What is consolidation in the context of geotechnical engineering?

Consolidation in geotechnical engineering refers specifically to the process where saturated soil undergoes a decrease in volume due to the application of an external load. This phenomenon occurs as the soil is compressed, leading to the expulsion of water from its pores. Over time, as the weight of structures or fill materials is applied to the soil surface, the excess pore water pressure dissipates, allowing the soil particles to rearrange and settle, which results in a reduction of volume.

This process is critical in understanding how soil behaves under various loads, particularly in foundation design and settlement analysis. The rate and magnitude of consolidation can significantly affect the stability and performance of structures built on or within saturated soils, making it an essential aspect of geotechnical engineering practices.