How does the specific gravity of solid change during the compaction process?

How does the specific gravity of solid change during the compaction process?

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. Remains the same
• D. Varies with moisture content

Answer: (C)

The specific gravity of solids is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of the material to the weight of an equal volume of water at a specified temperature. During the compaction process, the solid particles themselves do not change in weight or volume; rather, what changes is their arrangement and density as air voids are minimized and moisture is optimized. Therefore, since the weight and volume of the solid particles remain constant, the specific gravity remains the same throughout the compaction process. This concept is critical in understanding material properties because it ensures that the fundamental characteristics of the material are maintained regardless of changes in moisture content or compactive effort applied. The structure of the solid particles may become denser and more compacted, but their intrinsic specific gravity remains unchanged. Thus, the correct answer indicates that the specific gravity of the solid does not vary during the compaction process.

The specific gravity of solids is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of the material to the weight of an equal volume of water at a specified temperature. During the compaction process, the solid particles themselves do not change in weight or volume; rather, what changes is their arrangement and density as air voids are minimized and moisture is optimized. Therefore, since the weight and volume of the solid particles remain constant, the specific gravity remains the same throughout the compaction process.

This concept is critical in understanding material properties because it ensures that the fundamental characteristics of the material are maintained regardless of changes in moisture content or compactive effort applied. The structure of the solid particles may become denser and more compacted, but their intrinsic specific gravity remains unchanged. Thus, the correct answer indicates that the specific gravity of the solid does not vary during the compaction process.