What condition does soil consolidation primarily result from?

Soil consolidation primarily results from mechanical loading and the expulsion of pore water. This process occurs when a load is applied to the soil, causing the soil particles to rearrange and become more tightly packed. As the load is applied, the pressure increases within the soil, leading to a reduction in void spaces.

During this compaction, water that was filling these voids is forced out, which is a significant factor in the changes in volume and stability of the soil structure. The rate at which this pore water is expelled and the ability of the soil to compress under the load determines how quickly consolidation occurs.

This phenomenon is crucial in geotechnical engineering as it affects the load-bearing capacity of soil and the design of foundations. Additionally, while chemical reactions, drying, and freezing can influence soil properties, they do not primarily drive the consolidation process itself as mechanical loading and pore water displacement do.