Dam Design and Construction
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Dam Engineering course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Dam Design and Construction #
Dam Design and Construction
Dam Design and Construction is a critical aspect of civil engineering that invol… #
Dams play a crucial role in water resource management, irrigation, hydropower generation, and flood control. The Graduate Certificate in Dam Engineering provides specialized knowledge and skills in designing and constructing dams that are safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
Abutment #
Abutment
An abutment is a supporting structure that anchors the ends of a dam to the surr… #
Abutments provide stability to the dam by resisting the forces exerted by the water and the weight of the structure. Proper design and construction of abutments are essential to ensure the overall safety and stability of the dam.
Arch Dam #
Arch Dam
An arch dam is a curved concrete or masonry structure that resists the water pre… #
Arch dams are suitable for narrow canyons or gorges where the abutments can support the horizontal thrust of the dam. The shape of the arch helps distribute the forces more efficiently, making arch dams ideal for high-pressure conditions.
Buttress Dam #
Buttress Dam
A buttress dam is a type of dam that consists of a series of supports or buttres… #
The buttresses help distribute the water pressure and stabilize the dam. Buttress dams are commonly used in areas with wide valleys or soft foundations where the weight of the buttresses can counteract the uplift forces.
Cofferdam #
Cofferdam
A cofferdam is a temporary structure built to divert water or create a dry work… #
Cofferdams are typically made of sheet piles, concrete blocks, or earth embankments and are used to isolate the construction site from the water flow. Once the dam is completed, the cofferdam is removed, and the reservoir is filled.
Concrete Dam #
Concrete Dam
A concrete dam is a type of dam constructed using concrete as the primary buildi… #
Concrete dams can be gravity dams, arch dams, or buttress dams, depending on their design and structural requirements. Concrete dams are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to erosion, making them suitable for high-pressure or high-risk locations.
Crest #
Crest
The crest of a dam is the topmost part of the structure that defines the maximum… #
The crest may be straight, curved, or stepped, depending on the design requirements. Proper design and maintenance of the crest are crucial to prevent overtopping and ensure the safety of the dam.
Embankment Dam #
Embankment Dam
An embankment dam is a type of dam constructed by compacting layers of earth, ro… #
Embankment dams rely on the weight of the fill material to resist the water pressure. Embankment dams are versatile and can be built in a wide range of geologic conditions.
Foundation #
Foundation
The foundation of a dam is the underlying rock or soil on which the structure is… #
The foundation provides support and stability to the dam by distributing the load and resisting the forces acting on the structure. Proper site investigation and foundation design are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of the dam.
Gravity Dam #
Gravity Dam
A gravity dam is a type of dam that relies on its weight to resist the water pre… #
Gravity dams are typically made of concrete or masonry and are well-suited for low to moderate water pressures. The stability of a gravity dam depends on its weight and the foundation's ability to support it.
Hydraulic Structures #
Hydraulic Structures
Hydraulic structures are engineered systems that control or manipulate the flow… #
Dams, weirs, spillways, and gates are examples of hydraulic structures used in water resource management, flood control, irrigation, and navigation. Proper design and construction of hydraulic structures are essential to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
Intake #
Intake
An intake is a structure built in a dam or reservoir to draw water for various p… #
Intakes may include gates, screens, or pipes to control the flow and quality of water entering the system. Proper design and maintenance of intakes are crucial to maximize water utilization and minimize sedimentation.
Masonry Dam #
Masonry Dam
A masonry dam is a type of dam constructed using stone, brick, or other masonry… #
Masonry dams can be gravity dams, arch dams, or buttress dams, depending on their design and construction methods. Masonry dams are durable and aesthetically pleasing but may require regular maintenance.
Overtopping #
Overtopping
Overtopping occurs when the water level in a reservoir exceeds the crest of a da… #
Overtopping can lead to erosion, structural damage, and potential failure of the dam. Proper spillway design and maintenance are essential to prevent overtopping and protect the dam.
Reservoir #
Reservoir
A reservoir is an artificial lake created by damming a river or stream to store… #
Reservoirs can also provide recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. Proper management of reservoirs is essential to balance water supply, environmental conservation, and human needs.
Rockfill Dam #
Rockfill Dam
A rockfill dam is a type of dam constructed by placing layers of rock or gravel… #
Rockfill dams rely on the weight of the fill material to resist the water pressure. Rockfill dams are flexible, cost-effective, and suitable for a wide range of geologic conditions.
Spillway #
Spillway
A spillway is a structure built in or adjacent to a dam to safely release excess… #
Spillways prevent overtopping of the dam and help control the water level in the reservoir. Different types of spillways, such as gated spillways, labyrinth spillways, or chute spillways, are used based on the design requirements.
Upstream Face #
Upstream Face
The upstream face of a dam is the side of the structure facing the reservoir or… #
The upstream face is designed to withstand the water pressure and erosion caused by the reservoir. Proper slope, surface treatment, and drainage features are essential to protect the upstream face from damage and maintain the dam's integrity.
Uplift Pressure #
Uplift Pressure
Uplift pressure is the hydrostatic pressure exerted by groundwater on the base o… #
Uplift pressure can reduce the effective weight of the dam and potentially cause instability or sliding. Proper foundation design, drainage systems, and grouting are essential to mitigate uplift pressure and ensure the dam's stability.
Valve #
Valve
A valve is a device used to control the flow of water or other fluids in hydraul… #
Valves may be manual, automated, or remote-controlled and are essential for regulating water levels, releasing pressure, or diverting flow. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of valves are crucial to ensure efficient operation and safety.
Water Resources Engineering #
Water Resources Engineering
Water resources engineering is a branch of civil engineering focused on the plan… #
Water resources engineers work to optimize water use, protect the environment, and ensure sustainable development of water resources. The Graduate Certificate in Dam Engineering provides specialized training in water resources engineering principles and practices.