Compaction and Consolidation are totally different processes. Although the result of both the process is same to cause reduction in the volume, but the process involved in both the technique is different.
In case of compaction, the soil mass is applied with a dynamic load for small interval of time. This is generally done to achieve the removal of air from the soil mass.
In case of consolidation, the soil mass is applied with a steady load for long period of time. This is generally done to remove the excess water from the saturated soil.
Below figure helps you to understand the difference in both compaction and consolidation.
Also Read : Soil Structure and Their Types
Also Read : Residual Soil and Transported Soil
Difference Between Compaction and Consolidation
| Compaction | Consolidation |
|---|---|
| In the compaction process air is expelled from soil mass to attain reduction of volume. | In the consolidation process expulsion of air is not performed as in the saturated soil the air is absent. |
| Generally there is no necessity of expulsion of water from the soil mass and it is not carried out. | Generally water is expelled from saturated soil to attain the reduction of volume. |
| To attain volume reduction, dynamic load is applied for short time. | To attain volume reduction, static load is applied for longer period of time. |
| This process is considered to be the quickest process to carry out. | This process generally takes time to be carried out. |
| Application of load is done by human or artificial agency. | Application of load is done naturally or by artificial agencies. |
| In case of compaction, soil is partially saturated. | In case of consolidation, soil is fully saturated. |
| The process of compaction can be applied to both cohesive as well as cohesionless soil | The process of consolidation can be applied to cohesive soil only. |
| It increases the shear strength and bearing capacity of soil. | It increases the shear strength and bearing capacity of soil. |
| Void ratio and permeability of soil gets decreased due to application of this process. | Void ratio and permeability of soil gets decreased due to application of this process. |