Advantages and Disadvantages of Rockfill Dams
Advantages of rockfill dams are (i) Cheaper where suitable Hardrock is available,(ii) Suitable where suitable materials for earth dam are not available, (iii) Economical in remote locations where cost of cement for concrete dam is high, (iv) Suitable where foundation is not suitable for concrete dam, (v) Can be constructed with relatively unskilled labour, (vi) Can be raised subsequently, if so required, without much difficulty.
Disadvantages: (i) Time taken in construction is usually more than that required for a concrete dam. This is a crucial factor, (ii) More construction equipment is required,(iii) Foundation requirements are more rigid than earthen dam, and (iv) High maintenance cost.