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The stresses per square foot, are speaking from memory, less than those which obtain in the case of the Tytam Dam.
I agree, with the Director of Public Works, that the dam should be carried up, at once, to the full height.
The saving, due to leaving off at a lower level, will be small.
The reservoir capacity, even at the full height, is by no means excessive.
If the dam is to serve as a road or path, by completing the dam at once, this roadway can be constructed at its final level, and will not require subsequent alteration.
(8) I presume that trial-pits have been sunk, along the centre line of the dam, and that the depths of foundation, shown on the sheet of sections have been fixed in accordance with their indications. No longitudinal section of the dam is given, so I am unable to ascertain the intentions of the designers, in the matter of foundations. I am however of opinion that in getting out the foundations, stepping should be avoided. The base of the foundations should, as far as possible, be an uniformly inclined line. Abrupt changes of level should be avoided, as far as possible, because sudden variations in depth tend to cause irregular settlement.
(9) No drawing of the waste-weir has been sent to me. I am not therefore in a position to offer any opinion as to its sufficiency.
The position of the waste-weir, as indicated on the general plan, is satisfactory.