When dirt is moved from its natural state, this is referred to as what condition?

When dirt is moved from its natural state, it typically enters what is called a swell or loose condition. This occurs because when soil is excavated, it is usually disturbed and can expand or swell, leading to a looser arrangement of its particles compared to how they were naturally compacted in the ground. This loose condition is important to consider in construction and excavation, as it can affect stability, drainage, and the overall integrity of structures that will be built on or near this soil.

The concept of swell is crucial for predicting how much soil expands once removed from the ground, which influences how much material will be required for backfilling or how soil may behave under load. Understanding the loose condition of soil helps contractors and engineers make informed decisions regarding site preparation, foundation design, and other construction practices.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different soil conditions or behaviors that are not directly related to the initial disturbance from its natural state. For instance, the terms settled state and compacted state refer to soil being packed down over time or through mechanical means, while soil shear relates to the strength of soil and its resistance to sliding along a surface.