Committee on Materials for Embankment Dams

Terms of Reference

The Committee on Materials for Embankment Dams focuses on the materials used to construct and modify embankment dams.

Recent activities of the Committee have included preparation of white papers on the Strength of Materials for Embankment Dams (2007) and The Aging of Embankment Dams (2010).

Current Activities include the following:

1. Support the ICOLD Committee on Materials for Fill Dams. This activity includes having a representative on that committee, review/editing draft bulletins, and submittal of data in support of its bulletins.
2. Finalize the draft report entitled Materials for Embankment Dams. This report is complete and ready to be posted on the USSD web site. This document will be maintained and updated periodically to reflect new technologies and practice for embankment dam engineering.
3. Finalize the white paper on Design of Riprap Slope Protection for Embankment Dams. The white paper presents procedures for the design of riprap slope protection for embankment dams. This paper is ready for review by the USSD board.
4. Prepare a companion paper to the above Performance of Riprap Slope Protection for Embankment Dams. This white paper will contain case studies of failed or poor riprap performance.
5. Prepare a White Paper on Laboratory Testing of Fill Strength Parameters for Embankment Dams. This white paper will survey laboratory testing used to determine the static shear strength of fill materials for embankment dams.
6. Actively recruit new members willing to participate in committee activities.
7. USSD representation on the ICOLD Committee on Materials for Fill Dams.

Possible future topics for the Committee to work on are:

• Prepare a white paper on Raising of Embankment Dams
• Present a Workshop on Seepage through Embankment Dams
• Prepare a white paper on dynamic shear strengths for embankment dams
• Prepare a white paper on internal erosion

For further information, to become a member of the committee, or to provide comments and/or suggestions for the committee, please contact the Committee Chairperson: