Critical Condition of D/S Slope in Reservoir

The critical condition of d/s (downstream) slope in a reservoir occurs when the reservoir is full. Let's understand this in detail.

Factors Affecting Stability of Slopes in Reservoir

The stability of slopes in a reservoir is affected by various factors like:

- Water level in the reservoir
- Pore pressure in the soil
- Seepage forces
- Soil characteristics (e.g. soil type, grain size distribution, shear strength, etc.)
- Slope geometry (e.g. slope angle, slope height, etc.)

Critical Condition of D/S Slope in Reservoir

Out of the above factors, the water level in the reservoir plays a significant role in determining the critical condition of d/s slope. When the water level in the reservoir rises above a certain level, it exerts a hydrostatic pressure on the d/s slope. This hydrostatic pressure can cause the soil particles to lose their shear strength, leading to slope failure. This is known as the critical condition of d/s slope.

To avoid this critical condition, it is important to ensure that the slope is designed with an adequate safety factor. The safety factor is the ratio of the resisting forces (e.g. soil strength) to the driving forces (e.g. hydrostatic pressure). A safety factor of 1 indicates that the driving forces are equal to the resisting forces, and the slope is at the verge of failure. A safety factor greater than 1 indicates that the resisting forces are greater than the driving forces, and the slope is stable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the critical condition of d/s slope in a reservoir occurs when the water level in the reservoir rises above a certain level, leading to a hydrostatic pressure that can cause the slope to fail. To avoid this critical condition, it is important to design the slope with an adequate safety factor.