Question { KCP, 6908 }
what is the main difference b/w compaction and consolidation
Answer
Consolidation and Compaction both terms are used in soil
mechanics. To understand these terms we should understand
that Soil is made up of 3 main elements : Soil particles,
air voids & water voids.
Compaction is an act of squeezing air voids and thus
decreasing the soil volume and increase its density. This
is often done using roller or vibrating instruments.
Consolidation is an act of squeezing water voids out of the
soil. The equipments used are almost the same but drains
are also installed to faciliate expulsion of water. Whether
a Civil Engineer will use compaction or consolidation for
particular soil will depend entirely on the characteristics
of the soil.