DAMS

A dam is a structure built

across a stream to
impound water for future
purposes such as hydro
power, water for drinking,
water for daily use
especially in cities where
the demand of water is
very large.
Different parts and terminologies 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 in 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 – potion of the dam in
contact with ground or river-
bed at downstream side.

 Spillway - it is the
arrangement made (kind of
passage) near the top of dam
for the passage of
surplus/excessive water from
the reservoir.
 Abutments – the valley
slopes on either side of the
dam wall to which the left &
right end of dam are fixed to.

 Gallery – level or gently sloping tunnel

like passage (small room like space) at
transverse or longitudinal within the dam
with drain on floor for seepage water.
These are generally provided for having
space for drilling grout holes and
drainage holes. These may also be used
to accommodate the instrumentation for
studying the performance of dam.
 Sluice way – opening in the dam near
the base, provided to clear the silt
accumulation in the reservoir.
 Free board – the space between the
highest level of water in the reservoir and
the top of the dam.

 Dead Storage Level - level of

permanent storage below which the
water will not be withdrawn.

 Diversion Tunnel - tunnel constructed to

divert or change the direction of water to
bypass the dam construction site. The
dam is built while the river flows through
the diversion tunnel.
Types of Dams
Saddle Dam – a subsidiary dam of
any type constructed across a saddle Weir – a type of small overflow dam that is often
or low point on the perimeter of a used within a river channel to create an
reservoir. impoundment lake for water abstraction purposes
and which can also be used for flow measurement
or retardation.
Check Dam – a small dam designed
to reduce flow velocity and control soil
erosion
Dry dam – also known as flood retarding
structure, designed to control flooding.
Diversion Dam – a structure Underground Dam – used to trap
designed to divert all or portion of groundwater and store all or most of it
the flow of river from its natural below the surface for extended use in a
course. localized area.
Tailing Dam – an earth-fill embankment
dam used to store by-products, which Steel Dam – uses steel plating (at an
are produced during mining operations angle) and load-bearing beams as the
after separating the valuable fraction structure.
from the uneconomic fraction of an ore.
Timber Dam – Uses timber. It is rarely built
in modern times because of its relatively
short lifespan and limited height to which
Cofferdam – a temporary enclosure built
they can be built.
within, or in pairs across, a body of water
and constructed to allow the enclosed area
to be pumped out.
Natural Dam - created by natural Beaver dam – beavers create dams
geological forces (natural disasters primarily out of mud and sticks to flood a
such as earthquakes) particular habitable area.
Gravity Dam Analysis
Forces acting on a Dam
1. Weight of the dam
2. Water pressure
3. Vertical and horizontal reaction of
the foundation
4. Uplift pressure due to the water on
the upstream
5. Impact of debris
6. Earthquake forces
7. Wind pressure
8. Wave action.
Step 1 Step 3
Consider 1 unit length (1 m length) of dam Solve for the reaction
perpendicular to the cross section. 1. Horizontal component of the reaction
Rx=ΣFH
Step 2 2. Vertical component of the reaction
Determine all the forces acting: Ry=ΣFV
1. Vertical forces Step 4
 W = Weight of dam Moment about the toe
 FV = Weight of water in the upstream 1. Righting moment, RM
side (if any) RM = Sum of all rotation towards the
 U = Hydrostatic uplift upstream side
 Weight of permanent structures on the 2. Overturning moment, OM
dam OM = Sum of all rotation towards the
2. Horizontal forces downstream side
 FH = Horizontal component of total Step 5
hydrostatic force Location of Ry as measured from the toe
 Wind pressure, wave action, floating
bodies, earthquake load, etc.
Dam stability

A dam is stable if:

 There is no overturning about the toe.
 There is no sliding on the base of the dam.
 There is no tensile stress in the contact plane between the dam
and its foundation.
 There is no crushing of the masonry or foundation.
Stability against sliding
The horizontal component of the total hydrostatic force acting on the upstream side of the dam may
cause the dam to slide on its foundation. However, frictional force between the dam’s base and the
soil resists this tendency to slide. This frictional force is dependent on the vertical reaction of the
foundation and the coefficient of friction. Hydrostatic uplift tends to decrease the value of the vertical
reaction that is why, for further stability against sliding, keys or vertical walls beneath the dam are
built. These keys increase the path of percolation of water seeping under the dam.

