Lessons from geotextile use in embankment dams

This paper encompasses experiences of geotextile installed in dams since 20 years and designed by some members of the French National Committee on Large Dams (CFBR). The purpose of this paper is to bring up to date experience of practitioners in dam design with geotextiles. Installations in new dam and rehabilitations of old dams are reported. The main functions and the most important specifications of geotextiles are underlined. All the geotextiles have performed safely since their installations, as they were installed according to the recommendations.