The International Code Council's “Standard on the design and construction of log structures” defines settling as the combinations of slumping, compaction, and radial shrinkage. Slumping and compaction are typically only an issue with cope style logs. In most instances cope style logs are purposely cut so that the corners of the cope are the only portions of the top log in contact with the bottom log, leaving a small air gap between the logs in the middle of the cope. As the log dries the cope opens up and the top log sits down on top of the bottom log. This loss in height is called slumping. If the corner portions of the cope are narrow and there is a heavy load on the log walls then the wood fibers can be crushed and this is called compaction. Slumping and compaction are not a concern with our flat on flat profile logs.