Where μ = coefficient of friction between the base of the dam and the foundation.
Stability against overturning
The horizontal component of the total hydrostatic force acting on the upstream face of
the dam may cause the dam to overturn about the toe. However, the weight of the
dam and the vertical component of the hydrostatic force produces a stabilizing
moment or righting moment about the toe.
Foundation Pressure
The forces acting on a dam will be transmitted to the soil by a resulting vertical force (Ry) and a
resulting horizontal force (Rx). By Newton’s third law, the soil will resist these forces for an
equilibrium. However, it is inevitable for Ry to be eccentric-resulting to a non-uniform pressure
distribution as shown in the succeeding figure.

To get the location of Ry, we sum up moments at the toe (this is assumed to be the point of
rotation of all the forces, like hinge)
Eccentricity, e

|
1
𝒆= 𝑩 − 𝒙
2 |
If e≤B/6, Ry is within the middle
third and the foundation pressure is
trapezoidal acting from heel to toe.
If e is exactly B/6, the shape of
foundation pressure is triangular
also acting from heel to toe.

¿
For the sign of 6e/B, use (+) at point where Ry is nearest. From the diagram above, use (+)
for qT and (-) for qH. A negative q indicates compressive stress and a positive q indicates tensile
stress. A positive q will occur when e>B/6. In foundation design, soil is not allowed to carry tensile
stress, thus, any +q will be neglected in the analysis.
If e>B/6, Ry is outside the middle
third and the foundation pressure is
triangular.

2𝑹𝒚
𝒒𝒆=
3𝒙
EXAMPLES:

1. A dam is triangular in cross section with the upstream face

vertical. The dam is 12 m high and 9 m wide at the base. Water
is flushed at the top. The dam weighs 24 kN/m3 and the
coefficient of friction between the base and the foundation is
0.7. Neglect the hydrostatic uplift.
a. Determine the maximum and minimum pressure on the
foundation.
b. Determine the factor of safety against sliding and
overturning.
Solution:

𝐹 𝐻 =𝛾 h 𝐴=9.81
12
2( )
( 12 )( 1 ) =706.32 𝑘𝑁 ∑ 𝐹h =0
𝑊 =𝛾 𝑐 ( 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 ) =24
1
2 ()( 9 ) ( 12 ) ( 1 )=1296 𝑘𝑁
𝑅 h=𝐹 𝐻 =706.32 𝑘𝑁

∑ 𝐹𝑣 =0
𝑅 𝑦 =𝑊 =1296 𝑘𝑁
∑ 𝑀𝑡𝑜𝑒=0
𝑅 𝑦 ( 𝑥 )=𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀
|
𝑒=
𝐵
2 |
−3.82 =0.68 𝑚

𝐵 9
𝑅𝑀=𝑊 ( 6 )=1296 ( 6 ) =7776 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑀 = =1.5 𝑚
6 6
O
1296 ( 𝑥 )=7776 − 2825.28 𝐵
∴ 𝑒<
6
𝑥=3.82 𝑚
If e≤B/6, Ry is within the middle third and the foundation pressure is trapezoidal acting from heel to
toe.

¿
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 =−
1296
9 [
1+
6 ( 0.68 )
9 ]
=−209.28 𝑘𝑃𝑎

𝑞𝑚𝑖𝑛 =−
1296
9
1−
[6 ( 0.68 )
9 ]
=− 78.72 𝑘𝑃𝑎

𝜇 𝑅𝑦
𝐹𝑆 𝑠= =¿ ¿
𝑅𝑥

𝑅𝑀 7776
𝐹𝑆 𝑜= = =2.75 𝑺𝑨𝑭𝑬 !

