What type of vertical movement is associated with uniform settlement?

Uniform settlement refers to the gradual and evenly distributed sinking or lowering of a structure due to the weight of the structure itself or changes in the underlying soil. This type of vertical movement occurs uniformly across the entire foundation, which means that all parts of the structure settle at the same rate without tilting or moving horizontally.

In the context of this question, the correct choice highlights that uniform settlement is characterized specifically by vertical movement, as the entire structure is settling downwards evenly into the ground. This is distinct from other types of movements that may occur in structures, such as lateral or rotational movements, which involve shifts in the horizontal plane or tilting of the structure rather than a direct downward settling.

Therefore, the focus on vertical movement accurately describes the nature of uniform settlement, as it emphasizes the downward displacement of the structure without introducing any horizontal or angular shifts.