Lecture

Arch Dams: Design and Analysis

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In course

CIVIL-411: Dam engineering

Dams are paramount for human development around the world. The course is an introduction to the fascinating domain of dam engineering, from design to construction, for water storage and regulated supply, including for renewable energy generation (hydropowe ...

Description

This lecture covers the design and analysis of arch dams, focusing on the geological and topographical criteria influencing their construction. It discusses the stability of supports, foundation, and the importance of water-structure interactions. The instructor explains the advantages and disadvantages of arch dams, the criteria influencing the dam's height, and the choice of the initial shape. The lecture also delves into the dynamic analysis of arch dams, the response spectrum method, and the seismic risk assessment. Examples of historical arch dams and modern arch dam construction are presented, highlighting key engineering principles and considerations.

Instructors (2)

Laurent Mouvet

Pedro Filipe De Almeida Manso

Expertise Dams & hydraulic structures, Hydropower (large/small/pumped-storage), Hydrology & Water Resources, Hydraulic modellingRock scour, Sediment management, Air-water-rock interaction, Fluid-structure/interface interactionFeasibility studies, Project & Team Management Expertise Dams & hydraulic structures, Hydropower (large/small/pumped-storage), Hydrology & Water Resources, Hydraulic modellingRock scour, Sediment management, Air-water-rock interaction, Fluid-structure/interface interactionFeasibility s

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Related concepts (32)

Dam

A dam is a barrier that stops or restricts the flow of surface water or underground streams. Reservoirs created by dams not only suppress floods but also provide water for activities such as irrigation, human consumption, industrial use, aquaculture, and navigability. Hydropower is often used in conjunction with dams to generate electricity. A dam can also be used to collect or store water which can be evenly distributed between locations.

Seismic analysis

Seismic analysis is a subset of structural analysis and is the calculation of the response of a building (or nonbuilding) structure to earthquakes. It is part of the process of structural design, earthquake engineering or structural assessment and retrofit (see structural engineering) in regions where earthquakes are prevalent. As seen in the figure, a building has the potential to 'wave' back and forth during an earthquake (or even a severe wind storm). This is called the 'fundamental mode', and is the lowest frequency of building response.

Types of concrete

Concrete is produced in a variety of compositions, finishes and performance characteristics to meet a wide range of needs. Modern concrete mix designs can be complex. The choice of a concrete mix depends on the need of the project both in terms of strength and appearance and in relation to local legislation and building codes. The design begins by determining the requirements of the concrete. These requirements take into consideration the weather conditions that the concrete will be exposed to in service, and the required design strength.

Construction

Construction is a general term meaning the art and science to form objects, systems, or organizations, and comes from Latin constructio (from com- "together" and struere "to pile up") and Old French construction. To construct is the verb: the act of building, and the noun is construction: how something is built, the nature of its structure. In its most widely used context, construction covers the processes involved in delivering buildings, infrastructure, industrial facilities, and associated activities through to the end of their life.

Seismic risk

Seismic risk refers to the risk of damage to a building, system, or other entity from an earthquake. Seismic risk has been defined, for most management purposes, as the potential economic, social and environmental consequences of hazardous events that may occur in a specified period of time. A building located in a region of high seismic hazard is at lower risk if it is built to sound seismic engineering principles. On the other hand, a building located in a region with a history of minor seismicity, in a brick building located on fill subject to liquefaction can be as high or higher risk.

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