Classes of Dams

Four major classes of dams are based on the type of construction and materials used:

1. Gravity.
Gravity dams consist of thick, vertical walls of concrete built across relatively narrow river valleys with firm bedrock. Their weight alone is great enough to resist overturning or sliding tendencies due to horizontal loads imposed by the upstream water.

2. Arch.
Arch dams, also constructed of concrete, are designed to transfer these loads to adjacent rock formations. As a result, arch dams are limited to narrow canyons with strong rock walls that can resist the arch thrust at the foundation and sides of the dam.

3. Buttress.
Buttress dams are essentially hollow gravity dams constructed of steel-reinforced concrete or timber.

Water pushes against the buttress dam but the buttresses push back and protect the dam from toppling over. The weight of the dam also pushes down into the ground.

4. Embankment.
Embankment dams typically are constructed of compacted earth, rock, or both, making them less expensive than others that are constructed of concrete. Consequently, more than 80 percent of all large dams are of this type. Embankment dams have a triangular-shaped profile and typically are used to retain water across broad rivers.

Water pushes against the embankment of the dam, but the heavy weight of the dam pushes down into the ground and prevents the structure from falling apart.