The shrinkage limit is the boundary water content that separates the semi-solid state of clay from its solid state in the classification of a fine-grained soil. At this water content, further drying of the clay does not cause a change in its total volume (i.e., no shrinkage). However, if the water content is greater than the shrinkage limit, drying causes the clay to shrink. The shrinkage limit is one of the three Atterberg Limits (i.e., liquid, plastic, and shrinkage limits).
Cf., Atterberg Limits