Have you ever walked across dry ground and noticed cracks spreading across the surface? At first glance, they may seem harmless. But in geotechnical engineering, cracks are often a warning sign of something deeper.
For retaining walls, slopes, and foundations, soil cracks can pose serious risks. Tiny gaps form between particles, creating pathways for water and other materials to infiltrate. Water, especially, is dangerous: it weakens soil strength and can cause structures to fail under loads they could once carry with ease.
Why do soils crack?
It happens when the forces holding particles together (compression) become weaker than the forces pulling them apart (tension). Most soils have no natural binder, leaving them vulnerable under tension. Of all the forces acting, evaporation and low humidity are especially critical, they draw water out, leaving soils stressed and prone to splitting.
And soil isn’t the only place where cracks appear.
Cracks in Life
As humans, we too can develop “cracks.” These appear when what should hold us together, our values, faith, discipline, becomes weaker than the pressures pulling us apart. Friendships, habits, or situations that unsettle us can leave us exposed and vulnerable.
Geotechnical engineers strengthen soils by adding cement for bonding or planting vegetation to shield against evaporation. In the same way, we must nurture the things that bind us, uplifting relationships, purposeful practices, and moral anchors that keep us strong.
Final Thought
Cracks don’t just appear in soil; they appear in us too.
Know the forces that weaken you. Identify what strengthens you. Guard your bonds with what builds, and step away from what cracks.
Prevent the cracks.
I am Damilola Akinniyi, your Geo-man, bridging soil mechanics and life.
For mentorship, speaking engagements, or help with curriculum development in soil mechanics, feel free to reach out.
© 2025 Damilola Barnabas Akinniyi. All rights reserved.
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