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Dams Engineering I 7-7-2015
Dams Engineering I 7-7-2015
Contents
Dams Engineering Part I ............................................................................................................................................... 3
# History................................................................................................................................................................... 15
# Introduction............................................................................................................................................................ 22
# Selection of dam cross section elements (free board, top width, u/s & d/s slopes) ............................................. 36
Example ..................................................................................................................................................................... 37
A. Formwork ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
VI. Galleries..................................................................................................................................................... 52
Advantages .................................................................................................................................................... 54
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Chemical Admixtures.................................................................................................................................... 56
Aggregates..................................................................................................................................................... 56
Permeability .................................................................................................................................................. 58
Compaction ................................................................................................................................................... 59
Example 1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 65
Example 2 ................................................................................................................................................................. 66
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Syllabus :-
2- Gravity dams
4- Arch dams
5- Buttress dams
References :-
1. Irrigation, Water Resources and Water Power Engineering –Dr. P. N. MODI – 2000 – As a Text Book
2. Design of Small Dams, USBR, 1987 (Newest edition - www.usbr.org) – As a Reference
3. Irrigation, Water Power and Water Resources Engineering –Dr. K. R. ARORA - 2001 – As a Reference
4. Roller Compacted Concrete Dam, by V.K Mehrotra, First Edition; 2004.
5. Roller Compacted Concrete, Engineering Manual, US Army Corps of Engineering, by Gilbert Gedeon,
P.E.EM 1110-2- 2006
6. Fundamentals of Irrigation Engineering; Bharat Singh; Nem Chand.
7. Irrigation and Water Power Engineering; BC Punmia, BBL Pande; Laxmi Pub.
8. Theory and Design of Irrigation Structures; Varshney, Gupta, Gupta; Nem Chand.
9. Irrigation Engineering and Hydraulic Structures; SK Garg; Khanna Pub.
10. Hydraulic Structures; P. Novak, AIB Moffat, C. Nalluri, and R. Narayanan: Taylor & Francis, New York
4
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Dam: - It is a structure (barrier) built across a stream (river) to create a reservoir on its upstream side or
impounding water. It is probably the most important hydraulic structure built on the river.
# Dam Types:
Dams can be classified according to different criteria as follow: -
Masonry Dams
Concrete Dams
Earth Dams
Rockfill Dams
Timber Dams
Steel Dams
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Overflow dams
Non-overflow dams
5- Classification based on structural behavior (action)
Gravity Dams
Arch Dams
Buttress Dams
Earth-fill Dams
Rock-fill Dams
Steel Dams
Timber Dams
6- Based on Capacity:
Small dams
Medium dams
Large dams
# Hydraulic head (max. u/s pool level) (normal flood level at d/s)
Notes :-
1- As a general broad classification, dams can be classified into two broad types :-
I. Concrete Dams (Gravity, Arch and Buttress Dams)
II. Embankment Dams (Earth-fill, Rock-fill, Combined concrete-cum- earth and Composite Dams)
2- At or near the dam site there is an overflow structure, which is called Spillway, constructed to dispose
of surplus water from the reservoir to the d/s channel safely.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
3- Holes or openings (Outlets) are provided in the body of dam or its abutments below the crest level of
the spillway to withdrawn water from the reservoir to use for various purposes.
4- Hydropower (Water Power) is generated by utilizing the energy of water (or hydraulic energy) and
converting it into the mechanical energy by water turbines.
U/S
Stream Direction
Dam Length
Road
Non-Overflow
Section
Overflow
D/S Section
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Foundation
Heel or
Top width or Crest
u/s toe
Freeboard
U/S
D/S
Headwater
Heel Tailwater
Toe
Foundation Base width
8
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Gravity Dam
Arch Dam
9
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Buttress Dam
Earth Dam
10
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Earth Dam
11
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Spillway
12
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Dam Outlet
Beavers
Beaver
Dams
# History
Most of the first dams were built in Mesopotamia up to 7,000 years ago. These were used to control the
water level, for Mesopotamia's weather affected the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and could be quite
unpredictable.
The earliest recorded dam is believed to have been on the Sadd Al-Kafara at Wadi Al-Garawi, which is
located about 25 kilometers south of Cairo, and built around 2600 B.C. It was destroyed by heavy rain
shortly afterwards.
