Total Pressure per unit Area for Dams on Soft Foundations Calculator

Total Pressure Formula:

\[ P_0 = D \times W \times \left(\frac{S + e}{1 + e}\right) \]

Depth of Dam:

Specific Weight of Water:

KN/m³

Degree of Saturation:

Void Ratio:

Total Pressure (P₀):

1. What is Total Pressure per unit Area for Dams on Soft Foundations?

Definition: This calculator determines the total pressure exerted per unit area at a given point in dams built on soft foundations.

Purpose: It helps civil engineers assess foundation stability and design appropriate support structures for dams on soft soil.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ P_0 = D \times W \times \left(\frac{S + e}{1 + e}\right) \]

Where:

\( P_0 \) — Total pressure per unit area (KN/m²)
\( D \) — Depth of dam (m)
\( W \) — Specific weight of water (9.81 KN/m³)
\( S \) — Degree of saturation (%)
\( e \) — Void ratio (±5%)

Explanation: The formula accounts for water pressure and soil characteristics to determine the total pressure distribution.

3. Importance of Pressure Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure calculation ensures dam stability, prevents foundation failure, and helps in proper material selection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the depth of dam, specific weight of water (default 9.81 KN/m³), degree of saturation (%), and void ratio (±5%). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is void ratio in soil mechanics?
A: Void ratio is the ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of solids in a soil mass.

Q2: Why is degree of saturation important?
A: It indicates how much of the void space is filled with water, affecting soil strength and compressibility.

Q3: What's a typical void ratio for soft foundations?
A: Soft clay foundations typically have void ratios between 0.6 to 1.5, depending on composition.

Q4: How does depth affect total pressure?
A: Pressure increases linearly with depth due to the weight of overlying material.

Q5: What safety factors should be considered?
A: Engineers typically apply safety factors of 1.5-3.0 depending on soil conditions and importance of structure.