EARTHEN EMBANKMENTS / EARTHEN DAMS

An earthen embankment is a raised confining structure made from compacted soil to confine runoff either for surface storage or for ground water recharge. ... When constructed across natural channel to induce channel storage, the embankment also called earthen dam.

PURPOSE: 

In hydraulic engineering and flood control, embankments are used to hold water back and for flood control respectively. Therefore, the seepage behavior is of primary importance. In road and railway construction, the settlements, particularly differential settlements of embankments are of major concern.

Earth embankments have been used since the earliest times to impound and divert water. ... the structure and which, by its weight, anchors the complete embankment to its foundation and prevents slip and other movement.

BACK TO CONTENT PANEL