Dams and Site Selection Quiz

The various components of embankment dams include the embankment, spillway, outlet works, and abutments. The embankment provides the main barrier to store water, the spillway allows for controlled release of excess water, the outlet works control the flow of water from the reservoir, and the abutments support the dam structure.

The forces acting on a gravity dam include self-weight, water pressure on upstream and downstream face, uplift pressure, wave pressure, silt pressure, wind pressure, earthquake forces, and hydrodynamic forces. These forces are estimated through various methods such as load combinations, codal provisions, and stability analysis.

The initial study involves reconnaissance survey and geophysical investigations to identify potential sites, while detailed investigations assess the foundation characteristics and suitability. The purpose is to evaluate the geological and geotechnical aspects of the site to ensure the safety and stability of the dam.

The modes of failures in gravity dam design include overturning, sliding, tension, and compression failures. Factors of safeties are used to ensure the dam can withstand these potential failures and are determined based on the stability analysis and principal stresses.

Important features of gravity dams include their shape, foundation, and materials used. These features contribute to the overall stability, strength, and ability to withstand the various forces acting on the dam.

The different types of dams discussed in Module 1 are embankment dams and gravity dams. Embankment dams have components such as a core, filter, and shell, with functions including retaining water and preventing seepage.

The key considerations in the selection of a dam site include site investigations, initial study, reconnaissance survey, geophysical investigations, preliminary selection, evaluation of the selected site, various types of foundation testing, field testing, borrow pit investigations, assessment of foundation characteristics and suitability, and selection of the type of dam based on the site's characteristics.

The forces acting on a gravity dam include self-weight, water pressure on the upstream and downstream face, uplift pressure, wave pressure, silt pressure, wind pressure, earthquake forces, and hydrodynamic forces. These forces are estimated using methods that consider load combinations, codal provisions, and stability analysis for factors of safety against overturning, sliding, tension, and compression failures.

Some features of important gravity dams include their height, cross-section, and foundation characteristics. These features contribute to the design of the dams by influencing the forces acting on the dams, the stability analysis, and the selection of appropriate construction materials and methods.

The assessment of foundation characteristics and suitability involves conducting detailed investigations to evaluate the selected site's foundation, including various types of foundation testing, field testing, and borrow pit investigations. This assessment aims to determine the foundation's properties and its ability to support the chosen type of dam.