¿
𝑂𝑀 2825.28
2. A concrete dam retaining water is shown in the figure. If the specific weight of concrete is 24 kN/m 3,
find the factor of safety against sliding, factor of safety against overturning and the pressure intensity on
the base. Assuming hydrostatic uplift varies uniformly from full hydrostatic pressure at the heel of the
dam to zero at the toe and that the coefficient of friction between the dam and foundation soil is 0.40.
Solution:
𝑅𝑀 =441.45 ( 15.5 ) + 48 ( 13.5 ) +720 ( 11.5 ) +720 ( 8 ) +1296 ( 9 )=33194.475 𝑘𝑁
𝑅 𝑥 =𝐹 𝐻 =706.32 𝑘𝑁
𝑅 𝑦 =𝑊 1 +𝑊 2 +𝑊 3+𝑊 4 +𝐹 1 +𝐹 2 − 𝑈
𝑅 𝑦 =48+720+ 720+1296+ 441.45 − 9.81− 1059.48=2156.16 𝑘𝑁
 𝜇 𝑅𝑦
𝐹𝑆 𝑠= =¿ ¿
𝑅𝑥

𝑅𝑀 33194.475
𝐹𝑆 𝑜= = =2.12 𝑺𝑨𝑭𝑬 !
𝑂𝑀 15671.475

𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀 33194.475 −15671.475
𝑥= = =8.127 𝑚 ( 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡h𝑒𝑡𝑜𝑒 )
𝑅𝑦 2156.16

𝐵 18
𝑒= − 𝑥= −8.127=0.873 𝑚
2 2

𝐵 18
= =3> 𝒆
6 6
2156.16
[ ]
6 ( 0.873 )
=−154.64 𝒌𝑷𝒂

¿
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 =− 1+
18 18

𝑞𝑚𝑖𝑛 =−
2156.16
18 [
1−
18 ]
6 ( 0.873 )
= −84.93 𝒌𝑷𝒂
3. A masonry dam (s=2.4) having a trapezoidal cross-section
has its one face vertical and 26m high. Its base is horizontal and
has a width of 12m. The crest width is 3m.
a. Determine the maximum depth of water on the vertical face
so that there will be no tensile stress on the base of the dam.
Neglect the hydrostatic uplift.
b. If a force of 350kN per meter length of the dam is caused by
floating debris, determine the maximum depth of water on the
vertical face so that there will be no tensile stress on the base of
the dam. Neglect the hydrostatic uplift.
c. If the depth of the water is 26m, determine the maximum soil
pressure. Neglect the hydrostatic uplift.
Solution:
a. The maximum depth so that there will
be no tensile stress on the base of the
dam is in such a way that the resulting soil
pressure is triangular and that the
pressure at the heel is zero. In this
condition, the vertical reaction, Ry, is
located at B/3 from the toe.

Consider 1-m strip:

Forces Location from the toe

W1 = 2.4(9.81)(3)(26) = 1836.432 kN x1 = 9+3/2=10.5m
W2 = 2.4(9.81)(1/2)(9)(26) = 2754.648 kN x2 = 6m
Fh = 9.81(h/2)(h)(1) = 4.905h2 Yh = h/3
 Forces Location from the toe
W1 = 2.4(9.81)(3)(26) = 1836.432 kN x1 = 9+3/2=10.5m
W2 = 2.4(9.81)(1/2)(9)(26) = 2754.648 kN x2 = 6m
Fh = 9.81(h/2)(h)(1) = 4.905h2 Yh = h/3

∑ 𝐹𝑣 =0
𝑅 𝑦 =𝑊 1 +𝑊 2=1836.432+2754.648=4591.08 𝑘𝑁

∑ 𝑀𝑡𝑜𝑒=0
𝑅 𝑦 ( 𝑥 )=𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀

¿
h=22.01 𝑚
b. Consider 1-m strip:

Forces Location from the toe

W1 = 2.4(9.81)(3)(26) = 1836.432 kN x1 = 9+3/2=10.5m
W2 = 2.4(9.81)(1/2)(9)(26) = 2754.648 kN x2 = 6m
Fh = 9.81(h/2)(h)(1) = 4.905h2 Yh = h/3
F = 350 kN y=h
 Forces Location from the toe
W1 = 2.4(9.81)(3)(26) = 1836.432 kN x1 = 9+3/2=10.5m
W2 = 2.4(9.81)(1/2)(9)(26) = 2754.648 kN x2 = 6m
Fh = 9.81(h/2)(h)(1) = 4.905h2 Yh = h/3
F = 350 kN y=h

