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CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
A gravity dam is a dam constructed from concrete or stone masonry and designed to hold
back water by using only the weight of the material and its resistance against the foundation to
oppose the horizontal pressure of water pushing against it. Gravity dams are designed so that
each section of the dam is stable and independent of any other dam section.
Gravity dams generally require stiff rock foundations of high bearing strength (slightly
weathered to fresh), although in rare cases, they have been built on soil foundations. The bearing
strength of the foundation limits the allowable position of the resultant force, influencing the
overall stability. Also, the stiff nature of the gravity dam structure is unforgiving to differential
foundation settlement, which can induce cracking of the dam structure.
Gravity dams provide some advantages over embankment dams, the main advantage
being that they can tolerate minor over-topping flows without damage, as the concrete is resistant
to scouring. Large over-topping flows are still a problem, as they can scour the foundations if not
accounted for in the design. A disadvantage of gravity dams is that, due to their large footprint,
they are susceptible to uplift pressures which act as a destabilising force. Uplift pressures
(buoyancy) can be reduced by internal and foundation drainage systems. During construction, the
setting concrete produces an exothermic reaction. This heat expands the plastic concrete and can
take up to several decades to cool. While cooling, the concrete is stiff and susceptible to
cracking. It is the designer's task to ensure this does not occur.
1.1 Classifications
The most common classification of gravity dams is by the materials composing the
structure:
• Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC): Willow Creek Dam (Oregon), Upper Stillwater Dam
• Some masonry and concrete gravity dams have the dam axis curved (Shasta Dam,
Cheesman Dam) to add stability through arch action.[5]
1.Diverting the river: A dam is usually constructed across a river to create a reservoir in the
valley behind by storing the water that flows into it naturally. Sometimes, they are built across
dry valleys, or valleys with small streams, to create a storage area for water that is transported
from elsewhere
2.Preparing of foundation: A dam is built on a soil or rock foundation, depending on the type
of dam. The foundation must be strong enough to carry the weight of the dam, and the water
pressures acting on the dam. The dam foundation is below the original ground level. It is covered
by weaker soils or rock that have to be removed either by excavation or by blasting with
explosives.
4.Pouring Concrete: The traditional method is to pour a wet mixture of concrete into a mould
made in the required shape of the dam. The mould, called formwork, is usually made from sheets
of timber. The mould is not made to the full height of the dam, as the dam is built upwards in
stages of about 1 to 2 metres at a time. The concrete is left to dry before the next section is
formed on top.
Water pressure
Uplift pressure
Silt pressure
Wind pressure
Water pressure
Wave pressure
Ice pressure
Weight of the dam: The weight of the dam is the main stabilizing force in the gravity
dam. Generally, for analysis purposes, the unit width of the dam consider. When the
cross-section of the dam may divide into several rectangles and triangles, and the weights
w1, w2, and w3, etc. of each of these can be determined, along with the determination of
their lines of action. The total weight of the dam acts at the center of gravity of its
section.
Ice Pressure: The ice which is formed on the water surface of the reservoir in the cold
countries may sometimes melt and expand. The upstream face of the reservoir then has to
resist the thrust exerted by expanding ice. This force act linearly along the length of the
dam and at the reservoir level. When the magnitude of these forces may vary from 250 to
1500 kN/m3 depending upon the temperature variation. On average, a value of 500
kN/m3 can allow under ordinary conditions.
Wind pressure: Wind pressure acts on the exposed surface of the dam when winds blow.
Usually, the wind pressure is not significant for the design of gravity dams and is
therefore neglect. However, the superstructure should consider in the design. A wind
pressure of 1 to 1.5 kN/m2 generally considers over the area exposed to high winds.
Earthquake Forces: If the dam is located in a seismic region, it should be designed for
earthquake forces. An earthquake produced seismic waves which are capable of shaking
the earth upon which the dam is resting, and sets the dam into a state of vibration.
When the seismic waves originate from a point known as the focus of the earthquake,
which is located deep into the earth. The corresponding points on the earth’s surface which lie
vertically above the focus know an epicenter.
