Earth-Fill Dams Overview

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Questions and Answers

What primary material is used in the construction of a rock-fill dam?

Steel

Wood

Concrete

Large boulders and rock fragments (correct)

What is the purpose of the impervious membrane in a rock-fill dam?

To support the dry rubble cushion

To allow water to flow through the dam

To reduce seepage through the dam (correct)

To provide structural integrity to the dam

Which factor determines the height of earth-fill dams?

The water level above the dam

The shear strength of the soil (correct)

The angle of repose of the soil

The type of construction material used

Which of the following membranes was used in early rock-fill dams but is no longer in use?

Steel and timber membranes Signup and view all the answers

How does the foundation requirement for earth-fill dams compare to that of rock-fill dams?

Earth-fill dams can be built on weaker foundations Signup and view all the answers

For the construction of concrete dams, what types of concrete can be used?

Plain concrete and reinforced concrete Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical ratio for the angle of repose of the rock in rock fill dams?

1.3:1 or 1.4:1 Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does the weight of an earth-fill dam provide?

It aids in force resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is a key economic consideration when selecting a triangular channel cross section?

Cost of design and construction Signup and view all the answers

Which channel type is usually the most economical when right-of-way is available?

Trapezoidal channel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a non-structural measure for disaster risk reduction?

Public awareness programs Signup and view all the answers

What role do building codes fulfill in disaster resilience?

They establish safety standards for construction practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a goal of effective floodplain management?

Balancing development needs with floodplain preservation Signup and view all the answers

Which measure is NOT a form of non-structural risk mitigation?

Physical construction of flood walls Signup and view all the answers

What is typically true about a rectangular channel in urban areas?

It is often necessary due to limited right-of-way. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes significantly to overall disaster resilience?

Human and systemic factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting regular evacuation drills?

To familiarize everyone with their roles and evacuation routes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of solid waste includes items discarded by households?

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Signup and view all the answers

What type of waste originates from commercial establishments such as offices and restaurants?

Commercial Solid Waste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes hazardous waste?

Items that pose a risk to human health or the environment Signup and view all the answers

Which type of solid waste is comprised of by-products from manufacturing activities?

Industrial Solid Waste Signup and view all the answers

What does the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) state about solid waste?

Solid waste can also be liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous Signup and view all the answers

Which waste type includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones and computers?

Electronic Waste Signup and view all the answers

What type of waste is generated primarily from construction, renovation, and demolition activities?

Construction and Demolition Debris Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of concrete box culverts in construction?

They are relatively easy to install. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic helps maintain hydraulic efficiency in concrete box culverts?

Smooth interior surface Signup and view all the answers

Which type of open channel is specifically designed to drain water quality volume in 24 hours?

Dry Swale Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using wet swales for stormwater management?

They may attract mosquitos and cause odor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of filter strips in stormwater management?

Act as a buffer between development and streams. Signup and view all the answers

What design feature do trapezoidal channels typically have?

Sloped sides formed by excavation. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the use of filter strips be limited in certain locations?

Because they require too much space. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of rectangular channels?

They have vertical or near-vertical sides. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a way to manage agricultural waste?

Composting Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern associated with incineration as a waste management method?

Air pollution and toxic emissions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is specifically designed to enhance soil fertility by decomposing organic waste?

Composting Signup and view all the answers

What property classifies waste as corrosive?

pH below 2 or above 12.5 Signup and view all the answers

Which waste management strategy is employed to convert waste materials into new products?

Recycling Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT considered a method of solid waste management?

Soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes toxic waste?

Contains harmful substances at high concentrations Signup and view all the answers

Which type of waste requires specialized treatment methods before disposal?

Hazardous waste Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dams Overview

Earth-fill dams resist forces using shear strength of soil and weight.
Constructed primarily in wide valleys with less strict foundation requirements than gravity dams.
Dam height is dependent on foundation strength.

Pantabangan Dam

Located in Pantangan, Nueva Ecija.
Illustrates the application of earth-fill dam principles.

Rock Fill Dams

Made using large boulders and rock fragments, featuring an impervious membrane for seepage control on the upstream side.
Early designs included steel and timber membranes, now largely obsolete.
Uses a dry rubble cushion for load distribution and membrane support.
Can incorporate an impervious earth core to minimize seepage, requiring filters to retain soil.
Side slopes commonly follow the angle of repose of the rock, generally 1.3:1 or 1.4:1.
Stronger foundations necessary compared to earth-fill dams.

Angat Dam

Located in Brgy. San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Represents rock-fill dam engineering.

Concrete Dams

Built from plain or reinforced concrete, including gravity, buttress, and arch variations.
Offer easy installation, low maintenance costs, and high hydraulic efficiency due to smooth interiors.

Open Channels

Manage stormwater runoff through filtration and infiltration.
Grass channels feature broad, sloped designs with vegetative covers for water quality treatment.
Dry swales have prepared soil to filter runoff, designed to drain within 24 hours.
Wet swales use wetland vegetation for treatment, retaining water quality for 24 hours but may attract odor and mosquitoes.
Filter strips act as a buffer for pollutant removal and infiltration, often part of a riparian buffer system.

Open Channel Design

Rectangular channels utilize reinforced concrete, ideal for urban areas with limited space.
Trapezoidal channels, excavated for sloped sides, are the most economical when space permits.
Triangular channels offer a specific cross-section maximizing hydraulic capacity with minimum costs.

Non-Structural Measures

Strategies to reduce disaster risks without physical infrastructure include policy development, research, and public training.
Building codes enhance construction resilience against hazards.
Comprehensive floodplain management combines zoning, flood control infrastructure, and community awareness.

Solid Waste Overview

Solid waste encompasses discarded materials, including industrial sludge and various forms of waste that may be liquid or gaseous.

Types of Solid Waste

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): Everyday household items like paper and food scraps.
Commercial Solid Waste: Discarded materials from businesses, including food waste.
Industrial Solid Waste: By-products from manufacturing like scrap metal and chemicals.
Construction and Demolition Debris: Waste generated from construction activities.
Hazardous Waste: Toxic materials such as batteries and certain chemicals.
Electronic Waste: Discarded electronics requiring specialized disposal due to hazardous components.
Agricultural Waste: Includes crop residues and other farm-related waste.

Solid Waste Management

Varies according to waste type, employing recycling, composting, incineration, landfills, or specialized treatments.
Recycling conserves resources and reduces waste disposal needs.
Composting enhances soil fertility and reduces landfill emissions.
Incineration raises concerns about emissions and air pollution if improperly managed.
Landfills effectively manage waste but require careful oversight to prevent environmental contamination.
Some waste types need specialized treatment to neutralize hazardous components.

Hazardous Waste Characteristics

Corrosivity: Waste that can corrode metals or damage tissue, often acidic or alkaline.
Reactivity: Materials prone to explosive reactions or toxic gas generation when exposed to specific conditions.
Toxicity: Substances harmful at regulatory concentration levels, affecting health and the environment.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of earth-fill dams, including their structural behavior and resistance to forces. Learn about important features such as erosion prevention, spillways, and the role of shear strength in soil. This quiz provides insights into the engineering principles behind these vital structures.