Granular soil, also known as coarse-grained soil, is primarily composed of larger particles like gravel, sand, and silt, and has distinct physical properties.
Based on the provided reference, the key characteristics of granular soil are:
Key Properties of Granular Soil
Granular soils are defined by their composition and behavior, particularly in the absence of significant clay content.
- Composition: Granular soil consists mainly of gravel, sand, and silt. It has little or no clay content. This makes it a "coarse-grained soil."
- Cohesive Strength: A defining characteristic is that granular soil has no cohesive strength. Unlike clay, the particles do not stick together tightly due to inter-particle forces.
- Behavior When Moist: While it lacks inherent cohesive strength, some moist granular soils can exhibit apparent cohesion. This temporary cohesion is due to the surface tension of water between the particles, often seen in sandcastles.
- Molding Ability: When moist, granular soil cannot be easily molded into shapes. It tends to fall apart rather than hold a form, which is different from cohesive soils like clay.
- Behavior When Dry: When completely dry, granular soil crumbles easily. Without moisture or cohesive forces, the particles readily separate.
These characteristics distinguish granular soils from fine-grained soils like clays, which are highly cohesive and can be molded when moist.
Here's a summary in a table format:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | Gravel, Sand, or Silt |
| Clay Content | Little or none |
| Cohesive Strength | None (inherent) |
| Moist Behavior | Cannot be molded; may show apparent cohesion |
| Dry Behavior | Crumbles easily |
Understanding these properties is crucial in various applications, such as construction and geotechnical engineering, as they dictate how the soil will behave under load and different moisture conditions.
