Keywords: tangent modulus, resistance, modulus number and strainrnThere are several mechanisms causing settlement of a structure. Different structures havernvarying potential to withstand the settlement that takes place Thus, its determination has to berngiven due consideration by engineers as it affects these structures from functioning properly ifrnnot limited to a permissible value.rnSoils consist of solid particles and void space. Gas or water or combination of both occupiesrnthe void space. When loaded the water and air gets squeezed out resulting in settlement.rnDetermination of settlement and the rate at which the expulsion takes place is determinedrnfrom the theory of consolidation.rnThe classical approach, which is widely used in our country and other parts of the world, hasrnlimitations. These limitations have contributed for the development of the tangent modulusrnapproach.rnThe tangent modulus approach provides better way of determining settlement for variousrntypes of soil ranging from hard to very soft soil. In the method the soil property, which isrndetermined from laboratory soil deformation tests, are used.rnIn the approach a compression modulus also called the constrained modulus, the tangent to arnlinear plot of stress versus strain curves determined from laboratory tests play a significantrnrole. It is emphasized on this property of the soil, as it is a measure of resistance of the soilrnagainst deformation due to change in loading condition The compression modulus, measuresrnof the resistance of a media or an isolated part of it against a forced change of equilibriumrncondition. It is based on the resistance concept, which is very well developed in other field ofrnengineering, except that its application for settlement analysis in soil mechanics is new.rn1rn1. Introductionrn1.1 GeneralrnConstruction scheme is advancing day to day. This has made possible construction of highrnrising buildings, heavy structures and highways. Due to this heavy loads are induced on to thernsoil underneath. Besides the use of undesirable construction site is increasing. The abovernfactors results in compressive strains causing settlement of a structure.rnThe resulting settlement has to be limited to a minimum to allow the structure functionrnproperly and maintain the required aesthetic value. Further cost of maintenance has to bernlimited to a minimum.rnFor estimating the settlement that occurs in cohesive sols the classical approach is widelyrnused in most parts of the world including Ethiopia. This approach assumes the compressibilityrnof the soil remains constant. Further it was believed that the initial pore water pressurerndescribes the consolidation characteristics of thick clay. These and other assumptions limit thernvalidity of the approach. Thus, another method of settlement evaluation which amends at leastrnthe above mentioned drawbacks have to be adopted.rnThis paper introduces another method as compared to classical method for the determinationrnof settlement, which is known as the tangent modulus approach.rn1.2 BackgroundrnThe probable settlement any structure undergoes on different types of soils is predicted byrncompressibility study. Thus, based on the compressibility characteristics the method whichrnrelies on the stress- strain analysis of soil for determining this property is dealt with.rn1.3 Objective of the Present WorkrnThe objective of the research work is to:rni) Introduce a recent and more practical way of determining settlement and compare thernapplicability with the existing and more popular classical approach.rnii) To