What can excessive friction in dry soil lead to during compaction?

Excessive friction in dry soil can lead to resistance to compaction because the particles in the soil may be too tightly bonded to each other, making it difficult for equipment to effectively compress them. When soil is dry, the absence of moisture means that there is less lubrication between the particles, leading to higher friction. This increased resistance can prevent the compacting mechanism from effectively reducing the volume of the soil, ultimately resulting in a less compacted and more unstable surface.

When considering the role of moisture in compaction, having an adequate level of moisture helps reduce friction and facilitates better alignment and settling of soil particles. This explains why excessive friction can be counterproductive in the compaction process, hindering the desired outcome of achieving a dense and stable surface.