What is an effect of adding too much water to clay or silty soils?

Adding too much water to clay or silty soils affects the soil's ability to compact effectively due to the way water interacts with soil particles. In these soils, excess water increases the pore water pressure, which can lead to a phenomenon known as soil lifting or soil heaving. When there is too much water, the soil particles are lubricated and can't come into close contact with each other, making it difficult for them to bond or compact tightly. As a result, the soil becomes less stable and can lead to issues with settling or structural integrity in construction applications.

In contrast, when an appropriate amount of moisture is present, the soil can achieve optimal density and cohesion, allowing for effective compaction. Understanding the moisture content's influence on compaction is vital for the handling and preparation of clay and silty soils in engineering and construction projects.