Modes of hydraulic failure in soil mechanics

Abstract

Soil failure categorizes into three main groups; loading, geotechnical, and, local failure. This study gives insight about sub-division of first two of these main categories, their characteristics and governing equations. Failure due to loading consists of sliding and overturning which both results in structural collapse of earthen structures such as dams, breakwater and such hydraulic protection. Geotechnical failure includes excess settlement, failure due to foundation plate sliding, sand liquefaction, and hydrodynamic scour. Local failure consists of erosion, scour, and partial instability. The first two main categories are considered in detail in this paper including their behavior in terms of cause and effect and brief explanation of their safety factors.

Keywords:  Hydraulic failure, Loading, Geotechnical, Liquefaction, Effective soil stress.