Dam and reservoir site

selection, foundation with

suitable examples from
India
Name:- Prajapati Rahul Hasmukhbhai

Roll no:- 07

Paper GEL 508

M.Sc. Sem IV

Submitted to Dr.H.V. Majethiya

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
0 0 0
1 2 and
Importance 3
Factors Types of
Introduction
affecting Site Foundation
Selection
0 0 0
4 5 6
Case studies Summary of Resources
from INDIA Indian Dams
01 Introduction
 Introduction
A dam is a structure built across a river or stream to hold back water, creating a reservoir that can
be used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, drinking water supply, flood control, and
other purposes.

Site selection for a dam and reservoir is a critical process that determines the project’s success,
safety, and efficiency. Poor site selection can lead to structural failure, excessive maintenance
costs, and negative environmental and social impacts. Proper selection ensures the stability of the
dam, economic feasibility, and sustainability in the long run.

Purposes :

Irrigation for agriculture

Hydroelectric power generation
Drinking water supply
Industrial water use
Flood control and drought management
Recreation and tourism The Edersee Dam in Hesse, Germany
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dam
 Importance
and Factors
02 affecting Site
Selection
 Importance of Site Selection
The primary objective of selecting a suitable site for a dam and reservoir is to ensure structural
safety and economic viability. A good site maximizes water storage capacity while minimizing
construction and maintenance costs.

The site should be located where the topography is favorable for dam construction, and the
geological conditions provide strong and impermeable foundations. It is also essential to consider
environmental and social factors, such as minimizing displacement of local populations and
preserving ecosystems.

Proper site selection is crucial because:

It determines the stability and longevity of the dam.

Poor site selection can lead to structural failure, excessive maintenance costs, and
environmental degradation.

Ensures cost-effectiveness and maximum water storage efficiency.

Minimizes social and ecological impacts.

 Factors Affecting Site Selection
•Topography: Narrow valleys with strong abutments are preferable

•Geology: Strong, impermeable rock formations (e.g., granite, basalt)

https://
•Hydrology: Sufficient rainfall and reliable river flow
www.researchgate.net/figure/Important-criteria-in-sub-surface
-dam-site-selection_fig7_338842127
•Seismicity: Avoid high earthquake-prone zones

•Socioeconomic Impact: Avoid excessive displacement of people

•Environmental Concerns: Minimize impact on flora and fauna

 Types of
03 Foundation
 Rock Foundation
When hard, intact rocks such as granite or basalt are available, they provide the most stable
foundation. Gravity and arch dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam, are typically constructed on
rock foundations.

Suitable for gravity and arch dams

Bhakra Nangal dam

https://
13angle.com/bhakra-nangal-dam-and-their-top13-inter
 Soil Foundation
Earthen dams are commonly built on compacted soil foundations. However, soil must have low
permeability to prevent excessive seepage. The Hirakud Dam is an example of a dam with a soil
foundation.

Suitable for earthen dams (e.g.Hirakud Dam)

Bird's-eye view of Hirakud Dam

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirakud_Dam
 Mixed Foundation
Some sites have a combination of rock and soil, requiring special treatment such as grouting or
reinforcement. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on a mixed foundation where extensive engineering
techniques were used to strengthen the base.

 Requires special treatment (e.g.Sardar Sarovar Dam)

Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada River

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardar_Sarovar_Dam
 Case studies
04 from INDIA
 Case Study 1 – Bhakra Nangal Dam
Type: Concrete Gravity Dam

Foundation: Hard granite rock

Bhakra Nangal Dam, located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, is one of
India's largest gravity dams. The Nangal Dam is another Punjab dam below the Bhakra Dam.
Sometimes, however, the two dams are collectively known as the Bhakra Nangal Dam.

The dam is 1,700 feet long and 30 feet wide. The 90 km long reservoir formed by Bhakra Dam
covers an area of 168.35 km2. In terms of water volume, it is the third-largest water reservoir in
India.

The site was chosen due to its deep, narrow valley with strong granite bedrock, providing an
excellent foundation for a concrete gravity dam.

The dam plays a vital role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control. The
strong geological conditions at the site have contributed to the long-term stability and success of
the project.

Importance: Hydropower generation and irrigation

 Case Study 1 – Bhakra Nangal Dam
Disbenefit Of Bhakra Nangal Dam:

The Bhakra Nangal Project, like all other river valley projects, is suffering from siltation. Water
from the top runs settles to the bottom of the tank, thus reducing its water storage capacity.

The dam is very expensive to build and has to be built to a very high standard. The high cost of
building dams means they need to operate for decades to become profitable.

Dams do change the way rivers function. They can catch grouts by burying riverbeds where they
breed their fish. Gravel, logs, and other important food and habitats can also get stuck behind
dams. This adversely affects the creation and maintenance of more complex habitats (e.g.
fissures, basins) downstream.
Bhakra Nangal Dam downstream side

https://13angle.com/bhakra-nangal-dam-and-their-top13-interesting-facts/
 Case Study 2 – Hirakud Dam
Type: Earthen and Concrete Composite Dam

Foundation: Soil and rock mixture

Hirakud Dam, located on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, is one of the longest earthen and
concrete composite dams in the world. Hirakud Reservoir was declared a Ramsar site on 12
October 2021.

