The concrete‐face rockfill dam (CFRD) is currently being used with increasing frequency throughout the world. It has substantial advantages over the earth‐core rockfill dam, the common alternate dam type considered. The CFRD is considered to have high fundamental safety, especially against strong earthquake shaking, and to be appropriate for use for very high dams. Placing the rockfill embankment in stratified layers, with the larger rocks in the bottom of each layer, is desirable practice. Crest settlements are relatively low, and decrease in rate rapidly after the first few years. Static stability analyses are not used for CFRD design. It is believed safe and reasonable to build spillways over CFRDs.

The writers discuss and give opinions on the main details of design and construction for the concrete‐face rockfill dam, including toe slab foundation treatment, dimensions, reinforcing, and grouting; face slab thickness, concrete quality, reinforcing, joints, and construction; the parapet wall and camber; and rockfill embankment foundation treatment, zoning, rock grading, rock quality, and construction. Current practice and recent trends are assessed and commented upon. Empirically derived specifications are offered.