The oldest surviving and standing dam in the world is believed to be the Grand Anicut, also known as the
Kallanai, an ancient dam built on the Kaveri River in the state of Tamil Nadu located in southern India. It
was built by the Chola king Karikalan, and dates back to the 2nd century AD. It is a massive dam of
unhewn stone, over 300 meters long, 4.5 meters high and 20 meters (60 feet) wide, across the main
stream of the Cauvery.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
The Inguri Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Inguri River in Georgia. The dam was
completed in 1980 in Georgian SSR (then a republic of the USSR), and at 272 m, it is the
world's tallest arch dam.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
The following factors shall be considered when selecting the site for a dam:-
1- Topography (Narrow Gorge and D/S of the Confluence).
2- Suitable Foundation.
3- Spillway Site.
4- Availability of Material.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
To locate the most suitable site for a dam thorough investigations are necessary. These investigation can
be broadly classified into three categories as follow:-
1. Reconnaissance.
This involves visiting all proposed sites, and the following information are usually collected
a- Topographical data (maps, approximate storage capacity and water head, spillway location).
b- Geological data (without subsurface exploration).
c- Hydrological data (approximate estimation of stream flow data).
d- Other data such as seismicity of the region, existing water resources, water uses and water demands.
2. Preliminary Investigation.
In this type, the following information is usually collected
a- Preliminary surveys (not too precise for all sites)
b- Preliminary Geological studies (a few boring and investigation of overburden)
c- Preliminary Hydrological studies (peak flow and sediment quantity).
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
d- Construction materials.
e- Public Utility [roads, railways, telephones, water lines and power line (like electric power line)]
3. Final Investigation.
Finally one of the proposed dam sites is selected for final, precise investigation.
a. Detailed Survey
b. Foundation treatment
c. Detailed Geological Investigation
d. Demarcation of Land
e. Final design, estimation and location.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Gravity Dams
# Introduction.
A gravity dam is a huge concrete structure constructed across a river to create a reservoir on its u/s. It
is approximately triangular in shape (section or profile), resists the forces acting on it by its own weight
(gravity force).
# It is generally straight in plan (straight gravity dam), but in some cases it may slightly curved in plan,
with its convexity upstream.
# There are two types of gravity dam; solid gravity dam and hollow gravity dam.
# Gravity dams are particularly suited for gorges with steep slopes having sound rock (low gravity dam <
15-20m. can be constructed even on soil foundation).
# Gravity dams are usually provided with an overflow spillway in some portion of its length. (overflow
section).
# The Structural height of the dam is the difference in elevation of the top of the dam and the lowest point
in the excavated foundation.
# The hydraulic height of the dam is the difference in elevation of the highest controlled water surface on
the u/s of the dam the lowest point in the bed river.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
# The axis of the gravity dam is the line of the upstream edge of the top (or crown) of the dam. It is also
called the base line
# The length of the gravity dam is the distance from one abutment to the other, measured along the axis.
Dam axis
Structural Height
Hydraulic Height
heel Toe
Dam Length
Road
Non-Overflow Section Overflow
Section
In this method suitable section (suitable top width, freeboard and d/s & u/s slopes) are assumed. The
section is then analyzed and checked by one of the analysis methods of gravity dam.
In this method the dam is considered to be composed of a series of vertical cantilevers independent of
each other and the loads (forces) acting on the dam are transferred to the foundation through cantilever
action. For the sake of convenience a cantilever of unit length contained between two vertical plains
normal to the axis of the dam is considered above the deepest foundation level and its stability is checked
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
against all the possible modes of failure, at the base of the dam as well as at various horizontal sections
above the base. If necessary the assumed dam section is modified and when a section satisfying the
stability requirements is obtained the same is adopted for the entire dam.
