Geotechnical Engineering

Lustre refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral, giving it its shine. It can range from metallic to non-metallic appearances, such as glassy, pearly, or silky.

Moraines are accumulations of rock fragments and debris transported and deposited by glaciers. These are formed as a result of frost action and are commonly found along valley sides and cliffs where glaciers have moved

The coefficient of active earth pressure ( ) as per Rankine’s Theory is derived based on the lateral pressure exerted by soil in its active state. The formula is:

where is the angle of internal friction of the soil. This formula is widely used in geotechnical engineering to calculate lateral earth pressure.

Basalt is a volcanic igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava at or near the Earth’s surface. It is fine-grained, dark-colored, and rich in minerals like pyroxene and plagioclase.

Muscovite belongs to the mica group of minerals, which are known for their perfect basal cleavage, allowing them to split into thin sheets. These minerals are silicates, typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks

The modified Proctor test uses approximately 4.5 times the compactive energy of the standard Proctor test. This is due to the increased hammer weight, drop height, and number of blows used in the modified test to achieve a higher compactive effort.

Talus refers to a deposit of broken rock fragments that accumulate at the base of cliffs or steep slopes. It is primarily formed due to the action of gravitational forces, causing the rocks to fall and pile up at the slope’s base.