Question

The reduction in volume of soil which is due to squeezing out of water from the voids is __________

(a) effective pressure

(b) load increment

(c) primary consolidation

(d) secondary consolidation

This question was addressed to me during an online interview.

My doubt stems from Consolidation Process topic in division One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) primary consolidation

To explain: The reduction in volume of soil which is due to squeezing out of water from the voids is primary consolidation. Even after the hydrostatic pressure is reduced to zero, some compression of soil takes place and this is known as secondary consolidation.