Geotechnical Considerations for Hydro

Projects
 Contents

1. Bearing capacity of subsurface soil................................................................................................ 0

2. Seepage through soil/ rock ............................................................................................................ 0
3. Expansive Soils................................................................................................................................ 0
4. Compressible Soils.......................................................................................................................... 1
5. Slope Stability ................................................................................................................................. 1
6. Proper site geotechnical investigations planning ......................................................................... 1
7. Joints, faults and shears in rocks ................................................................................................... 1
8. Shoring/ Support for Excavations .................................................................................................. 1
9. Installation of subsurface water monitoring system .................................................................... 2
10. Seismic Study of the project area .............................................................................................. 2
11. Liquefaction ................................................................................................................................ 2
12. Selection of suitable material for foundation (if require) ......................................................... 2
13. Soil improvements techniques ................................................................................................... 3
14. Special consideration for Lime Stone ......................................................................................... 3

References
 GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR HYDRO PROJECTS

Geotechnical considerations for Hydrological Projects

Geotechnical considerations are of great importance while designing a hydrological

project. Dam, reservoir, watersheds, storm water catchment areas, barrages, canal and
other hydrological projects need in depth analysis of geotechnical aspects of the site
area and how project area is going to be affected.
Below are major geotechnical considerations.

1. Bearing capacity of subsurface soil

Bearing capacity of the soil is the most prime value needed to establish the strength of
the soil. All the loads from structure are going to rest on the subsurface bearing stratum.
The subsurface area must be investigated properly through in-situ and laboratory
testing. The bearing capacity will determine the type, depth and location of the
foundation of the dam or any other waterbody.

2. Seepage through soil/ rock

Seepage is the major consideration while handling hydrological projects. The soil at the
surface and subsurface area should be investigated properly to determine the amount of
seepage and seepage path as seepage badly effects the soil conditions and hence project
can be damaged. Proper filters are designed in embankment dams in order to keep
seepage control so that piping can be avoided.

3. Expansive Soils

The expansive soils (soils that undergo expansion when water is added in them) can
prove fatal for the foundation of the project. The seepage of water will cause expansion
of the soil and soil will exert an uplift pressure on the footing and footing may be
damaged if not properly designed for expansive soils. If expansive soils are found
during investigation phase these can replaced or improved with different techniques
(like pre-wetting) in order to avoid damage, in future, cause by them
 GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR HYDRO PROJECTS

4. Compressible Soils

The compressibility is other main issue when soils are loaded and come in contact with
water. The excessive settlement of soil will cause failure of the foundation. This needs
to be examined before starting of construction.

5. Slope Stability

As mostly dams are constructed in hilly regions the slope stability is of great concern.
Slope design and its analysis under different water level conditions in reservoir is of
critical concern. Slope should be analyzed for Maximum water level, minimum water
level and normal water levels anticipated in the reservoir. Water exerts pressure on the
surrounding slopes. The infiltration of water in slopes should be checked and monitored
properly in order to avoid slope failure.

6. Proper site geotechnical investigations planning

The success of hydrological project is mainly dependent on its geotechnical design. The
site area needs to be investigated comprehensively. A site investigation plan should be
designed and tests must be carried out with relevant guidelines and under supervision
of experienced staff. The collection of correct data from site will further ensure the safe
design of the project.

Site investigations generally include borehole drilling, SPT, CPT, Pressure meter test,
sample collection (disturbed and undisturbed), and piezometer installation (for
subsurface water monitoring).

7. Joints, faults and shears in rocks

In water bodies we often come in contact with rocks. The rocks must be investigated
and their associated problems like joins, faults should be identified and weak rocks must
be strengthened using suitable method.

8. Shoring/ Support for Excavations

Excavations are required for the construction of foundations of project. The stability of
excavations is critical when dealing with soils in comparison with rocks. The temporary
 GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR HYDRO PROJECTS

or permanent shoring system, whichever is needed, must be constructed to avoid

excavation failures.

Shoring wall can be lagging with struts, or with grouted ground anchors or diaphragm
concrete wall.

9. Installation of subsurface water monitoring system

As the water level can fluctuate with seepage in subsurface so a properly designed
system of monitoring wells and piezometers should be installed to record fluctuations
in subsurface water conditions. The subsurface water level greatly effects the properties
of foundation soil also it exerts upward pressure on the foundation that’s why it critical
to measure it to avoid any damage.

10. Seismic Study of the project area

Seismic activity can cause havocs in large water body projects. The seismic study is
very critical in areas where active fault lines are present. The foundation and
superstructure of the project must be designed accordingly to withstand the impact of
anticipated earthquake.

11. Liquefaction

Liquefaction prone areas must be investigated before while site investigation phase.
The seismic activity can trigger liquefaction that can cause damage to the structure.
Preventive measures must be taken in areas where liquefaction is an issue.

Liquefaction occurs where loosely compacted sand is present near surface and
groundwater level is also very shallow. Whenever these two conditions are present and
an earthquake comes there is high possibility of liquefaction in the area.

12. Selection of suitable material for foundation (if require)

In many cases the existing subsurface soil or rock does not possess good strength.
Geotechnical engineers are require to select the most appropriate material for
replacement as a foundation material. This task requires deep analysis and experience
as it’s directly related to stability of the structure.
 GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR HYDRO PROJECTS

Field and laboratory tests like sieve analysis, compaction index, expansion index,
Atterberg limits, strength test (compaction tests) and seepage analysis tests are
generally performed for the selection of the suitable material.

13. Soil improvements techniques

In hydrological projects, seepage is of main concern. As, the soil is a heterogeneous

and porous material it allows water to seep through it. One of the main geotechnical
design issue id to control this seepage t a limited value. For, this purpose the in-situ soil
is generally treated with lime, cement to decrease its permeability and it also increases
its bearing capacity.

14. Special consideration for Lime Stone

In many areas, lime stone is present in subsurface and in the adjacent slopes which
needs special attention. Lime stone has the ability to dissolve in water this will cause
washing of foundation material, wherever lime stone is present, and the adjacent slopes
may fail as cavities will be formed in slopes due to dissolution of lime stone in reservoir
water.

References:

Geotechnical Engineering of Dams, 2nd edition 2015, Robin Fell, Petric Macgregor,
David Stapledon & Mark Foster; CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group

Design of Small Dams, United States Department of the Interior Bureau of

Reclamation, 3rd Edition 1987