3 3
Gravity Force (F) =W = * Volume, Note: - ( ) = 2.4 tonnees/ or = 24 kN/
W2
Y1
Y2
W3
Y3
W1
X1 X2 X3
2 2
PH = (1/2) γwater H PH = (1/2) γwater H΄
PV1
H1 X/2
X X'
PH PV2 X'/3 Pv'
X/3
H/3 H2 H'
PH'
H'/3
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
H'
B
γ 𝐻,
w
?wH'
γ (H)
w
?w (H-H')
𝑈2
U1
𝑈2 = γ * (B*H)׳
w
𝑈1
U2
𝑈1 = (1/2)γB* (H- H΄)
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
ℎ𝑎 ℎ𝑑
𝛾(ℎ𝑑 + )
3
27
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
X/2 Ps v1
X/3 Psv 2
ℎ𝑠
ℎ𝑠 Ps h
2.4 hw
Wave Pressure Diagram
4 5
3 hw 3 hw
Pw
3
h
8 w 1 w
8h
1
2.4 hw
3 hw
4 w
3h
2 w
3h 1
hw 8 hw
1
3 hw
Pw = 2 * (hw) 2
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
PI
ℎ1
Notes:-
dam must also move with it to avoid rupture. This leads to inertia forces in the dam and the water in the
reservoir. The earthquake wave may travel at any inclination through the foundation of the dam. It is
more convenient to consider the components of acceleration in the vertical and horizontal direction.
# Inertia forces
The inertia force always acts opposite to the direction of earthquake acceleration. It is expressed as
Thus: ( )
Due to horizontal acceleration( towards the reservoir) the dam and its foundation accelerate toward
the reservoir and the water resists the movement owing to its inertia, and hence the water pressure is
increased. The additional water pressure is known as the hydrodynamic pressure.
Hydrodynamic Pressure:
Zanger in 1952 gave the formula for computing the hydrodynamic pressure ( ). In that formula the
intensity of hydrodynamic pressure distribution is assumed to be parabolic. According to that formula
the hydrodynamic pressure at the depth of y is
y
𝐹𝑒𝑦
H 𝑃𝑒𝑦
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Where C = depends upon the slopes (U/S & d/S) and depth of the reservoir , it can be obtained as follows:
* ( )+√ ( )+
Where = maximum value of C. It can be obtained from a chart or it can be approximately obtained
Where = angle in degree which the u/s or d/s face makes with vertical
y = Depth of the point under consideration from the reservoir water surface.
H = Depth of headwater
x x
H
ØU
ØD
If the u/s face is partly vertical and partly sloping, can be obtained as follow: -
If h ≥ (H/2)……… take =0
If h ≤ (H/2)……… take =
h
y
H ØU
The total force on the portion of the dam up to depth y from top is given by: F = 0.726 P y.
ey ey
The moment about the plane up to which force is taken, is given by: Me = 0.299 .
Note: - The effects of earthquake on silt, uplift and Ice pressure are neglected.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
1. Overturning Failure
2. Sliding Failure
3. Tension Failure
4. Crushing (or Compression) Failure
1- Overturning Failure
The dam may fail by overturning if the resultants of all the forces passes outside the base (or The
horizontal section). To check this situation there is a criteria which is called factor of safety against
overturning (F.S.O.).
:
, Its general value is between 1.5 to 2.5
;
Note: -
The failure of the dam by overturning is usually preceded by the failure due to developed of tension
cracks (tension failure) or due to crushing (compression failure).
2- Sliding Failure
The sliding occurs when the dam slides over its base or when a part of the dam lying above any horizontal
plane slides over that plane. For this failure the following
criteria should be checked.
# To resist sliding:
1- Stepped bed
2- Key wall at heel
Factor of Safety against Sliding (F.S.S.)
∑
∑
Where is the coefficient of friction between the material above and below the horizontal section. Its
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
value (between concrete and concrete or concrete and good rock) generally varies between 0.65 and
0.75.
Note: -
In the above criteria, only friction is considered. Usually this is enough for small dam design, but for large
dams to insure economy another factor may be considered as follow:
∑ +
∑
Where
b = Width of the dam at the horizontal section under consideration (cross-section area). At the base of the
dam it is equal to B.
q = Average shear strength of material at the horizontal section.
S.F.F. ≥ 5 under normal condition. (without earthquake and with normal reservoir level)
S.F.F. ≥ 4 under unusual (extreme) condition. (max. flood level with earthquake)
For dams higher than 150 m, the S.F.F. is taken as follow: -
S.F.F. ≥ 4 under normal condition.
S.F.F. ≥ 3 under unusual (extreme) condition.
