2.1. Forces Acting on Gravity Dams

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is hydrostatic force?

   Hint

   Think about how fluids respond to being contained.

2. 2.

   Name one cause of dam failure.

   Hint

   Consider the physical forces acting on the dam.

3. 3.

   What is the primary force acting against a gravity dam?

   • Wind Pressure
   • Water Pressure
   • Earth Pressure

   Hint

   Consider the most significant force applied directly to the dam.

4. 4.

   True or False: Uplift pressure can contribute to a dam failing.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the effects of water under the dam.

5. 5.

   A gravity dam with a height of 50 meters is experiencing silt buildup that exerts an additional pressure of 20kPa. Calculate the total pressure acting on the base if the hydrostatic pressure at that height is 490kPa.

   Hint

   Remember to sum all the pressures acting at the base.

6. 6.

   If the factor of safety against sliding is 1.5 and the horizontal force exerted on the dam is 300kN, what should be the minimum frictional resistance that the dam's base must counter to avoid sliding?

   Hint

   Consider what safety factor means in terms of forces acting on the dam.