Typical Toe Drain Pipe Construction
From ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox
Message: The construction of toe drain systems typically involves three components: sand filters, drain rock, and drain pipes.
Components of a two stage Toe Drain System
Sand Filter
Provides a barrier between the dam embankment and the drain rock. The sand filter prevents the movement of embankment soils into the drain pipe.
Drain Rock
Intercepts water that might be traveling through foundation soils.
Drain Pipe
Collects water from the drain rock and moves it away from the embankment of the dam.
Note: The content on this page was originally created as part of DamOutletWorks.org (DOWL, 2018). It has subsequently been updated and reformatted as part of the Dam Safety Toolbox.
Revision ID: 4753
Revision Date: 12/02/2022