well Answer: B. Extra load on the high side pushes it down. (Key point: Eccentric kentledge) 4. A method to correct shift is: A. Increase kentledge at the centre B. Stop sinking C. Pull with wire ropes anchored to a fixed anchor D. Add a well cap Answer: C. Pulling sideways with winches, or intentional tilt and then vertical sinking, moves the well back. 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