Importance of Ground Water in Civili Engineering

(THE WATER CYCLE)
Groundwater—water under the ground where the soil is completely filled with water
Groundwater moves slowly. 1 mm – 1.6 km per day
Groundwater helps keep rivers, lakes and wetlands full of water
GROUND WATER CONCEPT
 Water percolates (is being filtered) downward through permeable rock through the zone of
aeration
 Water then accumulates in the zone of saturation
 all rock pores contain water
 the water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation

 POROSITY – describes the size, shape, arrangement, cementation, and compaction of surface
material
 PERMEABLE/IMPERMEABLE – whether or not a subsurface structure permits the flow pf water
 AQUIFER - a layer of rock that is permeable to water flow
 Unconsolidated aquifer: loose sand ang gravel
 Consolidated aquifer: porous rock, often sandstone or limestone
IMPORTANCE OF GROUNDWATER IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
In general, civil-construction work can affect groundwater systems in the following ways.
1. Ground settlement (vertical movement of the ground) on nearby structures where groundwater has
been permanently or temporarily abstracted (removed).
2. Changes to groundwater levels and flows by new underground structures or flow paths.
3. Changes in groundwater quality such as introduction of rainwater or surface run off into the
groundwater table.
How does groundwater affect engineering construction?
It’s crucial that developers and planners consider risks to groundwater – and risks posed by groundwater
– throughout the project lifecycle. Excavations and foundations below the water table may alter
groundwater flow paths and change groundwater levels, potentially reducing flow to rivers, wetlands,
springs or abstraction boreholes and wells. Conversely, foundations may act as groundwater dams,
potentially causing flooding if groundwater levels reach surface.
Groundwater Issues in Construction
The position of ground water has a significant effect on the bearing capacity of soil. Presence of water
table at a depth less than the width of the foundation from the foundation bottom will reduce the
bearing capacity of the soil. The geotechnical report will take that into consideration when they provide
you with allowable bearing pressures.
Groundwater is found beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and rock formation fractures. The
flow of groundwater below the surface is a fundamental property that controls the strength and
compressibility of soil impacting soil's ability hold up on structural loads.
When soil is saturated, the soil media takes on very specific physical characteristic due to the relative
incompressibility of water. These characteristics come into effect below the groundwater surface or
table.
Common ground water issues during construction:
• Unstable subgrade
• Unstable excavation and water seepage
 During construction, if groundwater seeps into the excavation, it will need to be

removed. This can be done by placing a pump in a sump at the low end of the excavation
to remove water as it accumulates, or by placing pumps in wells around the excavation
to draw down the water table.
• Construction delays and cost overrun
Common ground water problems after construction:
• Water leaks, wet basements, and mold growth

• Cracked and uneven floors
• Cracked and uneven walls
• Unstable slopes and retaining walls
• Delayed movements of foundations
Whenever construction must take place below the water table or soil is used to retain water,
groundwater affects the project by impacting the function and design of the facility, and the cost of its
construction. Groundwater is a frequent cause of disputes between owners and contractors in
construction projects.
If we consider the construction of basements, or simple retaining walls on sloping land, there are
potential consequences on groundwater systems that can hinder, inhibit, or redirect the flow of
groundwater present beneath the surface. While the degree of impact can vary, it emphasis the
underlying importance of geotechnical, environmental, and hydrogeological assessment before, during
and after the construction work
And finally, if there are areas below grade which must remain dry such as a basement, the walls must be
waterproofed. Concrete will crack and moisture will come through if the water table is above the base.
RELEVANCE
The engineers are responsible for all the phases of a project, from initial planning and budgeting through
final construction, they need to be aware of the potential impact of groundwater during design,
construction and after construction so their decisions will be effective.

Importance of Ground Water in Civili Engineering

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(THE WATER CYCLE)

Groundwater moves slowly. 1 mm – 1.6 km per day

Groundwater helps keep rivers, lakes and wetlands full of water

GROUND WATER CONCEPT

IMPORTANCE OF GROUNDWATER IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

How does groundwater affect engineering construction?

Groundwater Issues in Construction

Common ground water issues during construction:

• Unstable excavation and water seepage

 During construction, if groundwater seeps into the excavation, it will need to be

• Construction delays and cost overrun

Common ground water problems after construction:

• Water leaks, wet basements, and mold growth

• Cracked and uneven walls

• Unstable slopes and retaining walls

• Delayed movements of foundations

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