Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil) (Introduction to Dams)...Page no.

(1-2)
Syllabus Topic:Different terms Related to Dams
Syllabus Topic:Introduction

a 1,1.1 Different Terms Related to Damns

1.1 INTRODUCTION OF DAMS
Following are the different terms related to dams
O Definition :A structure which is built across a river 1. Axis of dam :When an imaginary line drawn along the
sO as to form a reservoir on its upstrean side for exact center of the plan of the crest, then it called as
imponding water or for storing water is called as axis ofdam.
dam. 2. Dam X section : When the section drawn across the
Fig. 1.1.1shows a dam constructed across a river. axis of the dam, then it is called as dam x section.
Catchment area 3. Toe of dam : When the downstream portion of the dam
contacts to the bearing surface , then it is called as toe.
In short, It is the junction between the downstream face
of the dam with the river floor.
4 Heel of dam : When the upstream portion of the dam
contacts to the foundation surface, then it is called as
Downstream side Reservoir River
heel. In short, it is the junction of the upstream face
(Upstream side) with the foundation of the dam.
5.
Tail water : When there is water at the downstream
side of the dam, then it is called as tail water.
Dam structure Maximum Water Level (MWL) : Water level at
6.
which water get stored in a dam without overtopping
Catchment area
the dam or being released through the spillways, it is
Fig, 1.1.1 : Dam across a river called as Maximum Water Level (MWL ).
7 Minimum Water Level : When the level at which the
reservoir water can be lowered and water can still be
Types of reservoir drawn from that level , it is called as Minimum Water
Level .
0 Storage reservoir 8 Dead storage of dam : When level of the dam or
reservoir below which water remains stored
permanentlý in the dam or reservoir and cannot be
H(iüi) Flood control reservoir drawn, then it is called as Dead storage.
9 Galleries : When the horizontal or vertical openings
(iü) Multipurpose reservoir are provided within the body of a dam at one or various
levels in order to monitor seepage or leakage and other
maintenance, then it is called as Galleries.
Fig. C1.1: Types of reservoir 10. Free board: Free board is the distance between the
reservoir are highest level of water in the dam and crest of the dam.
Depending upon the need or purpose, the
classified into three types : 11. Crest of dam: The top surface of the dam is called the
crest which is sometimes used as roadways or
(i) Storage reservoir pedestrians etc
irrigation water 12. Abutment : The sloping sides of the valley upon which
It is used for a city water supply;
supply and a hydroelectric project. the dam rests onthe sloping sides of the valley, then it 1S
called as Abutment.
(ü) Flood control reservoir The abutments are deep-rooted and firmly installed i
generally called
ODefinition: Aflood control reservoir a portion of
the rocks of the valley side.
a flood-mitigation reservoir which stores 13. Spillways : When the controlled or uncontrolled
peaks
the flood flows which further minimise the flood openings are provided in the body of the dam o
and hence protect the downstream areas. somewhere else on the dam periphery so as to conv
(iti) Multipurpose reservoir water downstream of the dam, then it is called a
This type of reservoir is planned and constructed to Spillways.
serve various purposes all together.

