Geotextiles in Embankment Dams - Association of State Dam Safety ...

Geotextiles in Embankment Dams3.4.4 Reinforced slopesGeotextiles can be used to improve the stability of the embankment slopes by addingtensile reinforcement (fig. 3.13). This allows the slopes to be constructed at a steeperangle and can be important where expanding the dam footprint is not an option(Engemoen, 1993).Figure 3.13.—Illustration of an embankment whose slopes have been steepened byincorporating geotextile layers into the soil as slope reinforcement.3.5 Surface stabilizationGeotextiles have been effectively used with armor systems for wave erosion andscour protection associated with dams.3.5.1 Rock riprap or manufactured concrete blockGeotextiles have been successfully used as bedding when placed on the upstreamslope of dams to prevent fines from migrating through the armor system (fig. 3.14).Similarly geotextiles have been used as a bedding with armor protection for stillingbasins, plunge pools and outlet works channels.68