3.5.

Stability of upstream slope from horizontal shear developed at base under the
U/S slope of the dam
It is an approximate method for checking the stability of the u/s slope, it is based on the
horizontal shear force is exerted by the saturated soil. The resistance to this force (say Ru) is
provided by the shear resistance developed at the base of the soil mass, contained within the u/s
triangular shoulder (GMN) as shown in figure 3:5.

Figure 3:5 upstream slope portion against horizontal shear stress

1 2 2
12
= [ (45 ) + . ]
2 2 2

1 : is the weighted density at the center of triangular shoulder upstream and is given by:

. 1 + . ( 1)
1 =

Shear resistance (Ru) of u/s slope portion of the dam developed at base GN is given by:

= +

Where:

W is the weight of the u/s triangular shoulder of the dam

: the total cohesive force developed at base GN

If c is the unit cohesion of the dam soil, then C = c * ( 1), = Length GN.
1
= ( ) . . = . ( . . h)
2

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 1
= c ( 1) + (. . . h)
2

Now and are known, the factor of safety against sliding can be easily calculated, using

. =

It should be more than 1.5

The average shear stress (. ) can be calculated:

. = [ ]
1

It has been found that the maximum density of shear stress occurs at a distance 0.6 from the
hell (0.4 from the top shoulder) and is equal to 1.4 times the average shear intensity.

Maximum shear stress induced

. = 1.4 [ ]

Which is developed at point V such that GV = 0.6

The unit shearing resistance developed at this point V is given by

= + . .

Factor of safety at the point of maximum shear

=
.

It should be more than one.

3.6. Stability of downstream slope from horizontal shear developed at base under
the D/S slope of the dam
The stability of the downstream slope under steady seepage is generally tested using Swedish
slip circle method. However, the factor of safety against the horizontal shear forces can be
evaluated on the same principles as was done for the D/S slope in previous section (figure 3:6).

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 Figure 3:5 upstream slope portion against horizontal shear stress during steady state

2 2 2
22
= [ (45 ) + . ]
2 2 2

2 : is the weighted density at the center of triangular shoulder downstream, is given by:

. 2 + . ( 2)
2 =

Shear resistance (Rd) of d/s slope portion of the dam developed at base is given by:

= +

Where:

W is the weight of the d/s slope portion of dam

C = c * ( 1)

The triangular profile RTS of the d/s slope portion of the dam has an area say A1 of dry soil
above the seepage line and the area of submerged soil say A2 bellow the seepage line.

= [ . 1 + . 2] 1

= c + [ . 1 + . 2]

The entire weight W may be calculated on the basis of submerged soil, in that case.

= . (0.5 . )
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The factor of safety against shear can be determined as;

. =

The factor of safety at the point of maximum shear can also be determined in the same way as
was explained for the u/s slope portion.

3.7. Stability of Foundation against Horizontal Shear

If the foundation of earth dam consists of loose sand, unconsolidated silt or clay, it has low
shear resistance. The stability of such foundation should be checked against horizontal shear
stress.

The sudden draw down is the most critical condition for the foundation bellow upstream of the
dam.

Figure 3:6 stability of upstream foundation against horizontal shear

A horizontal shear force S acts on the vertical plane AB (figure 1-9) is given by:

12 22 1
= ( ) 2 (45 )
2 2

is the mean unit weight of the soil mass of the dam and foundation, which is weighted in
proportion to the thickness of each.

(1 2 ) + (2 )
=
1
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Where:

is the unit weight of the soil mass in the dam and is the soil mass unit weight in the
foundation.

The equivalent angle of internal friction (1 ) of purely cohesionless soil is given by:

1 tan + c
tan 1 =
1

Where

c and are cohesion and angle of internal friction respectively for the foundation soil.

The horizontal distance of upstream slope is defined by (b), the average stress is given by:

=

The maximum shear stress is taken as 1.4 times the average shear stress. The point of
maximum shear stress occurs at the horizontal distance of 0.4 b.

= 1.4
Average Shear Strength
Factor of safety against horizontal shear =
Average shear stress

Average shear strength = (s1+s2) / 2

1 = + 2 , 2 = + 1

Where:

Submerged unit weight for foundation soil mass, average submerged unit weight for
foundation and dam soil mass.

0.5 (1 + 2 )
. =

Minimum factor of safety against average horizontal shear stress is 1.5.

Factor of safety against maximum shear stress:

The shear strength at point D where maximum shear stress occurs is given by:

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 = +

( 2 ) + (2 )
=

Where:

h: is the vertical distance from upstream slope to the bottom of foundation at point D

. =

Example 5
For the dam section, as shown below check the section for

i. Sloughing of upstream slope against horizontal shear stress

ii. Stability of downstream slope against horizontal shear stress
iii. Stability of foundation against shear stress

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 Dam body Foundation
3
Saturated unit weight (kg/m ) 2160
Dry unit weight (kg/m3) 1760
Average unit weight (kg/m3) 1760
Angle of internal friction 26 8
Cohesion (kg/m2) 1950 4880

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