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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
(Introduction to Dams)..Page no. (1-3)
14. Parapet wall : When the walls are provided along
the SyllabusTopic : Classification of Dam, Classification based
length of the dam on either side of crest in order to on Purpose, Classification based on Materials, Classification
afford safety to a road ora walkway at the creast, then based on size of project, Classification based on Hydraulic
it is called as Parapet wall. Action, Classification based on Structural Action
15. Base width: The width of foundation of the dam is
called as base width. 1.2 CLASSIFICATION OF DAMS
16. Riprap : When a barrier of large stones, broken rocks,
blocks of concrete placed & interlocked in the dam or iUQ. Explain-classification of the dans according to
the i
hydraulic conditions. Use and materials used for i
reservoir just before the dam embankment in order to
dam construction.
(SPPU - Oct. 11. Oct. 12.8 Marks)
prevent the dam from the strike of waves and ice UQ. Classify dams based on different criteria giving
blocks thus protecting dam, then it is called as Riprap. example of each type ? (SPPU April 14. 6 Marks)
Wave energy get dissipated due to provision of cushion UQ. Classify darms on the basis of function, hydraulic
of riprap for safety of dam. design, material of construction, structural design
17. Cut-off of the Dam : When an impervious (with one exampe of each) and purpose.
material is (SPPU- May 16. 6 Marks)
provided in the foundation of the dam, then it is called
Ua. Enlist the types of dams based on hydraulic action
the cut-off of the dam.
and briefty explain any one type with sketch /
It prevents the seepage of water through the base sketches. (SPPU - Dec. 16. 4 Marks)
section of the dam
Various types of dams are classified according their
18. The face of the Dam : When the side of the dam is
purpose, materials, size, hydraulic design and structure
faced by the downstreamn, then it is called the face of action.
the Dam. 1, Classification of dam based on Purpose
19. Upstream : When the level of water in dam is held Classification of dam based
back by the dam through which the water of upstream on purp0se

flows by the conduit toward the downstream, thenit is () Storage dams

called Upstream of a dam.
20. Conduit : Conduit is the conveying part of the dam () Coffer dams
which is a closed channel in order to convey the
(iü) Debris dams
discharge through or under adam.
Conduits are generally made of pipes concrete or steel. (iv) Diversion dams
Fig. 1.1.2.shows different terms related todams
(v) Detention dams
Upstrearm (ws) Downstream (d/s)
Maximum water level -Parapet wall
Fig.C1.2 : Classification of dams based on purpose
Normal water level Crest of Dams are classified according to the purpose or
the dam function served. Following the various types of dams
Free board
classified based on purpose.
Spilway (i) Storage dams
These dams are constructed to store the water in rainy
Gallery season and further it can be used in other season for
Sluica way
various purpose like water supply, generation of
River bed hydropower, irigation etc.
(iü) Coffer dams
-Drainage wal Darm
Dam heel
Grout curtain toe
Coffer dam a temporary structure constructed in the
river or lake so as to make the area on downstream side
Fig. 1.1.2: Figure showing ditferent terms related to dams Completely free from water such that it is possible to
carry the construction work under reasonably dry
condition.

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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil) (Introduction to Dams)..Page no. (1-4)
Uses of Coffer Dam Various dams are classified based on the materials used
for their construction.
(i) Coffer dams are temporarily constructed for the
Following are the various types of dams based on
construction of projects like, bridge piers and materials.
abutments, dams or locks, etc.
() Concrete dam
(iü) It provides safe environment to work.
Material used for such dam is concrete.
(iüi) Material of coffer dam can be typically reused on
other construction project. Note: Gravity dams, arch dams and butters dams are
classified as concrete dams.
(iv) Steel sheet piles can be easily installed and
removed. (iü) Masonry dam
(üü) Debris dams Materials used for such dam are stone rubbles, bricks
etc.
These type of dams are being constructed to avoid the
flow of debris such as sand, gravel, drift wood along (iii) Timber dam
with rain water in the river and such way water
Material used for such dam is wood.
becomes relatively clear and clean after passing over
the debris dam. (iv) Steel dam

(iv) Diversion dams Material used for such dam is steel.

