BCV602

IRRIGATIONA ENGINEERING AND HYDRAULIC STRUCTURE (BCV602)

MODULE 03
GRAVITY DAMS

A gravity dam is a dam constructed from concrete or stone masonry and designed to hold back water
by primarily utilizing the weight of the material alone to resist the horizontal pressure of water pushing
against it. Gravity dams are designed so that each section of the dam is stable, independent of any other
dam section

FORCES ACTING ON GRAVITY DAM:

In the design of a dam, the first step is the determination of various forces which acts on the structure
and study their nature. Depending upon the situation, the dam is subjected to the following forces:
1. Water pressure
2. Uplift Pressure
3. Earthquake forces
4. Silt pressure
5. Wave pressure
6. Ice pressure
6. Self-weight of the dam.
The forces are considered to act per unit length of the dam.
For perfect and most accurate design, the effect of all the forces should be investigated. Out of these
forces, most common and important forces are water pressure and self-weight of the dam.

1. Water Pressure
It is the pressure of water on the upstream face of the dam. In this, there are two cases:
(I) Upstream face of the dam is vertical and there is no water on the downstream side of the
dam (figure 1).

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The total pressure is in horizontal direction and acts on the upstream face at a height from the bottom.

The pressure diagram is triangular and the total pressure is given by

Where w is the specific weight of water. Usually, it is taken as unity.

H is the height upto which water is stored in m.

(ii) Upstream face with batter and there is no water on the downstream side (figure 2).

Figure 2
Here in addition to the horizontal water pressure as in the previous case, there is vertical
pressure of the water. It is due to the water column resting on the upstream sloping side.

The vertical pressure acts on the length ‘b’ portion of the base. This vertical pressure is given by

Pressure acts through the center of gravity of the water column resting on the sloping upstream
face.

If there is water standing on the downstream side of the dam, pressure may be calculated similarly.
The water pressure on the downstream face actually stabilizes the dam. Hence as an additional factor
of safety, it may be neglected.

Akhila C G. Assistant Professor Dept of CE, ATMECE

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2. Uplift pressure
When the water is stored on the upstream side of a dam there exists a head of water equal to the height
upto which the water is stored. This water enters the pores and fissures of the foundation material
under pressure. It also enters the joint between the dam and the foundation at the base and the pores of
the dam itself. This water then seeps through and tries to emerge out on the downstream end. The
seeping water creates hydraulic gradient between the upstream and downstream side of the dam. This
hydraulic gradient causes vertical upward pressure. The upward pressure is known as uplift. Uplift
reduces the effective weight of the structure and consequently the restoring force is reduced. It is
essential to study the nature of uplift and also some methods will have to be devised to reduce the
uplift pressure value.

Figure 3

With reference to figure 3, uplift pressure is given by

Where is the uplift pressure, B is the base width of the dam and H is the height upto which water is
stored.

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 BCV602

This total uplift acts at from the heel or upstream end of the dam.

Uplift is generally reduced by providing drainage pipes or holes in the dam section.

Self weight of the dam is the only largest force which stabilizes the structure. The total weight of the
dam is supposed to act through the centre of gravity of the dam section in vertically downward
direction. Naturally when specific weight of the material of construction is high, restoring force will be
more. Construction material is so chosen that the density of the material is about 2.045 gram per cubic
meter.

3. Earthquake Forces
The effect of earthquake is equivalent to acceleration to the foundation of the dam in the direction in
which the wave is travelling at the moment. Earthquake wave may move in any direction and for
design purposes, it is resolved into the vertical and horizontal directions. On an average, a value of
0.1 to 0.15g (where g = acceleration due to gravity) is generally sufficient for high dams in seismic
zones. In extremely seismic regions and in conservative designs, even a value of 0.3g may sometimes
by adopted.

Vertical acceleration reduces the unit weight of the dam material a n d that of water is to
times the original unit weight, where the value of g accounted against earthquake forces,
i.e. 0.1 is when 0.1g is accounted for earthquake forces. The horizontal acceleration acting towards the
reservoir causes a momentary increase in water pressure and the foundation and dam accelerate
towards the reservoir and the water resists the movement owing to its inertia. The extra pressure
exerted by this process is known as hydrodynamic pressure.

4. Silt Pressure
If h is the height of silt deposited, then the forces exerted by this silt in addition to the external water
pressure, can be represented by Rankine formula

acting at from the base.

Where,

= coefficient of active earth pressure of silt =

= angle of internal friction of soil, cohesion neglected.

= sbmerged unit weight of silt material.

h = height of silt deposited.

