Introduction of Gravity of Dam

Forces Acting on a Gravity Dam

1. Water Pressure on the Gravity Dam

2. Weight of the Wedge on the Downstream Slope

3. Weight of Dam

4. Upstream Silt Pressure

5. Seismic Forces or Earthquake Forces

6. Uplift Force

7. Ice Pressure

8. Wind Pressure

Construction of Gravity Dam

Advantages of Gravity Dam

1. The gravity dams are more stronger and rigid.
2. the gravity dams are more stable and durable as compared to other types of dams.
3. The gravity dam requires less maintenance.
4. The construction of the gravity dam is suitable in the steep valleys because it is not possible to construct the earthen dams in the steep valleys.
5. The Benefit-cost ratio of the Gravity dam is more.
6. Gravity dams have the ability to hold a large amount of water.
7. Gravity dams can be constructed upto any height but it is necessary that the foundation of the dam should be strong and rigid.
8. There are less seepage problems in the case of gravity dams.

Disadvantages of Gravity Dam

1. The initial cost required for the construction of the Gravity dams is high.
2. The time required for the construction of the gravity dam is more.
3. The construction of the Gravity dam required skilled labour.
4. It is necessary that the construction of the gravity dams should have a strong and sound foundation.
5. The design of the gravity dam is a little bit complex.

Applications of Gravity Dam

1. Gravity dam is used to store a large amount of water.
2. Gravity dams are used for the supply of water for various purposes.
3. It is also used for the purpose of Flood control.
4. Gravity dams are also used for the generation of hydropower.

Measures Should Be Taken to Control Cracks in the Gravity Dams?

1. In the construction of the gravity dam special low heat, cement should be used.
2. Proper suitable spaced contraction joints should be provided in addition to the normal construction joints.
3. The material which will go into the concrete should be cooled before mixing the concrete.
4. When the concrete is poured, it is poured to a certain height which is known as Lift. Generally, the lift which is used for the gravity dam is 1.5 m.

Construction of Gravity Dam

Forces Acting on a Gravity Dam

Advantages of Gravity Dam

• It is highly suitable in narrow valleys.
• The maintenance cost is relatively lower.
• Such dams offer great flexibility in height.
• Sudden failure of the dam does not occur.
• The problem of seepage is lower.

Disadvantages of Gravity Dam

• Their initial cost of construction is high.
• Their construction period is comparatively more.
• These require a strong and sound foundation.
• Dams once constructed, cannot be raised further.
• For the supervision of concrete dams, skilled labor is required.

Application of Gravity Dam

Concrete Gravity Dam Construction Cost

Gravity Dam Design Specifications

• Structural Stability
• Foundation
• Geometry and Profile
• Spillway
• Construction Materials
• Joints and Seepage Control
• Safety and Risk Assessment

Large-Scale Gravity Dam Projects

Best Materials for Gravity Dams

• Concrete
• Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC)
• Rock-fill
• Masonry
• Asphaltic concrete

Gravity Dam Stability Analysis

Forces Acting on Gravity Dam

Types of Gravity Dam

• Mass Concrete Dams, made of: conventional concrete: Dworshak Dam, Grand Coulee Dam. Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC):
• Willow Creek Dam (Oregon), Upper Stillwater Dam.
• Masonry: Aswan low Dam, Pathfinder Dam, Cheesman Dam.
• Hollow Gravity Dams, made of reinforced concrete: Braddock Dam.

Various Forces Acting on Gravity Dam

• Hydrostatic Pressure
• Uplift Pressure
• Seismic Forces
• Water Current Forces
• Wind Loads
• Ice Forces
• Sediment Loads

What Is Gravity Dam?

Solid Gravity Dam

What Is a Dam?

Gravity Dam Is Most Suitable When the Foundation Is?

What Is Elementary Profile of Gravity Dam?

• Static Rollers
• Zero Force Member
• West Point Bridge Designer
• Control Lines in Construction
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