Chapter-2

Design & construction of concrete dam

Concrete dam:
- built of concrete (cementing materials)
- ex. Gravity dam, arch dam, buttress dam e.t.c
Forces acting on concrete dam:
* as per degree of relative importance loads can be
1) primary loads:
-major loads acting on the dam continuously.
- ex. Water load,
seepage/uplift,
self weight of the dam
2) Secondary loads:
- minor loads w/h are smaller in magnitude.
-ex. Wind load , silt load , wave & ice load.

1
 Continued…..
3) Exceptional load:
- minor loads w/h has limited
applicability.
- the probability of occurrence
of the load with in the life of the
structure can’t exceed 1 or 2 times.
- ex. seismic load/earthquake
load.

2
 Continued…..
Magnitude of loads acting on the dam & their
centroidal location
A) Primary loads:
1) water pressure:
- major load
- the horizontal component is estimated by
rule of hydrostatic pressure distribution(HPD).
- HPD is triangular in shape
- the resultant force(pwh1) = area of
triangle(½*γw*H2) & acts at H/3 from base.

3
Continued…..

4
Continued……

5
 Continued…..
Pwh1 = ½*γw*H2

PWh1 H

γw*H
Similarly if there is tail water
Pwh2 = ½*γw*h2 acts at h/3 from base
h – depth of tail water

h Pwh2

γw*h
• If the u/s and d/s face of the dam is inclined, the water placed on the
inclined face of the dam may exert a vertical load
6
7
8
 Continued……
For u/s (pwvu) = pvu1 + pvu2
b

pvu2 pvu1 @B-b/2 from toe

pvu2 @ B-b/3 from toe
B – total bottom width of dam
The magnitude of the resultant vertical
water force = area * unit weight of water
9
 Continued….

For d/s (pwvd) = area * γw acts at c/3

from toe. c
c

pwvd
10
 Continued……
2) Uplift pressure:
- percolating water below the
foundation exerts upward pressure
- major load acts against the dam
stability.
- this force reduces the weight of the
dam
- according to U.S.B.R recommendation
the uplift pressure intensity @ heel & toe =
their respective hydrostatic pressure.
11
 Continued………
B
γw*h
γw*H
pu1 pu2
* pu1 = area of rectangle = B*γw*h@ B/2
• pu2 = area of triangle = ½ *(γw*H-γw*h)B
@2/3 B from toe.

12
if drainage gallery is available inside
the body of the dam

13
 Continued………
- Uplift pressure is controlled by:
- cutoff wall below foundation of
the dam
- pressure grouting on the
foundation
- providing relief drain/ drainage
gallery in side dam

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15
 Continued………
3) Self weight of dam:
- exerted by the structure on the
foundation
- it is stabilizing force
- the magnitude of this force
W = WC*V
Where WC is unit weight of concrete
V – volume of concrete section
- acts @ centroid of dam
16
 Continued……….
b) Secondary loads:
1) silt load:
- generated by the accumulated
sediment.
- a function of (hs, γsub, ka & Ø)

- Psilt = ½* Ka*γsub* hs2

- acts @ h/3 from base.
17
Continued……….

18
 Continued………
If the u/s face is inclined there is a load
acted vertically on the sloping face of
dam.
- Magnitude of this load
= vol. of silt * unit weigth

19
 Continued………
2) Wave load:
- generated on the surface of
reservoir by the blowing wind
- is a function of (hw , f & U)
where
hw – height of wave(m)
f – fetch length of the reservoir(km)
U - velocity of the blowing wind (km/hr)

20
Continued….

21
 Continued…..
- Magnitude of load by wave:
Pw = ½* 2.4* γw*hw*5/3hw
= 2*γw*hw2
- Acts @ 3/8hw from max. reservoir level
where hw is height of wave expressed
as:

22
Continued…….

23
 Continued…..
3) Ice pressure:
- a horizontal thrust acted on dam @ the
level of reservoir.
- insignificant when depth of ice < 0.6m
- not a problem for hot areas like Ethiopia.
- the magnitude varies (250-1500kn/m2)
- take average 500kn/m2 under ordinary
condition

24
 Continued…..
c) Exceptional load ( seismic load):
- a stress generated on the dam
by earthquake.
- produces a wave w/h shakes the
earth in all direction
- two accelerations are induced
by earthquake.

