11 SURVEY INFORMATION AND DESIGN CONSIDERATION FOR CHECK DAM

11.1 Introduction
A check dam is a small barrier which is a non-vegetative erosion control practices constructed of
rocks, sand bags, gabion placed across a drainage way, gully or natural channel. Check dam reduces
the effective slope of the natural drainage or channel, thereby reducing the velocity of flowing water,
allowing sediment to settle and controlling erosion.

11.2 Function
 The main purpose is to prevent the down cutting (erosion) of channel, gullies by reducing the
runoff velocity.
 Raise the bed level and reduce the slopes in a gully by silting up and trapping the silt from
going downstream, and support the unstable side slopes and prevent channel and lateral
erosion
 Reduce the water depth by widening the gully or channel bed, and promote water percolation
in the soil, and conserve water for plant growth for stabilizing banks.
11.3 Sites
 Any loose or active gully or natural drainage (Kholshi)
 In any rill (a shallow channel cut by water flowing over rock or soil) that threatens to enlarge
 In general anywhere on a slope where there is a danger of scour from running water

11.4 Materials

Types of Check dam General Advantages Disadvantages

characteristics

Brushwood Check Dam  Made of wooden  Simple,  Takes long time

poles and brush,  Use local for the check
 Least permanent of materials, Low dams to develop
 all the other types, cost, the roots and get
 Suitable for small  After the roots established
gullies of 1 to 2 and shoots
meters in depth, come out, they
 Low cost, where can form a long
materials are locally term barrier
available.

Loose Stone Check Dam  Made of loose stones  Use local  If not made
or rocks, materials properly and
 Stability and strength  Simple sizeable stones
depend on the size of  Low cost are not used, the
rocks and quality of (where stones stones will be
the construction, and  are abundantly moved by the
 Commonly used in available) large water flow,
the gully control and they may be
works, where stones quickly damaged
are abundantly
available
Boulder Check dam  Made of big boulders  Use locally  Transportation of
or rocks. available the big boulders
 Stability and strength materials, such is difficult
depend on the size of as boulders, (especially, if not
the boulders or rocks  Simple Low located upslope
and quality of the cost (where of the site)
construction. boulders are  Large voids, if
 Commonly used in  abundantly not properly filled
the gully control available) up in the dam,
works, where  If properly may create water
boulders or rocks are made, are jets, which could
abundantly available almost like a be destructive if
permanent directed towards
 structure and banks
durable
Gabion Check dam  Made with wire  Flexible and  Costlier than
crates permeable loose stone or
 Suitable, where boulder
(Gabion Boxes) of land mass is structures
different sizes filled unstable  Gabion has to be
with stones,
 Economical brought from
 ƒ Flexible, compared to outside or
other solid imported, not
 ƒ Preferred where
structure locally available;
big boulders are not
so the
available
community has
to bear the cost
of the gabion
 Need skilled
labor for their
construction

Masonry Check dam  Made of cement  Permanent and  Costly Materials

masonry or concrete solid structure (cement, rods)
 Not commonly used  Have aesthetic are not locally
in ordinary locations, look available
except to protect  Need more
important engineering
infrastructures such design, and
as road, building etc skilled labor for
the construction

11.5 Nomenclature of Check Dam

 Figure 11-1: Front view of Check Dam.

Figure 11-2 : Plan View of Check Dam

11.6 Practical Features

 Choose locations for the check dams so that the maximum effect can be achieved using the
minimum possible volume of construction. Provide check dams at natural nick points and foot
of debris heap. In most cases gullies are so irregular that the spacing of check dams will be
determined by the actual field conditions. If the gulley is fairly regular, the spacing of check
dams can be determined using the relationship :
i. Horizontal distance between successive check dams:

