Introduction of Gravity of Dam
Important Point
The Gravity dam is defined as a structure that is designed and constructed such that the own weight of the gravity dam resists the external forces.
The Gravity dam is most durable and solid which requires very less maintenance. The Gravity dam is constructed from masonry or concrete. Gravity dams are massive structures that are constructed with the help of stone or concrete.
The construction of concrete gravity dams is preferred as compared to the other types of dams. If suitable conditions and the site is available then the gravity dams can be constructed up to the greater heights. This types of dams are generally straight in the plan.
One of the highest and popular Gravity dams in the world is Grand Dixence Dam in Switzerland. The height of this dam is 284 m.
The highest and biggest gravity dam in India is the Bhakra Nangal Dam. The height of this dam is 226m. The gravity dams are more durable as compared to other types of dams.
Also, Read: Earthen Dam
Forces Acting on a Gravity Dam
There are various forces that are acting on the gravity dam. All these forces are explained with their magnitude direction and the point of action.
The forces of the gravity dam are expressed in the kilogram per meter run of the Dam.
1. Water Pressure on the Gravity Dam
The water pressure is the major external pressure that is acting on the Dam. This is the Overturning force acting on the gravity dam.
P1= (Wh2/2) which act from the base at h/3
Where,
w= Specific weight of the water
h= Height of water
2. Weight of the Wedge on the Downstream Slope
This is the force due to the weight of water on the downstream wedge acting at the centre of gravity in downwards.
P ( force) = (Whd2 /2)
Where,
hd = Depth of the water on the downstream side
3. Weight of Dam
Weight of the dam = Area of cross-section x unit weight of dam material acting at the centre of gravity of the dam section downwards.
The weight of the dam is an important and main stabilizing force in case of the gravity dam. For the analysis of the gravity dam, the unit width of the gravity dam is considered.
The total weight of the gravity dam acts at the centre of gravity of the cross-section.
4. Upstream Silt Pressure
The silt which is deposited on the upstream side of the dam exerts pressure on the dam. The silt which is deposited on the upstream side can be analyzed for any vertical forces in case the dam is sloped.
5. Seismic Forces or Earthquake Forces
It is very important that dam should be designed in all respects. If the dam is located in the earthquake zones, can you should be designed for the seismic forces.
The earthquake waves can cause damage to the foundation and the structure of the dam and there may be chances that the dam may be collapsed.
So it is necessary that the earthquake forces should be considered while designing and constructing the gravity dams.
P ( Earthquake force) = 500 h2
This force approximately acts at 0.42h from the base of the dam.
6. Uplift Force
This is the pressure due to the seepage of water through the foundation. It acts upwards on the foundation of the dam and reduces the effective weight.
7. Ice Pressure
In an extremely cold climate the top surface of the reservoir freezes into ice due to variations in temperature such as expand during the daytime and exert pressure on the dam.
This force acts along the length of the dam at the reservoir level. Magnitude of the Ice force ranges between 25 to 150 t/m2.
8. Wind Pressure
The wind force acting on all the export faces of the dam exerts pressure in the direction of the wind. The wind pressure depends on the speed of the wind.
The wind pressure acts on the export surface of the gravity dam. The section of the gravity dam is proportioned such that it will resist the external force acting on the gravity dam by its own weight.
Also, Read: Difference Between Bridge and Culvert | What Is Bridge | What Is Culvert
Construction of Gravity Dam
The gravity dams are constructed on any site where the natural foundation is strong and rigid enough to bear the heavy load of the dam.
Gravity dams are constructed at the right angles to the flow of the water. During the construction of the gravity dam it is necessary to divert the flowing water of river temporarily.
The lower portion of the gravity dam should be constructed in dry weather because it will help to minimize the cost required for the diversion of the water.
The materials which are required for the construction of the gravity dams are sand, aggregate, cement, and reinforcement, etc. In the Gravity dam, the apex is at the top side and the maximum width is at the bottom side of the gravity dam.
The most suitable and preferred foundation for the construction of the gravity dam is a rock foundation. The rock foundation is the strongest foundation that will transmit the heavy weight of the gravity dam into the underneath strata of the soil.
The cross-section of the gravity dam is basically triangular in shape. In the construction of the gravity dam, low heat cement is used.
The materials which will be used in the construction of the gravity dam should be accessible nearby areas so that to reduce the transportation cost and the total cost of construction of the project.
Also, Read: Difference Between Flyover and Bridge | What Is Flyover | What Is Bridge
Advantages of Gravity Dam
The various advantages of the gravity dam are as follows.
- The gravity dams are more stronger and rigid.
- the gravity dams are more stable and durable as compared to other types of dams.
- The gravity dam requires less maintenance.
- 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.
- The Benefit-cost ratio of the Gravity dam is more.
- Gravity dams have the ability to hold a large amount of water.
- Gravity dams can be constructed upto any height but it is necessary that the foundation of the dam should be strong and rigid.
