Which risk increases when differential settling occurs in the foundations of a Mesopotamian ziggurat?

💡 Explanation

When differential settling occurs, uneven stress distribution causes cracking within the mud-brick core because of low tensile strength, leading to structural instability and collapse. Internal staircase remains stable, facing errosion/silting occur at surfaces. Therefore mud-brick core collapse is more likely rather than facade erosion or moat silting requiring environemental factors.

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