Where d = spacing between two successive check dams

H = height of the heck dam up to the notch
So= existing slope of bed in %
Se=stabilizing slope of bed in % (in general it is 3 - 5 %)

ii. Heede and Mufich states that

Where, X = check dam spacing in meters,

 HE= effective dam height in meters as measured from the gulley
bottom to the spillway crest.
S = Slope of the gulley floor
K = Constant = 0.3 when tanS 0.2 and
=0.5 when tanS 2
 Excavate a foundation in the gully bed until you find a sound layer to build on. The base of the
dam should be at least 660 mm thick if it is one meter high; for every additional meter of
height, add a further 330 mm to the width.
 Construct the check dam using the best-drained and most cost-effective materials. If possible,
use dry stone masonry or gabions to improve drainage. If this will not work, use concrete-
bound mortar.
 If using concrete-bound masonry, include weep holes to drain water from behind the check
dam and reduce hydrostatic pressure.
 The ends of the dam should be keyed right into the gully sides and should be raised at least
250 mm to form a central spillway or notch: this ensures that water coming over the dam will
then run down the middle and not scour the ends.
 An apron must be provided below the dam to ensure that energy is dissipated and that flow
continues in the center of the gully below the check dam.
 If there is a risk of people or animals damaging the top of the dam, or if it is in a gully likely to
take a large flow of water, point the top layer with cement mortar.
 Once the construction of the check dam is completed, backfill behind the wings and sides, and
compact the fill thoroughly.

11.7 Design considerations of check dam

Generally the main parameters which are considered in the design of a check dam are

a) Geological and Topographical Conditions

Valley slope (Bank slope), longitudinal gradient are essential topographical information required for
the design of a check dam. The spacing, base length, height of a check dam is determined based on
the existing bed slope of a stream, torrent.
Additionally a check dam is always founded at the stable ground or firm soil formation. Location of
stable soil formation, rock outcrop, soil materials and its properties are some of geological parameters
determined during the site investigation.

b) Hydrological Parameters
In the design of a check dam, the rate of run off is more important particularly the maximum rate at
which run off is likely to occur. This is the flow which a spillway of check dam must accommodate. The
geometry (breadth, depth, & form) of the spill section and stilling basin depends on the rate of water
flow, high water, bed load, their velocity and a possible mudflow. For these reasons it is necessary to
calculate the hydrological parameters prior to the design of a check dam.

c) Debris and Hydraulic Forces

A check dam is to resist the mud flow and other hydraulic forces like hydrostatic forces,
d) Structural stability of check dam
Check dams are designed for safety against overturning, safety against sliding, and safety against the
bearing pressure on the foundation soil due the possible debris load and other hydraulic forces

11.8 Design of a Check Dam

a) Site Selections
Following considerations need to be taken for the selection of sites for the construction of check dams
i. The site should be wide enough to limit specific runoff
ii. A check dam should be made at a straight and firm stream bed and bank
iii. Stable site should be located for the base foundation and side foundation
iv. The selection of the site is also restricted by the height of the structure

b) Spacing of Check Dams

The spacing of the check dams should be so placed that the line joining the top of the lower check
dam and the bottom of the successive upper check dam gives the gradient which will give a non-
erosive velocity of flow. This gradient is known as the compensation gradient. For the general
practice, the compensation gradient is taken as 3 to 5 percent slope.

Horizontal distance between successive check dams is given by the relation:

Where d = spacing between two successive check dams

H = height of the heck dam up to the notch
So= existing slope of bed in %
Se=stabilizing slope of bed in % (in general it is 3 - 5 %)

c) Number of check dams

It is calculated from the following formula:
Number of check dams = (a-b)/H,
Where, a = the total vertical distance between the first and the last check dam in that portion of the
gully,
B = Se x d’/100 = the total vertical distance calculated according to the compensation gradient
for that portion of the gully
d’ = the horizontal distance between the first and the last check dam in that portion of the gully,
H = average height of the check dams.

d) Structural Design
Structural design involves the determination of the dimensions of the various components of the
check dam, its strength and stability. The safety of the check dams is mostly endangered by scouring.
Foundation depth and spillway size and shape have, therefore, to be selected taking scouring depth
into consideration.
Check dams are designed for:
i. Safety against overturning;
∑
∑
Where,
Σ MO=sum of the moments of forces tending to overturn about point
Σ MR=sum of the moments of forces tending to resist overturning about point
ii. Safety against sliding; and
∑
∑
Where
Σ FR = sum of the horizontal resisting forces
Σ Fd = sum of the horizontal driving forces

iii. Safety against the bearing pressure on the foundation soil.

