Upstream Slope Protection: The upstream slope of earth dam is mainly protected against wave action caused by the water in the reservoir. Usually an internal drainage system is included in the dam. When erosion occurs and beaching develops on the upstream slope of a dam, repairs should be made as soon as possible.

However, an erosion scarp less than 1 … Determination of Pore Pressure at the Bottom of each Slice 3.
There is usually a layer of "rip-rap" (rockfill), on the upstream slope surface to prevent wave damage. Failure of the dam could arise from instability of either the upstream or downstream slope, so it is important that careful design of the slope … Rock fill dams are built of coarse rock, which provides structural stability, with a concrete membrane on the upstream slope as a water barrier. However, sometimes a provision is also made against burrowing animals for preventing the failure due to damage caused by their burrowing action. Stability of Downstream Slope under Steady Seepage: When the reservoir on the u/s side of the earth dam is filled, water starts seeping through body of the dam. Upstream and d/s Slopes during and Immediately after Construction. Hydraulic-fill dams are constructed by using water for transporting the material to its final position in the dam. 1. Upstream Slope under Sudden Drawdown 4. Methods of construction of Earth Dam. Further erosion can lead to cracking and sloughing of the slope which can extend into the crest, reducing its width.