How is soil compaction primarily achieved?

Soil compaction is primarily achieved by applying weight or impacts to the area. This process involves using machinery, like a tractor-loader-backhoe or a compactor, to compress the soil particles closer together. When weight is applied, it helps eliminate air pockets and voids within the soil, increasing its density. This is crucial for improving the load-bearing capacity of the ground and reducing settlement in construction projects.

While hydraulic pressure and moisture can influence soil behavior, they are not the main methods used for compaction. Hydraulic pressure might assist in certain scenarios but is not the primary compaction technique. Similarly, applying water can help in achieving optimum moisture content for optimal compaction but does not compact the soil in itself. Aerating the soil, on the other hand, typically loosens it rather than compacts it. Thus, the application of weight or impacts is the most effective and widely used method for achieving soil compaction.