What is a property of cohesive soils according to their classification?

Cohesive soils are characterized by their ability to stick together, which is primarily due to the fine particles present, such as clay. One of the notable properties of cohesive soils is that they can maintain their shape and structure even when excavated. This means that when a cohesive soil is dug up, it often does not collapse or lose its form as easily as non-cohesive soils, like sands or gravels. This property is crucial for excavation work, as it allows operators to create stable slopes and maintain the integrity of excavation walls.

In contrast, soils that do not exhibit cohesion would typically fall into the category of granular soils, which lack the inter-particle attraction seen in cohesive soils. Soils that mostly consist of gravel also do not fit the definition of cohesive soil, as gravel is typically non-cohesive. Lastly, soils that crumble easily when dry, such as non-cohesive sand, do not exhibit the structural stability associated with cohesive soils. Therefore, the ability to maintain structure when excavated is a defining property of cohesive soils.