Practical issues in design and construction of dam earthworks

The paper describes examples of common pitfalls in design and construction of earthworks to construct dam embankments retaining large raised reservoirs, focusing mainly on new flood storage reservoirs. It concludes with key considerations for clients, engineers and contractors. It is intended as a briefing to less-experienced colleagues, rather than repeating information in standard textbooks. It is structured to follow the process from initial planning of the source(s) of earthworks through design and construction to operation and maintenance issues.