ROCK WEATHERING AND SOIL FOUNDATION

The phenomenon of rock weathering is described in simplified but complete terms. Also described are the ways in which forces and agents of nature can change relatively dense, solid rock materials into relatively loose, fragmented soil materials and how the composition and structure of the rock compares with the composition and structure of the resulting soil. The contribution of mechanical, biological and chemical processes are delineated with a thorough description and discussion of the role played by chemical processes. The relative contributions of climate, topographic relief, and rock composition and structure to the process of weathering are discussed and the overriding importance of climate and topograohic relief is demonstrated. The paper concludes with a description of typical soil profiles that develop in North American climates.

• Corporate Authors:

  Boston Society of Civil Engineers

  230 Boyston Street
  Boston, MA  United States  02116
• Authors:
  • Brierley, G S
• Publication Date: 1974-10

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 185-199
• Serial:
  • Boston Society of Civil Engineers, ASCE, Journal
  • Volume: 61
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Boston Society of Civil Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chemical processes; Climate; Properties of materials; Rock fracture; Rocks; Soil profiles; Soil structure; Soils; Topography; Weathered rock; Weathering
• Old TRIS Terms: Soil composition; Soil formation
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00097744
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1975 12:00AM