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Question:
Published on: 16 October, 2024

Describe the typical construction materials used for an earth-fill dam and their properties.

Answer:

Earth-fill dams are constructed using compacted soil or other granular materials. The core is typically made of a low-permeability material, such as clay, to prevent seepage. The primary building materials are several kinds of soil, including sand, gravel, and clay. To reduce water ingress and offer stability, these are layered and compressed.

Coarser materials are usually found in the outer layers for strength and longevity. Earth-fill dams are versatile and can be employed in a range of locations due to their flexibility to adapt to different foundation conditions. But the quality and compaction of the soil are important in their construction, and they require regular maintenance to address issues like seepage and erosion.

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