Arch dam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An arch dam is a thin, curved concrete or masonry dam structure which is curved upstream in plan so that the force of the water against it squeezes the arch, compressing and strengthening the structure and pushing it into the ground. An arch dam is most likely used in a narrow site in a mountainous area with steep walls of sound rock.[1]
An arch dam generally contains steel rods or prestressed steel cables reinforcements and requires less concrete than does a gravity or gravity arch dam. However the bedrock in the foundation and abutments must be sound to withstand the pressure of the water.[2]
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[edit] Variations
Arch dams with more than one contiguous arch or plane are described as multiple arch dams. A double arch dam has two contiguous arches. A dam that is curved in both its horizontal and vertical planes may be called a dome dam.[2]
The highest arch dam in the world is Inguri Dam in Georgia. It is 272 meters high and it was completed in 1980.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ Arch Dam Forces. Retrieved on February 5, 2007.
- ^ a b Introduction to Arch Dams. Retrieved on February 5, 2007.
- ^ Inguri Dam. Britannica. Retrieved on January 1, 2007.
