Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Schematic cross section of a pressurized caisson. In geotechnical engineering, a caisson (/ ˈ k eɪ s ən,-s ɒ n /; borrowed from French caisson 'box', from Italian cassone 'large box', an augmentative of cassa) is a watertight retaining structure [1] used, for example, to work on the foundations of a bridge pier, for the construction of a concrete dam, [2] or for the repair of ships.
Topsoil is composed of mineral particles and organic matter and usually extends to a depth of 5-10 inches (13–25 cm). Together these make a substrate capable of holding water and air which encourages biological activity. There are generally a high concentration of roots in topsoil since this is where plants obtain most of their vital nutrients.
Ship stability. Ship stability is an area of naval architecture and ship design that deals with how a ship behaves at sea, both in still water and in waves, whether intact or damaged. Stability calculations focus on centers of gravity, centers of buoyancy, the metacenters of vessels, and on how these interact.
The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is a soil classification system used in engineering and geology to describe the texture and grain size of a soil. The classification system can be applied to most unconsolidated materials, and is represented by a two-letter symbol. Each letter is described below (with the exception of Pt): If the ...
Atterberg limits. The Atterberg limits are a basic measure of the critical water contents of a fine-grained soil: its shrinkage limit, plastic limit, and liquid limit. Depending on its water content, soil may appear in one of four states: solid, semi-solid, plastic and liquid. In each state, the consistency and behavior of soil are different ...
Sailing rig. Place of origin. Northwest Europe and America. A barquentine or schooner barque (alternatively "barkentine" or "schooner bark") is a sailing vessel with three or more masts; with a square rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main, mizzen and any other masts.
Definitions. Beam – A measure of the width of the ship. There are two types: Beam, Overall (BOA), commonly referred to simply as Beam – The overall width of the ship measured at the widest point of the nominal waterline. Beam on Centerline (BOC) – Used for multihull vessels. The BOC for vessels is measured as follows: For a catamaran: the ...
Soil horizon. A cross section of a soil, revealing horizons. A soil horizon is a layer parallel to the soil surface whose physical, chemical and biological characteristics differ from the layers above and beneath. Horizons are defined in many cases by obvious physical features, mainly colour and texture.