DAMS

INTRODUCTION TO DAMS

A dam is an obstruction or a barrier built across a stream or a river. Behind this barrier, water
gets collected forming a pool of water. The side on which water gets collected is called the
upstream side and the other side of the barrier is called the downstream side. The lake of water
which is formed upstream is often called a reservoir.

CLASSIFICATION OF DAMS

Basis of classification Types

Based on function 1. Storage dams
2. Diversion dams
3. Detention dams
Based on Hydraulic Design 1. Overflow dam
2. Non - overflow dam
Based on materials of 1. Rigid dams
construction 3. Non – rigid dam

CLASSIFICATION OF DAMS BASED ON FUNCTION

1. Storage dams:
It is constructed to form a reservoir in which the water is stored during the period of rainy season
or flood and utilize for the irrigation in the period of draught. The water is utilized for the
generation of hydroelectric power, water supply etc.

2. Diversion Dams:
It is constructed to divert the water from a perennial river to a channel for the purpose of
irrigation or to a conduit for the purpose of generation of hydroelectric power.

3. Detention dams:
It is constructed to detain the flood water temporarily in a reservoir and then released gradually
so that the downstream area may not be damaged due to sudden flood water.

CLASSIFICATION OF DAMS BASED ON HYDRAULIC DESIGN

1. Non Overflow dam

Top of the dam is kept at a higher elevation than the maximum

expected high flood level as shown in Fig (a). Water is not
permitted to overtop the dam. The non overflow dam may be

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constructed of wide variety of materials such as earth, rock fill, masonry, concrete etc.

2. Overflow dam

The dam is designed to carry surplus discharge over its crest as shown in Fig (b). Since the water
glides over its downstream face it should be made of material which do not erode easily by
flowing water. Such dams are generally made of concrete or masonry. An overflow dam is
commonly known as spillway.

CLASSIFICATION OF DAMS BASED ON MATERIALS USED

1. Rigid Dams

These are the dams which are constructed of rigid materials such as masonry, concrete, steel or
timber. They are further classified as:
1. Solid masonry or concrete gravity dam
2. Concert buttress dam
3. Arched masonry or concrete dam
4. Timber dam
5. Steel dam

2. Non-Rigid Dams
These are the dams which are constructed of non - rigid materials such as earth, rockfill. They
are further classified as:
1. Earth dam
2. Rockfill dam
3. Combined earth and rockfill dam.

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 GRAVITY DAMS

INTRODUCTION
A gravity dam is a structure which resists the forces acting on it by its own weight. A gravity
dam maybe constructed either of masonry or of concrete. A gravity dam may be either straight or
curved in plan. A gravity dam which is straight in plan is known as straight gravity dam. Most of
the gravity dams are solid so that no bending stress is introduced at any point and are known as
solid gravity dams. Gravity dams are particularly suited across valleys with very steep side
slopes. Where good foundations are available gravity dams can be built upto any height.

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION

Fig.1. A typical cross section of a concrete gravity dam

A typical cross section a high concrete gravity dam is shown in Fig. 1. The upstream face many
be kept throughout vertical or partly slanting for some of its length as shown. A drainage gallery
is provided in order to relieve the uplift pressure exerted by the seeping water.

FORCES ACTING ON A GRAVITY DAM

The various external forces acting on the concrete gravity dam may be:
1. Water pressure
2. Uplift pressure
3. Pressure due to earthquake
4. Silt pressure
5. Wave pressure
6. Ice pressure
7. Wind pressure
8. Weight of dam

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1. Water pressure
The horizontal water pressure exerted by the weight of water
stored on the upstream side of the dam can be estimated from the
rule of hydrostatic pressure distribution; which is triangular in
shape as shown in Fig.2.
(a) When the U/S face is vertical
The intensity is zero at the water surface and equal to 𝜸𝒘 𝑯 at the
base; where 𝜸𝒘 is the unit weight of water and H is the depth of
𝟏
water as shown in Fig 2(a).The resultant force 𝑷 = 𝜸𝒘 𝑯𝟐 ,
𝟐
Fig 2(a) water pressure when the
acting at 𝑯⁄𝟑 from the base.
U/S face is vertical

