Factor of Safety for Submerged Embankment with Sudden Drawdown

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In summary, the factor of safety for a submerged embankment with an inclination of 30° and soil properties of gtotal=18.85 kN/m3, c=37.6 kN/m2, and f=10° is determined to be incorrect as the ysub value should be (18.85-9.81) when experiencing a sudden drawdown. This is because water is still present in the embankment and can cause instability. This can be seen in the case of an Earth dam that experienced a spring on its downstream face due to poor compaction and incorrect slope ratio.
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tzx9633

Homework Statement


Determine the factor of safety (in regard to
cohesion only) for a submerged
embankment 30.5 m (100 ft) high whose
upstream face has an inclination of 30°. The
soil properties are gtotal=18.85 kN/m3 (120
pcf), c = 37.6 kN/m2 (700 psf), f=10°
b) What is the factor of safety if the
embankment experiences the effects of a
sudden drawdown?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Pls refer to the solution attached , I think it's wrong because when there's drawdown , there's no water . So , the ysub should be (18.85-9.81) , am i right ?
 

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  • #2
In a sudden drawdown, there is water. It's in the embankment, and it's trying to get out.

It's similar to the case of an Earth dam that is not wide enough for the total water height difference between upstream and downstream sides.

A local Earth dam developed a spring on the downstream face during spring runoff. It turned out that the downstream face should have had a slope of 3:1, but was only 2.6:1. Also, much of the soil in the dam was not properly compacted. That dam was removed last summer.
 

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What is the effect of drawdown of water on the environment?

The drawdown of water can have various effects on the environment. Some of the common effects include changes in the water table, soil moisture, and plant growth. It can also lead to the drying up of wetlands and streams, which can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.

How does the drawdown of water affect groundwater levels?

The drawdown of water can significantly affect groundwater levels. When water is pumped out of an aquifer, it creates a cone of depression, which lowers the water table. This can result in reduced water availability for wells and other groundwater sources.

What are the potential consequences of excessive drawdown of water?

Excessive drawdown of water can have several consequences, including land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and decreased water quality. It can also lead to the depletion of groundwater reserves, which can have long-term impacts on water availability.

How does drawdown of water impact human activities?

The drawdown of water can have a significant impact on human activities, particularly those that rely on groundwater as a source of water. This includes agriculture, industry, and domestic use. It can also affect the availability of water for recreation, such as fishing and boating.

What are some strategies for mitigating the negative effects of drawdown of water?

There are several strategies for mitigating the negative effects of drawdown of water. These include implementing water conservation measures, using alternative water sources, and managing groundwater pumping rates. It is also important to monitor and regulate groundwater withdrawals to ensure sustainable use of this vital resource.

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