If F.S.S. is less than unity, it does not mean that the dam will fail due to sliding. In that case, the S.F.F.
should be determined. If the S.F.F. is within the safe limit, the dam is considered to be safe against sliding.
3- Tension Failure
It may occur in a gravity dam where the resultant strikes outside the middle third. It may develop cracks in
the dam which in turn leads to decrease the effective width of the dam. This causes the increasing of the
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
compressive stresses and uplift pressure force. Ultimately, a stage is reached when the crushing failure
occurs.
Notes: -
Tension crack by itself does not cause failure of the
dam but it leads to the failure of the dam by
4- Failure
crushing ordue to Crushing (or Compression)
by overturning.
Crushing failure of a gravity dam occurs when the
compressive stress in the dam or foundation excess the safe
limit. In gravity dam (also in its foundation), the stress is
usually determined by applying the theory of bending
combined with thrust (or eccentrically loaded short Reduced Width
columns). Thus, for unit length of the dam (column) the Crushing
Tension crack
normal stresses on horizontal plane ( ) is.
∑
( )
Note:- For toe the major principal stress ( 1 ) will occurs at reservoir full condition while the major
principal stress at the heel ( 1 ) will occurs at reservoir empty condition.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
# Selection of dam cross section elements (free board, top width, u/s & d/s slopes)
1. Free board: -
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Frost in the upper portion of the dam located in cold region may cause heaving and cracking of
soils. An additional free board allowance up to 1.5m should be provided for dams in regions
subjected to sub-zero temperatures.
# For modern practice the freeboard should be at least 3% to 4% of the height of dam.
2. Top Width.
Most economical top width (without earthquake consideration) is about (0.14*H), where H is the
dam height.
In practices, a road is usually provided at the top of the dam for which a min. width of 6 to 7m. is
usually recommended.
3. U/S & D/S Slopes.
1- For d/s slope from practical view of point take 1V : 0.7H as the min. d/s slope.
2- For u/s slope it depends on stability of the dam. Ranges from 5V : 1H to 25V : 1 H.
Example
For the following section of a gravity dam, examine the stability at the base. Also indicate the values of
various stresses which are developed at each of the heel and the toe. αh = 0.1,αv = 0.05.
Solution:
The stability analysis shall be carried out for two cases:
1. Assuming the reservoir is empty.
a. Vertical earthquake forces acting downward.
b. Vertical earthquake forces acting upward. (Homework).
2. Assuming the reservoir is full.
a. With uplift pressure.
b. Without uplift pressure. (Homework).
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
1/a Empty reservoir case with the vertical earthquake forces acting downward
Forces (t)
Forces acted Moments about the toe
Designaiton Lever arms (m)
by (t.m), (CCW+)
Vertical (↓+) Horizontal (←+)
W1 ⁄ 3 65 28080
W ∑ 1 3 ∑ 1 3 ,
Pw1 3 20 864
∑ 1 3 ∑ 2 ,
Vertical ∑ 1 ∑ 1
earthquake
38
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
forces 3 3 ,
∑ 2 3 ∑ 3 , 3
Summations ∑ ∑ ∑ 3 ∑ 3 ,
∑ 3 ,
̅
∑
ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ
∑
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ⁄ 2 ( ) 3 ⁄ 2
( ) 3 ⁄ 2 ( ) ⁄ 2
;1 7
3
1
1 3 ⁄ 2 ⁄ 2
2
1
;1 1
1
1 ⁄ 2 3 ⁄ 2
Shear stress
3 ⁄ 2 ⁄ 2
⁄ 2 3 ⁄ 2
According to Zanger :
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
1 2
[ ( )+( ( )) ]
3 ( )
( )
3 ⁄ 2
3 3
2 2
3 33
W1 65 28,080
W2 59.5 89,964
Weight of the
dam
W3 3 200,704
3
∑ 1 3 ∑ 1 3 ,
66 10,296
Weight of
67 12,060
water
supported on
U/S and D/S 1.4 17.64
slope
∑ 2 3 ∑ 2 ,3 3
U1 ( ) 34.5 -14,283
∑ 3 3, ∑ 3 , 3
P ( ) 2 -106,009.33
3,
3
Horizontal
hydrostatic P’ 2 2 36
force
∑ 1 3, ∑ 4 , 3 33
Upward ( ) ∑ 1 ( ) ∑ 1
vertical
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
earthquake ( ) 3 ( ) 3 ,
forces
∑ 4 3 ∑ 5 , 3
Horizontal
hydrodynamic Pe ∑ 2 3 ∑ 6 33
force
PW1 1 3 20 -864
∑ 3 3 ∑ 7 ,
Summation of
∑ , ∑ ∑ ,
forces
∑ ,
̅ 3
∑ ,
̅ , ,
∑ ,
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ⁄ 2 ( ) 3 ⁄ 2
( ) ⁄ 2 ( ) ⁄ 2
Principal stresses
2 ( ) 2
1 ( ) ( , )
3 ⁄ 2 3 ⁄ 2
2 ( ) 2
1 ( )
( 3) ⁄ 2 ⁄ 2
Shear stresses
[ ( ) ( )] ( )
( ) ⁄ 2 3 ⁄ 2
( )[ ( ) ( + )]
( )[ ( + 3)] ⁄ 2 3 ⁄ 2
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
∑
∑
3
∑ + 2
P ( ⁄ )
∑
, +
3
Homework: Examine the stability of the above dam section if there are no seismic forces. Also calculate the
magnitude of maximum stresses.
