FINAL EXAMINATION SCHEME

BFC34402
NO.
Q1(a)

ANSWER

Water that percolates through earth dams and their foundations can carry soil particles that
are free to migrate. The seepage forces tend to cause the erodible soil or soft rock to move
towards the downstream face of the dam.
3

Solution to avoid : (any answer)

1) Use suitable soil filter criteria
2) Field exploration and geological mapping for dam projects should identify the
important soil and rock formations that could cause failure by internal piping or
heave. The geotechnical properties of these materials should be thoroughly
investigated. If the materials are proven to be unsuitable then remedial action
should be taken to improve their geotechnical properties.
3) All new dams and reservoirs should be carefully observed and monitored once in
service to detect the development of unsafe conditions. If seepage quantities
increase or if there is an unexplained change in seepage conditions then protective
measures should be put into action.

Q2(b)(i)

Q2(b)(ii)

4) Such actions should include lowering the reservoir and placing weighted filters over
areas where seepage discharges occur.
2

q kH

Nf
m
4
m2
5 10 9 7.5m 1.875 10 8
Nd
s
8
s @ 1.875 x 10-4 m2/s
5

H = 7.5 m
H 7.5m

0.9375m
N
8
d
h =
Q2(b)(iii)

Seepage pressure at point P :

9 0.9375 2.4 6.75m

Q2(b)(iv)

The pore water pressure at point P = 6.75 m x 9.81 = 66.22 kN/m2

H 0.9375

0.302
3.1
The max exit gradient = l

5mark