Lateral Bulging of Earth Dams

Abstract

Many earth dams exhibit lateral deformation during construction; the extent is dependent upon the stress‐strain characteristics of the embankment material. Earth dams constructed exclusively of impervious fill have the capacity to exhibit extensive plastic deformation, or bulging, of the embankment mass. The major cause of lateral bulging is molding water contents in excess of optimum. The analyses of two recently constructed earth dams, and the review of an earlier, similar experience, have led to the development of a simplified procedure for predicting the extent of lateral bulging.