Soil consolidation is the process by which soil decreases in volume over time due to the expulsion of water from its pores. This typically occurs when a load, such as a building or other structure, is placed on the soil. As the load compresses the soil, the water within the soil particles is pushed out, leading to a denser and more stable ground. The rate of soil consolidation depends on various factors, including the type of soil, the amount of load applied, and the drainage conditions. Fine-grained soils, like clay, tend to consolidate more slowly than coarse-grained soils, such as sand, due to their smaller pore spaces and lower permeability.