Question

What is the recommended formula for top width of a very low dam?

(a) H + 3

(b) 0.2H + 3

(c) 0.2 H

(d) H + 5

The question was posed to me in an online interview.

This intriguing question comes from Design Criteria of Earth Dams topic in section Earthen and Rock Fill Dams of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) 0.2H + 3

To elaborate: The top width (A) is generally governed by minimum roadway width requirements in case of small dams. The top width of the earth dam for very low dams is given by –

A = H/5 + 3 where H is the height of the dam.