Concept:
A masonry dam must be safe against sliding due to the horizontal water pressure acting on its upstream face.
The resisting force against sliding is the friction developed between the base of the dam and the foundation soil or rock.
The factor of safety against sliding is defined as
\[
\boxed{\text{FOS}=\frac{\text{Resisting frictional force}}{\text{Horizontal water pressure}}.}
\]
For a safe design of a masonry dam,
\[
\boxed{\text{Factor of Safety against sliding} \ge 1.5.}
\]
Step 1: Identify the resisting force.
The frictional resistance at the base of the dam is
\[
F=\mu W,
\]
where
\[
\mu=\text{coefficient of friction},
\]
and
\[
W=\text{weight of the dam}.
\]
This frictional force resists the horizontal water pressure.
Step 2: Apply the safety criterion.
To prevent sliding,
\[
\frac{\text{Frictional resistance}}{\text{Water pressure}}
\ge 1.5.
\]
Hence, the frictional force should be at least
\[
1.5
\]
times the water pressure.
Therefore,
\[
\boxed{\text{Frictional force} \ge 1.5 \times \text{Water pressure}.}
\]
Thus, the correct option is
\[
\boxed{(B)\;1.5\text{ times}.}
\]