How does soil compaction benefit the properties of soil?

Soil compaction plays a crucial role in enhancing the properties of soil, particularly when it comes to its load-bearing capacity. When soils are compacted, the particles are rearranged into a denser configuration, which effectively increases the contact among soil particles. This improved inter-particle contact translates into a greater ability of the soil to withstand applied loads without significant deformation or failure.

As a result, compacted soil can support structures and heavy loads more efficiently than loose soil. This is especially important in construction and geotechnical engineering, where the stability and safety of foundations and other structures depend significantly on the load-bearing capacity of the underlying soil.

The other options do not reflect the benefits of soil compaction accurately. For instance, soil compaction increases density, typically decreases permeability (as the soil becomes less porous), and does not decrease cohesion; rather, it generally increases the cohesive strength of the soil due to the tighter packing of particles. Understanding these dynamics helps in ensuring that engineering projects are built on a solid and stable foundation.