• No Tension At The Heel: [moment about the outer middle third point =0
( ) [ ]
√ ;1
H/3
If there is no uplift
( ) [ ]
√
B/3
I. No Sliding
( ) [ ]
( ;1)
For no uplift
( ) [ ]
( )
LOW
DAM
Note: the value of B is the greater of the two values of eqs. (1) and (2)
LIMITING POINT
# High and Low Gravity Dam OFLOW DAM
The principal stresses calculated for an elementary profile is given by HIGH GRAVITY DAM
( + ) (3)
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
So the principal stress varies only with H. To avoid dam failure by crushing the value of σ should be less
than the compressive strength (f in t/m2) of dam material. When uplift is neglected
.............................................(4)
( :1)
If the height of a dam having an elementary profile of triangle, is more than that given by eq (4) the
maximum compressive stress will exceed the allowable value. In order to keep it safe, extra slope on the
u/s and d/s below the limiting height will be required as shown below:
If =300 t/m2 , h=300/1(2.4+1)=88 m
Then its upper height equal to H1 can be designed as low gravity dam
a top width
And its remaining height is designed by dividing it into
MWL
a number of stripsAs per the following formulas FB
2a√𝑆𝑠
given below [these formula derived to give 3.1a√𝑆𝑠
Economic section and keep the stresses within allowable limits].
2 √ * + + ( )
4
B1= Base width of low dam [at the top of 1st strip]. LOW
DAM
B2= Base width at the bottom of 1st strip.
H1= Height of the dam portion from MWL to the bottom of 1st strip. a/16
W1= Total vertical weight of dam and water above the top of1 strip. st B=H/√𝑆𝑠
W2= Total vertical weight of dam and water above the bottom of 1st strip.
X2= The increase in base width at the u/s side which is obtained by
MWL
LOW
DAM
H4 H3 H2 H1
B1 43
X2 1st strip
B2
X3 2nd strip
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
2 2 2 2 1
[3 1 2 + 2( 1 + 2) + 1 2] [ 1 + 2 ][ 2 3 2] [ 2]
3
Knowing B1 , B2, X2 the increase in the d/s side is equal to ( 2 1 2)
Example
Design a concrete gravity dam for the following data; Max. allowable compression stress in concrete =
2
3 . Max reservoir level = 200 m, RL of dam bottom= 100 m, specific gravity of concrete= 2.4.
Solution
Take FB= 3 M, RL of the dam crest =200+3= 203 m.
The height of low gravity dam ( 1) ( :1)
3
( 1) 1(2 4:1)
ℎ ℎ ( ), ℎ ℎ ℎ .
1. Top width ( ) √ .
3 28
88 2
2. Base width (B) 3 ( ).
√ √2 4
5 18
3. U/S projection from the vertical face =16 3
16
88.2
63.3
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
RL 111.8
Design of the dam from RL 111.8 to 100
56.93 m
Divide the 11.8 m into 3 strips, the 1st strip= 3.8m 57.25m
and the others=4m each.
