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• ~ <br />0 <br />balance the forces driving failure, As the FS increases above 1, the forces resisting <br />failure are relatively higher than driving forces and the slope is relatively more stable. <br />Just as importantly, as the FS dips below 1, failure is indicated. For slopes where good <br />confidence exists regarding strength values, internal geometry and ground water <br />conditions, an FS of 1.3 or above is usually adequate for non-critical situations. Instances <br />where a critical installation such as a penstock must be protected, or if there is less <br />confidence in the input parameters, require a higher FS, usually 1.5 or more. For the <br />"dry" condition, with ground water at the natural ground interface, the relative FS <br />increases to 1.2 (Fig. 12). <br />We also modeled the sensitivity of the various embankments to simulate static <br />(non-moving) heavy truck loading that would be legal for highway travel. We have not <br />analyzed the impact of multiple truck trips, other truck configurations or dynamic <br />(moving) trucks, but these are expected to negatively impact relative stability. The relative <br />FS calculated in each instance decreased about 10 percent with static truck loading, as <br />shown on Fig. 13, that indicates a relative FS of 1, compared to the result for Fig. 11, with <br />a relative FS of about 1.1. <br />Based on the assumption the existing slope configurations, truck traffic and <br />ground water conditions result in a condition of imminent failure (FS=1), we considered <br />various methods to increase the relative factor of safety. Our experience indicates the <br />most effective methods involve: <br />Provide drainaoe to control the level of ground water. An increase in the relative <br />height of the ground water level (phreatic surface) in the embankment decreases <br />stability substantially. Drainage could consist of horizontal drains or other means <br />to control ground water. Our analysis indicates drainage has a strong, positive <br />affect on relative stability. However, drainage alone (Fig. 14) does not increase the <br />relative FS above 1.5, which we believe is necessary for a critical installation. <br />Add a buttress fill of gravel and boulders to increase toe weight and thus increase <br />forces resisting failure. The buttress is relatively easily constructed in a short <br />time. Our analysis indicated a buttress fill at the toe of the embankment had the <br />most positive affect on the relative stability. Addition of a buttress fill with <br />relatively high ground water conditions (Fig. 15) brings the relative FS to about 1.3. <br />Reduce the height of the new embankment. By trimming down the new <br />embankment about 10 feet, the driving forces are decreased, thus increasing <br />stability. Our analysis indicates this has a positive, but relatively small affect on <br />overall stability. <br />Stopping truck traffic has a positive effect on overall stability. <br />PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO <br />AMES HYDRO PENSTOCK <br />CTLlT 77,Bd8 tl <br />