What is a key factor in choosing the right moisture content for soil compaction?

Choosing the right moisture content for soil compaction is primarily influenced by the type of soil. Different types of soil, such as clay, silt, and sand, exhibit distinct behaviors when it comes to moisture retention and compaction. Clay soils, for example, require a specific moisture level to achieve optimal compaction, as too much water can lead to a "puddled" state while too little can result in poor particle interaction. On the other hand, sandy soils may compact efficiently with lesser moisture content.

The reason the type of soil is a key factor is that it directly affects how the soil particles interact during the compaction process. The best moisture content ensures that the soil reaches maximum density by allowing the particles to settle closely together without excess water that might create voids or weak spots.

While other factors such as local climate conditions, type of construction, and size of the area can play a role in the overall approach to soil compaction, they do not directly dictate the optimal moisture content as significantly as the type of soil does. Each soil type has its own optimum moisture content to facilitate the best compaction results, making it the most critical consideration.