Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

STRUCTURE DRAINAGE 

 

Introduction to the Problem  

According to Cedergren, 1989, any well drained 

structure is inherently safer and more 

economical than if constructed without 

drainage.  This is because the placement of 

relatively impermeable structural elements, such 

as a concrete foundation or retaining walls, 

against water-bearing earth leads to two 

damaging conditions: 

 

1.  Excess uplifting or overturning pressures 

caused by trapped water. 

2.  Channeling of seepage and piping caused by 

the presence of permeable discontinuities. 

 

Strict adherence to sound drainage principles is 

probably the most important single aspect of the 

design of structures constructed adjacent to 

water-bearing soils.  Almost every serious 

failure of structures of these kinds has been 

caused by lack of control of groundwater or 

seepage.