The seismic waves impart a momentary acceleration in the earth’s crust which moves in
the direction in which the waves traveling at the instant.
If the ground under the dam moves, the dam must also move with it to avoid rupture.
Inertia forces under consideration in the design of the dam due to the earthquake.
Gravity dams are relatively more strong and stable as compared to earth dams.
Gravity dam does no trial suddenly, it gives enough warning time whereas earth dams
generally fail suddenly.
Deep-set sluices can be used in gravity dam, to retard the sedimentation or silt deposit
in the reservoir.
Gravity dams can be built only on a sound rock foundation. While earth dams can be
built on weak foundations or permeable foundations with appropriate foundation
treatment.
The initial cost of a gravity dam is always higher as compared to an earth dam.
4. Tension – by development of tensile forces which results in the crack in gravity dam.
Overturning Failure of Gravity Dam: The horizontal forces such as water pressure, wave
pressure, silt pressure which act against the gravity dam causes overturning moments. To resist
this, resisting moments are generated by the self-weight of the dam. If the resultant of all the
forces acting on a dam at any of its sections, passes through toe, the dam will rotate and overturn
about the toe. This is called overturning failure of gravity dam. But, practically, such a condition
does not arise and dam will fail much earlier by compression. The ratio of the resisting moments
about toe to the overturning moments about toe is called the factor of safety against overturning.
Its value generally varies between 2 and 3. Factor of safety against overturning is given by FOS
= sum of overturning moments/ sum of resisting moments
Sliding Failure of Gravity Dam: When the net horizontal forces acting on gravity dam at the
base exceeds the frictional resistance (produced between body of the dam and foundation), The
failure occurs is known as sliding failure of gravity dam. In low dams, the safety against sliding
should be checked only for friction, but in high dams, for economical precise design, the shear
strength of the joint is also considered
Gravity Dam Failure due to Tension Cracks
Masonry and concrete are weak in tension. Thus masonry and concrete gravity dams
are usually designed in such a way that no tension is developed anywhere. If these dams are
subjected to tensile stresses, materials may develop tension cracks. Thus the dam loses
contact with the bottom foundation due to this crack and becomes ineffective and fails.
Hence, the effective width B of the dam base will be reduced. This will increase pmax at the
toe. Hence, a tension crack by itself does not fail the structure, but it leads to the failure of
the structure by producing excessive compressive stresses. For high gravity dams, certain
amount of tension is permitted under severest loading conditions in order to achieve
economy in design. This is permitted because the worst condition of loads may occur only
momentarily and may not occur frequently.
Gravity Dam Failure due to Compression: A gravity dam may fail by the failure of its
material, i.e. the compressive stresses produced may exceed the allowable stresses, and the dam
material may get crushed.
Gravity dams are typically used to impound water for various purposes, such as
hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, flood control, navigation, and water supply.
The primary application of gravity dams is to store water for hydroelectric power
generation, which involves converting the potential energy of falling water into electricity.
The force of gravity holds the weight of the water back, creating a reservoir of water that
can be used to turn turbines and generate electricity.
Gravity dams are also commonly used for irrigation purposes. By impounding water
behind a gravity dam, a reservoir is created that can be used to irrigate agricultural land
downstream. This is particularly important in arid regions where water is scarce, and irrigation is
necessary to sustain crops.
Flood control is another key application of gravity dams. By impounding water behind a
dam, the flow of water downstream can be controlled and regulated, helping to prevent flooding
during periods of heavy rainfall.
Navigation is also facilitated by gravity dams. By creating a stable pool of water behind
the dam, the depth of the river is increased, allowing boats and ships to travel more easily
upstream and downstream.
Gravity dams are massive structures made of concrete or masonry that rely on their
weight and the force of gravity to resist the pressure of water in a reservoir. The history of
gravity dam development can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where early versions of
these dams were built using stone, earth, and wood.
In the modern era, the first concrete gravity dam was built in 1895 in Saint-Martin-la-
Porte, France. This dam was only 15 meters high, but it set the precedent for future dam designs.
