Question

Formation of meniscus in a saturated soil causes ____________

(a) Compression in the soil structure and Reduction in the volume

(b) Decrease in the water content

(c) None of the mentioned

(d) All of the mentioned

I have been asked this question in a national level competition.

My enquiry is from Shrinkage and Swelling of Soil topic in chapter Soil Water Effective and Neutral Stresses of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Compression in the soil structure and Reduction in the volume

Explanation: Formation of meniscus in dry saturated soil, causes tension in the soil water leading to a compression in the soil structure and consequent reduction in the volume.