Where, qu= ultimate bearing capacity

qmax = maximum pressure on footing

e) Hydrological Aspect
Hydrological aspect of the design of a check dam concerns to the assessment of flood flows (total
quantity of water expected to flow through the drainage) for channel or gulley. The total surface runoff
depends upon the characteristics of catchment area i.e. catchment area size, conditions of catchment,
river or drainage sections and profile, infiltration. It involves the estimation of surface runoff.

Methods of estimation of surface runoff/flood flow

a) Rational Formula
The rational method is the simplest method and depends on the area, the intensity and a factor.
Mathematically,

Where Q is the rate of run off in m3/s or cumecs

I is the rainfall intensity in mm per hour for the designed frequency for a duration equal to the
time of concentration, tc
A is the catchment in hectares
C is a dimensionless constant, run off coefficient (roughly defined as ratio of runoff to rainfall)
Rainfall intensity
 Runoff coefficient
The proportion of rain which becomes run off depends on many factors: the topography, the
vegetation, the infiltration rate, the soil storage capacity, drainage pattern, and so on. It is at the same
time the virtue of the rational formula and its weakness that all these factors are combined into single
run off coefficient C.

Catchment Characteristics C, Runoff coefficient

Steep, bare rock 0.9

Rock, steep but wooded 0.8

Plateaus lightly covered, ordinary ground, bare 0.7

Clayey soils, stiff and bare 0.6

Clayey soils, lightly covered 0.5

Loam, lightly cultivated or covered 0.4

Loam, largely cultivated 0.3

Sandy soil, light growth 0.2

Sandy soil, covered, heavy bush 0.1

Jungle areas 0.1-0.2

b) Manning Formula
A practical formula to get good results from field observations is the Manning Formula. The run off
estimation is calculated from the river bed Characteristics;

⁄ ⁄

Where v is the velocity of flow

n roughness coefficient specially known as Manning’s n
R is the hydraulic radius= A/P
S is the slope of the drainage
Q=VA
Where Q is the rate of flow in m3/s
A cross sectional area of the river/ drainage/ stream, m2
Limitations of the use of the Manning’s Formula
 The formula is not accurate for rivers with a lot of bed load or with mudflow
  The formula may be used in a firm channel where the level of the last highest peak run
off can easily be recognized.

f) Hydraulic Element Design

a) Spillway Section
The spillway section is formed by lifting the dam wings to guide the flowing water in a defined way and
to fix the place where the water should fall. The spillway section must be designed big enough
accommodate the peak runoff including the bed load. It is necessary to design a secure height of 0.3
m to 1.0 m and an inclined crown shoulder.

The spillway section can be designed by using the following formula:

Rectangular Notch: Francis’s Formula –
Q =1.84*Bsp*Hsp1.5
Where Q=Peak runoff in cumecs
Bsp= Length of the notch in meters
Hsp= Height of notch in meters
q = specific runoff = Q/ Bsp cumec /meter
Breadth of spillway section varies according to the breadth of the river bed, and shall be designed in
such a way that stilling basin is formed without endangering the banks. The symmetrical spillway
sections have different forms, such as circle segment, a trapezium, a trapezium with rounded edges,
rectangle or a triangle.
The circle segment with a big center angle holds the water together best, and does not favor the
deposition of stones in the spillway section. This form has disadvantage, that not only the power of the
water is concentrated at the lowest part but also the bed load, which results in a big abrasion. Spillway
sections with a level sole permit the water to widen, the water stream is weakened and the scouring
on the apron or in the stilling basin is reduced. Rectangular forms should be avoided unless guide
walls lead the water and bed load to the spillway section. Otherwise the crown shoulders are fully
exposed to a mud flow. The triangle form should be avoided, too, because water is concentrated in
one place.
 b) Foundation Depth
The foundations are given to a check dam to anchor it in the ground for its stability so that it does not
give away or over turn when the runoff or peak flows occur and the dam is silted up. The following
considerations need to be taken while designing and construction the foundation of a check dam:
i. The depth of foundation must be taken below the scour level;
ii. In the erodible strata if Ds is the anticipated maximum depth of scour below the designed
highest flood level including that on account of possible concentrations of flow, the minimum
depth of foundation below the highest flood level should be taken as 1.33 * Ds;
iii. The scour depth is not to be taken from the present bed level but from one to be expected in
the future after siltation of the lower check dam and after the establishment of new bed
gradient due to the reduced bed load after the erosion control;
iv. Take a 1.0 m foundation as a rule of thumb.
 c) Scour Holes
Scour occurs when the bed velocity of the stream exceeds the velocity, which can move the particles
of the bed material. Velocity varies with the gradient, the hydraulic depth and the characteristics of the
bed and the banks. When the velocity is retarded, silt is dropped; and when the velocity is increased,
silt is picked up. Scour is worse when the flow is falling. It depends more on the water depth than on
the gradient. A stream or river has to adjust its velocity to what its bed and banks can stand by
changing its section.

