What can excessive moisture in soil lead to regarding structural integrity?

Excessive moisture in soil can significantly affect its structural integrity, primarily leading to an increased risk of landslides. When soil becomes overly saturated with water, its cohesion and stability can diminish, making it more likely to give way under gravitational forces. This saturation can change the characteristics of the soil, creating a state where it loses its ability to support structures or withstand lateral forces.

In instances where the soil retains too much water, it can become heavy and prone to slippage, especially on sloped terrains. The extra weight of the water, combined with a reduction in the soil's cohesive strength, increases the risk of a landslide event. This is particularly true in areas with steep hillsides or where the soil composition includes clay, which tends to compact and swell with increased moisture. Therefore, understanding the implications of soil moisture is critical in construction and landscape management to mitigate such risks effectively.