(b) When the U/S phase is partly vertical and inclined

The resultant force can be resolved into horizontal component (𝑷𝒉 ) and vertical component (𝑷𝒗)
as shown in Fig. 2(b).
Horizontal component 𝑷𝒉 = 𝟐 𝜸𝒘 𝑯𝟐 acts at 𝑯⁄𝟑 from the base.
𝟏

Vertical component 𝑷𝒗 = weight of water stored in column ABCD and acts at the c.g. of the
area.

Fig 2(b). Water pressure when the U/S phase is partly vertical and inclined

Similarly, if there is tail water on the downstream side, it will have horizontal and vertical
components as shown in Fig. 2(b).

2. Uplift pressure
The stored water on the U/S of the dam has a tendency to seep through the soil below the
foundation, through the body of the dam and then to the bottom through the joints. While seeping
flowing water exerts uplift pressure on the base of the dam which depends on the head of the
water. The uplift pressure reduces the self-weight of the dam and hence acts against the dam
stability. According to United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) the uplift pressure

4
intensities at the heel and the toe should be taken to their respective hydrostatic pressure and
joined by a straight line in between as shown in Fig.3a.

When the drainage galleries are provided to relive the uplift, the recommended uplift at the face
1rd
of the gallery is equal to the hydrostatic pressure at the toe plus the difference of the
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hydrostatic pressures at the heel and the toe as shown in Fig. 3b. It is assumed the uplift
pressures are not affected by the earthquake forces.

Fig.3(a). Uplift diagram when no drainage gallery is provided.

Fig.3(b). Uplift diagram when drainage gallery is provided.

3. Earthquake forces
An earthquake produces waves which are capable of shaking the earth upon which the dam is
resting in every possible direction. The effect of earthquake is equivalent to imparting
acceleration to the foundations of the dam in the direction which the wave is travelling.
Earthquake wave may move in any direction, for design purpose it has to be resolved in vertical
and horizontal components. Hence two accelerations Horizontal acceleration (𝜶𝒉 ) and
Vertical acceleration (𝜶𝒗 ) are induced by an earthquake. The values of these acceleration is
expressed as percentage of the acceleration due to gravity (g).
1. For areas not subjected to extreme earthquake 𝜶𝒗 = 0.1g and 𝜶𝒉 = 0.05g may be used.
2. In areas of no earthquakes these forces may be neglected.
3. In extremely seismic regions and in conservative designs a value of 0.3g may be adopted.

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 Effect of vertical acceleration (𝜶𝒗 )
When vertical acceleration is acting in the upward direction foundation of the dam will be lifted
upwards and becomes closer to the body of the dam and effective weight of the dam will
increase and hence stress developed will increase.
When vertical acceleration is acting in the downward direction foundation of the dam shall try to
move downward and away from body of the dam thus reducing the effective weight and stability
of the dam. Such acceleration will exert a vertical inertia force.
𝑊
𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = . 𝛼𝑣 = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑥 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑔
𝑊
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑚 = 𝑊 − . 𝛼𝑣
𝑔
𝑖𝑓 𝛼𝑣 = 𝑘𝑣 . 𝑔
𝑊
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑚 𝑖𝑠 = 𝑊 − . 𝑘𝑣 . 𝑔
𝑔
where
W = total weight of the dam
k v is the fraction of gravity adopted for horizontal acceleration such as 0.1, 0.2 etc.

