DAILY SCIENCE: TYPES OF DAMS

TYPES OF DAMS

Arch Dam

A concrete or masonry dam, which is curved upstream so as to transmit the major part of the water load to the abutments. Double curvature arch dam. An arch dam, which is curved vertically as well as horizontally.

Coffer Dam

A temporary structure enclosing all or part of the construction area so that construction can proceed in the dry. A diversion cofferdam diverts a stream into a pipe, channel, tunnel, or other watercourse.

Diversion Dam

A dam built to divert water from a waterway or stream into a different watercourse.

Embankment Dam

Any dam constructed of excavated natural materials or of industrial waste materials. Earth dam. An embankment dam in which more than 50 percent of the total volume is formed of compacted earth material generally smaller than 3-inch size. Hydraulic fill dam. An embankment dam constructed of materials, often dredged, which are conveyed and placed by suspension in flowing water. Rock fill dam. An embankment dam in which more than 50 percent of the total volume is composed of compacted or dumped cobbles, boulders, rock fragments, or quarried rock generally larger than 3-inch size.

Gravity Dam

A dam constructed of concrete and/or masonry, which relies on its weight and internal strength for stability. Hollow gravity dam. A dam constructed of concrete and/or masonry on the outside but having a hollow interior relying on its weight for stability. Crib dam. A gravity dam built up of boxes, crossed timbers, or gabions filled with earth or rock. Roller-compacted concrete dam. 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.

Hydropower Dam

A dam that uses the difference in water level between the reservoir pool elevation and the tail water elevation to turn a turbine to generate electricity.

Industrial Waste Dam

An embankment dam, usually built in stages, to create storage for the~ disposal of waste products from an industrial process. The waste products are conveyed as fine material suspended in water to the reservoir impounded by the embankment. The embankment may be built of conventional materials but sometimes incorporates suitable waste products. Mine tailing dam. An industrial waste dam in which the waste materials come from mining operations or mineral processing.

Masonry Dam

Any dam constructed mainly of stone, brick, or concrete blocks jointed with mortar. A dam having only a masonry facing should not be referred to as a masonry dam. Rubble dam. A stone masonry dam in which the stones are unshaped or uncoursed.

Overflow Dam