- There are less seepage problems in the case of gravity dams.
Also, Read: How Are Bridges Built | How Are Bridges Constructed | Factors Associated with Building Bridges
Disadvantages of Gravity Dam
There are also some disadvantages of the gravity dam which are as follows.
- The initial cost required for the construction of the Gravity dams is high.
- The time required for the construction of the gravity dam is more.
- The construction of the Gravity dam required skilled labour.
- It is necessary that the construction of the gravity dams should have a strong and sound foundation.
- The design of the gravity dam is a little bit complex.
Also, Read: What Is Bridge | Components of Bridge and Their Function
Applications of Gravity Dam
The applications of the gravity dam are as follows
- Gravity dam is used to store a large amount of water.
- Gravity dams are used for the supply of water for various purposes.
- It is also used for the purpose of Flood control.
- Gravity dams are also used for the generation of hydropower.
Measures Should Be Taken to Control Cracks in the Gravity Dams?
There are various measures to be taken to avoid cracking in gravity dam which are as follows.
- In the construction of the gravity dam special low heat, cement should be used.
- Proper suitable spaced contraction joints should be provided in addition to the normal construction joints.
- The material which will go into the concrete should be cooled before mixing the concrete.
- 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
A dam constructed of concrete and/or masonry, which relies on its weight and internal strength for stability. A concrete gravity dam constructed by the use of a dry mix concrete transported by conventional construction equipment and compacted by rolling, usually with vibratory rollers.
Forces Acting on a Gravity Dam
Gravity dam case-i reservoir full case: When reservoir is full, the major forces acting are weight of the dam, external water pressure, uplift pressure, and earthquake forces in serious seismic zones. The minor forces are Silt Pressure, Ice Pressure, and wave Pressure.
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
Gravity dams are multifunctional and serve a variety of purpose. They help to control the flow of melting snow in a river during winter and spring and store water in the dry season. These dams can store a large amount of water which can be used for drinking water supply, electricity generation, irrigation, etc.
Concrete Gravity Dam Construction Cost
On average, the cost of constructing a concrete gravity dam can range from $500 to $2,500 per cubic meter ($382 to $1,910 per cubic yard) of concrete, including materials, labor, and equipment. This range is quite broad because different projects can have different complexities and site-specific considerations.
Gravity Dam Design Specifications
Some general design considerations and specifications for gravity dams:
- Structural Stability
- Foundation
- Geometry and Profile
- Spillway
- Construction Materials
- Joints and Seepage Control
- Safety and Risk Assessment
Large-Scale Gravity Dam Projects
Large-scale gravity dam projects are major engineering endeavors aimed at harnessing the power of water through the construction of massive dams. These dams are designed to store and regulate the flow of water, creating reservoirs that can supply water for various purposes, including irrigation, drinking water, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
Best Materials for Gravity Dams
Some of the best materials commonly used for constructing gravity dams are:
- Concrete
- Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC)
- Rock-fill
- Masonry
- Asphaltic concrete
Gravity Dam Stability Analysis
Stability analysis for gravity dams often is simplified into a two-dimensional rigid body analysis of a cross section of the structure and is focused on stability against sliding. In this analysis, overturning of the dam is considered within the context of its potential influence on sliding.
Forces Acting on Gravity Dam
Gravity dams are subjected to various forces that can affect their stability and safety. These forces include water pressure, uplift pressure, earthquake forces, silt pressure, and wave pressure.
Types of Gravity Dam
Classifications
- 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
A gravity dam is a type of structure built to resist the force of water by its own weight, utilizing the force of gravity. Several forces act on a gravity dam, and here are the primary ones:
- Hydrostatic Pressure
- Uplift Pressure
- Seismic Forces
- Water Current Forces
- Wind Loads
- Ice Forces
- Sediment Loads
What Is Gravity Dam?
A gravity dam is a type of dam that relies on its own weight and the force of gravity to resist the pressure exerted by water in a reservoir. It is designed to hold back large volumes of water and create a reservoir for various purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.
Solid Gravity Dam
A solid gravity dam, also known as a solid masonry gravity dam, is a specific type of gravity dam constructed primarily using solid masonry materials such as stone or concrete blocks. Unlike some gravity dams that may contain hollow sections or voids, a solid gravity dam is built entirely with solid materials.
What Is a Dam?
A dam is a large, man-made barrier or structure built across a river, stream, or other water bodies to control the flow of water. It is designed to impound or redirect water, creating a reservoir or a controlled water release.
Gravity Dam Is Most Suitable When the Foundation Is?
Strong
It is most suitable when foundation is strong. It may be constructed either of masonry or of concrete.
What Is Elementary Profile of Gravity Dam?
An elementary profile of a gravity dam is the theoretical shape of its cross-section when it is subjected to only three main forces i.e.Self-weight, Water pressure, and Uplift pressure. Moreover, the elementary profile has zero top width and no freeboard.
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