Effect of horizontal acceleration (𝜶𝒉 )

The horizontal component imparts following two
forces:
i. Hydrodynamic pressure
ii. Horizontal inertia force
i. Hydrodynamic pressure
Due to horizontal acceleration the water pressure is
increased momentarily. This extra pressure caused by
the earthquake waves is known as Hydrodynamic Fig.4
pressure.
According to Von Karman the amount of hydrodynamic force (𝑷𝒆 ) is given by
𝟒𝑯
𝑷𝒆 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝒌𝒉 𝜸𝒘 𝑯𝟐 and acts at the height of above the base as shown in Fig.4.
𝟑𝛑
where
𝑘ℎ = fraction of gravity adopted for horizontal acceleration such as 0.1, 0.2 etc.
𝟒𝑯
Moment of this force about the base 𝑴𝒆 = 𝑷𝒆 𝟑 𝛑 = 0.424 𝑷𝒆 H
ii. Horizontal inertia force
𝑊
𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = . 𝛼ℎ = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑥 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑔
𝛼ℎ = 𝑘ℎ . 𝑔
𝑊 𝑊
. 𝛼ℎ = . 𝑘ℎ . 𝑔
𝑔 𝑔
where; k h is the fraction of gravity adopted for horizontal acceleration such as 0.1, 0.2 etc.

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4. Silt pressure
The silt carried by the river and its tributaries gets deposited against the upstream base of the
dam year after year, after considerable deposition of silt it exerts pressure on the dam. The force
exerted by the silt in addition to the external water pressure is represented by Rankine’s formula
as: 𝑷𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒕 = 𝟐 . 𝜸𝒔𝒖𝒃 . 𝒉𝟐 . 𝑲𝒂 acts at 𝒉⁄𝟑 from base
𝟏

where
𝟏 − 𝒔𝒊𝒏∅
𝐾𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑡 =
𝟏 + 𝒔𝒊𝒏∅
∅ = angle of internal friction and cohesion is neglected.
𝛾𝑠𝑢𝑏 = submerged unit weight of silt material
h = height of silt deposited.

If the upstream face is inclined, the vertical weight of the silt supported on the slope also acts as
a vertical force.

5. Wave pressure
Waves are generated on the surface of the reservoir by the blowing winds, which cause a
pressure towards the downstream side. The wave pressure depends upon the wave height (hw).
Wave height is given by the equation
𝟑⁄
𝒉𝒘 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟐√𝑽. 𝑭 + 𝟎. 𝟕𝟔𝟑 − 𝟎. 𝟐𝟕𝟏(𝑭) 𝟒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹 < 32 𝑘𝑚
𝒉𝒘 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟐√𝑽. 𝑭 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹 > 32 𝑘𝑚
Where
ℎ𝑤 = height of water from top of crest to bottom of trough in meter.
V= wind velocity in km/hr.
F = Fetch or straight length of water stretch in km.
The maximum pressure intensity due to wave
𝒉𝒘
action is given by 𝒑𝝎 = 𝟐. 𝟒 𝜸𝒘 𝒉𝒘 acts at 𝟐
meters above the still water surface.

The pressure distribution may be assumed to

𝟓𝒉𝒘
be triangular of height ’ as shown in Fig.5
𝟑
Hence, the total force due to wave action (Pw)
𝟏 𝟓
𝑷𝒘 = (𝟐. 𝟒 𝜸𝒘 𝒉𝒘 ). 𝟑 𝒉𝒘 .This force acts at
𝟐
𝟑 Fig.5
a distance 𝒉 above the reservoir surface.
𝟖 𝒘

6. Ice pressure
The ice which may be formed on the water surface of the reservoir in cold countries may
sometimes melt. The dam face has to resist the thrust exerted by the expanding ice. The force

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acts linearly along the length of the dam and the reservoir level. The magnitude of this force
varies from 250 to 1500kN/m2 depending upon temperature variations. On an average a value of
500kN/m2 may be allowed under ordinary condition.

7. Wind pressure
The top exposed portion of the dam is not much and the wind pressure on the surface area of this
portion is negligible. An allowance of 150kg/m2 for the exposed surface area of the upstream and
downstream faces should be made.

