Question

If increases in the water content due to an increase in the volume of voids is known as _________

(a) compression

(b) compressibility

(c) swelling

(d) consolidation

I have been asked this question during an interview.

The above asked question is from Consolidation Process in chapter One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) swelling

To explain I would say: Swelling is the increase in the water content due to an increase in the volume of voids. According to Terzaghi, it is the opposite of consolidation. Consolidation is decrease in the water content of a saturated soil without replacement of water by air.