Abstract: Backward erosion piping occurs frequently in dike foundations, which may cause dike failure and breach flood disaster. Research Center on Flood and Drought Disaster Reduction of the Ministry of Water Resources (CDR) has been conducting the research work on the backward erosion piping mechanism and prevention design criteria. The failure mechanism and model, as well as critical water head and equilibrium phenomenon have been studied systematically and in depth. It is found that the characteristics vary among the mechanism and failure model on three typical dike foundations. Based on the study results, the reasonable scope for piping fighting and the maximum and minimum widths of landside seepage berms are suggested. It is concluded that the suspended cutoff can increase the integrated resistance of piping. Moreover, it will be more effective when the cutoff is placed in landside than in riverside. The mathematical model and software of dynamic simulation of backward erosion piping were developed. The research work promoted the understanding of piping mechanism and developed the typical seepage control theory. It plays an important guiding role in piping prevention and rescue. The research achievements are applied in the dike design and emergency.