Specific Gravity of Water given Neutral stress per unit area for Dams on Soft Foundations Calculator

Formula:

\[ W = \frac{\sigma_{Neutral\ stress}}{D \times (1 + \frac{h}{L_n})} \]

Neutral Stress (σ):

Depth of Dam (D):

Height of Dam (h):

Minimum Safe Length (L_n):

Tolerance:

Specific Weight of Water (kN/m³):

1. What is Specific Gravity of Water in Dam Foundations?

Definition: This calculator determines the specific weight of water based on neutral stress parameters in dam foundations.

Purpose: It helps civil engineers assess water pressure effects on dam foundations, particularly for soft foundation conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ W = \frac{\sigma_{Neutral\ stress}}{D \times (1 + \frac{h}{L_n})} \]

Where:

\( W \) — Specific weight of water (kN/m³)
\( \sigma_{Neutral\ stress} \) — Neutral stress in soil mass (Pa)
\( D \) — Depth of dam (m)
\( h \) — Height of dam (m)
\( L_n \) — Minimum safe length of travel path (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates water's specific weight by considering the stress distribution in dam foundations.

3. Importance of This Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation helps ensure dam stability, proper foundation design, and safety against water pressure effects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter neutral stress in Pascals, dimensions in meters, and tolerance percentage. The calculator provides the specific weight and its tolerance range.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is neutral stress in dam foundations?
A: Neutral stress is the stress taken by pore water in soil, affecting the dam's foundation stability.

Q2: Why include a tolerance percentage?
A: The tolerance accounts for measurement uncertainties and material variations (±5% default).

Q3: What's a typical specific weight of water?
A: Pure water is about 9.81 kN/m³, but this can vary with temperature and dissolved solids.

Q4: How is minimum safe length determined?
A: It's based on seepage analysis and foundation material properties.

Q5: When would values differ significantly from 9.81 kN/m³?
A: In cases of high sediment content, temperature variations, or saline conditions.