Question

What is the Terzaghi’s recommended value of U/s side slope for earth dam of height less than 15m of homogenous silty clay?

(a) 2: 1

(b) 2.5: 1

(c) 3: 1

(d) 3.5: 1

The question was posed to me in final exam.

This intriguing question comes from Design Criteria of Earth Dams topic in chapter Earthen and Rock Fill Dams of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) 2.5: 1

For explanation: For earth dams of homogenous silty clay of height less than 15 m, the recommended u/s slope is 2.5: 1 and d/s slope is 2: 1. For height more than 15 m, u/s slope value is 3: 1 and d/s slope is 2.5: 1.