Design the 1st strip
1 ℎ
RL 111.8 𝐵1 𝑚
3.8 𝐵2
1 [ 3 + 3 +0.5*8.03*5.18+ 𝑥2
63.3*0.32+0.5*8.8*0.32]+16.1*0.32+0.5*8.8*0.32=6171 tonnes
To compute 2 find a trial value for 2 as below
56 93
2 + 88 2
3
2 +
= 6171+533= 6704 tonnes.
The correct base width which keep the max. compressive stresses within allowable limits is
3 2 4 3 4
2 2
2 √ * + 2+
√ * + 2
+
2 3
54
(60.25-59.7=0.54m, 6 )
25
3 2 2
[3 + ( + )+ ]
2
[ + ][ 3 2] [ 2]
3
√ + 3
2
This will be at the u/s side to insure that no tension will occur at the toe when the reservior is impty.
The increase of d/s is 2 1 2
0.25 2.75
45
60.25m
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
57 25:6 25
Corrected wt of 1st strip= ( ) 3 3
2
3
3 + + + + 3
3
(92:96)
Approx. wt of water at the base 2nd strip 2
3 + + 3
3
3 ,
==========================================================================
There are two methods for constructing concrete gravity dams they are;
1. Convention Mass Concrete (CMC)
2. Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC)
Each method will explained later. Below are the step by step procedure to be adopted in the construction
of dams.
I. Diversion During Construction
The design for a dam that is to be constructed across a stream channel must consider diversion of the
stream-flow around or through the dam site during the construction period. The method, or scheme, of
diverting floods during construction depends on:
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
The procedure to be adopted for moving concrete from the mixers on to the dam will be governed by site
conditions. The problem is to transport it to the dam with the least possible segregation or change in its
consistency so it may be compacted
uniformly into the dam without
unreasonable effort. The most suitable
ways to transport the concrete are:
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
A. Formwork
Probably the most widely used lift is 1.5m, however, on large dams a height of 2.3-3.0m is frequently
used. With the larger lifts there are fewer movements of forms and fewer horizontal lift surfaces to be
cleaned.
B. Cooling of Concrete
Temperature rise, which will depend upon the heat of hydration of the cement, the quantity of cement per
cubic meter, the concrete placing temperature and the rate of construction
a- Precooling
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Cooling the aggregate and use ice in mix water can reduce placement temperatures up to 20F.
b- Postcooling
Post-Cooling utilizes cold water flowing through pipes embedded into the concrete. This helps to
transfer heat from the core, and reduce the temperature differential
Post-Cooling utilizes cold water flowing through pipes embedded into the concrete. This helps to
transfer heat from the core, and reduce the temperature differential
49
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Contraction
joints
Gallery
Longitudinal joints
The longitudinal contraction joints are also vertical and parallel to the axis of the dam. The joints are
staggered a minimum of 8 m at the transverse joints.
50
DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
V. Water stops
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
VI. Galleries
gallery is an opening within the dam that provides access into or through the dam. Galleries may run either
transversely or longitudinally and may be either horizontal or on a slope. Where used as a connecting
passageway between other galleries or to other features such as power plants, elevators, and pump
chambers, the gallery is usually called an adit. Where a gallery isenlarged to permit the installation of
equipment, it is called a chamber or vault.
Purpose of gallery
1. To provide a drainage-way for water percolating through the upstream face or seeping through the
foundation.
2. To provide space for drilling and grouting the foundation.
3. To provide space for headers and equipment used in artificially cooling the concrete blocks and grouting
contraction joints.
4. To provide access to the interior of the structure for observing its behavior after completion.
5. To provide access to, and room for, mechanical and electrical equipment such as that used for the
operation of gates in the spillways and outlet works.
6. To provide access through the dam for control cables and/or power cables.
7. To provide access routes for visitors.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Roller compacted concrete (RCC) is a concrete compacted by roller compaction. Thus RCC differs from
conventional concrete principally in its consistency requirement. For effective consolidation, the concrete
mixture must be dry enough to prevent sinking of the vibratory roller equipment but wet enough to permit
adequate distribution of the binder mortar in concrete during the mixing and vibratory compaction
operations.
Advantages
1. Costs: Depending on the complexity of the structure, RCC costs 25% to 50% less than conventional
concrete.
