What happens if the water content of clay soils is too low?

When the water content of clay soils is too low, compaction cannot be achieved effectively. Clay soils have unique properties related to their moisture content. At low water contents, the clay particles are not adequately lubricated, which prevents them from sliding past one another during the compaction process.

This lack of sufficient moisture makes the soil hard and brittle, leading to the formation of clumps or aggregates that resist further compaction. Therefore, an adequate amount of water is critical to achieving optimal density and strength in clay soils through compaction. Thus, without enough moisture, the desired outcome of compaction cannot be met, confirming that compaction is hindered under these conditions.