What is soil compaction and why is it important?

Soil compaction is a crucial process in construction that involves increasing the density of soil or granular material by removing air and reducing void spaces between soil particles. This is achieved by applying mechanical force to the soil, typically through compaction equipment such as vibrating rollers, compacting plates, or rammers, to compress and consolidate the soil. Proper soil compaction is essential to ensure the stability and load-bearing capacity of foundations, pavements, and other construction elements. It helps prevent settling, uneven subsidence, and structural damage, making it a fundamental step in construction projects.