25
 Continued…..
i) Vertical acceleration(av):
ii) Horizontal acceleration (ah):
Where ah & av are expressed as %age of
acceleration due to gravity.
ah = (0.1-0.2)g & av = (0.5g)
-- for extreme earthquake region
ah = (0.15-0.3) g may be adopted.

26
 Continued…..

ah = kh*g & av = kv*g

Where kh & kv are constants / fraction
of gravity.

27
 Continued……
i) Effect of vertical acceleration(av):
- may acting upward or down
- when it acts upward,
*the foundation will be lifted up ward &
becomes closer to the body of the
dam.
* Increases the effective weight of the
dam.
28
 Continued……
- The inertia force exerted by av:
= av * m
= av * W/g, W = weight of dam
Net Weight=W+av*m=W(1+kv)
- When av acts downward:
- reduces effective weight of dam
- worst condition (the foundation moves away from
the body of the dam)
- So , net effective weight of dam
= W- av * W/g
= W(1-kv)

29
 Continued…..
ii) Effect of horizontal acceleration(ah):
- may act in u/s or d/s direction
- may causes the following two
forces:
1) hydrodynamic pressure
2) horizontal inertia force

30
 Continued…..
1) Hydrodynamic pressure:
- when ah acts towards the
reservoir an extra water pressure called
hydrodynamic pressure may develop.
- estimated by von- Karman
formula:
Pe = 0.555Kh*γw*H2 @ 4H/3∏ from the
base.

31
 Continued…..
Zanger’s formula:
Pe = 0.726*pe*H , but
pe = Cm* Kh*γw*H
Thus, Pe = 0.726* Cm * Kh*γw*H2
Where Cm = max. value of pressure coefficient
for a given slope.
Cm = 0.735*(θ/900)
θ - angle b/n u/s face with
horizontal.
32
Continued……

33
 Continued…..
2) Horizontal inertia force: -
The inertia force exerted by ah:
= ah * m = Kh*W
= ah * W/g, W = weight of dam
* during Reservoir full condition:
- worst result exists when ah acts
towards the reservoir.
* during reservoir empty condition:
- worst , when ah acts towards the d/s
direction.
34
Examples
 1. Determine:
 Self weight,
 Water and
 Uplift pressure for the figure shown below and force action for point C:
Take the unit weight of the material as 24KN/m3 and unit weight of water
as 10KN/m3
2. Determine the uplift force at the base of a gravity dam as
shown on the figure below for the following three cases:
a)-No drains,
b)-with drains at a distance of 5m from the u/s end.
Assume the unit weight material as 24KN/m3 and of water 10KN/m3 .

Drainage gallery
3. Determine the moments of each force at the base of the dam (toe)
and hydrodynamic pressure by Zanger’s method, of dam height 90m,
free board 3m and u/s slope 1:10 as shown below.

1
87.0
10 0.7
1
2.1.2 Load Combinations
 A concrete dam should be designed with regard to the most
rigorous adverse groupings or combinations of loads which
have a reasonable probability of simultaneous occurrence.
 Such combinations may be investigated when verifying the
design of the most important dams, but are generally
discounted in the analysis of lesser structures.
 The loads discussed in the preceding section have differing but
individually distinctive operating envelopes in terms of
probability of occurrence, intensity and duration.
The design of gravity dam should be checked for two cases i.e.
I. When reservoir is full and
II. When reservoir is empty
Case I Reservoir full case
USBR has classified as 'Normal and Extreme Load
combinations' as follow:-
Normal Load Combinations
Water pressure up to normal pool level, normal uplift,
silt pressure and ice pressure. This class of loading is
taken when ice force is serious.
Water pressure up to normal pool level, normal uplift,
earth quake forces and silt pressure.
Water pressure up to max. reservoir level, normal uplift
and silt pressure
Extreme Load Combinations
Water pressure due to maximum pool level, extreme uplift
pressure without any reduction due to drainage and silt pressure
Case II Reservoir Empty Case
 Empty reservoir without earth quake has to be analyzed
to determine bending moment diagrams, etc, for
reinforcement design, for grouting studies or other
purposes.
 Empty reservoir with a horizontal earth quake force
towards the upstream has to be checked for non-
development of tension at toe.
 Gravity dam design and analysis

