The extent to which a soil can be compacted
depends on three major factors:
1. The type of soil and its compactability.
2. The moisture content of the soil.
3. The type of compaction effort required, that
is pressing, ramming, or vibration.
UNDERSTANDING COMPACTION
Whenever the earth is disturbed, it loses its
original density. In order to regain that density,
it must be manipulated by some mechanical
means.
Compaction is the reduction in soil volume that
occurs when force is applied to it. The
application of external compressive forces
increases the soil density or unit weight by
mechanically rearranging and moving soil
particles closer to each other, and forcing out
the air that has been trapped between these
particles. Increasing the density of the soil
improves the ability of the soil to support a load
and reduces the possibility of settling. This is
particularly important when loose fill is placed in
a trench or any other open area. Non-
compacted fill will slowly settle, causing a void
and allowing the surface to fall into the void.
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