What should be done if a high clay or silty material is too wet and pumping?

When dealing with high clay or silty materials that are too wet and pumping, the most effective solution is to scarify and dry it out. Clay and silt have the tendency to retain water and can become saturated, leading to reduced strength and stability in construction projects. Scarifying involves breaking up the surface layer, which increases the exposure of the material to air, promoting evaporation of excess moisture. This process helps to reduce the water content, allowing the soil to reach its optimal moisture condition for compaction.

In contrast, compacting wet material can lead to further water displacement and may exacerbate the problem, as heavy machinery can create more compaction but may not improve drainage. Replacing the wet material with larger gravel may provide some immediate relief; however, it does not address the underlying issue of the wet clay or silt. Additionally, adding more moisture would further worsen the condition as it could lead to increased liquidity, which is counterproductive when trying to stabilize soils prone to pumping. Thus, the most practical approach in this scenario is to scarify the wet material to facilitate drying, making it more suitable for construction purposes.