noun
- Cracks or fractures in rock or concrete caused by the pressure or movement of water.
Usage: technical; geology/engineering
verb
- To break or fracture (rock or other material) through the application of water pressure or hydraulic force.
Usage: technical; geology/engineering
Examples
- The dam inspection revealed several hydrocracks in the concrete foundation.
- Water pressure hydrocracks the bedrock during the freeze-thaw cycle.
- Engineers studied how hydrocracks develop in limestone formations.
- The geological survey identified hydrocracks that threatened the structural integrity of the tunnel.
- Repeated freezing and thawing hydrocracks the stone surface over time.