8. Weight of the dam

The weight of the dam body and its foundation is the major resisting force. In two dimensional
analysis of a gravity dam, a unit length of the dam is considered. The cross section can be
divided into rectangles and triangles. The weight of each along with their c.g can be determined.
The resultant of all these downward forces will represent the total weight of the dam acting at the
c.g of the dam.

MODES OF FAILURE AND CRITERIA FOR STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF

GRAVITY DAMS
A gravity dam may fail in the following ways:
1. By overturning (or rotation) about the toe.
2. By crushing
3. By development of tension causing ultimate failure by crushing
4. By shear failure called sliding

1. By overturning (or rotation) about the toe.

If the resultant of all the forces acting on a dam at any of its sections passes outside the toe, the
dam shall rotate and overturn about the toe.
𝜮(𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒆)
𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 =
𝜮(𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒆)

∑ 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒆

𝑭𝑺 =
∑ 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒆

∑ 𝑴𝒓
𝑭𝑺 = ≥ 𝟐 𝒕𝒐 𝟑
∑ 𝑴𝒐

2. Compression or crushing
If the compressive stress produced anywhere in the dam exceed the allowable stresses the dam
may fail by crushing of the dam itself. The magnitude of the maximum and minimum
compressive stress can be found out by using following equation

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 ∑𝑉 6𝑒
𝑃max/𝑚𝑖𝑛 = [1 ± ]
𝐵 𝐵

where
e = Eccentricity of the resultant force from the center of the base.
∑ 𝑉= total vertical force
B = Base width

Fig.6(a) shows the compressive stress distribution for reservoir full case. The resultant is nearer
to the toe and hence maximum compressive stress is produced at the toe. The maximum stress
Pmax will be produced on the end which is nearer to the resultant as shown in fig 6(a) and 6(b).

To safe guard the dam against failure due to compression, the value of maximum compressive
stress should not be allowed to exceed the allowable compressive stress; when 𝑒 = 𝐵/6.

3. Tension
If Pmin comes out to be negative, then tension shall be produced at the appropriate end.
In order to ensure that no tension is developed anywhere Pmin should be almost equal to zero.
Since
∑𝑉 6𝑒
𝑃max/𝑚𝑖𝑛 = [1 ± ]
𝐵 𝐵
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 ∑𝑉 6𝑒
𝑃𝑚𝑖𝑛 = [1 − ]
𝐵 𝐵
If Pmin = 0
∑𝑉 6𝑒
[1 − ] = 0
𝐵 𝐵

𝐵
𝑒= [ ]
6
Hence the maximum value of eccentricity that can be permitted on either side of the center is
equal to B/6.

4. Sliding or shear failure

Sliding or shear failure will occur when the net horizontal forces above any plane in the dam or
the base of the dam exceeds the frictional resistance
developed at that level.
If
𝜇 ∑ 𝑉 = friction developed between two surfaces
∑ 𝐻 = algebraic sum of all the horizontal external
forces
Where ∑ 𝑉 = algebraic sum of all the vertical forces
𝜇 = the coefficient of friction between the two surfaces
For no sliding ∑ 𝐻 < 𝜇 ∑ 𝑉
or
𝝁∑𝑽
𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 = ∑𝑯
>𝟏
In high dams the shear strength of the joint which is an additional shear resistance must be
considered. Then the equation for factor of safety against sliding which is measured by Shear
friction factor (SFF) becomes
𝝁 ∑ 𝑽 + 𝑩. 𝒒
𝑺𝑭𝑭 = ≥ 𝟒 𝒕𝒐 𝟓
∑𝑯
where
B = width of the dam at the joint
q = average shear strength of the joint which taken as 1400kN/m2 (14kg/cm2) for poor rocks or
4000kN/m2 (40 kg/cm2) for good rocks, the value of μ varies from 0.65 to 0.75.