∑ 𝐹𝑣 =0
𝑅 𝑦 =𝑊 1 +𝑊 2=1836.432+2754.648=45911.08 𝑘𝑁

∑ 𝑀𝑡𝑜𝑒=0
𝑅 𝑦 ( 𝑥 )=𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀

¿
𝒉=18.80𝒎
c. Consider 1-m strip

Forces Location from the toe

W1 = 2.4(9.81)(3)(26) = 1836.432 kN x1 = 9+3/2=10.5m
W2 = 2.4(9.81)(1/2)(9)(26) = 2754.648 kN x2 = 6m
Fh = 9.81(26/2)(26)(1) = 3315.78 kN Yh = 26/3
 Forces Location from the toe
W1 = 2.4(9.81)(3)(26) = 1836.432 kN x1 = 9+3/2=10.5m
W2 = 2.4(9.81)(1/2)(9)(26) = 2754.648 kN x2 = 6m
Fh = 9.81(26/2)(26)(1) = 3315.78 kN Yh = 26/3

∑ 𝐹𝑣 =0
𝑅 𝑦 =𝑊 1 +𝑊 2=1836.432+2754.648=4591.08 𝑘𝑁
𝑒= | 𝐵
2 ||
−𝑥 =
12
2 |
− 1.541 =4.459 𝑚

𝑅𝑀=1836.432 ( 10.5 ) +2754.648 ( 6 ) =35810.424 𝑘𝑁 −𝑚 𝐵 12

= =2<𝒆
26 6 6
𝑂𝑀 =3315.78( )=28736.76 𝑘𝑁 −𝑚
3

𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀 35810.424 − 28736.76
𝑥= =
𝑅𝑦 4591.08
𝑥=1.541
 2 𝑅𝑦
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 = =¿ ¿
3 𝑥
Or

∑ 𝐹𝑣 =0
𝑅 𝑦 =𝑊 1 +𝑊 2=1836.432+2754.648

¿
∑ 𝑀𝑡𝑜𝑒=0
()𝑥
(
( 4591.08 ) =1836.432 ( 10.5 ) +2754.648 ( 6 ) −3315.78
3
𝑥=4.622𝑚
26
3
Therefore,
𝒒 𝒎𝒂𝒙 =𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟔 .𝟔𝟐 𝒌𝑷𝒂
4. The cross-section of a dam is shown in the figure. The coefficient of friction between the dam’s base and the
foundation soil is 0.60 and the maximum passive force that the soil can give is 162 kN. Assume unit weight of
concrete to be 24 kN/m3.

a. Determine the factor of safety against sliding.

b. Determine the developed friction between the base of

the dam and the foundation soil.

c. Determine the developed passive force on the soil.

Solution:
𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚
a.
𝐹 h=𝛾 h 𝐴=9.81
10
2 ( )
(10 )( 1 ) =490.5 𝑘𝑁
b. 𝐹𝑆=
𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑑
𝑊 =𝛾 𝑐 ( 𝑉𝑜𝑙 ) =24 (10 )( 5 )( 1 ) =1200 𝑘𝑁
𝑃 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 =162𝑘𝑁 1 . 80=¿ ¿
Thus,
𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒅 =400 𝒌𝑵

𝑅 𝑦 =𝑊 =1200 𝑘𝑁
c. 𝑃 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝜇 𝑅 𝑦 + 𝑃 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐹𝑆=
𝐹𝑆 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑃 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑑
𝐹h
1.62
0.6 ( 1200 )+ 162 1 . 8=
¿ 𝑃 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑑
490.5
𝑷 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒅 =𝟗𝟎𝒌𝑵
¿ 𝟏 . 𝟖𝟎
A concrete dam retaining water is shown. If
the specific weight of the concrete is 23. 5
kN/m^3, find the factor of safety against
sliding, the factor of safety against
overturning, and the pressure intensity on
the base. Assume there is a hydrostatic
uplift that varies uniformly from full dam
and foundation is 0.45.