The Design of Rock-Fill Dams

The de sign of rock-fill dams is discussed in this paper. The term is defined, and a short history is given of the origin and evolution of the type, together with a description of some of the important dams that have been built. The major elements of a rock-fill d a m include the foundation, the nature of the rock of which the dam is constructed, the dimensions of the loose rock-fill, settlement, the impervious element on the water face, the intermediate rubble cushion, and expansion joints. The limiting conditions under which such dams should be built are considered.

During the past 75 years there has been developed, in California and other Western States, a dam of a distinctive type which is of sufficient importance to warrant description. This is the rock-fill dam, which in recent years has been built to heights such as 270 ft. at Dix, in Kentucky, or 328 ft at Salt Springs, in California. Although there is a general agreement among engineers as to the principal features of this type of dam there are sharp differences of opinion regarding details of construction. It has been thought desirable to give a description of the elements of rock-fill dams in order that the present stage of this evolution may be presented and the differences among engineers discussed.

The description includes a definition of the term, Rock-Fill Dams, an historical sketch of the evolution of the type, with details of construction, of some representative dams, the elements of the de sign, the material and methods use d in construction, the limiting conditions under which such dams may be built, and the behavior of the dam after completion and when subjected to the water load.