2. Rapid Construction: For large projects, RCC dams can be finished 1 to 2 years earlier compared to
regular mass concrete dams.
3. Spillways: Compared to embankment dams which normally require that spillways be constructed in
an abutment, RCC dams offer the attractive and cost-effective alternative of constructing the
spillway in the main structure of the dam
4. Cement consumption is lower because much leaner concrete mixtures can be used.
5. Formwork costs are lower because of the layer placement method.
6. Pipe cooling is unnecessary because of the low temperature rise.
7. Cost of transporting, placement, and compaction of concrete is lower, because concrete can be
hauled by end dump trucks; spread by bulldozers and compacted by vibratory rollers.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
8. The dam is capable of passing floods during construction by over-topping without damage.
9. RCC dams commonly have a lower cost than the equivalent fill dams when the saving in cost of
diversions and spillways are taken into account.
Sequence of placement
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Materials – Cement
The consolidation by a roller does not require special cements; however, when RCC is to be used in mass
concrete, the recommendation of selecting cements with lower heat generation should be followed.
Mineral admixtures
Mineral admixtures are used extensively in RCC mixtures. The use of large amounts of mineral admixtures
reduces both the adiabatic temperature rise of concrete and costs, and improves durability. In the United
States, Class F fly ash is the most common mineral admixture used in dams, however, in other parts of the
world Class C fly ash , slag , and natural pozzolana have also been used.
Chemical Admixtures
water-reducing admixtures are used in RCC compositions that contains higher volume of paste.
Set-retarding admixtures are used in hot regions to extend the time up to which the concrete lift
should remain unhardened, reducing the risk of cold joints with the subsequence lift.
Aggregates
Aggregates greater than 76 mm in diameter (3 in.) are seldom used in RCC because they can cause
problems in spreading, compacting and Segregation the layer .
The size of coarse aggregate has a significant influence on the degree of compaction in small layers. This
influence is less marked in relatively thicker layers specially when large vibratory rollers are employed.
The use of material finer than 75 mm (No.200mesh sieve) produces a more cohesive mixture by reducing
the volume of voids. So such materials can be exist in RCC dams in larger quantity than in conventional
concrete.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Mix design
The mixture design for Shimajigawa Dam in Japan used conventionally graded 3 inch maximum size
aggregate (MSA) with (130kg/ 3 ) cementitious materials.(cement + fly ash). Below some examples of
other used mix design.
Laboratory tests
RCC is a zero-slump concrete whose properties are strongly dependent on the mixture proportions and on
the quality of compaction. Concrete is consolidated in the field using vibrating rollers. The consistency of
the mix is determined by modified vebe test.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Contraction joints may be required to avoid thermal cracks. Below some methods to develop
contraction joints in an RCC dam.
Permeability
The coefficient of permeability of RCC is a critical parameter for long-term performance of dams,
particularly if no impermeable membrane has been used at the upstream face of the dam. The construction
process of RCC generates porous zones between the lifts where water can percolate. Depending on the
mixture proportions and construction process, the coefficient of permeability can very over 8 orders of
magnitude.
Lift thickness
The success of a RCC dam is often contingent on the correct selection of lift thickness, which
depends on the mixture proportions and on the equipment available.
If the lift is too thin, the placement rates will be small, thereby reducing the advantages of using
RCC.
If the lift is too thick, the compaction will not be adequate, creating horizontal layers of higher
porosity, thereby compromising the strength and durability of the structure.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I
Normally, the thickness of the lifts ranges from 0.15 to 0.90 m; in the U.S. a lift thickness of 0.3 m
is often used. For thicker lift it is better to be placed in multiple layer then compacted in order to
avoid segregation.
Compaction
Compaction of the lift should be performed as soon as possible, typically within 10 minutes after
spreading and no more than 40 minutes after mixing for mixture temperatures between 10 and 27.
Once adequate compaction is achieved, good curing conditions for the finished surface are
essential; the surface should be kept in a moistened condition until the next lift is placed.
Horizontal Joint forming
The dry consistency of RCC results in difficulty in bonding fresh concrete to hardened concrete.
This bond can be improved between the lifts by reducing the time of casting the lifts or by
increasing the paste content in the mixture or using mortar or bedding for cold joint (after 24 hrs
approximately).
