Question

If the uplift increases and the net effective downward force reduces, the resultant will shift towards the toe.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me during an internship interview.

This key question is from Gravity Dams topic in chapter Gravity Dam Design and Construction of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Right option is (a) True

The best explanation: The resultant shifts towards the toe if the uplift increases and the net effective downward force reduces. This further increases the compressive stress at the toe and further lengthening the crack due to the development of tension. It finally leads to the failure of the toe by direct compression.