To prevent settlement problems, the distance must be extended at least how many times the distance from the base of the footing to influence depth?

To ensure proper prevention of settlement problems in construction, it is crucial to understand the relationship between the base of the footing and the influence depth of the soil beneath it. The correct answer identifies that the distance must be extended at least half the distance from the base of the footing to the influence depth.

The influence depth is the vertical depth below the ground surface that the load from the footing affects. When designing a foundation, extending the footing's area to at least half the distance of that influence depth helps distribute loads more evenly among surrounding soil particles. This practice increases stability and minimizes the risk of differential settlement, which can cause structural issues in a building.

In contrast, the other options propose extending the distance to full times or more than needed, which may not be practical or necessary in typical construction scenarios. By adhering to the guideline of extending to half the distance, builders can create an effective foundation while maintaining efficiency in material usage and time management in construction processes.