What process involves mechanically condensing soil to increase particle contact?

Compaction is the process that involves mechanically condensing soil to increase particle contact. This technique is essential in engineering and construction because it enhances the soil's density, stability, and load-bearing capacity. During compaction, energy is applied to the soil, which reduces the volume of air spaces between soil particles and increases the inter-particle contact.

In contrast, granulation refers to the formation of granules from powders, and while it can involve some form of particle packing, it does not specifically relate to the mechanical densification of soil. Excavation involves the removal of material from a site, without altering the soil's density or particle arrangement. Consolidation is a process related to the gradual settlement of soil under load due to the expulsion of water from the pores but does not involve direct mechanical action to tighten particle arrangement at the same moment as compaction does. Thus, compaction is the clear method focused on increasing soil density through mechanical means.