## 5 Conclusions  
This research was conducted using soil samples obtained from Guamani and El Garrochal in Quito, Ecuador. This study consisted of 16 specimens that were collected and preserved for testing. The tests were carried out on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56, and the moisture content (MC) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the soil samples were measured. The findings revealed a correlation between MC, UCS, and modulus of elasticity (ME). As the moisture content decreased, the UCS and ME increased, reaching their maximum values between 20 and 30 days.  
There is a relationship between UCS and MC for silty and organic soils over time. Initially, the soil exhibited an increase in the UCS as the MC decreased to a certain point (Region 1). However, when the MC function intersects with the UCS function, the curves depicted in Figure 17 show that the soil reaches its maximum UCS value (Region 2). These findings suggest a correlation between the UCS and MC, indicating that moisture loss during the analyzed periods leads to an increase in matric suction. This increase, in turn, leads to an increase in the soil cohesion and friction angle, thereby establishing a maximum point of resistance. However, as matric suction increases due to the reduction in MC over time, soil cohesion and friction angle decrease, resulting in a reduction in strength, according to [PERSON] et al. [40]. After reaching its maximum UCS value (Region 2), the effect of decreasing MC causes the soil to become saturated, and water begins to act as a lubricant, reducing the UCS significantly (Region 3).  
A notable correlation was discovered between the increase in UCS and ME values and the fluctuation in moisture content for the timeframes evaluated (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 days). Silt exhibited minimal changes in moisture content, with a variation of only 3% moisture from day 1 to day 56. However, this limited variation was deemed significant when taken in conjunction with the geological morphology of the soil, resulting in an 11% decrease in saturation compared with the samples examined on the initial day.  
Organic soil exhibits a greater variation in moisture content than decomposing organic material and inorganic soil, which can result in significant losses. For instance, during the analyzed period, the organic soil experienced losses of up to 16%. This was evidenced by the decrease in saturation values, with the samples evaluated on the first day showing losses of up to 8%.  
According to the results, there was no significant difference in the UCS and ME values for both types of soil during the first ten days. This indicates consistent performance in the tests conducted during that period. However, in the case of organic soil, there was considerable variation in moisture levels, which was attributed to the geological characteristics of the soil. It is recommended that organic soil and silt samples be stored under appropriate conditions to avoid moisture loss. Without a dedicated storage facility, it is essential to consider how soil characteristics vary over time.  
Conceptualization, J.-A.-S.; methodology, B.G.-P. and A.C.-C.; validation, [PERSON]; formal analysis, [PERSON]-[PERSON]; investigation, B.G.-P. and A.C.-C.; graphs, A.D.-C.; Writing: [PERSON]-P. and A.C.-C.; Writing--review and editing, [PERSON]-S. and A.D.-C.; Visualization: [PERSON]-[PERSON]; Supervision, [PERSON]-S. and A.D.-C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.  
The authors acknowledge the Laboratory of Strength of Materials, Soil Mechanics, Pavements and Geotechnics and the staff of the Research Directorate at Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador (PUCE) for their support during the development of this research.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.