Concrete Gravity Dam

What is a Concrete Gravity Dam?

A Concrete Gravity Dam is also known as “Gravity Arch Dam,” and is a freshwater-retaining concrete structure that has a wider footing (base) than the top-section. The purpose of a Concrete Gravity Dam is to maintain a low center of gravity, in order to avoid collapsing in the event of an abutment seal failure. In fact, a Gravity Arch Dam that is properly placed atop geologically stable formations is the safest type of dam. The other types of dams are Embankment Dams, Concrete Arch Dams, and Concrete Slab & Buttress Dams. Concrete Gravity Dams also require the most material for construction. Thus, there is usually a large portion of nearby rock fragments in the cement as aggregate.

Similar Posts

  • Poorly Graded

    ByGeo Forward

    Poorly Graded Soil Poorly Graded: In the soil classification process of geology, poorly graded soil represents a sedimentary soil sample that only displays one or a few of the numerous other possible grain sizes for that soil classification, in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). For example, a poorly graded sand (SP) may…

  • Mechanical Extraction System

    ByGeo Forward

    Mechanical Extraction System Mechanical Extraction System: Per the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Methane Code, Ordinance Number 175790, a Mechanical Extraction System is one of the Active Methane Mitigation criteria for methane mitigation systems in buffer zones and methane zones.  A mechanical extraction system uses machines that remove methane gas from below…

  • Geosyncline

    ByGeo Forward

    Geosyncline Geosyncline: In geology, a geosyncline is a large-scale indentation in the Earth’s crust that is filled with sediments. A geosyncline forms due to the gradual sinking of the Earth’s crust, causing sediment from adjacent areas to gather inside. An example of a geosyncline is the Appalachian Mountains.

  • Darcy’s Law

    ByGeo Forward

    Darcy’s Law In the field of geology, Darcy’s Law is the universal and basic equation representing groundwater flow through a study area. Darcy’s Law Formula Q = KiA The following variables and coefficients apply to this formula: “K” = Hydraulic Conductivity; “Q” = Discharge Rate; “A” = Area of Cross-Section that Water Flows;