Earth science Bridge project 2

Name two geotechnical natural disasters.

Landslides

Avalanches

Name two hydrological disasters

floods

Tsunamis

What is an earthquake?

A naturally occurring event that involves energy being released at tectonic plate boundaries to create seismic waves.

What are the effects of an earthquake?

Shaking and tremors around the seismic focus.

Name the three land stabilisation techniques.

Ground anchors- secures unstable slopes and structures.

Steel or concrete reinforcement- strengthens soil with embedded structures. 

Geosynthetic injection- reinforces weak soils using synthetic material. 

What is Shear Strength?​

Shear strength is a soil’s resistance to deformation caused by tangential (shear) stress. It determines how well soilcan support structures and withstand external forces.​

Key Applications of knowing the shear strength of the soil.

• Foundation Design: Determines ground bearing capacity to support buildings. ​

• Roads & Pavements: Ensures stability for access roads and highways. ​

• Retaining Walls & Slopes: Prevents landslides and structural failures on embankments. ​

• Testing shear strength ensures safe, stable, and durable construction.​

Name the 4 things that effect the shear strength of soil.

Particle type

moisture content

soil density

consolidation