ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the selection of an optimum design for dams within the class of earth dams. It has been noted that an earth dam is a complex system which depends on many elements, henceforth referred to as factors. These factors are both technological and design type. Design factors include the inclination of dam slopes, the width of core at foundation, the angle of core etc, while technological factors incorporate the density or compactness of core, thrust prisms, transitions, and the type of construction by horizontal and inclined layers, type of materials used for various dam components etc. Quantitative factors and qualitative ones are distinguished. The chapter presents examples of fractional factor analysis, together with selection of variable factors and representation of computations. The method of fractional factor analysis reduces the amount of computations and simplifies the selection of the optimum solution, which is a most welcome feature.