Figure 11-3 : Scour depth in check dam (B.Hiller, 1979)

Where, Bsp =breadth of spillway

Hsp= height of spillway
H= height of energy line
Hcr= critical height
Q= runoff
q= specific run off
h= fall height of check dam
hw= water cushion height
hs= scour water depth
hsh= scour hole depth
ls= scour hole length
hf= height of foundation
d95= grain diameter which divides bed material in a way that 95 % is smaller than d95
bsh = breadth of scour hole
 tf= foundation thickness
The scouring action of the current is not uniform and it is all along the bed width; and scouring is
deeper at the obstructions and also at bends than normal. Therefore, the maximum scour depth has
to be determined.
Scour Depth Estimation
Normal scour depth is calculated using Schocklitch’s Formula:
Scour Depth, DS = (4.75 * h0.2 *q0.57) /dm 0.35
Where, DS= Scour depth in meter below water level;
h = water level difference in meter above and below the check dam,
q = run off in cubic meters /meter width in the spillway;
dm= Grain diameter in mm which divides bed material in a way that 90 % is smaller than d m
Breadth of scour hole is calculated as:
Breadth of Scour Hole or Apron = 1.5 * Length of the Notch
Length of scour hole is calculated as:
Length of Scour Hole or the Apron = 4*(0.467 * q2/3)1.5 * h0.5
d) Side Foundations
Giving side foundations of a check dam into the gully side slopes prevents the destructive flows of
water around the dam and consequent scouring of the banks. Keying a check dam into the side
slopes and bottom of the gully greatly enhances the stability of the structure, which is important where
expected peak flow is large, and soils are highly erosive.
e) Apron
Apron must be installed on the gully bottom and protective works on the gully side slopes below the
check dam, otherwise flows may undercut the structure from downstream and destroy it. The apron
should be roughly level on its surface and go down about 0.3 m below the original bottom elevation
(Burchard H. Heede, 1976).

11.9 Strain Cases for Check Dam

The forces on the check dams changes with the course of the time. The forces on the check dam just
after the construction is different with check dam after the complete aggregation (refillment). The
various forces that are exerted on the check dam are as follows;

i. Water pressure from upstream

Immediately after the erection of the check dam, but before its refilling, the full, hydrostatic water
pressure (during high water) acts on the upward side of the check dam, approximately up to half of
the foundation
After the gradual refilling of the check dam, but before their aggradation, the water pressure is
reduced due to seepage flow. The detailed calculation gives always a value of approximately 70 % of
the hydrostatic water pressure and this is independent of the permeability-coefficient. In addition, the
normally arranged drain-holes (not especially necessary at gabion and loose stone check dams)
reduce the water pressure. The better the drainage through the drain holes and the better the
aggradation of the river bed (the more the impermeable the river bed) the less is the water pressure.
ii. Water load
Normally the water load on the spillway can be neglected.
iii. Water pressure from downstream
The water pressure from downstream can be neglected, because its amount is very small. And in
addition it acts positively.
iv. Uplift Pressure
The uplift can be read from the flow characteristics net. As a rule it can be neglected due to the
following reasons
 The standing area of the check dam is small
 The uplift is small in relation to the weight of the check dam
 The uplift forces in the check dam sides diminish towards the top
v. Soil Pressure
As soon as the check dam is refilled the soil pressure acts on the upstream check dam side. The soil
pressure can be neglected in different ways according to the different assumptions. These
calculations and experience have shown that the soil pressure is 30 % of the hydrostatic water
pressure.
vi. Total load of water and soil pressure
In considering the seepage flow the following formula is valid:
Water pressure+ soil pressure = hydrostatic water pressure
0.7 (1/2(Hs+Ha) 2 + 0.3(1/2 (Hs+Ha) 2 = 1.0 (1/2 (Hs+Ha)2
All the main (Force Cases) strain cases are shown in a simplified way.
Strain Case 1: First stage or Before Refillment
In the first stage, the check dam is not yet refilled, the full hydrostatic water pressure acts during high
water
Figure 11-4 : Strain Case 1 (Before Refillment)

