Results are presented for studies conducted by the Scientific-Research Institute of Foundations and Underground Structures on scientific accompaniment of Moscow construction projects; these results are the basis of procedures proposed by the author for prediction of the settlements of buildings in close proximity to deep pits, and determination of zones of application of protective measures. The settlements of buildings caused by work production during their occupancy are investigated. The data obtained make it possible to reduce geotechnical risk during the opening of underground space in a dense urban setting.