A typical minimum factor of safety for overturning and sliding is what?

The typical minimum factor of safety for overturning and sliding is 1.5. This factor of safety is important in civil engineering and structural design because it provides a margin of safety in case of unexpected loads or conditions.

In the case of overturning, the factor of safety of 1.5 helps ensure that the structure remains stable under various loading conditions, including dynamic loads such as wind or seismic activity. For sliding, this factor ensures that the forces acting to cause the structure to slide do not exceed the resisting forces, thus maintaining the integrity of the structure.

A factor of safety lower than 1.5 could not adequately account for uncertainties in material properties, construction tolerances, and environmental factors, which can lead to failure. Conversely, factors of safety significantly higher than 1.5 may result in unnecessary material use and costs. Therefore, the choice of 1.5 strikes a balance between safety, performance, and efficiency in structural design.