Strain case 2:
Immediately after the gradual refilling
The reduced water pressure due to seepage and the active soil pressure act on the upstream check
dam side.
Figure 11-5 : Strain Case 2 immediately after refilling

Strain case 3:
Refilling is not gradual, but is caused by a mud flow which strains the dam by a bump
Figure 11-6 : Bump through mudflow

Strain case 4
It is assumed that the new river bed is completely aggraded and sole and banks are intact.

Figure 11-7 : After the complete aggradation

Strain case 5 Disaster case

It is assumed that the full water pressure acts on the wings and the active soil pressure on the actual
dam body. The banks downstream of the check dam slide down owing to the deep scour hole, and
therefore counter pressure derives only from friction.

Figure 11-8: After the complete aggradation of the new riverbed, sole and banks slide away

11.10 Static and Soil Mechanical Calculation

For the design of check dams, generally following force conditions are relevant

1. Static Analysis
Normal case (Strain Cases 1 and 2)
On the check dam the following forces act
Horizontally – From Upstream
The full hydrostatic water pressure
From downstream
The resistance of the sole and banks
Vertically – the check dam’s own weight
Mudflow Strain (Strain Case 3)
The check dam must resist the following strains
Horizontally- From Upstream
The water pressure on the shoulder
The active soil pressure on the body
From down stream
 The total resistance of the sole and banks
Vertically – the own height of the check dam
Disaster Case (Strain Case 5)
Horizontally- From Upstream
The plain water pressure on the shoulder
The active soil pressure on the body
From downstream
The friction between the banks and the dam( without the soil resistance of the banks
Vertically – Check dam’s own weight
2. Stability Check of a Check dam
i. Safety against overturning;
∑
∑
Where,
Σ MO=sum of the moments of forces tending to overturn about point
Σ MR=sum of the moments of forces tending to resist overturning about point
Forces creating overturning moments are
 The upstream water pressure
 The soil pressure of the fill material
 Eventually the mud flow strain
 Uplift
Forces creating stabilizing moments are
 The check dam’s own weight
 The total resistance of the sole and banks against the check dam (soil resistance and
friction) in the disaster case this is only friction
ii. Safety against sliding; and
∑
∑
Where
Σ FR = sum of the horizontal resisting forces
Σ Fd = sum of the horizontal driving forces
Driving forces are:
 The upstream water pressure
 The soil pressure of the fill material
 Eventually the strains of a mudflow
 Eventually the uplift
  Resisting forces are
 The total resistance of the banks and the sole against the check dam.
 The check dams can be made secure from sliding by strengthening with deep
foundation in the sole and in the banks.

iii. Safety against the bearing pressure on the foundation soil.

Where, qu= ultimate bearing capacity

qmax = maximum pressure on footing

11.11 Stabilization of Gully head

Gulley is a large ditch or valley created by running water, eroding sharply into soil, typically on
a hillside. Gullies usually originate from concentration of flowing water on the soil surface and are
almost always due to man's activities. They can start from livestock trails in overgrazed pastures,
faulty drainage from roads, neglected rills and furrows in farm lands, lodging trails, clogged drainage
canals. Gully erosion is very destructive. Vast amounts of soil are carried away and only steep canals
and ridges are left behind.
 Figure 11-9: Gully Formation

Gulley formation is hastened by heavy rainfall, when large quantities of runoff attain a high velocity
and increased erosive power.

Development of a gully

A gully develops in three distinct stages; waterfall erosion; channel erosion along the gully bed; and
landslide erosion on gully banks.

