Non-overflow Dam

Unlike overflow dams, the structure of a non-overflow dam is

designed and constructed in such a way that the water is not
allowed to overtop the dam. The height of the dam is usually
kept higher than the maximum expected High Flood Level
(HFL).

Classification Of Dams Based On Materials

Masonry Dam
These dams are constructed out of materials like stone and
bricks. Cement mortar is used for bonding blocks of stone
masonry. Examples of such dams are gravity dams and arch
dams.

Nagarjunasagar Dam is the largest masonry dam in the world.

It is situated in Andhra Pradesh, India. The height of the
Nagarjunasagar dam is 125m.
Concrete Dam
Concrete is widely used to construct not only dams but,
different types of structures all over the world. Concrete is a
rigid material when matures properly. So these dams are also
known as rigid dams.

Concrete dams are highly durable and are designed to carry

and withstand heavy loads and pressure. The majority of dams
in the world are built using concrete. Examples of concrete
dams are gravity dams, arch dams, and buttress dams.

Timber Dam
Timber dam is a temporary structure constructed to divert water
for a temporary period so the construction of the main dam can
take place. The structural members or the load-bearing
members of this dam are mainly built up using wood like pine
wood and fir wood.
Timber dams are also used to control the floodwater during the
rainy season. These types of dams are suitable for a height of
up to 8 to 10 meters.

Steel Dam
Steel dams are also used as temporary structures like timber
dams. Steel dams are more durable and stronger than timber
dams. The purpose of steel dam is similar to the timber dams.
Steel dams are suitable for a height of up to 15 meters. Steel
dams are also under the category of rigid dams.
Earth Dam
Earth dams are the most common types of dams. They are built
using the locally available soils and gravels. It is a type of non-
rigid dam.

Earth dams are suitable for moderate heights as the material

used for the construction of earth dams may not be feasible for
greater heights.

The construction procedure of an earth dam is less complex

than other types of dams. Earth dams are a type of
embankment dam.
Rockfill Dam
Like the earth dams, Rock fill dams are embankment type
dams, also categorized as non-rigid dams. Rocks of various
sizes are used in the construction of rockfill dams, which
provide stability to the structure.

Rockfill dams are also consisted of an impermeable membrane

to provide water tightness. Rockfill dams are comparatively
cheaper in terms of cost as compared to other types of dams.
Classification Of Dams According To
Structure & Design
Gravity Dam
Gravity dams are the type of dams in which the external forces
coming on it such as the pressure of water, the pressure of
waves, and the uplift pressure, are resisted by the weight of the
dam itself.

The stability of gravity dam fully depends on its weight. Gravity

dams were primarily constructed out of masonry components
such as stones or bricks. But nowadays, these dams are
constructed using concrete.

Gravity dams are stronger and more durable as compared to

earth dams. Also, the height of the gravity dam is more due to
its construction using concrete, as concrete is a rigid material.
The initial cost of constructing a gravity dam is higher, but it
may prove to be a cheaper option in the long run.
Arch Dam
An arch dam is curved in plan. It has convexity towards the
upstream side of the dam. An arch dam transfers all the
external forces coming on it to the abutments by its arch action.

An arch dam is usually constructed where the width of the river

or stream is narrow with strong banks to withstand various
forces. The section of an arch dam is thinner than a gravity
dam.
Buttress Dam
A buttress dam consists of a buttress, face slab, and base slab
components. The face slab is situated on the upstream side.
Buttresses are provided at certain intervals behind the face
slab. The face slab is somewhat in an inclined position.

Buttresses are provided as support elements in the buttress

dam. Buttress dams may be straight or curved in plan. Buttress
dams are usually built where the soil is comparatively weaker.
Buttress dams are made using concrete.