Design standards No. 13 : Embankment Dams. Chapter 3 - Foundation Surface Treatment

Chapter 3–Foundation Surface Treatment is an existing chapter within Design Standards No. 13 and was revised to include: Reorganized chapter content; Updated content to reflect modern construction practice; Added detail describing shaping, slush grouting, dental concrete, foundation irregularities, water removal, inspection, and foundation approval; Added figures and photographs; Added definitions; Added appendices; Updated references.

This chapter discusses foundation preparation for and placement of the first several layers of earthfill for embankment dams and appurtenant structures. Preparation includes excavating overburden ; initial cleaning and inspection; removal of unsuitable material; shaping the foundation surface by excavation and filling; excavation dewatering and unwatering; and final cleanup, inspection, and foundation approval. Final foundation cleanup is required before fill placement. 3.1.2 Scope This chapter presents design criteria for surface treatment of an embankment dam foundation to make it suitable for placement of the overlying embankment. Criteria are discussed for both soil and rock foundations. Dimensions in this chapter are listed for guidance and have been used by Reclamation on structures. Foundation treatment for concrete dams can be found in Design Standards No. 2 (Concrete Dams), Chapter 1 (Introduction). For foundation treatment for spillway s and outlet works for both embankment and concrete dams, refer to Design Standards No. 14 (Appurtenant Structures for Dams), Chapters 3 (General Spillway Design Considerations) and 4 (General Outlet Works and Diversion Design Considerations). Subsurface treatments such as foundation grouting and cutoff walls can be found in Design Standards No. 13 (Embankment Dams), Chapters 15 (Foundation Grouting) and 16 (Cutoff Walls). Foundation surface treatments such as protective filters can be found in Design Standards No. 13 (Embankment Dams), Chapter 5 (Protective Filters).