Typical Toe Drain Pipe Construction

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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.

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  Pipes embedded in single stage drain systems have not performed well. Sand is known to clog perforations.

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