Compaction of Soil at Dry Side of Optimum Moisture Content

Compaction is the process of densifying soil by reducing its air voids. Soil compaction is an important factor in construction as it affects the strength, stability, and durability of the structure. Compaction effort is the amount of energy used to compact soil. The compaction effort required to achieve maximum dry density varies with the moisture content of the soil.

The answer to the given question is option 'B' i.e., soil is compacted at the dry side of the optimum moisture content when a higher compactive effort produces the highest increase in dry density. The following are the reasons for this:

Dry Side of Optimum Moisture Content

The optimum moisture content is the moisture content at which the soil can be compacted to achieve the maximum dry density. The dry side of the optimum moisture content refers to the lower moisture content range than the optimum moisture content.

Higher Compactive Effort

The compactive effort required to achieve maximum dry density increases with the increase in the dry density of the soil. The dry density of the soil increases with the increase in the compactive effort.

Highest Increase in Dry Density

When the soil is compacted at the dry side of the optimum moisture content, a higher compactive effort produces the highest increase in dry density. This is because the soil particles are dry, and they have less ability to move and rearrange. Hence, a higher energy input is required to densify the soil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, soil is compacted at the dry side of the optimum moisture content when a higher compactive effort produces the highest increase in dry density. This is because the dry soil particles require more energy input to rearrange and densify. The optimum moisture content is the moisture content at which the soil can be compacted to achieve the maximum dry density. Compaction effort is the amount of energy used to compact soil. Soil compaction is an important factor in construction as it affects the strength, stability, and durability of the structure.