Hydrology for Dams
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Dam Engineering course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Hydrology for Dams #
Hydrology for Dams
Hydrology for dams is a crucial aspect of dam engineering that involves the stud… #
It is essential for understanding the impact of precipitation, evaporation, infiltration, and runoff on dam safety and performance.
Abutment #
Abutment
An abutment refers to the supporting structure at the sides of a dam that resist… #
It helps to transmit the load of the dam to the foundation and provides stability to the structure.
Aquifer #
Aquifer
An aquifer is a geological formation that stores and transmits groundwater #
It is an underground layer of permeable rock or sediment that holds water, which can be a significant factor in dam design and safety.
Arch Dam #
Arch Dam
An arch dam is a type of dam that is curved upstream, with the water pressure pr… #
Arch dams are known for their strength and suitability for narrow canyons.
Catchment Area #
Catchment Area
The catchment area, also known as the watershed, is the land area from which wat… #
It is essential in hydrology for dams as it determines the amount of water that can potentially be stored or impounded.
Concrete Dam #
Concrete Dam
A concrete dam is a type of dam constructed using concrete as the primary buildi… #
It can be gravity, arch, or buttress type and is known for its durability and strength.
Crest #
Crest
The crest of a dam is the top or highest point of the dam structure #
It is designed to prevent water from overtopping the dam and causing potential damage or failure.
Crest Gate #
Crest Gate
A crest gate is a type of gate installed on the crest of a dam to control the fl… #
It helps regulate the water level in the reservoir and prevent flooding downstream.
Curtain Grouting #
Curtain Grouting
Curtain grouting is a technique used in dam construction to fill and seal voids… #
It involves injecting grout under pressure into the rock formations to improve their strength and impermeability.
Cutoff Wall #
Cutoff Wall
A cutoff wall is a barrier constructed within the foundation of a dam to prevent… #
It is typically made of impermeable materials such as concrete or clay.
Diversion Dam #
Diversion Dam
A diversion dam is a type of dam built to redirect the flow of a river or stream… #
It diverts water into a canal or pipeline while allowing the remaining flow to continue downstream.
Embankment Dam #
Embankment Dam
An embankment dam is a type of dam constructed with compacted earth, rock, or ot… #
It relies on the weight of the embankment to resist the pressure of the impounded water.
Emergency Spillway #
Emergency Spillway
An emergency spillway is a secondary spillway designed to handle excess water fl… #
It helps prevent overtopping of the dam and potential failure.
Flood Routing #
Flood Routing
Flood routing is the process of predicting and managing the flow of water throug… #
It involves adjusting the release of water to control downstream flooding and protect the dam structure.
Freeboard #
Freeboard
Freeboard is the vertical distance between the water level in a reservoir or dam… #
It provides a safety margin to prevent overtopping and allows for fluctuations in water levels due to precipitation or inflow.
Grout Curtain #
Grout Curtain
A grout curtain is a barrier constructed within the foundation of a dam using gr… #
It helps improve the stability and safety of the dam structure.
Hydraulic Gradient #
Hydraulic Gradient
The hydraulic gradient is the slope of the water table or groundwater flow withi… #
It is essential for assessing seepage issues and designing drainage systems to control water movement.
Impervious Core #
Impervious Core
An impervious core is a central layer of impermeable material, such as clay or c… #
It prevents seepage and helps maintain the stability of the dam structure.
Inflow Design Flood #
Inflow Design Flood
The inflow design flood is the maximum flood event expected to occur at a dam si… #
It is used to determine the spillway capacity and design criteria for the dam.
Masonry Dam #
Masonry Dam
A masonry dam is a type of dam constructed using stone, brick, or concrete block… #
It is known for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance in dam engineering.
Overtopping #
Overtopping
Overtopping occurs when the water level in a reservoir exceeds the crest of a da… #
It can cause erosion, structural damage, and potential failure of the dam.
Reservoir #
Reservoir
A reservoir is a man #
made lake or impoundment created by constructing a dam across a river or stream. It stores water for various purposes, including flood control, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.
Rockfill Dam #
Rockfill Dam
A rockfill dam is a type of dam constructed using a combination of compacted roc… #
It relies on the weight and stability of the rockfill to resist the pressure of impounded water.
Seepage #
Seepage
Seepage refers to the flow of water through or beneath a dam structure due to pe… #
Excessive seepage can lead to erosion, instability, and potential failure of the dam.
Spillway #
Spillway
A spillway is a structure built into or adjacent to a dam to control the release… #
It helps regulate water levels, prevent overtopping, and manage flood flows to protect the dam and downstream areas.
Storage Capacity #
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is the volume of water that can be stored in a reservoir behind… #
It is determined by the dam's height, length, and design features and influences the availability of water for various purposes.
Tailwater #
Tailwater
Tailwater is the water level downstream of a dam or structure that affects the f… #
It is essential to consider tailwater levels in dam design and operation to avoid adverse impacts.
Upstream Face #
Upstream Face
The upstream face of a dam is the side that is exposed to the impounded water in… #
It must be designed to withstand the pressure of the water and prevent erosion or failure of the dam structure.
Watershed Management #
Watershed Management
Watershed management is the process of planning, implementing, and monitoring ac… #
It involves land use planning, erosion control, and pollution prevention to sustainably manage water for various uses.
Yield Analysis #
Yield Analysis
Yield analysis is a method used to estimate the amount of water that can be reli… #
It helps assess the availability of water for irrigation, municipal, industrial, or other uses.