“Dry Density” (ρd) is a value that represents the density of soil when it is completely dry. To illustrate, it equates to (“bulk density” / 1) + “water content.” This is a common geotechnical engineering laboratory procedure.
Dry Density = [(Bulk Density ÷ 1) + (Water Content)]
Phaneritic Definition In geology, the term Phaneritic applies to the texture of an igneous rock. A phaneritic plutonic rock has grains that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. In fact, this indicates there was a slower rate of magmatic cooling.
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (UST) Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST): A leaking underground storage tank (LUST) is a known case of hazardous liquid materials released into the environment, from within an underground storage tank (UST) source. The term “LUST” commonly applies to gasoline station soil contamination cases overseen by environmental regulatory agencies. Also See: Underground…
Fault Scarp Fault Scarp: In the field of geology, a dip-slip fault scarp is a steep slope that is formed directly by fault movement. It occurs along the line of a normal fault, reverse fault, or transform fault. A fault scarp represents the planer surface of the fault before erosion and weathering modify it.
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH): The term “Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons” represents the complete carbon chain of hydrocarbon compounds that originate from petroleum. In general there are three ranges of TPH: Gasoline Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-g); Diesel Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-d); and Oil Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-o). Gasoline range TPH represents the…
Mineral Definition A mineral is defined as an inorganic element, compound, or substance that naturally develops with an organized internal structure and/or crystal form over time. Minerals are also distinguishable by their chemical composition and physical properties, as determined in laboratories by geologists. Typical earth minerals found in most igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are…
Effective Stress (σ’) “Effective Stress” (σ’) is a geotechnical engineering term. Effective Stress is a function of “total stress,” and is due to the solid particles of soil. Effective stress represents an excess of stress above pore-water pressure (or neutral stress). Effective Stress Formula Effective Stress = Total Stress – Pore-Water Pressure.
