Treatment of High Embankment Dam Foundations

Because of the diversity of geological conditions found at dam sites and the variety of treatments for dam foundations, there is no such thing as a best procedure that will fit all cases. Three cases have been selected that cover the three principal divisions of geologic material to illustrate the problem involved by describing the treatment used in connection with the secondary geological conditions encountered. If general principal is to be stated, it would consist of either removing material until a foundation condition equal in competence in all respects to the structure to be placed on it is secured, or conversely, change the requirements for the materials used in the structure to match the foundation conditions encountered. Most of the work preparatory to a design will consist of grouping the foundation materials and embankment materials into comparable types, determining to produce a competent and economical structure. High dams provide a far greater opportunity and need to do this than is practical with smaller structures.