Which type of soil is categorized as cohesionless?

Cohesionless soil is characterized by the lack of cohesive strength when particles are present. This type of soil does not stick together and relies on friction between the particles for stability. Gravel is classified as a cohesionless soil because its particle size is larger, resulting in little to no cohesion between the grains. This property makes it suitable for drainage and applications where structural support is needed without the risk of settlement.

Sand, while also considered a cohesionless material, typically tends to have less stability compared to gravel due to its finer texture. It's important to note that while silt can exhibit some cohesion under certain moisture conditions, clay is known for its cohesive properties, which makes it the opposite of cohesionless. In contrast, gravel maintains its stability purely through inter-particle friction, highlighting its classification in this context.