necessity of earth and earth rock fill dams . aswer this question for mtech in geotech related way. answer briefly

Earth and earth rock fill dams are essential for several reasons, particularly from a geotechnical engineering perspective.

1. Material Availability: Earth and rock materials are widely available and relatively inexpensive. This makes the construction of these dams cost-effective, especially in regions where these materials are abundant.

2. Flexibility: Earth and rock fill dams are flexible structures. They can tolerate differential settlement and movements caused by changes in the foundation conditions or seismic activities. This is a significant advantage in geologically unstable areas.

3. Permeability Control: The core of these dams is usually made of clay or other low permeability materials, which effectively controls seepage through the dam. The outer shells, made of more permeable materials, provide stability to the structure.

4. Adaptability: These dams can be built on a variety of foundation conditions, including soft soils and rock, making them adaptable to a wide range of geographical and geological conditions.

5. Ease of Construction: The construction techniques for earth and rock fill dams are well established and do not require highly specialized equipment or labor.

6. Durability: If properly designed and constructed, these dams can have a very long lifespan. They are resistant to weathering and erosion, and their performance can improve over time as the fill materials compact under the weight of the dam and the reservoir.

In conclusion, the necessity of earth and rock fill dams lies in their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, adaptability, and durability, which make them a preferred choice for dam construction in a variety of geotechnical conditions.