Condensation should not be confused with consolidation. At the end of the consolidation and/or compaction process, a closer packing of the clay grains results, leading to an increase in shear strength and a decrease in compressibility and permeability.

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difference between condensation and consolidation

soil compaction

it is a dynamic process
compaction is almost instantaneous
Density is due to reduction in air spaces
Soil is always unsaturated
The density for a typical compaction effort is only up to a limited amount of water content called the optimum moisture content.
Compaction is done before the construction of the structure

soil consolidation

it is a steady process
Consolidation is a stable process
Consolidation is caused by the removal of pore water from the voids
The soil is considered completely saturated
The process of consolidation starts as soon as the construction work starts.