Construction Principles CSP115B - Week 5 Dams
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary purposes of dams?

  • Space exploration
  • Data storage
  • Residential housing
  • Hydroelectric power generation (correct)

    • Dams should be designed to enhance the erosion of surrounding environments.

    False

    Name one key consideration engineers must keep in mind when designing a dam.

    Safety, water quality, environmental impact, or cost and economics

    Dams are built across a river or stream to __________ water.

    <p>impound</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following key considerations in dam engineering with their descriptions:

    <p>Safety = Must withstand extreme weather events Water quality = Maintaining good water characteristics Environmental impact = Protecting habitats and preventing erosion Cost and economics = Ensuring economic viability and cost-effectiveness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which dam relies on its weight to hold back water?

    <p>Gravity Dam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Embankment dams are primarily constructed from concrete.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of dam that is primarily used for redirecting water rather than storing it.

    <p>Diversion Dam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ Dam is a famous example of a gravity dam.

    <p>Hoover</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of dams with their descriptions:

    <p>Embankment Dam = Made from earth or rock Arch Dam = Transfers water pressure to valley walls Buttress Dam = Supported by triangular buttresses Hydraulic Fill Dam = Constructed using a mixture of soil and water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key importance of dams?

    <p>They store water for various uses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hydroelectric power is NOT generated by dams.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List one example of an arch dam.

    <p>Glen Canyon Dam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which dam in South Africa has the largest capacity?

    <p>Gariep</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The feasibility study only considers the geological evaluation of the site.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be checked during a detailed investigation for dam feasibility?

    <p>Water supply availability and flooding potential.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______ capacity of the Gariep dam is 5,341 million m³.

    <p>storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following dam types with their characteristics:

    <p>Gravity dam = Relies on its weight to resist water pressure Arch dam = Curved structure that directs water to the foundation Earth-fill dam = Composed of compacted earth materials Rock-fill dam = Built using rocks and gravel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the factors examined during site selection for a dam?

    <p>Availability of construction materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Non-overflow dams do not require spillways.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What considerations are important for assessing the lifespan of a dam?

    <p>Economic viability and construction period.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hydraulic model tests are important for _______ dams.

    <p>large</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential environmental factor that must be improved according to detailed investigation considerations?

    <p>Natural scenery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a design component of embankment dams?

    <p>Turbine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The core wall in an embankment dam is primarily used for stability.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of dam is built mostly from stone bedded in mortar?

    <p>Masonry dam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The design component that allows water to overflow safely from a dam is called the __________.

    <p>spillway</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the permeability of soil in dam design?

    <p>The rate at which water can pass through the soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of concrete dams with their characteristics:

    <p>Gravity dam = Resists the water forces with its weight Arch dam = Curved structure that redirects water Buttress dam = Reinforced with buttresses to reduce material use Masonry dam = Built with stone and mortar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Earth embankments are a type of concrete dam.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What internal process can occur in dams due to the washing of fines?

    <p>Internal erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced during dam construction?

    <p>Increased Wildlife Population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Regulatory compliance in dam construction refers to the requirement that projects adhere to various regulations.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geological issue can lead to instability during dam construction?

    <p>Unstable foundations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dam construction can disrupt natural habitats and affect local _________.

    <p>wildlife</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following challenges of dam construction with their descriptions:

    <p>Geological Uncertainties = Lead to unstable foundations and landslides Safety Risks = Associated with accidents during construction Water Management = Prevent flooding and water pollution Material Selection = Choosing materials that withstand operational stresses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key factor must be considered in the design of dams in seismically active areas?

    <p>Seismic Activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Logistical challenges during dam construction can be minimized by selecting urban locations.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is managing water flows and levels during dam construction crucial?

    <p>To prevent flooding and erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical factor in ensuring the stability and safety of a dam?

    <p>Waterproofing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Drainage systems are unnecessary if the dam is built in a dry area.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the innovative solutions used in dam construction?

    <p>Advanced materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Effective __________ systems are crucial to prevent water accumulation around the dam.

    <p>drainage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Instrumentation and Monitoring = Tracking the dam's performance Community Engagement = Addressing local concerns Careful Planning = Identifying potential risks Regulatory Compliance = Ensuring adherence to standards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key consideration in dam construction?

    <p>Government funding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Climate change has no effect on water conservation efforts.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dam projects require an experienced team of engineers, contractors, and __________.

    <p>project managers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Construction Principles CSP115B (Week 5 - Dams)

    • Dam engineering is a branch of civil engineering
    • It involves the design, construction, and operation of dams which are structures built across rivers or streams to impound water.
    • Dams are crucial infrastructure for managing water resources; they serve diverse purposes.
    • Dams are used for water storage, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation
    • Dams play a vital role in modern infrastructure
    • Dams require balancing resource management with environmental and social considerations
    • Proper planning and management are essential for maximizing benefits and minimizing negative impacts.

