Definition: Rock-fill dams are embankments of compacted granular soil in combination with imprevious areas. The soil udes contains a coarse granulometry, thus the term rock-fill. Rockfill dams must contain an impervious zone, usually selected earth with filter zones, comprising a substantial volume of the dam. Rockfill dams are effective because the force of the river or reservoir hits the core of the embankment, is exerted in a downward direction, and transferred to the solid foundation of the dam. If clay is used as imprevious material the dam is called a composite dam.
To reduce internal erosion, geosynthetics filters are used to prevent soil migration.Filters are specifically graded soil designed to prevent the migration of fine grain soil particles. Rock-fill dams are resistant to damage from earthquakes.
