FAQ

Q: What is the goal for the project?

A: The goal of this project is to design and test an easy to implement method of stabilizing a degrading soil slope. The method will include three steps - implementing a toe wall, inserting an intra-soil grid, and placing a surface blanket. It's important to stabilize degrading slopes to prevent damage to any structure that exists on the top of the slope.  

Q: Does the group use actual rain for testing?

A: No because natural rain is inconsistent and varies from a light drizzle to heavy rain. We are using a consistent simulated medium-heavy rain to achieve the best results. Check out any "Rain Simulation" post for more details!

Q: What kind of soil is being tested?

A: The soil that has been tested most often thus far is a relatively fine grain soil mixed with gravel and sand. This sample was obtained from a former sand quarry turned nature reserve in Southern New Jersey. This sample was chosen because the location it was obtained from has exhibited significant slope degradation in the past. We plan on testing soil from Delaware County Pennsylvania at a later time to compare the results we find.

Q: What do you mean by slope decomposition?

A: Slope decomposition in the context of this project is defined by three main aspects. First is the loss of soil mass from the structure. This may be caused by different factors including wind and water erosion. For this project we will be simulating water erosion by creating artificial rain. The second important factor is the lessening of the slope to base angle or other changes in slope measurement. These can show the rate of change. Lastly, qualitative observations will be made before and after testing to note physical changes in the slope.

Q: What is an intra soil grid?

A: An intra-soil grid is one of the more unique constructs of this project. Though a toe wall can prevent the slope from sliding and mass from escaping, it can not prevent the movement of materials on the slope itself. To prevent material movement throughout the structure a grid will be staked into the slope itself. This should stabilize the structure internally.