What term is used to describe the condition of clay particles swelling due to water intrusion?

The term "swelling" is specifically used to describe the condition where clay particles absorb water and expand. This phenomenon occurs because clay minerals have tiny spaces within their structure that can trap and hold water molecules. When water enters these spaces, it causes the clay to increase in volume, leading to swelling. This property is particularly important in septic system design and installation, as it affects soil behavior and stability. Understanding swelling helps installers predict how soil might interact with septic systems and ensures proper site evaluations and system functionality.

Other terms, while related to soil and water behavior, do not accurately describe the process of clay expansion due to water intrusion. For instance, consolidation refers to the process of soil volume decrease under pressure, leaching involves the removal of soluble materials from the soil, and compression denotes the application of pressure that reduces volume rather than increasing it.