Question

The collection and removal of water before it acquires high downward velocities is ensured by provision of ____________________

(a) berms

(b) freeboard

(c) burrow pits

(d) spoil banks

The question was asked in an interview for job.

The above asked question is from Failure of Earthen Dams in chapter Earthen and Rock Fill Dams of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) berms

The best I can explain: The rainwater that acquires high downward velocities causes consequent erosion which can be reduced by the provision of berms.

The provision of berms serves the following purposes –

• It behaves like a good lining for reducing losses and leakage

• They provide protection against erosion and breaches due to wave action

• They help the channel to attain regime conditions as they help in providing a wider waterway

• It can be used as borrow pits for excavating soil to be used for filling.