Welcome to Ali's Geotechnical Corner, where we review research shaping the geotechnical engineering field. This week, we’re spotlighting a study published in the ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering:
Wirth X., Antunez, V., Enriquez, D., Arevalo, Z., and Kanaan, R. (August 2024).“Wildfire Ash Composition and Engineering Behavior.”
With climate change and major wildfires in California, understanding the physical and chemical properties of wildfire ash becomes an important geotechnical issue. The wildfire areas and their vicinities will be impacted by rainfall, causing mudflow, and potentially damaging the downhill developments. The paper presents a full range of basic chemical and physical properties of wildfire ashes from eight recent California wildfires. The provided information will enhance reader’s understanding of the wildfire ashes and may be used for evaluating the stability of the burned areas.
The paper provides inorganic elemental composition of wildfire ashes expressed as oxide percentages, Atterberg Limits, maximum density, and hydraulic properties. In addition, relationships between composition and geotechnical behavior were hypothesized using Pearson correlation coefficients between various parameters. Reading this paper is recommended if you are working on projects at or near wildfire impacted areas.
For a deeper dive into this research and its implications, read the full paper on the ASCE website.
Stay tuned for more insights from Ali’s Geotechnical Corner, where we continue exploring cutting-edge ideas and solutions shaping the industry.
Why Choose GMU?
At GMU, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, timely, and innovative engineering solutions. Our comprehensive approach and dedication to client satisfaction make us the preferred choice for engineering services.
For more information about our services, please get in touch with us at www.GMUgeo.com.