Which structural consequence occurs when a Mesopotamian ziggurat's mud-brick core experiences prolonged water infiltration?

💡 Explanation

When water infiltrates a ziggurat's mud-brick core, the compaction strength of saturated soil decreases because the pore pressure reduces effective grain contact stress, leading to uneven settling within the structure. Hence differential settlement and tilting occur gradually, rather than fracture, spalling, or cracking which require other distinct failure processes.

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