What is a Concrete Slab and Buttress Dam? A Concrete Slab and Buttress Dam is a freshwater-retaining structure comprising reinforced concrete slabs that are supported in-place by buttresses. The foundation of a Concrete Slab and Buttress Dam receives a large load. Thus, the foundation must be structurally sound, impervious, and competent. The alternative types of dams…

Degree of Saturation (SR) “Degree of Saturation” (SR) is an engineering geology term and refers to the ratio of the volume of water to the total volume of void space. The Degree of Saturation or SR-value ranges from 0% to 100% (0% being completely dry, and 100% being fully saturated). Degree of Saturation Formula Degree…

Runoff (R) The term “Runoff” (R) in hydrogeology and geology refers to the part of rainfall which accumulates on the ground surface and naturally forms into flowing streams.

Adsorption “Adsorption” in geology, refers to the attraction and adhesion of the ions or molecules of a solution, onto the surface of a solid.

Wing Dam or Wing Dike A “Wing Dam” or “Wing Dike” refers to a dam that intentionally retains a fraction of the width of a flowing water source. Unlike a conventional dam, a wind dam aims to divert the path of water flow. Additionally, a wing dike can control the velocity of water flow. For…

Oblique-Slip Fault Oblique-Slip Fault: In geology, an oblique-slip fault is a fault that moves parallel to the strike or dip of the fault plane.