Rotational Slide (Slump) Definition Rotational Slide (Slump):  A rotational slide is a type of landslide movement that occurs in a turning moment, about a pivot point that is above the center of gravity. This is typically due to an increased normal force on a slope, as well as a reduced cohesion factor of the soil…

Hardpan (Caliche) “Hardpan” is a highly dense and solid layer of soil near the ground surface, which is usually comprised of clay or silty-clay soils. Hardpan forms by cementation over time, during the process of precipitation of insoluble substances such as calcium carbonates, silica, iron oxides, and other organic matter. “Hardpan” is a term mostly…

Control Panel in a Methane Mitigation System Control Panel of a Methane Mitigation System: A methane mitigation control panel is the brain behind the active mitigation system. In accordance with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Methane Code, Ordinance Number 175790, a control panel synchronizes methane alarm units with sensors and the…

Liquefaction Liquefaction: Liquefaction is the process by which there is: (1) a sudden and significant decrease of shear resistance in a soil sample (cohesion-less); (2) a sudden (but temporary) increase of the pore-water pressure of a substance; and (3) a solid mass of soil that is transformed into a fluid state mass. In the event…

What is a Concrete Arch Dam? A Concrete Arch Dam is a curved freshwater-retaining structure that is concave in the hydro-geologically down-gradient direction, and uniformly thick from the base to top. With Concrete Arch Dams, a major part of the water load value gets distributed to the abutments of the dam. Thus, Concrete Arch Dams…

Hooke’s Law “Hooke’s Law” is a geological statement relating to the elastic deformation of rocks.  Hooke’s Law states the strain of an earth-material is linearly proportional to the applied stress.