These type of dams is relatively having of low height. (v) Earth dam
the water of
It is specially constructed so as to divert Material used for such dam is clay or earth.
the river into an off-taking canal or conduit.
(vi) Rock fill dam
(v) Detention dams
constructed in case of Material used for such danm is rock fill.
These type of dams are being control the floods.
excessive flood and thus such dams (vii) Composite dam
Classification of dams based on
Material Material used for such dam is rock fill and earth
2.
Classification of dams fill.
under
based on material Earth dam as well as rock fill dam comes
the type of embankment dam.
(i) Concrete dam Concret dam

1. Concrete gravity dam Concrete dam are basically classified into two types :
1. Concrete gravity dam
dam
2. Concrete buttress Concrete gravity dam is a rigid type of dam in which
the external forces like water pressure, wave pressure,
(ü) Masonry dam
silt pressure, uplift pressure are resisted by the weight
(iiü) Timber dam of the dam itself.
All major and important gravity dams are constructed
in concrete. Concrete gravity dam can be straight 0r
(iv) Steel dam

curved in plan.
(v) Earth
2. Concrete buttress dam
(vi) Rock fill o
This type of dam consists of a number of piers
into a
(vii) Composite darm buttress dividing the space to be dammed
number of spans.
based on material
Fig. C1.3: Types of dams

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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
(Introduction to Dams).Page no. (1-5)
Panels are constructed of horizontal arches or flat slabs
Types of dams based on Structural action
So as to hold up and retain the water
between
buttresses. These type of dam are classified into various types
based on the structural action.
ODefinition : If panels consists of concrete arches, then
it is called as multiple arches buttress damn and it Types of dams based on
structural action
panels consists of flat slab, then it is called as deck
type buttress dan. () Gravity dams
3. Classification of dams based on
Action
Hydraulic (ii) Earth dams

Classification of dams based (n) Rockfill dams

on hydraulic action
(iv) Timber dam

(i) Overflow dams (a) Rock-filied crib rock type

(iü) Non-overflow dams (b) A-frame type

(c) Beaver type

Fig. C1.4:Classification of dams based on hydraulic action
(v) Steeldam
Such type of dams are classified as :
(a) Cantilever type steel dam
(i) Overflow dams (ii)Non-overflow dams
H(b) Direct strutted steel dam
Fig. 1.2.1shows overflow dam in which surplus water
is permitted to pass over the crest of the spillway.
Fig. C1.5: Types of dams based on structural action
M.W.L. Crest of the spilway
F.R.L. () Gravity dams
Overflow O Defnition : The dam due to its own weight resists the
water pressure and other forces is called as gravity
dam.
It is made either in concrete or
masonry.
(iü) Earth dams
ODefnition : The dam made in earth or soil resists the
forces exerted upon it mainly because of shear
Fig. 1.2.1l :Overflow dam strength of soil is called as earth dams.
Fig. 1.2.2 shows non-overflow dam in which there is no (iü) Rockfill dams
flow of water over it. Such type of dam can be made of any O Definition : The dams made in rock fragments and
large size boulders with an impervious membrance
material like concrete, earth, timber, rock fill, masonry etc. placed on the rock fill on its upstream side is called as
F.R.L. rockfill dam.
Impervious membrance reduces the seepage through
the dam.
(iv) Timber dam
ODefinition : The dam which consists of the frame work
made in timber with afacing of timber planks is called
as timber dam.
Timer dam are classified into three types :
Fig. 1.2.2: Non-overflow dam (a) Rock-filled crib rock type
(b) A-frame type
(c) Beaver type

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 (Introduction to Dams)....Page no. (1-6)
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
does not
(v) Steel dam (ii) Steel dams are lighter and therefore it
absorb the shocks from vibrations of spilling
O Definition : The dam which consist of a steel water.
framework with a steel skin plate on its upstream face
is called as steel dam. (ii) Life of steel dam is less than concrete dams.
which is
(iv) It has to be anchored at foundation
Such dam are classified into the types : difficult.
(a) Cantilever type steel dam Earth and Rockfill dams
3.
(b) Direct strutted steel dam
Merits of earth and rockfill dams
a 1.2.1 Merits and Demerits of Various These dams can be constructed over any type of
Types of Dams available foundations.
than other
(ii) These dams are generally economical
Ua. what are the advantages and disadvantages of types.
(SPPU - April 14., 4 Marks) rapidly and
dams ? (iii) These dams can be constructed more
| UQ. State and explain the advantages of R.C.C. Dams. with unskilled labour.
(SPPU - April 15, 4 Marks)
3(iv) These dams can be constructed with
available materials.
locally

