earthworks Flashcards
What is soil nailing?
Using tendons to stabilize the soil
Soil nailing is a technique used to reinforce and stabilize soil structures.
What are gabions?
A form of retaining wall made from wired mesh panels filled with large aggregate
Gabions allow water to flow through them and can hold back embankments.
What are the dimensions of gabions?
Sizes range from 3 x 2 x 0.15 m to 6 x 2 x 0.3 m
Gabions come in various sizes to accommodate different engineering needs.
List some methods to prevent water movement.
- Storm surges
- Sea walls
- Storm surge barriers
- Tidal lagoons
- Closures
- Dams
These structures help manage water flow and protect against flooding.
What are the four categories of earthworks?
- Initial clearance
- Confined excavation
- Cuttings
- Embankments
These categories classify the types of earthworks performed during construction.
What does initial clearance involve?
Vegetation and trees removal, stripping of top soil
This step prepares the site for further excavation or construction.
What is confined excavation?
Forms of trenches and pits
This type of excavation is often used for utility installations or foundations.
What does ‘cuttings’ refer to in earthworks?
Open excavation
Cuttings are typically used to create pathways or roads through elevated areas.
What are embankments in the context of earthworks?
Construction of barriers
Embankments are raised structures built to support roads, railways, or flood control.
What must be considered when choosing plant for earthworks?
- Type of soil
- Site geography
- Soil volume
- Time
- Budget
These factors influence the effectiveness and efficiency of the construction process.
What are the most common types of plant for moving earth?
- Motor scrapers
- Dozers
- Graders
- Dump trucks
- Hydraulic excavators
These machines are essential for various earth-moving tasks.
Fill in the blank: The area for placing embankments is calculated using the formula ___ .
1/2 m ((b/2 + MH) (W1 + W2) – b*2/2)
This formula helps determine the area needed for embankment construction.
What is soil nailing?
Using tendons to stabilize the soil
This technique helps reinforce slopes and excavations.
What are gabions?
A form of retaining wall made from panels of wired mesh, filled with large aggregate
Gabions allow water to flow through and can hold back embankments.
List the sizes of gabions mentioned.
- 3 x 2 x 0.15 m
- 6 x 2 x 0.3 m
What are multiple ways to prevent water movement?
- Storm surges
- Sea walls
- Storm surge barriers
- Tidal lagoons
- Closures
- Dams
What are the four categories of earthworks?
- Initial clearance
- Confined excavation
- Cuttings
- Embankments
What is involved in initial clearance?
Vegetations and trees, stripping of top soil
This step prepares the site for further construction activities.
What is confined excavation?
Forms of trenches and pits
This involves digging within a limited area.
What are cuttings in earthworks?
Open excavation
This refers to the removal of soil to create a level area.
What are embankments?
Construction of barriers
These are raised structures to hold back soil or water.
What factors influence the choice of plant in civil engineering?
- Type of soil
- Site geography
- Soil volume
- Time
- Budget
What is the most common plant for moving earth?
- Motor scrapers
- Dozers
- Graders
- Dump trucks
- Hydraulic excavators
Fill in the blank: The area for placing embankments is calculated using the formula: Area = 1/2m ((b/2 + MH) (W1 + W2) – b*2/2 where W1 = (b/2 + mh) (k / k – m) and W2 is (b/2 + mh) (k/k+m).
Area = ______.
1/2m ((b/2 + MH) (W1 + W2) – b*2/2
What do we use to identify slope measures?
Ratios and percentage slopes
Percentage slopes are commonly used in Europe.
What are slip planes?
Materials that can cause the soil to slip
These can lead to instability in slopes.
What is a failure circle in soil mechanics?
Occurs if not enough drainage or too steep
This can lead to soil collapse or landslides.
