Liquid Limit (LL) “Liquid Limit (LL)” in the field of geological engineering, refers to the upper limit of the “plastic state.” This is a separation of the plastic phase and viscous liquid phase when measuring soil consistency. Mathematically, it is the water content (basing on the percent of dry weight), at which two sections of…

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.

Hydraulic Conductivity (K) “Hydraulic Conductivity” (K), in hydrogeology and hydrology, represents the capacity of a porous medium (such as soil) to transmit water, as per Darcy’s Law. To illustrate, the rate at which fluid can move through a permeable medium (such as soil), depends on the properties of that soil (such as intrinsic permeability) and…

Critical Void Ratio The “Critical Void Ratio,” in soil science and geology, represents the final void ratio of a soil sample, at ultimate strength. And Critical Void Ratio is achieved by the loose and dense samples of the same soil post-shearing.

Design Methane Concentration Design Methane Concentration: In accordance with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Methane Code, Ordinance Number 175790, a Design Methane Concentration is the highest recorded concentration of methane soil gas detected during the course of methane testing on a property. The Design Methane Concentration is what defines the level of…