Following the various merits and demerits of various

types of dams : raised in future
(v) The height of these dams can be
1. Gravity dams without any more difficulty.
Merits of gravity dams
Demerits of earth and rockfill dams
(i) Gravity dams are relatively more strong and
stable and suitable particularly across gorges (i) These dams can be damaged by floods.
without any
having very steep sides slopes. (ii) These dams can be failed suddenly
prior warning.
(ii) Gravity dams can be constructed of any height.
an (iii) It needs heavy maintenance cost.
(ii) Gravity dams are well adapted for use as (iv) It requires constant supervision.
overflow spillway crest.
(v) These dams cannot be used as overflow dams,
(iv) Itrequires less maintenance. hence separate spillways has to be provided.
(v) Deep-set sluices can be used in the
gravity dams. (vi) Not suitable at the locations where heavy
downpour is more common.
Demerits of gravity dams
(i) The initial cost of a gravity dam is more. 4 Timber dams

(ii)) These dams require skilled labour. Merits of timber dams

construction.
(iü) It requires mechanised plants for the (1) There is great speed in construction.
sound
(iv) Gravity dams can be constructed only on (ii) These dams are suitable for any type of
rock foundations. foundation.
construct.
(v) It take more time to (ii) It has low initial cost.
2.
Steel dams (iv) These dams are more suitable at the locations
Merits of steel dams where only temporary dams are to be constructed.
dams. Demerits of timber dams
(i) These dams are cheaper than rigid
(ii) Speed of construction more. (i) Life of such dam is short.
action.
(iii) These dams are not affected by frost (ii) It requires high maintenance cost.
determinate,
(iv) Stresses in steeldams are more (iii) There is great seepage loss through the body o
resist unequal such dam.
It has great flexibility
to
(v) leakage.
settlements without excessive (iv) These dams are only suitable for small height.
Demerits of steel dams
It requires frequent maintenance than
concrete.
(i)

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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
(Introduction to Dams)....Page no. (1-7)
Syllabus Topic : Selection of Site for Dam than shallow reservoir. It reduces the cost of land
acquisition and evaporation losses.
1.3 SELECTION OF SITE FOR DAM 11. Dam site should fulfil the various purposes like
irigation, drinking water, water for industry etc.
UQ. Briefly explain six factors considered for selecting a 12. Dam site should be easily accessible throughout the
site for dam. (SPPU - May 17 (In Sem.J. 6 Marks) year.
GQ. What factors govern selection of type of dam ? 13 The natural environment all around the dam site should
not be disturbed drastically and it should be clean and
Following are the various factors governing the hygienic.
selection of site for a dam:
1.
14. The dam site should be selected in such way that it
Suitability of type of foundation available at reasonable should have minimal cost of construction and
depth at the selected site of the proposed dam.
subsequent maintenance.
There should be suitable type of foundation 15. Dam site should be selected in such way that should
available at reasonable depth.
provide maximum benefit to the society after the
If required, the existing foundation condition can completion of dam.
be improved by suitable methods like grouting, 16. Dam site should be selected so as to have minimum
guniting etc. , rate of siltation which ensure the maximum life of the
In short, good foundation should be available at reservoir.
resonable depth.
2. The river gorge should be narrow at the selected dam 1.3.1 R.C.C Dam
site in order to obtain minimum length of the dam so
that cost of the construction will be minimal because UQ. Explain the concept of construction of R.C.C. Dams.
construction cost of dam varies directly with its length. (SPPU - May 15, 4 Marks)
Thus the river gorge should be narrow at the
selected dam site. When there is topography consisting of U-shaped
valley with very little overburden, then R.C.C gravity
3. ISite for dam should be located in a narrow valley. dam is mostly recommended.
4. The dam site should have sufficient and suitable space
R.C.C dam is a solid structure made of concrete and
available for spillway of sufficient capacity so as to steel reinforcement and constructed across the river so
pass the excess floods safe.ly over the spillway from ws as to develop the reservoir on its upstream side.
to d/s side.
5 The dam site should be located on high ground so as to R.C.C dam are strong, durable and having the
reduce the dam costs and also to facilitate easy maximum reservoir capacity. Dead load of dam is
distributed in such way that the entire section resists
drainage of the area. the pressure of water on the upstream side.
6. The dam site should have impervious bed or
R.C.Cdam can sustain the various types of loads like :
impervious strata so as to prevent seepage of water and
sides in order to reduce erosion. ) weight of the dam
7 Materials for the construction of dam should be locally () water pressure on upstream side
available so as to reduce transportation cost of (iü) wave pressure
material. (iv) uplift pressure
The dam site should be easily accessible from nearby (V) pore pressure
road or rail line for easy transportation of labour, (vi) silt pressure
technical staff and materials. (vii) wind pressure and
9 The dam site should have less (viü) earthquake pressure or seismic load.
submergence of the
valuable land and property on the upstream site. It Initial cost of construction of R.C.C dam is high but
reduces the cost of acquisition of such land. long term cost is minimum.
Submergence area should not more than 10%. The Fig. 1.3.1 shows the section of R.C.C dam
10. The quantity of water stored in the reservoir should be subjected to various types of loads or pressures.
maximum and hence deep reservoir is preferred rather