The foundation consists of compacted soil and rock, making it suitable for an earthen dam. The
site was selected to provide flood control, irrigation, and power generation benefits to the region.

Extensive geological surveys ensured that the soil composition was appropriate for supporting
the structure without excessive seepage or settlement issues.

Importance: Flood control, irrigation, and power generation

 Case Study 2 – Hirakud Dam
Disbenefit of Hirakud Dam

Increased Waterlogging and Salinity:

Irrigation-induced waterlogging in surrounding areas has affected soil fertility.
Rising salinity levels have degraded agricultural lands.

High Siltation Rate:

The reservoir faces heavy silt deposition, reducing its storage capacity over time.
This affects hydroelectric power generation and irrigation efficiency.

Geological Concerns:
The dam is located in a seismically active zone, making it vulnerable to minor earthquakes.
Continuous pressure on the foundation can lead to structural challenges in the long run.

The rising rate of sediment deposit is attributed

to rapid soil erosion in the upper catchment of
Mahanadi river.

https://
www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/Sep/16/hirakud-reservoir
-has-lost-24-per-centwater-holding-capacity-says-latest-hydrology-survey
 Case Study 3 – Sardar Sarovar Dam
Type: Concrete Gravity Dam

Foundation: Mixed rock and soil, requiring extensive treatment

The Sardar Sarovar Dam, constructed on the Narmada River in Gujarat, has a mixed foundation
consisting of both rock and soil. The site required special treatment, including grouting and
reinforcement, to enhance stability.

 The dam is located in Gujarat's Narmada district and Kevadia village, on the border of Gujarat
and Maharashtra. To the west of the dam, is Madhya Pradesh's Malwa plateau, where the
Narmada river dissects the hills tracts and culminates in the Mathwar hills.

The dam is a critical water resource project, providing irrigation, drinking water, and
hydroelectric power to multiple states in India.

The mixed foundation posed challenges during construction, but modern engineering techniques
ensured its safety and functionality.

Importance: Water supply, irrigation, and power generation

 Case Study 3 – Sardar Sarovar Dam
Disbenefit of Sardar Sarovar Dam

Large-Scale Displacement of People:

Over 320,000 people from 245 villages were displaced due to submergence.
Many affected families did not receive adequate compensation or proper rehabilitation.

Siltation and Sediment Deposition:

The Narmada River carries heavy sediment, which accumulates in the reservoir, reducing
water storage capacity.
Excessive siltation can weaken the dam structure over time and increase maintenance costs.

Seismic Vulnerability:
The dam is located near the Sonata Fault and other seismic fault lines, making it prone to
earthquake-induced stress.
High water pressure in the reservoir increases the risk of reservoir-induced seismicity (RIS),
which can trigger minor earthquakes.

Environmental Impact:
Deforestation and loss of biodiversity due to submergence of forests and agricultural land.
Alteration of natural river flow, affecting downstream ecosystems and wetlands.
Case Study 3 – Sardar Sarovar Dam

The widespread ecological damage upstream and

downstream of the dam and the loss of flora and fauna
https://sabrangindia.in/environmental-impact-sardar-sarovar-dam/
 Summary of
05 Key Indian
Dams
 Summary of Key Indian Dams
Dam Name River Foundation Type Key Features

High concrete gravity dam, provides

Bhakra Dam Sutlej Granite
irrigation & hydropower

One of the longest dams in the

Hirakud Dam Mahanadi Earthen & concrete
world, flood control & irrigation

Tallest dam in India, seismic zone

Tehri Dam Bhagirathi Rock-fill
adaptation, multipurpose

Major hydropower project, provides

Sardar Sarovar Dam Narmada Basalt
water to four states

One of the largest masonry dams,

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Krishna Sandstone
irrigation & power generation

Highest storage capacity in India,

Indira Sagar Dam Narmada Concrete gravity
irrigation & power generation

Largest dam in India by volume,

Rihand Dam Rihand River (Tributary of Son) Concrete
hydropower & irrigation

Built for water diversion to Hooghly

Farakka Barrage Ganges Alluvial Soil
River, flood control
06 Conclusion
 Conclusion
Site selection is crucial for dam stability and efficiency. Proper site selection ensures
structural safety, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability.

Geological, hydrological, topographical, and socio-economic factors must be

considered.

Proper foundation treatment ensures long-term sustainability.

Case studies such as Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, and Sardar Sarovar highlight diverse
foundation challenges and solutions.

Future dam projects must consider seismic risks, climate change, and ecological
impact.
 RESOURCES
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/299823870/Site-Selection-for-Dams-Reservoirs-Original

https://
www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/Sep/16/hirakud-reservoir-has-lost-24-per-centwater-holding-ca
pacity-says-latest-hydrology-survey-2498763.html

https://sabrangindia.in/environmental-impact-sardar-sarovar-dam/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardar_Sarovar_Dam#Activism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirakud_Dam

https://13angle.com/bhakra-nangal-dam-and-their-top13-interesting-facts/
Thanks!
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