This article will describe the comparison and difference between compaction and consolidation of soil . In this article, firstly the definition of compaction and consolidation of soil will be briefly introduced then the difference between compaction and consolidation of soil will be shown in a table. So let’s start with the introduction of compaction of soil.
Compaction of soil:
The process of compressing soil particles more closely together to increase soil density simultaneously decreasing air volume from soil mass is known as soil compaction. The primary objective of soil compaction is to reduce eventual settlement under working loads and enhance shear strength of the soil.
Consolidation of Soil :
When a load is placed in soil that has a low permeability, the load is first carried by the water that is present in the porous structure of a saturated soil. This results in a rapid increase in the amount of pore water pressure. In order to release this pressure, water drains from the voids in the soil and the pressure is transferred to the soil skeleton, which is gradually squeezed, causing settlements. The consolidation process continues until the excess pore water pressure has been eliminated
Compaction vs consolidation
| Compaction | Consolidation |
| Compaction is the process of removing air voids from the soil. | Consolidation is removing water from soil |
| Compaction is caused by moving or vibrating loads that expel and compress air in soil masses in a short period of time. | Under constant, static and long-term stress, the pore water is forced out of voids, leading to consolidation. |
| It’s applicable for both partially saturated and dry soil. | It’s applicable only to saturated soil. |
| The process of compaction is entirely artificial | The process of consolidation happens naturally. |
| In this process, soil’s dry density rises while its moisture content stays the same. | The soil’s dry density rises while its moisture content falls. |
| The process of compaction can be used on any type of soil, regardless of whether the soil is cohesive or cohesionless. | It is only applicable to cohesion soil |
| This method is said to be the quickest method to execute. |
In most cases, completing this process requires a significant amount of time. |
Table : Compaction and consolidation differences
References :
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Very well explained, thank for sharing the post.