Composed by: MURTAZA

Classification of arch dams ALI

Classification of an arch dam depends on its angle, radius and curvature. There are four types of arch dams
i.e. constant radius arch dam, variable radius arch dam, constant angle arch dam, double curvature arch dam.
An arch dam is curve shaped solid wall which is generally built with cement concrete. It is preferred where
river valleys are formed. The working nature of arch dam is like partly cantilever retaining wall and partly
arch action. The whole curved wall stands with its large base and transfers the loads to the two ends of the
dam using horizontal thrust. Another important point is that the load carrying capacity of arch dam also
depends on its curvature, i.e. greater the curvature larger will be the load resisted. Different types of arch
dams constructed and used in the world and their characteristics are discussed below.

Types of Arch Dam Construction

Arch dams are generally classified into four main types:

1. Constant radius arch dam

2. Variable radius arch dam

3. Constant angle arch dam

4. Double curvature arch dam

1. Constant Radius Arch Dam
Constant Radius Arch dam, in which outer side curve of arch is built with constant radii at all elevations. At
the same time the inner curve of arch is constructed with decreasing radius from top to bottom of dam. The
outer side curve of an arch is called as extrodos while the inner curve is called as introdos. Extrados always
faces the upstream side and intrados faces the downstream side. The thickness of dam is more at the base to
withstand against hydrostatic pressure from water and minimum thickness is provided at the top. The cross
section of constant radius arch dam look like right angled triangle in which vertical line represents extrados
and hypotenuse represents intrados. In this type of arch dam, all the centers of circular curves of intrados lie
on same line and on the same line the centers of extrados also lie. So, this dam can also be called
as constant center arch dam. The constant radius arch dams require large amount of concrete for its
construction. These are the most common types of arch dams and they are generally preferred for U-Shaped
valleys. The central angles of constant radius arch dam are not constant. The angle made by every arch ring
at its center vary at different elevations. The central angle is maximum at the top of the dam and minimum at
the bottom of the dam. But there are some recommendations in which the safest angle for an arch dam is
derived as 133o 34’. But due to its shape it is not possible to provide constant angle throughout the dam.
Hence, this safest angle is provided for the middle arch ring. From the middle ring the angle will increase
towards top and decrease towards base of dam. But at the top of the dam the angle should not be more than
150o hence, during its design the top angle is managed to below 150o.

2. Variable Radius Arch Dam

Variable radius arch dam, as in the name itself the radii of both extrados (outer side) and intrados inner side)
curves are varied with respect to elevation. The radius is maximum at the top of the dam and minimum at its
base. In this case also central angles of arch rings are varied at different heights hence it is also called as
variable center arch dam. The center line or crown line on downstream face is looks like vertical line and
both sides of this line look like battered from the top view. At abutments also, it looks like vertical line
similarly upstream side also looks vertical. Hence, we can provide over hangings at the crown as well as at
the abutments which can reduce the designed thickness of the dam to reduce the amount of concrete and
make it economical. In general, variable radius arch dam is economical than constant radius arch dam. It
uses only 58% of the amount of concrete used for constant radius arch dam. This type of arch dam is more

suitable for V-shaped valleys.

3. Constant Angle Arch Dam
Constant angle arch dam, is a dam in which central angle of every arch ring is constant throughout the
height of an arch dam. It is obtained by the modification of variable radius arch dam. Safe and best central
angle 1330 34’ is used as central angle in this case. For this type of arch dam, it is necessary to provide over
hangings at the crown and at abutments. The provision of over hangings also is done when the foundation is
stronger and is not suitable for weaker foundations. This type of arch dam is more economical than the
above two types and requires just 43% of the amount of concrete used to build constant radius arch dam.
Constant angle arch dam is more suitable for V-shaped valleys.

4. Double Curvature Arch Dam

Double curvature arch dam, in which curvature is provided not only in horizontal direction but also in
vertical direction. It means the cross section of double curvature also looks like curve. The whole dam is
looks like shell type so, it is also called as shell arch dam. Because of double curvature, the thickness of
arch wall is reduced. But this non-vertical type dams are difficult to construct compared to other three types.
They also require stronger foundations. Shell arch dams are more suitable for very narrow valleys.
Advantages of Arch Dam.
1. Arch dams are particularly adapted to the gorges where the length is small in proportion to the height.
2. For a given height, the section of an arch dam is much lesser than a corresponding gravity dam.
Hence, an arch dam requires less material and is, therefore, cheaper.

3. Because of much less base width, the problems of uplift pressure are minor.
4. Since only a small part of water load is transferred to the foundation by cantilever action,
an arch dam can be constructed in moderate foundations where gravity dam requiring sound foundation rock
may be unsuitable.

Disadvantages of Arch Dam.

1. It requires skilled labor and sophisticated form work. The design of an arch dams are also quite
specialized
2. The speed of construction is normally slow.
3. It requires very strong abutments of solid rock capable of resisting arch thrust.
Hence, it is not suitable in the locations where strong abutments are not available.

Unfortunately, only few sites are suitable for this type of dam.

Types of Arch Dams.

The arch dams may he divided into the following three types:

1. Constant radius dam.

2. Variable radius dam, and
3. Constant angle dam.
1. Constant radius arch dam.
A constant radius arch dam is the one in which the radius to some prominent feature (such as upstream face,
or the downstream face, or the arch axis) is constant.

In most cases, however, the constant radius refers to the upstream side.

In a constant radius arch dams, the arch centers for upstream face, downstream face and the center line of
the horizontal arch rings at various elevations lie on a straight vertical line;

that passes through the center of the horizontal arch ring of the upstream face at the crest.

Hence, this type of arch dam is also sometimes known as the constant center arch dam.
In most of the simple arch types, the upstream face is vertical (i.e., its radius is constant at all elevations),
and the thickness is proportional to the height.

This makes the central angles of the arch rings of the introdos vary at various elevations, the maximum
being at the top of the dam and a certain minimum at the bottom of the dam.

A constant radius arch dam is particularly adopted to U-shaped canyons as cantilever action will carry a
large proportion of the load at lower levels.

The constant radius arch dams are less economical than the constant angle arch dams, and the latter is
constructed in preference to constant radius arch darn.

However, the form work for the constant radius arch dam is much simpler to construct.