8 Different Types of Dams

Crest: The top of the Dam. These may in some cases be used for providing a roadway or walkway over the dam. Parapet walls: Low Protective walls on either side of the roadway or walkway on the crest. Heel: Portion of Dam in contact with ground or river-bed at upstream side. Toe: Portion of dam in contact with ground or river-bed at downstream side. A dam is a man made barrier usually built across a river to hold back water and forming a lake, or reservoir, behind it. It can be constructed from concrete or natural materials like earth and rock. Different types are built to suit the location and geology.

Types of Dams Classification of Reservoirs CivilDigital

Dam The Edersee Dam in Hesse, Germany A dam is a barrier that stops or restricts the flow of surface water or underground streams. Reservoirs created by dams not only suppress floods but also provide water for activities such as irrigation, human consumption, industrial use, aquaculture, and navigability. An arch dam is a curved dam which is dependent upon arch action for its strength. Arch dams are thinner and therefore require less material than any other type of dam. Arch dams are good for sites that are narrow and have strong abutments. Fig 4 : Jinping-I Dam also known as the Jinping-I Hydropower Station or Jinping 1st Cascade The most common types of dams include concrete dams, earth and rockfill dams, arch dams, gravity dams, and embankment dams. Each of these types of dams has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, stability, durability, and environmental impact. (Dec. 14, 2023) See all related content → Recent News Jan. 4, 2024, 11:48 AM ET (MSN) Scientists make a daring rescue of an otter trapped by a dam. dam, structure built across a stream, a river, or an estuary to retain water.

The Different Types of Dams WorldAtlas

It has been targeted at the student audience so the information can be used for school projects. Find out about the types of dams, what they are used for and how to build them. There are various types of dams based on use, size, and construction materials. Types of Dams by Purpose Storage Dams Storage dams are the most common type of dam. In fact, all dams are built to store water unless otherwise stated. Storage dams collect water during the rainy season for use in the dry season, to control floods, and for irrigation. Vocabulary A dam is a structure built across a river or stream to hold back water. People have used different materials to build dams over the centuries. Ancient dam builders used natural materials such as rocks or clay. Modern-day dam builders often use concrete. Manmade dams create artificial lakes called reservoirs. The civil engineers decide on the best type of dam for the site and on the most suitable materials to be used. They have to consider all of the forces that can act on the dam and its foundation. These include the force of the reservoir water on the dam and the effect of the weight of the dam on the materials within it and on the foundation below.

Types Of Dams HubPages

Various types of dams are constructed based on their usage. These dams are classified based on construction material used, structure and design, functions, hydraulic design and size. Types of Dams in Construction There are various types of dams, yet different dam components remain the same for each situation. Dam by and large has an upstream slope and a downstream slope, and both have various segments. Subsequently, a few parts of a dam are given underneath: 1. Crest The top of the Dam. Diversion Dam Diversion dams are mainly constructed to divert water to the river. The storage capacity of the diversion dam is lesser. Diversion dams are usually of lower heights. Weirs and barrages are examples of diversion dams. Source Detention Dam Detention dams are constructed for flood control. Types of Dams according to type of material. A dam can be made of earth, rock, concrete or wood. Dams are classified according to the materials used as under: A. Embankment Dams 1. Earthfill Dam:

Environmental Engineering Infographics

All Different Types of Dams and Components Explained: Dams are water reservoirs or just a wall-like structure built across a river to retain the water and increase the flow when needed, used for electricity generation, and various other functions. Most of the people have several questions about the basics of a dam and various purposes of it. Home > Types of Dams ARCH DAM A concrete or masonry dam, which is curved upstream so as to transmit the major part of the water load to the abutments. Double curvature arch dam. An arch dam, which is curved vertically as well as horizontally. East Canyon Dam Morgan, UT BUTTRESS DAM