What is the defining feature of fissured soil?

The defining feature of fissured soil is its tendency to break along defined planes. This characteristic is significant in understanding how fissured soils behave under various conditions. When fissured soil experiences stress or changes in moisture content, it does not merely crumble like loose or granular soil. Instead, it exhibits distinct cracks or fissures that form along predetermined lines of weakness. This can influence erosion patterns, water drainage, and root penetration, making it crucial for excavators and engineers to recognize and adapt their methods accordingly when working with this type of soil. Other characteristics of fissured soil, like cohesion and crumbliness, do not capture its fundamental behavior as adequately as the presence of these defined planes does.