Types and Classification of Dams

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, functions, structural types, construction materials, and storage capacities of dams based on the lecture notes.

Dam

A structure that restricts or stops the flow of water.

Storage Dam

A dam constructed to keep water in and store it during rainy seasons for later use during dry summers, water supply, or improving fish and wildlife habitat.

Diversion Dam

A dam constructed for the purpose of diverting river water into an off-taking canal by providing sufficient pressure to push water into canals, ditches, or conveyance systems.

Detention Dam

A flood control dam that retards downstream river flow during floods by temporarily storing flood water and releasing it gradually at a controlled rate.

Debris Dam

A dam constructed to retain debris such as sand, gravel, and driftwood flowing in a river.

Coffer Dam

A temporary structure constructed on the upstream side or around a construction site to enclose an area and keep it dry by diverting water flow.

Hydropower Dam

A dam that uses the elevation difference between the reservoir pool and tail water to turn a turbine and generate electricity.

Industrial Waste Dam

An embankment dam, typically built in stages, designed to store fine waste products suspended in water from an industrial process.

Overflow Dam

A dam designed to allow surplus water to pass over its crest; also known as a spillway dam or overfall dam.

Non-Overflow Dam

A dam designed not to allow surplus water to flow over its crest, relying instead on a separate spillway to release excess water.

Regulating Dam

A dam impounding a reservoir from which water is released to regulate downstream flow; also known as an Afterbay dam.

Saddle Dam

A subsidiary dam constructed across a saddle or low point on a reservoir perimeter to increase water elevation and storage capacity; also called a dike or auxiliary dam.

Levees

Walls or embankments built along a body of water to protect surrounding land from flooding.

Weir

A small barrier or overflow dam built across a stream or river to slightly raise upstream water levels and measure water flow.

Check Dam

A small dam constructed across a drainage ditch or channel to reduce water flow velocity and control soil erosion.

Wing Dam

A dam that partially restricts a water channel to create a faster current, thereby preventing sediment buildup.

Gravity Dam

A dam constructed of concrete or masonry that relies on its own weight pushing downward to resist water pressure.

Embankment Dam

Any dam constructed using excavated natural materials such as soil, rock, or a combination of both.

Earth-filled Dam

An embankment dam made primarily of ordinary soil; also known as an earthen dam, earth dam, or terrain dam.

Rockfill Dam

An embankment dam constructed with rocks and boulders, featuring dry rubble masonry on the upstream side and loose rock fill on the downstream side.

Hydraulic Fill Dam

An embankment dam constructed using materials, often dredged, that are conveyed and placed by suspension in flowing water.

Arch Dam

A concrete or masonry dam curved upstream that transmits the majority of the water load to the abutments through arch action.

Buttress Dam

A hollow dam consisting of a face or wall supported by several buttresses on the downstream side.

Steel Dam

A temporary dam built using steel plates and inclined struts, suitable for heights up to $15$ to $18\,m$.

Timber Dam

A temporary dam constructed of timber used for flood control or water diversion, suitable for heights up to $9\,m$.

Concrete and Masonry Dam

A dam constructed using concrete and stone or brick masonry joined together with cement mortar.

Small Dam

A dam with a gross storage capacity between $0.5$ and $10\,MCM$ (million cubic meters) and a hydraulic head generally around $7.5$ to $12\,m$.

Medium Dam

A dam with a gross storage capacity between $10$ and $60\,MCM$ and a hydraulic head of $12$ to $30\,m$.

Large Dam

A dam with a gross storage capacity above $60\,MCM$ and a hydraulic head greater than $30\,m$.