5. Bunds

Bunds are among the most common mechanical measures of erosion control. These consist of small embankments constructed across the land slope to reduce the slope length, runoff, and soil erosion and enhance soil infiltration. This chapter presents a broad classification of bunds. It includes the common design considerations for contour and graded bunds like storm frequency, spacing, side slopes, freeboard, and seepage through them. The chapter elaborates on the design of contour and graded bunds in terms of their height, cross-section, length, the volume of earthwork, and area lost under them. The chapter also contains the planning considerations and construction of bunds. The design procedures are demonstrated through solved examples.