Question

Which embankment has the thickness of the diaphragm at an elevation less than 10 meters or the height of the embankment above the corresponding elevation?

(a) Diaphragm type dam

(b) Zoned type dam

(c) Non-homogenous earth dam

(d) Homogenous earth dam

This question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.

Question is taken from Types of Earthen Dams in section Earthen and Rock Fill Dams of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Diaphragm type dam

For explanation: The thickness of the core differentiates the diaphragm embankment from the zoned type embankment.

Embankment type

The thickness of core or diaphragm

1. Diaphragm-type embankment

< 10 m or

< the height of embankment

2. Zoned-type embankment

≥ 10 m