Rippability

The rippability of an earth (rock) material is a measure of its ability to be excavated with conventional excavation equipment. A material may be classified as rippable, marginally rippable or non-rippable. The rippability of a material is often evaluated by an engineering geologist and/or geophysicist utilizing the seismic refraction equipment (see refraction). Rippability studies can involve the performance of seismic refraction traverses , the drilling of borings with a drill rig, the excavation of test trenches with a bulldozer with rippers or backhoe, and by geologic mapping.