Control of Earth and Rockhill for Oroville Dam

The philosophy of the Department of Water Resources on engineered earthwork control and the field organization needed to accomplish this control is described, using the construction of the Oroville Dam embankment by the Department of Water Resources as an example to illustrate how this philosophy is being put into action. The intent of the construction plans, the special provisions of the specifications, and the operation of the control organization is described. The embankment materials and the various types of testing, both field and laboratory, are reviewed in detail. Particular attention is paid to the rocky nature of the soils and the size of the samples needed for effective control. The frequency and location of the testing, and the reporting procedures are illustrated. Typical average data from work accomplished are also presented.