    Key Considerations in Dam Engineering

    • Safety: Dams must be designed to withstand extreme weather events (floods and earthquakes).
    • Water Quality: Dams must maintain good water quality, preventing contamination and minimizing sedimentation.
    • Environmental Impact: Dams must minimize environmental impact, protecting habitats and preventing erosion.
    • Cost and Economics: Dams need to be cost-effective and economically viable.

    South Africa's Largest Dams (by Capacity)

    • Gariep: 5,341 million m³
    • Sterkfontein: 2,617 million m³
    • Pongolapoort: 2,446 million m³
    • Vanderkloof: 3,172 million m³
    • Vaal: 2,604 million m³

    Feasibility Study - Site Selection

    • Width and shape of the site (valley; wide open area)
    • Storage capacity (yield of catchments and use)
    • Foundations
    • Availability of materials for construction
    • Spillway potential for non-overflow dams
    • Prevailing wind direction

    Feasibility Study - Site Investigation

    • Topography
    • Geological evaluation (drilling, trenching, shafts, and surface investigations) of in-situ ground (soil or rock)
    • Permeability test (boreholes)
    • Hydraulic model tests (large dams)
    • Evaluation of existing dams of similar design

    Feasibility Study - Detailed Investigation Considerations

    • Water supply (checking availability)
    • Floodlines and stream flows (potential of damage to surrounding properties)
    • Location, geological factor, and availability of material
    • Sedimentation rates
    • Forces, water pressure, wind loads, waves, and soil pressure

    Feasibility Study - Detailed Investigation Considerations (Cont'd)

    • Environmental factors, natural scenery, and ecology must be improved.
    • Construction period (careful planning of construction activities).
    • Lifespan of the storage unit (economic viability)
    • Evaporation (water loss due to evaporation)
    • Wind, tide and wave action
    • Earthquake resistance (avoid areas prone to earthquakes)

    A2R006 – Bospoort Dam (Layout Sketch)

    • Layout including earth fill walls, weather station, purification works, and river gauging station.
    • Labyrinth spillway

    Types of Dams

    • Embankment Dams: Earth, rock fill
    • Concrete Dams: Arch, multiple arch, buttress, masonry, gravity
    • Types explained by their construction materials and methods

    Importance of Dams

    • Water Supply: Ensures a steady supply of water during dry periods.
    • Flood Control: Regulates river flow to prevent downstream flooding.
    • Hydroelectric Power: Generates renewable energy by harnessing flowing water.
    • Irrigation: Supports agriculture and food production.
    • Recreation and Tourism: Provides opportunities for various recreational activities.

    Embankment Dams Design (Components)

    • Core wall
    • Cut-off wall
    • Crest (top of embankment)
    • Earth embankment
    • Filter zones
    • Transition filters
    • Internal drain
    • Freeboard
    • Overfall/overflow/overspill
    • Rip-rap
    • Spillway
    • Toe drain

    Embankment Dams Design (Design Components)

    • Permeability
    • Stability
    • Compression
    • Washing of fines
    • Availability of construction materials.

    Concrete Dams Design (Components)

    • Gravity Dam
    • Arch Dam
    • Buttress Dams
    • Masonry Dams

    Challenges Faced During Dam Construction

    • Geological uncertainties (unstable foundations, water seepage, landslides)
    • Environmental concerns (habitat disruption, ecosystem alteration, wildlife impacts)
    • Water management (fluctuations, erosion, quality)
    • Logistical challenges (transport in remote areas).

    Challenges Faced During Dam Construction (Cont'd)

    • Safety risks (accidents, injuries, fatalities, during excavation, blasting, placement)
    • Cost overruns (unforeseen conditions, design changes, delays)
    • Community displacement
    • Seismic activity

    Challenges Faced During Dam Construction (Cont'd)

    • Material Selection (withstanding stresses; dam's operation)
    • Regulatory Compliance (environmental regulations, safety regulations, water quality regulations)

    Technical Challenges

    • Foundation Design: Stable foundation to transfer dam weight
    • Concrete Placement: Ensuring quality and durability in various weather conditions.
    • Waterproofing: Preventing seepage and leakage to ensure safety and stability.
    • Drainage: Effective drainage systems to avoid erosion and water accumulation

    Technical Challenges (Cont'd)

    • Instrumentation and Monitoring: Identifying and rectifying problems to ensure safety and reliability.

    Addressing Challenges

    • Careful Planning: Thorough feasibility studies to identify risks and challenges.
    • Experienced Team: Experienced engineers, contractors, project managers.
    • Innovative Solutions: Use of advanced materials and construction techniques.
    • Community Engagement: Minimize social impacts.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with regulations.

    Water Conservation

    • Scarcity
    • Rising population
    • Climate change
    • Water consumption (seawater, greywater, groundwater)

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    CSP115B - Week 5 Dams PDF

    Description

    Explore the essential principles of dam engineering in this week’s quiz. Discover the design, construction, and operation of dams as crucial infrastructure for water management. Learn about key considerations such as safety, water quality, and environmental impact.

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