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Case History of TGSB at Curtorim, Goa, with Static and Seismic Analysis

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Abstract

Recently, a number of embankments all over the world have failed due to floods and earthquakes, while TGSBs (Traditional Goan Saraswat Bunds) a sustainable ancient embankment which carry coconut trees on the top are outlasting all of them. A case history in geotechnical engineering practice study was conducted of typical set of TGSB in Curtorim village of Goa to scientifically investigate the factor of safety of these embankments. A proper computer-aided analysis of the TGSB is done in this paper using commercially and academically available software GeoStudio2019 (SLOPE/W, QUAKE/W and SEEP/W). For the analysis using the very versatile abilities of GeoStudio2019, the extra reinforcement provided by the coconut root is considered while inputting the values for density, shear parameters and vibration damping in soil. The analysis is divided into different categories, and the respective factors of safety for each are determined. The variation in safety due to the effect of coconut tree root reinforcement is found out. Study of static stability also done shows the increase in factor of safety is almost doubled due to coconut roots. Seepage through the TGSB is minimal. The dynamic factor of safety is high due to the spring action damping of coconut roots. The effect of different earthquakes from around the world was also studied for their effect on the TGSB, and it was seen that higher acceleration of earthquakes has a greater destabilizing effect on the TGSB. This is demonstrated by the continuous existence of these structures through millennia.

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adapted from USGS images from the internet)

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(source Google maps)

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Code availability

Software used is available commercially on the net.

Abbreviations

z :

Depth from surface

γ :

Bulk unit weight (kN/m3)

w n :

Natural moisture content (%)

G s :

Specific gravity of soil

c :

Shear cohesion component of soil (kN/m2)

ϕ :

Shear friction component of soil (º)

w L :

Liquid limit of soil (%)

w P :

Plastic limit of soil (%)

E :

Elastic modulus of soil (kN/m2)

ν :

Poisons ratio of soil

e 0 :

Initial void ratio of soil

k h :

Horizontal coefficient for acceleration for earthquake

FoS:

Factor of safety

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The authors declare they have no financial interests. No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi Goa, 403 401, India

    Leonardo Souza & Purnanand Savoikar

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  1. Leonardo Souza
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Souza, L., Savoikar, P. Case History of TGSB at Curtorim, Goa, with Static and Seismic Analysis. Indian Geotech J 52, 542–555 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-021-00591-y

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