Question

The upstream face of the earth dam is considered as _____________________

(a) equipotential line

(b) streamline

(c) streak line

(d) path line

The question was asked in quiz.

Question is taken from Design Criteria of Earth Dams topic in portion Earthen and Rock Fill Dams of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) equipotential line

For explanation I would say: Equipotential lines are the lines of equal energy. Every point on the upstream face of an earth dam will be under equal total energy, this line acts as an equipotential line. Similarly, the upstream floor of a weir acts as an equipotential line.