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 (Introduction to Dams)....Page no.(1-8)
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-0Civil)
Axis of dam

Impact of waves
MWL
FRL
|D Reinforced cement concrete

Drainage and inspection gallery

Inertia force
H= Hydraulic
of water due to
height Centre of gravity (G)
earthquake
Hydrostatic
pressure on
u/s side

TWL
W
-Self weight

Toe
Uplift force
Slit pressure Hydrostatic
pressure of
Heel
fail water
Uplift pressure diagram on d/s force

Base width

Fig. 1.3.1:Section of R.C.C dam subjected to various types of forces

all the
The section of R.C.C dam is so proportional that Syllabus Topic : Factors Governing the Selectlon of
disturbing forces are resisted by its own weight. Type of Dam

It consist of two section namely :

Non-overflow section and H 1.4 FACTORS GOVERNING THE
(1) SELECTION OF THE TYPE OF DAM
(ii)) Overflow section i.e. spillway
triangular
The non-overflow section is approximately UQ. What are the factors that govern the selection of site i
maximum width at
in shape with apex at the top and for a dam construction ?
the bottom. (SPPU - Oct. 12, 4 Marks, April 15, 8 Marks)
"g" shape
The overflow section isgenerally of reversed UQ. Discuss four factors to be consideredfor selection of
or ogee type. the site for a Dam with sketches.
to
R.C.Cdam is provided with various instrument so as (SPPU - Dec. 17, 4 Marks)
interior of
measure uplift pressure, temperature of the Following are the various factors governing the
etc.
dam, displacement, intensity of earthquake load selection of the type of dam :
and also provided with the drainage and inspection 1. Selection of gravity dam
gallery. Wide valleys with availability of good rock at a
resonable depth of 5 m to 10 m is mostly preferred for
gravity type of dam.

