earth dams
Water Wise farmers build earth dams: Part 7 – The core of the dam and construction methods
The core must consist of the densest available material at the site, such as clay. The material must be moist and well compacted or rolled in thin layers of uniform thickness. If the clay is too wet, the wall will be unstable. The different layers must be built up[...]
Water Wise farmers build earth dams – Part 6: Dam wall designs
by Jan van Heerden, M Eng Tec This month we share a collection of cross-sectional dam wall designs for different scenarios. We also look at polypropylene as a sealing material. Suitable, uniform impervious building material on an impervious foundation. Pervious building material on a limited quantity of impervious building[...]
Water wise farmers build earth dams – Part 1: Types of dams
by Jan van Heerden, M.Eng Tec Earth dams protect a farmer against potential devastating dry spells and this month we start a new series on this huge, but important construction. It is a huge initial expense to build an earth dam, but the long term benefits exceed the capital[...]