Question:

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Free board is the additional height of the dam provided as a safety factor to prevent overtopping due to unexpected runoff or by wave action.
Statement II: Free board is the vertical distance between the designed water elevation and the elevation of the top of the dam before settlement.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

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Always remember that freeboard is a safety limit that must remain active throughout the lifetime of the dam.
Because earthen structures settle over time, freeboard is always measured relative to the settled height, not the newly constructed pre-settlement height.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
  • Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Freeboard is a crucial safety parameter in the design of dams, embankments, and levees.
It serves as a physical buffer zone above the maximum designed pool level to protect the structure from hydraulic failures.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze Statement I:
Freeboard is defined as the vertical distance between the maximum designed water level in the reservoir and the top of the dam.
Its main purpose is to prevent water from spilling over the crest (overtopping) during high-wind waves, seismic activity, or unexpected flood inflows.
Since overtopping can quickly erode and destroy an earth-fill dam, maintaining adequate freeboard is critical for safety.
Thus, Statement I is correct.
Let us analyze Statement II:
When an earthen dam is constructed, the soil consolidates and settles over time, reducing the height of the crest.
Therefore, the minimum required freeboard must be maintained after all settlement has taken place.
Design engineers calculate the freeboard height relative to the settled top of the dam.
To account for this, extra height (settlement allowance) is added during construction, but the true freeboard refers to the post-settlement state.
Thus, Statement II is incorrect.

Step 2: Final Answer:

Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
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