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PRINCIPAL AND SHEAR STRESSES
Principal stresses
When the reservoir is full the vertical direct stress (𝑃max/𝑚𝑖𝑛 ) and represented by Pv in future is
maximum at the toe as the resultant is nearer to the toe.

Consider a small element ABC near the toe of the dam as shown in Fig.7(a). The element is so
small that the stress intensities may be assumed to be uniform on its faces. Let the downstream
face of the dam be inclined at an angle α to the vertical as shown in Fig. 7(b). This face of the
dam will act as a principal plane because the water pressure p' acts at right angles to the face and
also there is no shear stress acting on its plane. Since the principal planes will be at right angles
to each other; the plane BC drawn at right angles to the face AB will be the second principal
plane. Let the stress acting on this plane be σ.

Let ds, dr and db be the lengths of AB, BC and CA respectively.

p' is the intensity of water pressure on face AB.
pv is the intensity of vertical pressure on face AC
σ is the intensity of normal stress (principal stress) on the face BC.
Considering the unit length of the dam, the forces acting on the faces AB, BC and CA are p'.ds,
σ.dr, pv.db respectively.

Resolving all the forces in the vertical direction, we get

p′ . 𝑑𝑠 . sin 𝛼 + σ. 𝑑𝑟 . cos 𝛼 = 𝑝𝑣 . 𝑑𝑏
𝑑𝑠
= sin 𝛼 ; 𝑑𝑠 = 𝑑𝑏 . sin 𝛼
𝑑𝑏

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 𝑑𝑟
= cos 𝛼 ; 𝑑𝑟 = 𝑑𝑏 . cos 𝛼
𝑑𝑏
p′ . (𝑑𝑏 . sin 𝛼) . sin 𝛼 + σ. (𝑑𝑏 . cos 𝛼). cos 𝛼 = 𝑝𝑣 . 𝑑𝑏
p′ . 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛼 + σ. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝛼 = 𝑝𝑣
𝑝𝑣 − p′ . 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛼
𝜎=
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝛼

𝝈 = 𝒑𝒗 . 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 𝜶 − 𝐩′ . 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐 𝜶

For σ to be maximum p′ should be zero, i.e σ is maximum when there is no tail water; then
𝝈 = 𝒑𝒗 . 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 𝜶
This value of normal stress which is maximum produces anywhere in the body of the dam must
be calculated and should not be allowed to exceed the maximum allowable compressive stress of
the dam material.

If the hydrodynamic pressure (𝑝𝑒′ ) exerted by the tail water during an earthquake moving
towards the reservoir is also considered; then the principal stress on the downstream is given by
𝝈𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒆 = 𝒑𝒗 . 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 𝜶 − (𝒑′ − 𝒑′𝒆 ) . 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐 𝜶

Similarly considering the hydrodynamic pressure (𝑝𝑒′ )on the upstream side
𝝈𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝒑𝒗 . 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 ∅ − (𝒑′ + 𝒑′𝒆 ) . 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐 ∅
where ∅ is the angle which the U/S face makes with vertical.

Shear stresses
A shear stress τ will act on the face CA on which the vertical stress is acting.
Resolving all the forces in the horizontal direction, we get
σ. 𝑑𝑟 . sin 𝛼 − p′ . 𝑑𝑠 . cos 𝛼 = τ. 𝑑𝑏
σ. (𝑑𝑏 . cos 𝛼 )sin 𝛼 − p′ . (𝑑𝑏 . sinα )cos 𝛼 = τ. 𝑑𝑏
σ. cos 𝛼. sin 𝛼 − p′ . sinα os 𝛼 = τ
τ = (σ − p′ ). sinα cos 𝛼

Substituting the value of 𝝈 = 𝒑𝒗 . 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 𝜶 − 𝐩′ . 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐 𝜶 in the above equation and solving, we
get
τ = (𝑝𝑣 . 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛼 − p′ . 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛼 − p′ ). sinα cos 𝛼

