Question

Decrease in the volume of the soil is equal to _________

(a) volume of water squeeze out

(b) volume of water entering the soil element

(c) volume of water leaving the soil element

(d) volume of soil in wet state

I had been asked this question at a job interview.

My doubt is from Terzaghi’s Theory of One Dimensional Consolidation in chapter One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Right option is (a) volume of water squeeze out

Best explanation: Since the water occupies the voids between the soil particles and when the force is applied, the water is squeezed out and there is decrease in volume of soil. Therefore, decrease in the volume of the soil is equal to the volume of water squeeze out.