Differences between compaction and consolidation process of Soil mass

Hello, friends in this post I have described the differences between compaction and consolidation. Compaction and consolidation both are processes of removing void from soil mass. But they possess different processes of removing void from soil mass. 

What is void?

Void is the space between the grains of the soil mass which may be either air or water.

The Differences between compaction and consolidation process of soil mass are described below:-

Different between compaction and consolidation 1
Different between compaction and consolidation 1

Compaction

  • Compaction is an artificial process where a mechanical load or pressure be exerted on ground to compress the soil mass for the purpose of removing void from soil mass.
  • Rapid and mechanical dynamic loads are applied by rolling, tamping and for small interval of time to compress soil mass.
  • In this process, volume of soil mass is reduced by extracting air void from saturated and dry soil.
  • Compaction of soil is mainly used for sandy soil.
  • Compaction is done to improve soil properties like unit weight of soil, and density of soil.
  • It occurs in partially saturated cohesive as well as cohesion less soil mass.

Consolidation

  • Consolidation is a natural process which is caused by steady and static load or pressure exerted on soil mass to remove void in it.
  • Soil consolidation occurred after long interval of time.
  • In this process, pore water is extracted from the saturated soil as void in soil mass.
  • It is specially occurred in clayey soil.
  • It is occurred mainly below the structure like building, dam, bridge etc. whose foundation transfer their load directly to the soil.
  • It occurs in fully saturated cohesive soil mass only.

Further, we have seen constructing road, where we see base and subbase are spread (Gravel, soil etc.) and then it is compressed by the help of roller to not let the soil for further settlement while running vehicle or traffic on it. This is called the compaction of soil.

Again when we constructed a structure like dam or other heavy structure then there will exert static load and pressure by their foundation due to which the soil mass below it gradually loses its void and volume of soil mass decreases and become dry. This is called consolidation of soil.

Differences in short

S.NCompactionConsolidation
1Compaction is an artificial process. Mechanical load is exerted on the ground to remove void from soil mass.Consolidation is a natural process. The steady and static load is applied to remove the void in it.
2It is a Rapid and dynamic process and is applied for small intervals of time.Soil consolidation occurred after long intervals of time.
3Air void is extracted from saturated and dry soil.Pore water is extracted from the saturated soil.
4It occurs in partially saturated cohesive as well as cohesionless soil mass.It occurs in fully saturated cohesive soil mass only.

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"Structural Engineer" with over 5 years of experience in estimation, structural design, and surveying. I am passionate about using my skills to create safe and sustainable structures. I am also a keen writer, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with others.