Cohesive and Non-Cohesive Soil
Soil is soil to most people, it’s the ground below our feet, it’s what we plant food in or build houses on and nothing more. But not all soil is the same and when it comes to ground investigations, it’s important to understand the type of soil you are dealing with to help you better plan for the future or your development plans. Some soil is more suited to agriculture, whereas other soil is quite acidic. Understanding the type of soil you have, ensures you have soil suitable for building development or drainage. At Solmek, we can assess the texture, strength and consistency of soil to ensure it’s suitable for the use you need and free from contamination. Keep reading below to find out more about what cohesive soil and non-cohesive soil is and why it’s important to know the difference between the two of them.
What is Non-Cohesive Soil?
Non-cohesive soils, sometimes known as cohesion-less soils, are essentially the opposite of cohesive soils. Due to the type of soil it is, the grain of the soil is unable to hold together, no matter how wet you make it or when you dry it out. Non-cohesive soil is easily affected by environmental conditions such as wind and rain and this type of soil is difficult for use in a range of projects. Some of the most common types of non-cohesive soils are sand and gravel.
What is Non-Cohesive Soil Used For?
Non-cohesive soil is used for a wide range of purposes, especially in supporting things such as foundations. Some of the main uses for non-cohesive soils are:
- Backfill for Retaining Walls
- Drainage Fill
- Fill Slopes
- Foundation Fill
- Embankments
What is Cohesive Soil?
Cohesive soil is when the soil is made up of fine grain and the particles of the soil stick easily together. Cohesive soil has good plasticity, which is when soil can be easily moulded or retain a different shape, this is due to the soil being soft but having high moisture levels, this means that once the soil dries out it will become hard. The moisture levels in the soil allow for shrinkage and expansion and some of the most common types of cohesive soil are silt, clay and peat.
What is Cohesive Soil Used For?
Due to its plasticity cohesive soil is suitable for a wide range of stable uses. Some of the main uses for cohesive soil are:
- Stable Foundations
- Retaining Walls
- Sloped Land
- Load Bearing Land
Getting Soil Tested For Cohesion and Non-Cohesion
At Solmek, we can carry out soil testing to check ground for both cohesive and non-cohesive soil. Although some ground such as sand can easily be identified, other types are much more difficult. We offer thorough soil testing for all types of soil and can provide advice on how to handle the soil going forward, whether it be removal or stabilisation of the soil. Contact us today for more information or to arrange a soil test for cohesive and non-cohesive soil.