The first large-scale gravity dam built in the United States was the Shoshone Dam in Wyoming,
which was completed in 1910 and stands at a height of 98 meters.
The design and construction of gravity dams involve careful consideration of factors such
as the type of soil and rock foundation, water pressure, earthquake resistance, and the amount of
concrete and reinforcement required. Modern computer simulations and modeling have greatly
improved the accuracy and efficiency of dam design and construction.
Overall, the development of gravity dams has been driven by the need to store and
control water resources for various purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation,
and flood control. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that even larger and more
complex gravity dams will be built in the future.
CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Werner PW, Sundquist KJ (1949) On hydrodynamic earthquake effects. Trans Am
Geophys Union 30:636–657
Hatano T (1950) Seismic force effect on gravity dam. Trans Jpn Soc Civ Eng 5:83–90
Kotsubo S (1957) Dynamic water pressure on dams due to irregular earthquakes. Trans Jpn
Soc Civ Eng 47:38–45
Chopra AK (1967) Hydrodynamic pressures on dams during earthquakes. J Eng Mech Div
ASCE 93(6):205–224
CHAPTER-3
3.1 Objectives
Gravity dams are typically constructed from concrete or masonry and are designed to
resist the horizontal thrust of water using their weight, which makes them one of the oldest and
most common types of dams used in modern engineering. The primary objective of a gravity
dam is to store water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and other
industrial and domestic uses.
1. Water storage: Gravity dams are built to store large volumes of water behind them. This
water can be used for irrigation, drinking, power generation, or other purposes.
2. Flood control: Gravity dams can be used to regulate the flow of water downstream and
help control floods during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt.
3. Hydroelectric power generation: The weight of the water stored behind a gravity dam
can be used to generate hydroelectric power.
4. Navigation: Gravity dams can be used to maintain a navigable depth of water in rivers
and canals, allowing boats and ships to pass through.
5. Recreation: Gravity dams can also be used to create recreational lakes and reservoirs for
fishing, boating, swimming, and other activities.
6. Water quality management: Gravity dams can help to improve water quality by
reducing sediment and other pollutants in the water.
Overall, gravity dams are an important infrastructure element that provides many benefits
to society, including water storage, power generation, flood control, and recreational
opportunities.
3.2 Materials
Gravity dams are massive concrete structures designed to resist the horizontal forces of
water pressure and uplift forces due to hydrostatic pressure. They rely on their own weight and
the strength of their construction to resist these forces. The following are the materials used in
gravity dam construction:
1. Concrete: Concrete is the primary material used in building gravity dams. It is a strong,
durable, and versatile material that can withstand the immense forces of water pressure. The
concrete used in gravity dams is typically high-strength concrete, which is made by combining
Portland cement, aggregates, and water.
2. Steel reinforcement: Steel reinforcement is used to strengthen the concrete and prevent
cracking due to tensile forces. Reinforcing bars are typically used in gravity dams to help
distribute the stresses evenly throughout the structure.
3.Rockfill: Rockfill is used in the foundation and in the body of the dam to provide additional
stability and to prevent the dam from sliding on its foundation. The rockfill is carefully selected
and placed in layers to create a solid, stable foundation
4.Grout: Grout is used to fill any gaps or voids in the dam structure. It is typically made from a
mixture of cement, sand, and water and is pumped into the spaces using high-pressure grout
pumps.
5. Asphalt: Asphalt is used as a sealant on the downstream face of the dam to prevent water
from seeping through the concrete and causing erosion
Fig
3.2.5 Asphalt
6. Drainage system: A drainage system is installed in the dam to prevent water from
accumulating behind the dam and causing damage. The drainage system typically consists of
pipes, filters, and drainage galleries.
7. Geotextile fabric: Geotextile fabric is used to protect the upstream face of the dam from
erosion due to wave action. The fabric is made from a durable synthetic material and is anchored
in place using concrete blocks.
