Briefly explain the difference between compaction and consolidation of soil. What is the effect of compaction on soil properties?

Ans.- Compaction -

The process of increasing the dry density of soil by artificial methods and packing the soil particles together into a dense mass to sustain a dynamic load, is termed as compaction.

Consolidation -

A gradual expulsion of water from the pores of a saturated clay by a continuous pressure due to the load of the structure takes place and thus the volume of soil mass decreases. On the other hand, compaction is a quick process for reducing the volume of soil mass by applying dynamic loads.

Effect of compaction on soil properties -

Compaction is resorted to get the following main effect on soil properties -

i. To increase the density as well as bearing capacity of soil.

ii. To increase the shearing strength of the soil.

iii. To decrease the changes of settlement under repeated loads and also to retard the permeability of soil.