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Importance of Ground Water in Civili Engineering
Importance of Ground Water in Civili Engineering
Groundwater—water under the ground where the soil is completely filled with water
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
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.
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.
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.
• Unstable subgrade
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.