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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
(Introduction to Dams)...Page no. (1-9)
2. Selection of masonry dam 5. Selection of buttress dam
For selection of masonry gravity dam, sufficient or When there is a wide valleys having very good sound
adequate quantity of good quality of stone should be rock which resisting the higher contact stresses, then
available near the site. construction of buttress dam is more suitable to gravity
dam.
Thus, availability of good quality stone should be Volume of concrete saved in such case can be 40 to
nearby the site in case of masonry dam. 60%.
3. Selection of concrete dam 6.
Selection of embankment type of dam or
Earthen dam
Large quantity of cement, coarse aggregate and fine
aggregate and steel will have to be transported to the When there is soil foundation having low contact
site for a concrete gravity dam.
stresses, then embankment type of dam or earth fill
dam is most suitable.
It increases the transportation cost. Hence concrete Earth fill dam or earthen dam can be constructed on
gravity dam is selected for large dam. See Fig. 1.4.1 for any type of foundation.
better understanding. To construct the earth filldam, large quantities of earth
Ushaped valley with material ranging from impervious to pervious is
very litte overburden required and it should be available locally.
Impervious earth material is required to construct the
core and hearting portion.
Pervious earth material is required to construct the
Overburden casing. See Fig. 1.4.3 for better understanding,
Sound rock Very wide valley with deep overburden

Fig. 14.1: Topography for section of concrete gravity or

buttress dam
4. Selection of arch dam Overburden
Sound rock foundation
When the dam site having. narrow or V-gorges with
strong unyielding abutments, then arch dam or cupola Fig. 14.3 : Topography for selection of earth fil dam
dam is more suitable.
7. Selection of Rock fill dam
In such site, volume of concrete saved can be 50 to
When there is rock foundation, then a rock fill dam is
80%. See Fig. 1.4.2 for better understanding. suitable.
Vshaped valley
Large quantities of rock material is required for the
Strong cores, filters etc. for rock fill dam. See ig. 14.2 for
abutment with better understanding.
very little
overburden 8. Selection of composite dam
When there is a valley of having iregular depth of
Overburden over-burden, then construction of composite dam
Sound rock (i.e. combination of earthen andconcrete dam) is more
suitable.
Fig. 14.2: Topography for selection of Arch dam or Fig. 1.4.4 shows wide valley with iregular varying
Rock ill dam
depth of overburden for which composite dam is
recommended.

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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil) (Introduction to Dams).Page no. (1-10)
Composite dam

Concrete dam Earth fill dam

Overburden having
varying depth

Fig. 14.4 : Topography for selection of composite dam

9. Site condition
Sr. Large Dams Small dram
The type of dam to be selected for a given site No.
conditions is mainly depends upon the factors like
technical validity and cost consideration.
2 Storage capacity of large Storage capacity of
dam is more than 10 m Small dam is less than
Following are the various factors affects the choice of 10 m'.
dam:
3 Its flood discharging Its flood discharging
(i) Seepage through the body of the dam and below
the damn foundation capacity is more than capacity is less than
(ii) Foundation stresses developed
2000 m/sec. 2000 m/sec.
(ii) Deformation of foundation after loading
(iv) Volume of foundation excavation a 1.5.1 Economic Height of a Dam
LARGE DAMS VERSUS SMALL U. What is economic height of dam ?
DAMS (SPPU- April15, 4 Marks)
ODefinition : The height for which the cost of dam per
UQ. Differentiate between large dam and small dam.
unit storage is minimum, then such height is called as
(SPPU- May 17, 3 Marks) economic height ofa dam.
The dams are generally classified as large dams and So as to obtain the economic height, the various
smalldams based on their height. The height of a dam estimates are prepared for construction costs by
is the vertical difference in the elevation between considering serial heights of the dam.
extreme bottom part of the excavated foundation and Fig. 1.5.1 shows most economical height of damn with
the crest of spillway at the top. respect to cost per unit of volume stored.
As per International Commission on Large Dams
(1COLD) which non-government system of
organisationcomprising of 78 major dams.
Sr. Large Dams Small dram
No. Cost per
unit of
When the height of dam When the height of volume
exceeds 15 m or in the dam is less than 10m, stored
range of 10 to 15m, then then it is termed as
it is termed as large dams small dam
Economical height
i.e. H> 10 m i.e. H< 10 M
Where H= height of dam where H =height of Most economical height of dam
dam
Fig. 1.5.1: Economical height
Chapter Ends..
DOO