Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Experts Test Polavaram ECRF Dam’s Seepage and Soil Strength
Experts visited the Polavaram project to check part of its dam.
The dam is called an earth-cum-rock-fill, or ECRF, dam.
They measured how much water could pass through the built section.
They also tested whether the soil was strong and packed tightly.
Some soil samples were taken to a laboratory at the project site.
These checks help show whether the construction is being done properly.
The dam is expected to limit unwanted water flow.
It must also meet required soil-strength standards.
CSMRS experts conducted field tests on Monday at Polavaram’s ECRF dam.
The tests measured water seepage through the portion of the dam completed so far.
Experts assessed the strength and compactness of the dam’s soil.
Permeability and soil-strength tests were conducted, with samples analyzed at an on-site laboratory.
The testing examined whether construction met prescribed impermeability and soil-strength standards.
- Who
- Experts from the Central Soil and Materials Research Station, including Siddarth P. Hedaoo, Srihari T. Nair and Amit Sen, conducted the tests.
- What
- They conducted field and laboratory tests to assess seepage, permeability, soil strength, compactness and construction quality of the ECRF dam.
- When
- Monday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- At the Polavaram project in Polavaram, including its project-site laboratory.
- Why
- To determine whether the completed portion of the ECRF dam meets prescribed impermeability and soil-strength standards.
- Project
- Polavaram project
- Dam
- Earth-cum-rock-fill (ECRF) dam
- Testing agency
- Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS)
- Tests conducted
- Permeability, water seepage and soil-strength tests
- Additional testing
- Samples were collected and tested at a laboratory located at the project site
- Assessment criteria
- Adequate impermeability, specified soil strength and soil compactness
- Technical support
- MEIL and water resources department officials provided technical details and assistance