𝝉 = (𝒑𝒗 − 𝒑′ ) 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜶 for downstream side only

For the upstream side, the magnitude of 𝜏 will be the same as that given above but its direction
will be reversed. Hence for upstream 𝝉 = −(𝒑𝒗 − 𝒑′ ) 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜶.
Neglecting tail water, shear stress is given by 𝝉 = 𝒑𝒗 . 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜶

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If the hydrodynamic pressure (𝑝𝑒′ ) exerted by the tail water during an earthquake moving
towards the reservoir is also considered; then
𝝉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒆 = [𝒑𝒗 − (𝒑′ − 𝒑′𝒆 )] 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜶
Similarly considering the hydrodynamic pressure (𝑝𝑒′ )on the upstream side
𝝉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒍 = −[𝒑𝒗 − (𝒑′ + 𝒑′𝒆 )] 𝐭𝐚𝐧 ∅
-ve sign shows that the direction is reversed.

STABILITY ANALYSIS OF DAM

The stability analysis of dam may be verified by two methods.
1. Graphical method
2. Analytical method or mathematical method

1. Graphical method

Fig. 8 Graphical method of stability analysis of gravity dam

Procedure:
i. In the graphical method the entire dam section is divided into a number of horizontal sections
at some suitable intervals, particularly at the places where the slope changes as shown in the
Fig.8.
ii. For each section the sum of vertical forces (𝜮V) and the sum of all horizontal forces (𝜮H)
acting above that particular section are worked out and the resultant force (R) is drawn
graphically.

13
 iii. This is done for each section and a line joining all the points where the individual resultants
cut the individual sections is drawn. This line represents the resultant force and should lie
with in the middle third for no tension to develop.
iv. The procedure should be carried out in reservoir full case as well as for reservoir empty case.
The resultant in both cases must show non- development of tension in the dam body.

2. Analytical method or mathematical method

The stability analysis of the dam is analysed in the following method.
i. Consider unit length of the dam
ii. Work out the magnitude and directions of all the vertical forces acting on the dam and their
algebraic sum (𝜮V).
iii. Similarly work out the magnitude and directions of all the horizontal forces and their
algebraic sum (𝜮H).
iv. Determine the lever arm of all these forces bout the toe.
v. Determine the moments of these forces about the toe and find the algebraic sum of all the
moments (𝜮M).
vi. Find out the location of the resultant force by determining its distance from the toe,
𝛴𝑀
𝑥=
𝛴𝑉
𝐵 𝐵
vii. Find the eccentricity (e) of the resultant ( R) using 𝑒 = 2 − 𝑥. It must be less than 6 in order
to ensure that no tension is developed anywhere in the dam.
viii. Determine the vertical stresses at the toe and the heel using
∑𝑉 6𝑒
𝑃𝑣 = [1 ± ]
𝐵 𝐵
ix. Determine the principal stresses at the toe and the heel. They should not exceed the
maximum allowable values. The crushing strength of concrete varies between 150 to
300t/m2.
x. Determine the factor of safety against overturning
∑ 𝑀𝑟
𝐹𝑆 = ≥ 2 𝑡𝑜 3
∑ 𝑀𝑜
xi. Determine the factor of safety against sliding
𝜇∑𝑉
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 = >1
∑𝐻
𝜇 ∑ 𝑉 + 𝐵. 𝑞
𝑆𝐹𝐹 = ≥ 4 𝑡𝑜 5
∑𝐻
The analysis should be carried out for reservoir full case as well as for reservoir empty case.

