A laboratory approach to understand post-wildfire hydrophobicity

Presenter's Name(s)

Pawan Babu Bastola

Abstract

Wildfires induced thermal, hydrological, mechanical and chemical changes may lead to the formation of the hydrophobic layer which significantly contributes to slope failure but remains poorly understood. This study aims to develop a standardized laboratory test procedure to repeatedly create hydrophobic layer and measure its persistence and intensity, using furnace to evaluate the effects of heating durations, temperature, and moisture content. Findings suggest that prolonged and more intense wildfire events cause deeper displacement of the hydrophobic layer which may increase the susceptibility of upper soil to mass movement and enhancing slope instability.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Mandar Dewoolkar

Status

Graduate

Student College

College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Program/Major

Environmental Engineering

Primary Research Category

Engineering and Math Science

Abstract only.

Share

COinS
 

A laboratory approach to understand post-wildfire hydrophobicity

Wildfires induced thermal, hydrological, mechanical and chemical changes may lead to the formation of the hydrophobic layer which significantly contributes to slope failure but remains poorly understood. This study aims to develop a standardized laboratory test procedure to repeatedly create hydrophobic layer and measure its persistence and intensity, using furnace to evaluate the effects of heating durations, temperature, and moisture content. Findings suggest that prolonged and more intense wildfire events cause deeper displacement of the hydrophobic layer which may increase the susceptibility of upper soil to mass movement and enhancing slope instability.