The deformation behaviour during construction, on first filling and post first filling has been analysed from a database of some 134 embankments, including earthfill, zoned earthfill, zoned earth and rockfill and puddle core earthfill embankments. Factors influencing the stress conditions, the strength and compressibility properties of the embankment materials, and the interaction between embankment zones have been evaluated. Method for identification of potentially “abnormal” deformation behaviour have been developed and mechanism/s for the “abnormal” deformation behaviour assessed on a case by case basis. Guidelines are presented for prediction of the deformation behaviour during and post construction that incorporate the significant factors found to influence the deformation behaviour for the various embankment types considered.