ABSTRACT
This chapter deals in further detail with a number of calculation methods by means of which the strength and load can be weighed against each other for the various failure mechanisms of a dike. It deals with the following aspects with successively: the required freeboard and construction height of the dike, settlements and horizontal deformations, the resistance of an earth body against sliding along straight or curved slip surfaces, the stability of surface layers exposed to seepage out and flow over the slope water, internal erosion and piping and the stability of so-called open and closed revetments. The construction height α of a dike is determined by the sum of the design water level the minimum required freeboard w, and the surplus height z defined by the expected settlements of the dike. Apart from vertical displacements caused by settlements, horizontal displacements can occur particularly in the zone immediately next to the dikes.
