Which term describes the change in total volume of soil when it is excavated?

The term that describes the change in total volume of soil when it is excavated is bulking or soil swell. When soil is dug out of the ground, the structure of the soil is altered. This alteration typically causes the soil particles to move apart, which increases the volume of the soil. This phenomenon is known as bulking, and it is particularly noticeable in cohesive soils like clay.

When soil is excavated, it often expands due to the disruption of its natural compaction and moisture content, resulting in a larger volume than when it was originally in place. Understanding this concept is crucial when estimating the amount of soil that will need to be moved, as engineers and contractors must account for this increase in volume to ensure accurate project planning and management.

In contrast, other terms like consolidation, settlement, and compaction refer to different processes. Consolidation involves the process where soil volume decreases over time due to the expulsion of water from its pores, while settlement refers to the downward movement of the ground due to the weight of structures or materials. Compaction is the process of increasing soil density by reducing air gaps, which is the opposite of what occurs during excavation. Thus, bulking accurately captures the initial increase in volume upon excavation.