Mode of failure of gravity dam:

i- overturning / rotation
ii- translation / sliding
iii- crushing / compression
iv- development of tension

41
 Continued…..
i) Overturning / rotation:
- F.s.o = ∑M+/∑M-
Where M+ moment created by resisting
forces
M- moment created by disturbing
forces
- F.s.o varies b/n (2-3)
*under NLC F.s.o > 1.5 is satisfactory
42
 Continued…..
ii) Sliding stability:
- sliding appears when net horizontal force @base of dam
exceeds frictional resistance.
- ∑H > frictional resistance(u∑V)
Where u – coefficient of friction b/n two surfaces.(0.65-0.75) =
tanØ
 The sliding failure is resisted by the friction and shearing strength
at upper levels and that b/n foundation rock and concrete at the
base.

Generally, the factor of safety against sliding (Fs) is defined as:

friction factor * forces resisting sliding
forces cause sliding

- Fss = u∑V/ ∑H > 1--- safe! 43

 Two important things in Sliding
A. Sliding Factor (SF):SF   H / V or SF  tan 
where θ the angle which the resultant force make with the vertical.
 It is assumed that resistance is purely frictional, and no shear
strength.
 For safety against sliding, SF should be less than the coefficient of
friction (SF<μ ).
B. Shear friction factor, SFF
 should be determined by considering both friction and shear
strength of the joint.
 is defined as the ratio of the total resistance including shear
strength to the total sliding
SFFload
 S /H and

S    V  Bq
44
Where:
 S = the maximum resistance which can be
mobilized
 B= base width of the dam
 μ =coefficient of friction b/n the material and the
foundation
 q= average shear strength of the material at the
horizontal section
Thus, Fss= (u∑V + qB)/∑H lies b/n (3-5)
where q –shear strength of the joint
q (1400-4000Kn/m2)depends upon strength of rock.
- To increase q the foundation should be stepped at the base.
 Continued…..
- Shear friction factor (Fsf):
= (u∑V + qB)/∑H lies b/n (3-5)
-where q –shear strength of the joint
q (1400-4000Kn/m2)depends
upon strength of rock.
- To increase q the foundation should be
stepped at the base.

46
Continued…..

47
 Continued……
- If the foundation is inclined @ small
angle (a).
- F.s. = (∑H/V-tan a)/((1+(∑H/∑V)tan a)u
- To be safe F.s.s < 0.75

48
 Continued…..
iii) Compression / crushing:
- dam may fail by failure of its
material.
- when ∂ > ∂all –crushing may
develop.
- ∂ compressive stress produced.
- ∂all – allowable compressive
stress of a material (concrete).
49
 Continued…..
• Vertical direct stress distribution at the
base:
- P = direct stress + bending stress
- Direct stress = ∑V/B*1
- Bending stress = M*Y/I
- pmin=∑V/B(1-6e/B) &
- pmax= ∑V/B(1+6e/B)
- e – eccentricity of the resultant force from
the center of the base.(= B/2-X)
- X = ∑M/ ∑V=distance of resultant force
from the toe50
51
 Continued……..
-When the reservoir is full:
- the resultant is nearer to toe.
- max. stress occurs @ toe.
- min. stress occurs @ heel.
- When the reservoir is empty:
- the resultant is nearer to heel.
- max. stress occurs @ heel.
- min. stress occurs @ toe.
52
 Continued…….
• If Pmin < 0, tension is developed @
either ends.
• If Pmax. > ∂all (2000-4000KN/m2)dam
can be failed by crushing.

