The foundation area of all dykes should be cleared of trees, stumps, roots, boulders, or brush. Construction of the dykes using the draglines should be such that compaction by whatever method is done in horizontal layers and when the moisture content is at optimum required for obtaining maximum density and low permeability. Water is added to the dry soil in the borrow area to improve the workability for a dense mass when compacted. Soils that are too wet when excavated from the borrow should be left to dry to the required moisture content before compacting. This might require more time, effort, and expense. It is also difficult to achieve because of equipment routing, but moisture control in compaction is very important in the construction of a stable and impermeable dyke. A low ground pressure (1 lgp) dozers can be used for compacting, levelling and trimming. A little extra effort shall be done in trimming and smoothing the side slopes of dykes.