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ELEMENTARY OR THEORETICAL PROFILE OF THE GRAVITY DAM

The elementary profile of a dam subjected only to the external

water pressure on the upstream side will be a right angled
triangle having zero width at the water level and a base width
(B) at bottom i.e., the point where the maximum hydrostatic
water pressure acts. In other words the shape of such a profile
is similar to the shape of the hydrostatic pressure distribution.
Let H be the height of water stored and B be the base width of
the dam. So a right angled triangle with height H and Base B
is formed. For stability, the resultant force should remain
within the middle third. (Between points C and D) as shown in
Fig.9. Two conditions should be satisfied to achieve the
stability i.e, when the reservoir is empty and when the
reservoir is full.
(a) When the reservoir is empty.
When the reservoir is empty the external force P is zero and its self-weight W passes through the
center of gravity of the triangle, so the point C is at a distance of B/3 from the heel. Thus the
point C is the extreme left end of the middle third.
(b) When the reservoir is full
When the reservoir is full, the resultant R should pass through the point D, the extreme right end
of the middle third. For stability the base width B is to be determined in terms of height ‘H’.
Taking moment about D
𝐵 𝐻
𝑊. = 𝑃.
3 3
𝑊 𝐻
=
𝑃 𝐵
𝑊𝐻 2 1
But, 𝑃 = 2
and 𝑊 = 𝜔. 𝜌. 2 . 𝐵. 𝐻; where 𝜔 is the density of water, 𝜌 is the specific gravity of
material of dam.
Therefore,
1
𝑊 𝜔. 𝜌. 2 . 𝐵. 𝐻
=
𝑃 𝑊𝐻 2
2
𝑊 𝜌. 𝐵
=
𝑃 𝐻

𝑊 𝜌. 𝐵
=
𝑃 𝐻

15
 𝐻 𝜌. 𝐵
=
𝐵 𝐻
𝐻
𝐵=
√𝜌
𝐻
Therefore to keep the resultant force in the middle third, the base width B should be equal to .
√𝜌
𝐻
Thus elementary profile of a gravity dam is a right angled triangle with base width equal to .
√𝜌

PRACTICAL PROFILE OF A GRAVITY DAM

In the elementary profile the maximum pool level is
just at the apex of the dam. But the in actual the
water level may rise above the M.P.L due to heavy
wind, waves peak flood etc. so a safe margin should
be provided at the top so that the water may not spill
over the top of the dam. This margin is known as free
board. The amount of free board depends on the peak
flood, intensity of wind, height of waves etc. In
normal practice 2m to 3 m free board is provide. Top
width is necessary for stability and for providing
roadways over the dam. The top width is given by
Bligh’s empirical formula, 𝑎 = 0.552√𝐻.where, a =
top width, H = maximum height of water in the
reservoir. Thus the elementary profile is modified by
providing free board and some top width. This modified profile is known as practical profile as
shown in Fig.10.

LOW AND HIGH GRAVITY DAM

A low dam is designed on the basis of elementary profile. The principal stress is calculated for
the elementary profile which is given by
𝜎 = 𝜔 𝐻 (𝜌 − 𝐶 + 1)
Where 𝜎 = principal stress, 𝜔 = unit weight of water, 1000kg/m3, 𝜌 = specific gravity of the
materials of dam, C = a constant.

The value of principal stress calculated above varies only with H, as all other factors are fixed.
To avoid failure of dam by crushing the value of principal stress should not exceed working
stress ‘f’ and is given by
𝑓 = 𝜔. 𝐻(𝜌 − 𝐶 + 1)

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 𝑓
𝐻=
𝜔. (𝜌 − 𝐶 + 1)
The value of H will be minimum when C =0. Therefore the condition for low gravity dam is
𝒇
𝑯=
𝝎. (𝝆 + 𝟏)

When
𝑓
𝐻=
𝜔. (𝜌 + 1)
The resultant force may pass through a point outside the middle third of the base. So the section
of the dam is modified by providing extra slope on the upstream and downstream side. Therefore
the condition for the high gravity dam is
𝒇
𝑯𝟏 >
𝝎. (𝝆 + 𝟏)

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