Dams and Reservoirs - Essay Example

The final choice of the dam will be made after the consideration of these factors. In the study, the factors that affect the selection of the type of dam and the dam type to be constructed on different foundations will be discussed accordingly. Topography includes the surface configuration of the dam site, the area of the reservoir, the accessibility of construction materials and the source. The topography of an area determines the type of dam to be constructed. Geotechnical and geological structure of the dam site refers to the condition of the foundation which depends upon the thickness and geological strata that will carry the weight of the dam, their permeability and inclination and the relation to the underlying strata and faults.

The foundation will be responsible for the choice to a certain extent, although it can be modified, taking the height of the dam into consideration. Availability of construction materials is the reduction of transportation expense for construction materials, especially those in large quantities will have an effect in the reduction of the total cost of the project. Therefore, the most economical type of dam is the one for which the construction materials exists within a distance from the site. . In the choice of a dam, the size of spillway and the natural restrictions in its location are the controlling factor in the selection of a dam.

is the most important factor in the selection of the type of dam to be constructed. But further estimates and alternatives are given considerations to fulfil this factor. Environment and public pinion plays a major influence on the type of dam for construction. For maximum protection, the principal influence of the environmental laws and regulations on the selection of the type of dam is in need for the environment that can affect the dimensions, location, the location of spillway and additional facilities.

The possibility of flood inundation during construction, is the possibility of flood overflow during construction would favour a concrete dam. In the economical condition of a country, the amount of production of cement, pozzolan and steel, which are parallel to the industrial development of a country, is a factor in the selection of the type of dam to be constructed. Climate and time available for construction means that the design of dams are usually affected by climate, because of the importance of the weather during the construction of the dam.

Non availability of side personnel with particular skills, refers to the lack of skilled contractors in the site. In seismicity, earthquake induced damages in dams are very few. Due to the fact that people tend to live in the floodplain downstream of dams, it would be very essential to increase precaution to the selection of the type of dam to be built. Height of the Dam is a very important factor in the selection of dams. Earthfill with toe drains was used for large dam in the past, but it should have been used to low dams in low