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

  • Environmental Law

    ByGeo Forward

    Environmental Law Environmental Law refers to the various categories of law that are put in place to protect the quality and condition of the earth and the environment. This sect of law aims to protect the well being of people and to preserve the earth’s natural resources, reserves, and wildlife. In fact, environmental laws apply…

  • Dry Strength

    ByGeo Forward

    Dry Strength “Dry Strength” is a value that represents the strength of a soil sample, when dry, as determined by the crushing test. There is a common geotechnical engineering laboratory procedure for determining the cohesiveness or plasticity of a sample with organic or inorganic clays and silts.  

  • Environmental Geology

    ByGeo Forward

    Environmental Geology Environmental Geology: (en·vi·ron·men·tal ge·ol·o·gy) a branch of geology that relates to the impact of human activity on Earth, and the pollution of geologic formations, reserves, and resources. Common focus points of environmental geology are contaminated soil, groundwater aquifers, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Professional geologists assess and remediate contamination plumes in all media,…

  • Thermosphere

    ByGeo Forward

    Thermosphere Thermosphere: The thermosphere of a terrestrial planet is the fourth and final member of the atmosphere. On Earth, the thermosphere starts atop the mesosphere at approximately 85 kilometers above mean sea level. The upper limit of the thermosphere is reasonably presumed to terminate approximately 95 kilometers above mean sea level. In fact, most of…