(ii) Foundation Characteristics An embankment dam can be constructed on almost any kind of foundation. Foundation characteristics mainly affect the foundation treatment which, in some cases, may be the most difficult and important part of the design and construction of an embankment dam. Besides, the embankment dimensions would be considerably influenced. For example, a softer foundation would necessitate an embankment with flatter slopes, broader cross-section, a larger freeboard (to mitigate the effects of embankment settlement), considerations for differential settlement cracks, and measures for control of underseepage to avoid the danger of piping.
