What is the intended outcome of using surcharging as a densification technique?

Using surcharging as a densification technique primarily aims to densify cohesive soils, allowing them to better support applied loads. The process involves placing a temporary load on the soil surface, which increases the effective stress in the soil. This leads to the consolidation of pore water and reduction of voids within the soil matrix, resulting in improved soil density.

As cohesive soils, characterized by their plasticity and low permeability, often experience consolidation over time, the additional load accelerates this process. The densification enhances the soil's strength and stability, making it more capable of bearing structural loads, particularly in construction scenarios where the ground may otherwise settle or shift under stress.

The other options do not capture the primary goal of surcharging in the context of soil engineering. Improving soil drainage and removing contaminants, while important, are not direct objectives of the surcharging method. Changing soil color is unrelated to any engineering goals associated with soil density improvement. Thus, the focus of surcharging is clearly on enhancing load-bearing capacity through increased soil density.