What is meant by consolidation in relation to soil?

Consolidation in relation to soil refers specifically to the process by which soil volume decreases under applied pressure. This occurs primarily in saturated soils where the presence of pore water is significant. When an external load is placed on soil, it compacts the soil particles closer together, causing the pore water to be expelled and leading to a reduction in the total volume of the soil. This process is crucial in geotechnical engineering, particularly when evaluating the settlement behavior of structures built on saturated soils. Engineers and geologists analyze consolidation characteristics to design foundations and predict how soil will behave over time under varying loads.

Understanding consolidation helps in assessing the stability and longevity of structures, which is particularly essential in areas susceptible to changes in load or in situations such as landfill management and the construction of highways and buildings where soil re-compaction could affect performance.