Question

The maximum bulking of sand occurs at a water content between ___________

(a) 4 to 5 %

(b) 2 to 6 %

(c) 4 to 8 %

(d) 1 to 5 %

The question was posed to me during an online interview.

I want to ask this question from Factors Affecting Compaction in section Compaction of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) 4 to 5 %

To explain: The maximum bulking occurs at water content between 4 to 5 %. On further additions of water, the meniscus is destroyed and the soil particles are able to shift to a closer packing.