5.2. Soil compacted dry of optimum is more permeable.

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is permeability in soils?

   Hint

   Think about how water moves through the ground.

2. 2.

   How does compaction affect voids in soil?

   Hint

   Consider what happens when you pack down a sponge.

3. 3.

   Which soil condition allows more permeability?

   • Wet of optimum
   • Dry of optimum
   • Neither

   Hint

   Remember the acronym 'P.D.W'.

4. 4.

   True or False: All soil types compacted tightly will have the same permeability.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how sand and clay differ.

5. 5.

   If a construction site has soil compacted dry of optimum, how would you recommend optimizing its drainage system?

   Hint

   Think about the connection between density and water flow.

6. 6.

   Analyze the impact of using finer soil particles for a project with high drainage needs. What would be your concerns?

   Hint

   Consider how easily water flows through sand versus clay.