1. Waterfall Erosion

Waterfall erosion can also be broken down into three steps:

(a) First Stage

First, sheet erosion develops into rills, and then the rills gain depth and reach the B-horizon of the soil.
(b) Second Stage
The gully reaches the C-horizon or parent rock and the weak parent material is removed. A gully head
often develops where flowing water plunges from the upstream segment to the bottom of the gully.
(c) Third stage
The falling water from the gully head makes a hollow at the bottom of the gully by direct action as well
as by splashing. When the excavation has become too deep, the steep gully-head wall collapses. This
process is repeated again and again, so that the gully head progresses backwards to the upper end of
the watershed. This process is called gully-head advancement.

As the gully head advances backwards and crosses lateral drainage ways caused by waterfall
erosion, new gully branches develop. Branching of the gully may continue until a gully network or
multiple-gully systems cover the entire watershed.

Figure 11-10: Gully head advancement.

Gully control/stabilization

In gully control/stabilization, the following three methods must be applied according to the order given:

i. Improvement of gully catchments to reduce and regulate the run-off rates (peak flows);
ii. Stabilization of the gulley head to prevent the gully from “eating backward”
iii. Safe conduct of water through the gully, if it is part of the natural drainage system;
iv. Stabilization of gullies by structural measures and accompanying vegetation.

i. Improvement of gully catchments to reduce and regulate the run-off rates (peak flows)

If the cause of gully formation is denuded watershed with its accelerated runoff, re-establishment of
the vegetative cover would be the appropriate measure to take. The area must be planted with shrubs
and trees to improve the soil condition, increase infiltration and reduce surface runoff. In series cases,
the absorbing capacity of the catchment can be increased by contour bunding. Contour bunding is the
construction of low earth dams along the contour behind which the water can gradually infiltrate into
the soil. It is designed more for pasture and agricultural land.

ii. Stabilization of gully head

If the gully does not belong to the natural drainage system and stabilization is attempted by planting
only. The run off entering the gully head has to be intercepted by a diversion canal. This canal is dug
above the gully head at a distance of once or twice the depth of the gully. It should have a trapezoidal
cross section and must be designed wide enough to conduct maximum rainfall. Precautions must be
taken that not a new gully develops from the diversion canal.

Where the gullies are part of the natural drainage system, sometimes only temporary diversion canals
are dug. In this case the gully head is stabilized in a way that the gully cannot enlarge by waterfall
erosion anymore when water enters.

To stop the gully from eating back, the gradient of the gully head is first reduced to about 450. The
surface of the gully head is then stabilized by any of the following methods

 A brush cover well anchored to the ground is the most recommendable vegetative method

Figure 11-11: Stabilization of Gully head by brush cover

 Sodding may be possible in grass land, where sods are available. The sods must be nailed to
the surface.
 Riprap interplanted with cuttings is also a very recommendable method to stabilize a gully
head. The layout of the rip rap should be concave to concentrate the water in the middle. An
apron at the bottom is essential to prevent scouring
 Pole structure: In the absence of stones also a pole structure can be employed for the gully
head. It should be laid out in V shaped to concentrate the water in the center. An apron must
be constructed below and a canal above at the intake.

 Solid structures for gully head stabilization can be made of riprap, gabions, masonry or
concrete. The construction can be in the form of an arch as shown. If it is necessary to
concentrate the runoff above the gully head, there should be wing walls of earth or riprap. The
flow is conducted through a water spill or notch and falls down to the bottom of the gully bed,
which is protected by an apron
11.12 Scouring Problem
Scour refers to lowering of bed level locally, generally caused by the energy of the falling water and
bed load. The energy is destroyed in the scour hole or on the apron. If the check dams are not based
on rock, big scour holes will be created. The closer the distance between the front wall and the water
stream, the more the front wall is endangered. This distance can be increased with noses or with
consoles. Especially in gravity structures, where the body is based on the foundation, this foundation
is in danger of collapsing. So the front wall must be constructed in such a way that it can resist the
scouring forces. In addition it is important to keep the scouring always on the same level. This level
can be checked through the height of the next lower check dam or through an apron. Because the
stones of an apron get destroyed after a few years, the apron must be renewed periodically. With a
small ground weir a stilling basin can be made, where the energy of the falling water is destroyed in
the water cushion.

