What is the best characteristic of coarse grain soil?

Coarse grain soil is primarily composed of larger particles such as sand and gravel, and one of its most notable characteristics is its excellent bearing capacity. This property allows coarse grain soil to support substantial loads, making it ideal for foundational applications in construction. The larger particle size contributes to a structure that can hold weight more effectively and reduces the risk of settlement under load. As a result, coarse grain soils are often selected for their ability to bear heavy structures, such as buildings and bridges.

While other options might describe characteristics of different soil types—such as high water retention being more typical of finer soils like clay or a high organic content being associated with topsoil—none match the defining advantage of coarse grain soil when it comes to load-bearing applications. Permeability also varies, but coarse grain soils generally exhibit high permeability, allowing water to drain through them quickly rather than retaining large amounts. Thus, excellent bearing capacity stands out as the primary characteristic that aligns with the properties of coarse grain soil, making it the best choice in this context.