What type of soil is defined as being held together by a chemical agent?

Cemented soil is defined as being held together by a chemical agent, which forms a bond between the soil particles. This bonding occurs due to processes such as mineral precipitation or other chemical reactions that occur within the soil matrix. Cemented soil often displays increased strength and stability compared to unconsolidated soil types, allowing it to resist erosion and deformation even under significant loads. This property makes it particularly relevant in construction and excavation, as understanding the behavior of cemented soils is crucial for ensuring the integrity of structures built on or within them.

Cohesive soils, while they do have some binding properties due to the cohesion among particles primarily affected by water content, rely more on physical forces than on a chemical agent. Dry soil contains minimal moisture and, thus, does not possess the same strengths derived from bonding chemicals. Fissured soil refers to soil that has visible cracks or fissures, which may suggest instability or poor cohesion but does not indicate the presence of a chemical bonding agent. Thus, cemented soil is the best choice for describing soil held together by a chemical agent.