(8) In an artificial embankment for impounding water it is
impracticable to place reliance upon time for consolidation; it _must_
be effected by mechanical means. Again we repeat, that consolidation is
the most vitally important operation connected with the building of an
earth dam. When this is satisfactorily attained it is proof that the
materials are suitable and that the other necessary details have been
in a large measure complied with. Light rollers are worse than useless,
being a positive harm, resulting in a smoothing or “ironing process,”
deceptive in appearance and detrimental in many ways.
The matter of supreme importance in the construction of earth dams is
that the greatest consolidation possible be specified and effected.
To this end it is necessary that heavy rollers be employed, and that
such materials be selected as respond best to the treatment. There
are certain kinds of earth materials which no amount of wetting and
rolling will compact. These must be rejected as unfit for use in any
portion of an earth dam. Let the design of the structure be ever so
true to correct engineering principles, it is still necessary to give
untiring attention to the work of consolidation. It is therefore
according to the design of a thoroughly compacted homogeneous mass,
rather than to the suggested _diaphragm type_, to which modern practice
should conform. This is in harmony with Nature’s own methods, and in
conformity to correct principles.
(9) Avoid placing pipes or culverts through any portion of the
embankment. The writer considers it bad practice ever to place the
outlet pipes through a high earth dam, and fails to see any necessity
for so doing.
(10) The surface of the dam, both front and rear, must be suitably
protected against the deteriorating effects of the elements. This may
include pitching the up-stream face, the riprap work at the toe of the
inner slope, the roadway and covering of the crown, the sodding or
other protection of the rear slope, and the construction of surface
drains for the berms.
(11) Ample provision for automatic wasteways should be made for
every dam, so that the embankment can never under any circumstances
be over-topped by the impounded water. Earthquakes and seismic
disturbances will produce no disastrous effects upon an earth dam.
Its elasticity will resist the shock of water lashing backwards and
forwards in the reservoir.
(12) Finally, provide for intelligent and honest supervision during
construction, and insist upon proper care and maintenance ever
afterwards.
APPENDIX I.
High Earth Dams.
–Embankment– ––– Slopes ––– Available
Name of Dam Max. Top depths,
or Reservoir. Location. height, width, Water. Bear. ft.
ft. ft.
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