What is the primary goal of soil compaction in engineering?

The primary goal of soil compaction in engineering is to densify the soil to enhance its strength and stability. When soil is compacted, the air voids within the soil particles are reduced, leading to a denser mass. This process increases the load-bearing capacity of the soil, which is crucial for supporting structures like roads, buildings, and embankments.

Densifying the soil improves its mechanical properties, making it less susceptible to settlement and failure under load. As soil particles are packed closer together, the friction between them increases, resulting in greater shear strength. This is particularly important in construction and civil engineering, where the stability and safety of structures depend on the foundation soil's integrity.

While increasing soil moisture content, reducing soil temperature, and adding nutrients may be relevant in other contexts, they do not align with the fundamental objectives of soil compaction from an engineering perspective. The focus is primarily on achieving optimal density for better structural performance rather than addressing moisture conditions, temperature regulation, or nutrient content.