What must be done to completed earthen structures such as dams and dikes?

To ensure the integrity and longevity of completed earthen structures like dams and dikes, immediate stabilization is essential. This process helps to prevent erosion, sediment displacement, and structural failure. When these structures are completed, they can be vulnerable to the elements, particularly rainfall and runoff, which can erode the surface if not properly managed.

Stabilization typically involves establishing vegetation, applying erosion control blankets, or using other techniques to secure the soil and maintain its structural integrity. This proactive measure is crucial in reducing the potential for damage over time, ensuring that the structure effectively performs its intended functions, such as managing stormwater and preventing flooding.

While making structures visible, inspecting them, or covering them may be relevant actions in various contexts, these measures do not address the critical need for stabilization immediately following construction, which is necessary to secure the earth materials in place and mitigate erosion risks.