Method for predicting factor of safety and seepage due to variation in dam width and other parameters

Slope stability analysis and seepage analysis are two important aspects of embankment stability. Landslides are a common risk faced by many people in the world, with this risk increased in the case of an earthfill embankment or water reservoir. People living in downstream regions are always at risk if the dam is not designed to achieve full strength. In this work, a pre-defined earthfill dam was analysed to assess its strength with variations of dam width (W_D), shear strength of the soil (τ) and dam slope angle (β). The factor of safety was considered as the dependent, with W_D, τ and β as independent variables. A pre-defined proposed dam model was analysed using limit equilibrium (LE) methods with the help of the LE software Slide. Linear regression analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software and equations were developed. The computed equations show a very close relation of all the analysed parameters. The coefficient of determination (R²) of all the developed correlations was found to be very high and the equations can thus be used in design analysis of slopes, embankments and earthfill dams.