What is the design criteria for an arch dam?

What is the design criteria for an arch dam?

Factors to be considered as contributing to the loading combinations for an arch dam are: (1) reservoir and tailwater loads, (2) temperature, (3) internal hydrostatic pressure, (4) dead weight, (5) ice, (6) silt, and (7) earthquake. Such factors as dead weight and static water loads can be calculated accurately.

How do arch dams work?

The arch dam is designed so that the force of the water against it, known as hydrostatic pressure, presses against the arch, causing the arch to straighten slightly and strengthening the structure as it pushes into its foundation or abutments.

What makes an arch dam so effective?

are good for narrow, rocky locations. They are curved, and the natural shape of the arch holds back the water in the reservoir. Arch dams, like the El Atazar Dam in Spain, are thin and require less material than any other type of dam.

What are the types of arch dam?

Arch dams are generally classified into four main types:

  • Constant radius arch dam.
  • Variable radius arch dam.
  • Constant angle arch dam.
  • Double curvature arch dam.

What is an economical angle of an arch dam?

The central angle of the arch for most economical arch section is usually 133°.

What is constant radius arch dam?

Constant Radius Arch Dam : A constant radius arch dam is that in which the radii of the outside curved surface are equal to all elevations from top to bottom. The centers of all such circular arch’s called extrodos wall, therefore evidently lie on one vertical line.

Where arch dam is constructed?

Arch dams are usually constructed in narrow, steep sided valleys. They need good rock for their foundations, and for the sides of the valleys, to resist the forces on the dam.

What are arch dam made of?

Arch dams are usually made of concrete and are very suitable for narrow gorges with strong abutments.

How are arch dams constructed?

Arch dams are made from concrete. They are curved in the shape of an arch, with the top of the arch pointing back into the water. An arch is a strong shape for resisting the pushing force of the water behind the dam. Arch dams are usually constructed in narrow, steep sided valleys.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of arch dam?

Arch dams are particularly adapted to the gorges where the length is small in proportion to the height. 2. For a given height, the section of an arch dam is much lesser than a corresponding gravity dam. Hence, an arch dam requires less material and is, therefore, cheaper.

What are arch dams?

Arch Dams consist of a single curved concrete wall. They are curved in the shape of an arch, with its convexity towards the upstream side. The arch effect allows the water pressure and other forces to be transferred to the abutments. The cross-section of an arch dam is approximately triangular like a gravity dam but is comparatively thinner.

What is a constant angle arch dam?

Constant angle arch dams. An arch dam is a dam curved in plan and carries at major part of its water load horizontally to the abutments by arch action. This part of water load depends primarily upon the amount of curvature. The balance of the water load is transferred to the foundation by cantilever action.

What is the purpose of a dam?

A dam that is built in an arch to assist in bearing the intense water pressure against the abutments at either side of the dam. An arch dam is a concrete dam that is curved upward in a plan.

What are the criteria used in the design of an arch dam?

6 Criteria Reclamation philosophy of concrete dam design is founded on rational and consistent criteria which provide for safe, economical, functional, durable, and easily maintained structures. This section explains the criteria used in the design of an arch dam. The criteria should be developed before the design process begins.