55
 Continued…….
iv) Development of tension:
- concrete is low in tension so
the max. tensile stress produced should
not exceed allowable (500KN/m2).
- to ensure no tension is
developed anywhere pmin > 0. or the
resultant should pass the middle third
of the base.

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57
 Stress analysis

• Generally d/t types of stress are

produced on the plane and in the body
of the dam.
a) vertical normal stress
b) horizontal shear stress
c) principal stress & intensity of
shear stress on principal plane
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a) Vertical normal stress:
- normal to the plane
- produced on the horizontal plane
- = direct stress + bending stress
Pvu = ∑V/B(1-6e/B) &
Pvd = ∑V/B(1+6e/B) during the reservoir is
full.
Where ∂u & ∂d are vertical stresses @ heel &
toe of the dam respectively.
59
 Continued……
b) Horizontal shear stress:
- generated by the variation of
vertical normal stress over a horizontal
plane.
- designated as ζu & ζd for u/s
and d/s horizontal shear
- ζu = (pw - Pvu) tan(Øu)
- ζd = (Pvd - pw) tan(Ød)
60
 Continued….
c) Principal stress:
- designated as ∂
- max. stress produced with in the
body of the dam
- consider a small triangular element
Having 3 principal plane of ds , dr & db
dimension each.

61
Continued…..

62
 Continued…..
- A principal plane AB is subjected to water
pressure exerted by tail water.
- BC is subjected to principal stress.
- AC ---- vertical normal stress.
- ds , db & dr are lengths.
- Resolving all forces in vertical and solve
for ∂:
∂ = Pv sec2a – P’ tan2a, max. if P’ = 0

63
 Continued…
-Resolving all the forces in horizontal and
solve for ζ.
- ζ = cos(a)sin(a)[∂-P’]
- ζ is max. when P’ = 0

64
- When the foundation accelerates by effect
of earthquake
- ∂toe = Pv sec2a – (P’-P’e) tan2a
- ∂heel = Pv sec2a – (P+Pe) tan2a
Similarly:
ζtoe = cosa*sina*[∂-(P’-P’e)]
ζheel = cosa*sina*[∂-(P+Pe)]

65
• Example:

66
 Buttress dam
- It is a hollow gravity dam with
watertight u/s face supported by a
series of buttresses.
- Suitable in areas having wide river
valleys
- It requires skilled manpower &
supervision .

67
68
• Advantages of buttress dam over
gravity dam:
- reduction of uplift
- requires smaller concrete
- less massive than gravity dam
so it requires weak foundation.

69
Disadvantages:
1) needs more reinforcement bars.
2) needs more skilled labor
3) slabs and columns are highly
stressed.
4) more susceptible to damage by
sabotage

70
• Classification of buttress dam:
According to the water supporting
membrane utilized in the body, they can
be:
- flat/simple slab deck
- multiple arch type
- other types

71
• 1) simple slab deck:
- also named as Amberson dam.
- they are preferred for smaller
heights
- inclined flat slab supported by
buttresses.
- the deck slab is inclined with
horizontal by about 400-550
72
73
 Spacing b/n buttresses
- Height of dam
- Length of dam
- Presence of spillway over the dam
- Slope of u/s deck slab

74
• 2) multiple arch type:
- has several arch water
supporting membrane
- preferred for higher heights

75
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77
Design principle of buttress dam
- The stability analysis of buttress dam is
done in a similar way as for a gravity dam.
- the design is carried out by considering
the full panel unlike gravity dam.
- buttress dam is subjected to the same
force as gravity dam.
- as buttress dam reduces uplift pressure,
uplift is acted only on buttress head.

78
Safety factors:
- f.s.o = ∑M+/∑M- > 1.5 (NLC)
- f.s.s = (C*A + u*∑V)/∑H > 2.4 (NLC)

79
 Arch concrete dam
• A concrete dam with u/s curvature
resisting the imposed load by arch action.

- Transmits the major portion of water load to

abutments, so large horizontal reaction is required
by the abutment.

