Primary compression refers to the immediate reduction in volume and displacement of water from soil pores that occurs when a load is applied, often described by Terzaghi's consolidation theory. Secondary compression, or creep, represents the gradual deformation of soil under a constant load over time, occurring due to the rearrangement of soil particles once the primary compression phase has completed.

Primary And Secondary Compression

Primary compression

Compression is the process of reducing the size of data by encoding information using fewer bits, which can be achieved through lossless or lossy methods depending on the acceptable trade-off between data fidelity and storage efficiency. This technique is crucial for efficient data storage, transmission, and processing, and is widely used in file formats, multimedia, and data communication systems.

Compression

Water displacement

Soil pores

A load application refers to the process of applying a force or load to a structure, system, or material to test its strength, performance, or response. It is crucial in engineering and material science for ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in design and operation.

Load Application

Terzaghi's consolidation theory is a fundamental principle in geotechnical engineering that describes how saturated soil gradually compresses under load over time, primarily due to the expulsion of pore water. This theory provides a framework for predicting settlement rates and magnitudes, which is crucial for the design and analysis of structures on compressible soils.

Terzaghi's Consolidation Theory

Secondary compression refers to the gradual reduction in volume of a soil layer under a constant load, occurring after the primary consolidation phase. This process is primarily due to the rearrangement of soil particles and the dissipation of pore water pressure over time, leading to further settlement.

Secondary Compression

Creep is the slow, time-dependent deformation of materials under constant stress, often occurring at high temperatures relative to the material's melting point. It is a critical consideration in engineering and materials science, as it can lead to failure in structures and components subjected to prolonged stress and high temperatures.

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