Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1.7.
Different types of buttress dam (ANCOLD 2000).
1.3
TYPES OF CONCRETE DAMS AND THEIR MAIN FEATURES
Figures 1.5
and
1.6
show examples of concrete gravity and arch dams. Concrete gravity
dams rely on the weight of the concrete to withstand the forces imposed on the dam.
Concrete arch dams transpose these forces into the abutment foundation by the arching
action and generally impose higher loads on the foundations.
Modern concrete gravity and arch dams have a gallery in the dam from which grout
holes are drilled to reduce the rock mass permeability of the foundation. Grouting, com-
bined with drainage holes reduces the uplift pressures within the dam foundation and at
the dam foundation contact.
Figure 1.7 shows different types of concrete buttress dams.
Dependent on the configuration, these may impose large stresses on the dam foundation.