- Abutment should be sound rock and stable to resist

the horizontal thrust developed by arch action.

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 Cont’d…...
Topography:
- narrow gorges/ v- shaped valley
According to sarkaria,
Sr = [B + H(tan𝝍1+tan 𝝍2)]/H < 5
Where, Sr ratio of crest length to dam
height. Usual value of sr (2-5)

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 Cont’d….
•

82
Cont’d….

83
 Types of Arch dam
• Divided in to the following types:
1) constant radius arch dam
2) constant angle
3) variable radius and angle

84
 1) Constant radius Arch dam
- Simplest type of dam can be analyzed and
constructed easily.
- Re is constant @ all elevation & it has vertical
u/s face with uniform radial d/s slope.
- 2a (central angle) is variable @ all elevation &
max. @ top
- Suitable to relatively wide(U – shaped) valley.
- requires max. concrete as compared with
others.

85
86
 2) Constant angle Arch dam
- requires 70% of concrete utilized by
constant radius dam.
- 2a is constant @ all elevation but the
radiuses (Re & Ri) are variable.
- Complex than the previous type to analyze
and construct.
- requires narrow & steep sided v- shaped
valley.
- Re is max. @ center / crown.
87
88
 3) Variable radius & angle Arch dam
• It is a compromise b/n constant angle & constant
radius arch dam.
• neither the radius nor the central angle is constant.
• radius (Re & Ri) is max. @ top and min. @ the base.
• requires minimum amount of concrete as compared
with others so best economical type.
• Adaptable to v-shaped/steep-sided valley.
• The design and construction of dam is so complex
and beyond the scope of the course.

89
 Design analysis of arch dam
• Loads acting on arch dam:
- Loads on arch dams are essentially
the same as loads on gravity dams.
- Uplift forces are less
important,
- Internal stresses caused by
temperature change , ice pressure, and
yielding of abutment are very important

90
 Design of arch dam
Methods of design of arch dams.
- thin cylinder theory
- elastic theory
- trial load method

91
Thin cylinder theory:
• The theory assumes that the arch is
simply supported at the abutments and
that the stresses are approximately the
same as in thin cylinder of equal outside
radius re.

92
93
Summing forces parallel to the stream axis:
2Rsin/2 = 2h re sin/2
R= h re, where R is reaction by
abutment
• the compressive stress developed in the arch ring at
the abutments can be:
∂ = R/(t*1) = h re/t,
If ∂ < ∂all safety against compression is ensured. So the
minimum thickness is
t > h re/ ∂all for constant radius arch

94
re = ri + t, substitute in the previous equation
t > h ri/ (∂all- h) for constant angle arch
Condition for least volume of arch(economical central
angle):
V = t*re *1
- t = h re/ ∂all = K*re
- Re = B/2 sin/2
- Differentiating V with respect to  and setting to
zero,  = 133.5o which is the most economical angle for
arch with minimum volume.
- For  = 133.50 re/ri = 0.544B

95
Limitation of thin cylinder theory:
- assumes the arch is simply supported
at abutment.
- the arch is considered as a thin
cylinder of equal re
- doesn't consider the bending moment
developed at abutment
- internal stress by temperature change
and yield of abutment is not accounted for.
96
• Design example 1
• Design a 100m height constant radius
arch dam, by the thin cylinder theory
for a valley 100m wide at the base and
150m wide at a height of 100m ∂all =
4MPa? Take θ = 1400

97
• Solution
Re = B/2 sin/2 = 79.8=80m
t > h re/ ∂all

98
• Design example 2
Design a 100m high constant angle arch
dam by thin cylinder theory for a valley
40m wide at the base and 240m wide at
a height of 100m. Take ∂all = 5MPa.

99
• Solution
Taking  = 133.440
ri = B/2 sin  /2 = ri = 0.544B
t > h ri/ (∂all- h)
re = ri + t

100