Overall, gravity dams are constructed using high-strength concrete reinforced with steel,
rockfill, and other materials to create a stable, durable structure that can resist the forces of water
pressure and uplift forces.
3.3 Methodology
Foundation construction
Concrete placement
Gravity dams are built to hold back water using the force of gravity. The methodology of
constructing a gravity dam typically involves the following steps:
1. Site selection and preparation: The first step is to select a suitable site for the dam. Factors
such as the geology of the area, the availability of construction materials, and the potential for
flooding must be considered. Once the site has been selected, it must be prepared by clearing
vegetation and excavating the foundation.
2. Foundation construction: The foundation of the dam is usually excavated down to solid rock
to ensure stability. Any loose or weak material is removed, and the surface is cleaned and
prepared for the next step.
3. Formwork and reinforcement: Formwork is used to create the shape of the dam.
Reinforcing steel bars, or rebar, are placed within the formwork to provide additional strength.
4. Concrete placement: Concrete is poured into the formwork in layers, known as lifts. Each lift
is allowed to set and harden before the next is added. The concrete is usually vibrated to remove
any air pockets and ensure proper compaction.
5. Spillway and outlet construction: The spillway is a channel or opening in the dam that
allows excess water to flow out. It is designed to prevent the dam from overtopping and failing.
An outlet structure is also built to allow controlled release of water from the reservoir.
6. Finishing and monitoring: Once the concrete has fully cured, the formwork is removed, and
the surface of the dam is finished. The dam is then carefully monitored for any signs of
movement or stress.
Overall, the construction of a gravity dam requires careful planning, engineering, and
construction techniques to ensure a safe and stable structure that can withstand the forces of
nature
CHAPTER-4
A gravity dam is a type of dam that relies on the weight and strength of the structure
itself to resist the force of water pressure. The main components of a gravity dam include:
1. Foundation: The foundation of the dam is the solid rock or soil on which the dam is built.
The foundation must be able to support the weight of the dam and resist the pressure of the water
behind it.
2. Buttress: The buttress is a reinforced concrete structure that helps to distribute the weight
of the dam and the water behind it evenly to the foundation. Buttresses are typically located on
the downstream side of the dam.
3. Dam body: The dam body is the main structure of the dam, consisting of a large, thick wall of
reinforced concrete. The dam body is designed to resist the force of the water and distribute it to
the foundation and buttresses.
4. Spillway: The spillway is an opening in the dam designed to release excess water when the
water level in the reservoir gets too high. This helps prevent the dam from being overtopped and
failing
.5. Intake tower: The intake tower is a structure located near the base of the dam that allows
water to be drawn from the reservoir and sent to a power generation plant or other water
distribution system.
6. Outlet works: The outlet works are a series of gates or valves located in the dam that control
the flow of water out of the reservoir. The outlet works are typically used for flood control or to
regulate the water level in the reservoir.
Gravity dams are large concrete or masonry structures that rely on their weight and the
force of gravity to resist the pressure of water in a reservoir. As such, the construction of gravity
dams requires heavy machinery and specialized equipment to move and place the massive
concrete blocks and formwork.
Here are some of the common machinery and equipment used in the construction of
gravity dams:
1. Excavators: These are heavy machines used to excavate and remove the soil and rock from
the dam foundation and reservoir area.
2. Bulldozers: These are powerful machines used to clear and level the construction site and
move large amounts of soil and rock.
3. Cranes: Tower cranes or mobile cranes are used to lift and place the large concrete blocks
that make up the dam structure.
4. Concrete mixers and pumps: These machines are used to mix the concrete and transport it to
the construction site.
5. Dump trucks: These trucks are used to transport large quantities of materials such as soil,
rock, and concrete to and from the construction site.
5. Formwork: This is a temporary structure used to support the concrete during pouring
and curing. It can be made of wood, steel, or other materials and is usually removed once the
concrete has hardened.
6. Tunnelling equipment: Some gravity dams require the construction of tunnels for water
intake or outlet structures. Tunnelling equipment such as tunnel boring machines may be used
for this purpose.
