|
Dam
Basics With the exception of the Great Wall of China, dams are the largest structures ever built. Throughout history, big dams have prevented flooding, irrigated farmland, and generated tremendous amounts of electricity. Without dams, modern life as we know it would simply not be the same. Since the first large-scale dam was built in Egypt more than 5,000 years ago, engineers have devised various types of dams to withstand the forces of a raging river.
Arch dams...
are good for narrow, rocky locations. They are curved, and the natural shape of the arch holds back the water in the reservoir. Arch dams, like the El Atazar Dam in Spain, are thin and require less material than any other type of dam. Sneak a peek at the forces that affect arch dams.
Buttress dams...
may be flat or curved, but one thing is certain: a series of supports, or buttresses, brace the dam on the downstream side. Most buttress dams, like the Bartlett Dam in Arizona, are made of reinforced concrete. Check out the forces that affect buttress dams.
Embankment dams...
are the most commonly built dams in the United States. They are massive dams made of earth and rock. Like gravity dams, embankment dams rely on their heavy weight to resist the force of the water. But embankment dams are also armed with a dense, waterproof core that prevents water from seeping through the structure. Tailings dams -- large structures that hold back mining waste -- are a type of embankment dam. Check out the forces that affect embankment dams.
Gravity dams...
are massive dams that resist the thrust of water entirely by their own weight. Most gravity dams, like the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington, are expensive to build because they require so much concrete. Still, many people prefer its solid appearance to the thinner arch and buttress dams. Take at look at the forces that affect gravity dams. All dams -- whether they're embankment, buttress, arch, or gravity -- must be maintained as they get older. Without proper maintenance, spillways can clog and concrete can crack. Some dams are even removed because they block the migration of fish. When should dams be taken down? When should they be repaired? Engineers must consider the services that each dam provides and the environmental impact that each dam creates before they make this decision -- and this isn't easy. Oftentimes, there is no right answer. Now that you know more about different types of dams, make some of your own decisions about troubled dams in the Dam Challenge! |
|
The Dam Challenge Dams don't last forever. Hot and cold weather makes them crack. Water erodes their foundations. They create environmental problems. Eventually, every dam must be repaired, removed, or replaced. You are a consulting dam engineer, and today, four dams need your attention. It is your job to advise the dam owners whether their dams must be repaired, taken down, or simply left alone. Listen to what the supporters and opponents of each dam have to say. Like all dam engineers, you must weigh the pros and cons before you make your final decisions. Good luck! The Problem Dams:
|
|
CLICK ANY LINE TO SEE A DETAILED INFO WEBSITE. GO LOWER IN THIS SECTION FOR SITE INFO. |
|
|
|
|
|
Animals Dog - Cat/ Diarrhea & Constipation Carpenter Ant Koi Pond Fish |
Anti-Aging |
Automotive Car Auto Safety Car Crash Tests Hybrid Cars |
|
Click the blue
topic
line to
view Brian's other compendium websites. |
|
Consumer Issues Wal-Mart Great Outdoors Grill KItchenAid Defective Can Opener Microwave Safety |
Directories Brian's Websites CLICK ANY LINE TO SEE A DETAILED INFO WEBSITE. |
Engineering History-Of-Trusses History of Bridges History of Tunnels History of Dams |
|
Education Internationl Educational Directories Did China Discover America in 1421? CLICK ANY LINE TO SEE A DETAILED INFO WEBSITE. |
Entertainment |