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Geological Engineering · Q14

Case Studies and Applied Geological Engineering Projects

Engineering and GATE · Geological Engineering · question 14

Q14

What factor caused the failure of the St. Francis Dam (California, 1928)?

A.
Poor rock quality and geological mapping
Answer
B.
Excessive rainfall
C.
Foundation scour
D.
Overloading

Answer: Option A

Solution

Answer: Option A
Solution:
The St. Francis Dam failed due to lack of understanding of the geological conditions, particularly weak schist and faulted rock under the dam. It highlighted the importance of geological surveys in dam safety.