Within the consolidation process of a saturated clay

Understanding Consolidation in Saturated Clay:
Imagine squeezing a sponge soaked in water. The water needs time to escape.
Consolidation is similar; it's the process of water slowly leaving saturated clay under pressure.
Neutral pressure is the pressure of the water in the soil pores.
Effective pressure is the pressure that the soil particles themselves carry.
During consolidation, the total pressure stays the same. It's like the total amount of water in the sponge plus the sponge itself.
As the water escapes (reducing neutral pressure), the soil particles take on more of the load (increasing effective pressure).
Therefore, the sum of neutral pressure and effective pressure remains constant.

The Correct Answer:
Based on the above explanation, option B is correct. It accurately describes the reduction in neutral pressure and corresponding increase in effective pressure during consolidation, while maintaining a constant sum.