Question

The factor of safety against overturning generally varies between ___________

(a) 2 to 3

(b) 1.5 to 2

(c) 0.5 to 1.5

(d) 1 to 2

This question was addressed to me in an online interview.

Question is taken from Gravity Dams topic in chapter Gravity Dam Design and Construction of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) 2 to 3

To elaborate: Factor of safety against overturning can be determined by the ratio of righting moments about the toe to the overturning moments about the toe. The value generally varies between 2 to 3.