Typically, bedding mixtures contain 360 to 460 kg/m3 of cement, 170 to 220 kg/m3 of fly ash, and
4.75-mm maximum size aggregate.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Arch Dams
It is a dam curved in plan which carries a major parts of the water load horizontally to the abutments by arch action.
The remainder of the water load is transferred to the foundation by cantilever action, as in the case of a gravity dam.
Fig.Kariba Arch Dam -128m Height-579m Crest length. Completed in 1959. It is on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Fig. Katse Double Curvature Concrete Arch Dam-185m height- 710m along the Crest. Started from February 1990 and completed
Fig. Katse Double Curvature Arch Dam-185m height 710m along the Crest.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Fig. Hoover Arch-Gravity Dam 221m height- 379m Crest length- 201m thick at the base and about 14m thick at the Crest (Top
width-Roadway) Highest concrete arch dam in USA.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
In this theory, it is assumed that the horizontal section of the arch dam is a part of thin cylinder of the same
radius, and the entire water load (hydrostatic pressure) is carried horizontally by the arch action (cantilever
action is absent). Because the cylindrical element is assumed to be thin, the stress distribution across the
thickness is uniform.
PH = P * [2 sin(θ/2)] = h * [2 sin(θ/2)]
=2 h sin(θ/2)
Where
Or R=f*t ……………..(2)
f = compression stress developed in the arch ring and
t = thickness of the arch ring.
Substitute eq.(2) in eqn.(1),
…………..(3)
For safe design of the arch ring, the compressive stress ( should not exceed the allowable stress in
compression for the material of the arch ring. Thus
( )
( )
( )
; 5
ℎ
( )
ℎ
Where = mean radius of the arch ring, = intrados radius of the arch ring.
Notes:-
1- This method is quite approximate and it can be used for small dam.
2- It is quite useful for the preliminary design of the arch dams (small, intermediate, and large).
Example 1
Design a constant angle arch dam for a valley of 40 m at bottom and 240 m at 100 m above 2.44
the bottom, the height of the dam is 100 m choose an angle of 3 as it gives an economy 4.53
Solution 7.57
100.0
The top arch has a chord of 240 m, the central angle = 3 8.46
⁄2 24 8.90
2 67
3 ( )
8.86
ℎ 8.27
( )
ℎ
Depth (m) L (m) (m) from eq.(1) t (m) from eq.(2) 5.44
Example 2
Design a constant radius arch dam for a valley 100 m at the base and 150 m at a height of 100 m above the base,
The height of the dam =100 m.
Solution
1.94
The top arch angle as is taken as a controlling factor
3.94
⁄
5.94 ,
Depth (m) L (m) (m) (m) ⁄
7.94
0 150 80 0 80 69.6 139.2
10 145 80 2 78 64.9 129.8 100.00
20 140 80 4 76 61 122.0 10.00 75
7
30 135 80 6 74 57 114.0
40 130 80 8 72 54.3 108.6 12.00
50 125 80 10 70 51.2 102.4
60 120 80 12 68 48.6 97.2 14.00 The
70 115 80 14 66 45.9 91.8 extr
80 110 80 16 64 43.4 86.8 16.00 ado
90 105 80 18 62 40.9 81.8 s of
100 100 80 20 60 38.7 77.4 18.06
all
arches is kept as 80 m.
20.00
Buttress Dams
It consists of a sloping upstream membrane (or small arches) supported by a number of buttress located at right
angles to the axis of the dam.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Freely supported
Fixed supported
Cantilever supported
Multiple arch t
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Round head
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Diamond head
Tee head
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Note:-
In the buttress dam, the forces are calculated per buttress unit instead of per unit length as in the gravity dams.
It is also called the Ambursen type of dam after Nils F. Ambursen, who built the first deck slab type buttress dam in
1903. In this type, the deck slab consists of a reinforced concrete slab supported by a series of buttresses. The
inclination of the slab usually between 35˚ to 45˚ with the horizontal.
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DAMS ENGINEERING PART I INTRODUCTION
Stability against overturning and tension :- the dam is usually safe against overturning if the resultant falls within
the middle third of the base (or section).
Stability against sliding.
Stability against buckling:- The buttress to be safe against buckling, the following criteria should be satisfied.
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