Difference between a levee and an embankment

Here’s a comparison between a levee and an embankment in tabular form:

Feature	Levee	Embankment
Purpose	Built to prevent or control flooding by confining water within river channels	Constructed to provide support, stability, or containment for various structures or infrastructure
Location	Typically constructed along riverbanks or coastlines	Can be found in various settings, such as roads, railways, canals, or water reservoirs
Material	Often made of compacted soil, clay, sand, or a combination of materials	Can be made of various materials, including soil, concrete, stone, or other engineered materials
Shape	Generally follows the natural course of the river or coastline	Can have various shapes and configurations depending on the purpose and requirements
Function	Prevents river overflow during high water levels or storms	Provides structural support, prevents erosion, or contains materials or water within a designated area
Height	Varies in height depending on the expected water levels and flood control needs	Height can vary depending on the specific application and requirements
Slope	Typically has a gentle slope to prevent erosion	Slope can vary depending on the purpose and stability requirements
Maintenance	Requires regular maintenance to ensure integrity and prevent erosion	Maintenance may vary depending on the specific application, but stability and erosion control are key considerations
Examples	Mississippi River levee system, Netherlands’ Delta Works	Road embankments, railway embankments, reservoir embankments

Please note that while levees and embankments share some similarities in terms of their structural purpose, they differ in their specific applications and locations. Levees are primarily built along riverbanks or coastlines to control or prevent flooding, while embankments serve a broader range of purposes such as providing support for transportation infrastructure or containing materials or water within a designated area.