What characterizes cohesionless soil?

Cohesionless soil is primarily characterized by its reliance on friction for strength. This type of soil, which includes granular materials like sand and gravel, does not exhibit cohesion between its particles; instead, it derives its mechanical strength from the interlocking of its grains and the friction that occurs during contact. When loads are applied, the particles shift or move relative to one another, and it is the frictional force that resists this movement, providing stability and load-bearing capacity.

In cohesionless soils, the absence of cohesive forces means that the soil structure is dependent on factors such as particle size, shape, and distribution for stability. When loaded, these soils may experience changes in density and structure, leading to potential deformation, but they typically do not hold water as well as cohesive soils, which can support the idea of reduced compressive strength under certain conditions since the lack of cohesion does not contribute to additional strength.