Which of the following soils will expand the most with water?

Clay soil is known for its ability to retain water and expand significantly upon absorption. This property is primarily due to its small particle size and plate-like structure, which creates spaces that can hold water. When clay absorbs water, it swells as the water enters the spaces between the particles, leading to a notable increase in volume.

In contrast, sandy soil consists of larger particles with larger spaces between them, which allows for rapid drainage and minimal water retention, meaning it does not expand significantly. Loamy soil, a mix of sand, silt, and clay, retains some moisture but generally possesses less expansive qualities compared to pure clay. Gravelly soil, similar to sandy soil, has larger particles and drains well, contributing to a lesser degree of expansion as it does not retain water effectively.

Understanding these properties is essential for landscape design and soil management, particularly in applications like foundation support, erosion control, and garden planning.