Overall, the construction of a gravity dam requires a wide range of machinery and
equipment to ensure the safe and efficient completion of the project.
Gravity dams are massive concrete structures that rely on their weight and the force of
gravity to resist the pressure of water. Several factors can affect the stability and safety of a
gravity dam, including:
1. Foundation stability: The stability of a gravity dam depends on the stability of the foundation
upon which it rests. The foundation should be able to withstand the weight of the dam and resist
the forces generated by water pressure.
2. Height and width of the dam: The height and width of a gravity dam are critical factors in its
stability. As the height of the dam increases, the weight and pressure of the water against the
dam also increase, which requires the dam to have a wider base and thicker walls to resist the
forces.
3. Design and construction quality: The quality of the design and construction of a gravity dam
is crucial in ensuring its stability and safety. The dam must be designed to withstand the forces of
water and weather conditions over its expected lifespan.
4. Water level fluctuations: Fluctuations in water levels can affect the stability of a gravity
dam. When water levels rise, the pressure on the dam increases, and when water levels fall, the
pressure decreases. The dam must be designed to withstand these fluctuations in water levels.
5. Seismic activity: Seismic activity can cause the ground to move, which can affect the stability
of a gravity dam. The dam must be designed to withstand seismic activity and any resulting
ground movement.
6. Maintenance: Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the continued safety and stability of a
gravity dam. Regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities are necessary to identify
and address any potential issues before they become a significant problem
A gravity dam is a type of dam that uses its own weight and the force of gravity to hold
back water. The specifications of a gravity dam can vary depending on the specific project, but
here are some general guidelines:
1. Height: Gravity dams can be built to any height, but typically they range from 20 to 300
meters.
2. Length: The length of a gravity dam is typically determined by the width of the river or valley
that it is built in. It can vary from a few meters to several kilometers.
3. Width: The width of the dam at the base should be wide enough to ensure stability against
overturning and sliding. Typically, the base width is 1.5 to 2 times the height of the dam.
4. Crest width: The crest width of the dam should be sufficient to accommodate the design
discharge of the river. It should be wide enough to allow the construction and maintenance of the
necessary structures on the crest, such as spillway gates, intake towers, and powerhouses.
5. Slope: The slope of the upstream and downstream faces of the dam should be stable and able
to withstand the hydraulic and seepage forces exerted by the water. The slope can vary
depending on the type of material used, but it is typically between 1:1.5 to 1:3.
6. Foundation: The foundation of the dam must be strong and stable enough to support the
weight of the dam and resist the pressure of the water. It should be able to withstand seepage and
erosion.
7. Spillway: A gravity dam must have a spillway to release excess water during floods. The
spillway must be designed to handle the maximum design flood.
8. Outlets: The dam should have outlets for releasing water for various purposes like irrigation,
drinking water supply, hydropower generation, etc.
9. Materials: Gravity dams can be constructed using various materials, such as concrete,
masonry, or earthfill. The choice of material depends on factors such as cost, availability, and the
physical characteristics of the site.
10. Maintenance: Regular maintenance and monitoring of a gravity dam are essential to ensure
its safety and longevity. This includes inspection and repair of any damage or deterioration, and
monitoring of the water level and pressure on the dam
CHAPTER-5
CONCLUSION
Gravity dams are massive structures made of concrete that rely on the weight of their
own material to resist the force of water pressure.
These dams are designed to hold back large volumes of water, creating reservoirs that can
be used for various purposes, such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and
flood control.
In conclusion, gravity dams are essential engineering structures that have played a vital
role in human development.
They provide a reliable source of water and energy while also helping to control flooding
and manage water resources.
However, the construction of gravity dams can be challenging, requiring careful design
and construction to ensure their safety and longevity.
With proper planning and maintenance, gravity dams can serve as valuable assets to
society for generations to come.
CHAPTER-6
REFERENCES
[8] "Hydraulic Design of Gravity Dams and Spillways" by US Army Corps of Engineers
[9] "Design and Construction of Concrete Gravity Dams" by Yilmaz Soylev and Faruk Aras