Soil Compaction in Civil Construction

Compaction 

What is Soil Compaction?

Soil compaction is a process in which reduction in the void ratio of soil through the expulsion of air is done. That means pressing the soil particles to close each other by mechanical method. This is normally achieved by using mechanical compactors, rollers, and rammers with the addition of water.

What is the benefit of soil Compaction? 

• Increased soil strength. 
• Increased load-bearing capacity. 
• Reduction in settlement (lower compressibility). 
• Reduction in the flow of water (water seepage).
• Reduction in soil swelling (expansion) and collapse (soil contraction). 
• Increased soil stability. 
• Reduction in frost damage.

 What happens if improper compaction has been done? 

• Structural distress from excessive total and differential settlements.
• Cracking of pavements, floors, and basements. 
• Structural damage to buried structures, water, and sewer pipes, and utility conduits. 
• Soil erosion