Earth dams, a study

by Burr Bassell

Fig. 22.

Fig. 23.–CAN FOR DETERMINING
FRICTIONAL RESISTANCE

Fig. 24.

Fig. 25.

FIGS. 21 TO 24.–EXPERIMENTAL DIKES AND CYLINDER EMPLOYED IN STUDIES FOR THE NORTH DIKE OF THE WACHUSETT RESERVOIR; AND (FIG. 25) CROSS-SECTION OF THE DIKE.

The difference in the coefficient of friction of the same material when dry and when wet greatly modifies the form of slope. The harder and looser the particles, the straighter will be the slope line in excavation and slips. The greater the cohesion of the earth, the more curved will be the slope, assuming a parabolic curve near the top–the true form of equilibrium.