CIVL 3730 Fundamentals of Geotechnics 32 The average hydraulic gradient between GH and the soil surface EF is s 23 iy == 039 Critical hydraulic gradient, jee 10.2 _ 1.04 Yw 98 Factor of safety. ate 04 _o , 039. Note: If the factor of safety against heaving is considered inadequate, the embedded length D may be increased or a surcharge load in the form of a filter may be placed on the surface AB, the filter being designed to prevent entry of soil particles. If the effective weight of the filter per unit area is W,’ then the factor of safety becomes y'D+W;' hay, av Yw FS= hgy = igyD, average total head