Question

Reduction in volume of soil primarily due to squeezing out of water from the voids is called

• A. primary consolidation
• B. Plastic flow
• C. creep
• D. secondary consolidation

Answer 1

The correct option is A primary consolidation

After initial consolidation, further reduction in volume occurs due to expulsion of water from the voids. When a saturated soil is subjected to a pressure, initially all the applied pressure is taken up by water as an excess pore water pressure. A hydraulic gradient will develop and the water starts flowing out and a decreases in volume occurs. This reduction in volume is called as the primary consolidation of soil.