Question

Which of the following does not causes compaction?

(a) vibration

(b) tamping

(c) rolling

(d) adding excess water

This question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.

My query is from Compaction Introduction in chapter Compaction of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

The correct option is (d) adding excess water

The explanation: When the water is added to the soil sample, it first occupies the voids present in between the soil particles. When excess of water is added to the soil sample, then swelling of the sand takes place, hence reducing its compaction.