Measures to reduce the scouring problem

 By providing an apron
Aprons are protective layers installed on the gully bottom so that the energy of falling water
can be dissipated and prevent the structures from undercut. The materials for the apron can
be gabion mattresses, concrete floor, plum concrete etc.
The length of the apron varies from 1.5 to 1.75 of height of the check dam.
 By providing a small ground weir, a stilling basin can be made, where the energy of the falling
water is destroyed in the water cushion caused by the energy of the falling water
 Bank protection
Check dams may be destroyed if flowing water scour the gully side slopes below the
structures and produce a gap between the dam and the bank. Since water below a check dam
is turbulent, eddies develop that flow upstream along each gully side slope. These eddies are
the cutting forces. Materials like loose rock apron, gabion mattress are effective
11.13 Foundation
The foundation of gravity check dams shall be well based in the sole and in the banks. The foundation
must reach firm rock or gravel and should not be based on soil or weathered rock. With the
excavation all dead rock, soil and nonhomogeneous material (like timber remains) must be removed.
Never base structures on a slanting excavation hole. The sole for the foundation must be level. All
obstacles must be taken out and big stones or rock must be removed. Even the foundation in the
banks must be level. Build terraces with a minimum length of 30 cm.

Take a 1.0 m foundation in the sole and 0.5m in the banks as a rule of thumb.
The foundation must be deeper than the scour hole. Take a secure height of 50 cm for the foundation
(deeper than the deepest point of the scour hole).

11.14 Maintenance
Maintenance of structures and the care of plantations and vegetative methods of slope stabilization
are very important. Structures which are not maintained can have disastrous consequences for
people staying downstream by possible destruction through floods.

These tasks have the aim

 To guarantee the longest life span,

 To discover and to repair new damages in slopes and torrents as soon as possible,
 To discover in sufficiently protected areas, those which need supplementary work.
Normally maintenance and care consist of:-
a) Inspections
A checkup must be done before and after the monsoon. Basically all structures, watercourses (sole
and bank erosion, obstacles etc.) and slope protections must be checked.
b) Care of plantations, drain system and watercourses
This consists of:
Drainage: to clean out ditches, remove weeds, and to repair ditches
Slopes: where necessary grass cutting, restoration of grass cover, cutting of the bushes to mend and
to supplement afforestation, to check newly formed rills, gullies and slides with brush wood check
dams and with other vegetative methods of slope stabilization
Water courses: To clean the water courses from deposits, especially from floating wood, big stones,
weeds etc. erosion trends must be recognized and controlled immediately. Changes of water courses
must be monitored and controlled.
c) Repair work
This concerns especially structures in masonry, wood and vegetative methods of slope stabilization.
Retaining Walls: All kind of retaining walls as well as check dams and embankments have to be
checked for condition of the foundations, pressure indications, settlement, degree of derangement,
functioning of drains, damage due to rotting, hitting and abrasion etc.
Check dams: have to be checked additionally for the condition of the spillway section, scouring
damage above and below the structure, bank foundations condition of the apron and the scouring
basin, scouring activities in the banks etc.
With all these structures every damaged part has to be changed or patched up. Scouring damage
must be repaired by setting a better protection (big stones, masonry, gabions etc). Often it is not
possible to repair rotting check dams. They have to be exchanged by removing the old one or by
constructing a new one in front of the old one. A replacement is normally built in concrete. Their
replacement of whole check dams does not belong to the annual maintenance.
d) Supplementary work
Normally it is not possible to be completely successful at the first attempt. Especially in new
constructions and young plantations, damage often exceeds routine maintenance. New bank
protections are necessary, drains must be extended, new retaining structures are necessary. For that
purpose special budgets with higher amounts are needed in the first few years in contrast of normal
routine maintenance.
11.15 Definitions
 Gulley is a large ditch or valley created by running water, eroding sharply into soil, typically on
a hillside
 Aggradation: the aggradation of a river bed due to deposition of sediment generally increases
lateral instability for a single channel river or induces the development of a braided, multi channel
system. The increased lateral activity means that the river banks and existing river training works
will be subject to increased attack
 Degradation refers to the lowering of a river bed over a long river reach: scour refers to local bed
lowering such as at a river fall. It implies an extensive and often progressive lowering of the river
bed over a fairly long distance

11.16 Photographs