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5. Wave Pressure
Waves are generated on the surface of the reservoir by the blowing winds, which exert a pressure on
the downstream side. Wave pressure depends upon wave height which is given by the equation

for F < 32 km, and

for F > 32 km

Where is the height of water from the top of crest to bottom of trough in meters. V
– wind velocity in km/hour

F – fetch or straight length of water expanse in km.

The maximum pressure intensity due to wave action may be given by

and acts at meters above the still water surface.

Figure 4

The pressure distribution may be assumed to be triangular of height as shown in figure 4.

Hence total force due to wave action

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= acting at above the reservoir surface.

6. Ice Pressure

The ice which may be formed on the water surface of the reservoir in cold countries may sometimes
melt and expand. The dam face is subjected to the thrust and exerted by the expanding ice. This force
acts linearly along the length of the dam and at the reservoir level. The magnitude of this force varies
from 250 to 1500 kN/sq.m depending upon the temperature variations. On an average, a value of 500
kN/sq.m may be taken under ordinary circumstances.

7. Self-Weight of dam

The weight of dam and its foundation is a major resisting force. In two-dimensional analysis of dam, unit
length of the dam is considered. The cross section of the dam may be divided into several triangles and rectangles
and weights W1, W2, W3 etc are calculated along with their determination of lines of action. The total weight W
of the dam acts at the C.G of its section.

FAILURES OF GRAVITY DAM

Failure of gravity dam occurs due to overturning, sliding, tension and compression. A gravity dam is
designed in such a way that it resists all external forces acting on the dam like water pressure, wind
pressure, wave pressure, ice pressure, uplift pressure by its own self-weight. Gravity dams are
constructed from masonry or concrete. However, concrete gravity dams are preferred these days and
mostly constructed.

The advantage of gravity dam is that its structure is most durable and solid and requires very less
maintenance.

CAUSES OF FAILURE OF A GRAVITY DAM:

A gravity dam may fail in following modes:

1. Overturning of dam about the toe

2. Sliding – shear failure of gravity dam
3. Compression – by crushing of the gravity dam
4. Tension – by development of tensile forces which results in the crack in gravity dam.

Overturning Failure of Gravity Dam:

The horizontal forces such as water pressure, wave pressure, silt pressure which act against the gravity
dam causes overturning moments. To resist this, resisting moments are generated by the self- weight of
the dam.

If the resultant of all the forces acting on a dam at any of its sections, passes through toe, the dam will
rotate and overturn about the toe. This is called overturning failure of gravity dam. But, practically,
such a condition does not arise and dam will fail much earlier by compression.

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The ratio of the resisting moments about toe to the overturning moments about toe is called the factor
of safety against overturning. Its value generally varies between 2 and 3.

Factor of safety against overturning is given by

FOS = sum of resisting moments/ sum of overturning moments

∑ MR
F . S=
∑ MO

Fig: Sum of external horizontal forces greater than vertical self-weight of dam (overacting,
sliding occurs)

Sliding Failure of Gravity Dam: When the net horizontal forces acting on gravity dam at the base
exceeds the frictional resistance (produced between body of the dam and foundation), The failure
occurs is known as sliding failure of gravity dam.

In low dams, the safety against sliding should be checked only for friction, but in high dams, for
economical precise design, the shear strength of the joint is also considered

Factor of safety against sliding can be given based on Frictional resistance and shear strength of the
dam

Factor of safety based on frictional resistance:

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Gravity Dam Failure due to Tension Cracks: Masonry and concrete are weak in tension. Thus
masonry and concrete gravity dams are usually designed in such a way that no tension is developed
anywhere. If these dams are subjected to tensile stresses, materials may develop tension cracks. Thus
the dam loses contact with the bottom foundation due to this crack and becomes ineffective and fails.
Hence, the effective width B of the dam base will be reduced. This will increase Pmax at the toe. Hence,
a tension crack by itself does not fail the structure, but it leads to the failure of the structure by
producing excessive compressive stresses.

For high gravity dams, certain amount of tension is permitted under severest loading conditions in
order to achieve economy in design. This is permitted because the worst condition of loads may occur
only momentarily and may not occur frequently.

Gravity Dam Failure due to Compression: A gravity dam may fail by the failure of its material, i.e.,
the compressive stresses produced may exceed the allowable stresses, and the dam material may get
crushed.

ELEMENTARY PROFILE OF A GRAVITY DAM (Refer class notes)

PROFILE OF A DAM FROM PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The elementary profile of a gravity dam, (i.e. triangle with maximum water surface at apex) is only a
theoretical profile. Certain changes will have to be made in this profile in order to cater to the practical
needs.
These needs are,
(i) Providing a straight top width for road construction over the top of the dam
(ii) Providing a free-board above the top water surface, so that water may spill over the top of the dam
due to wave action, etc.
The addition of these two provisions, will cause the resultant force to shift towards the heel. The resultant
force, when the reservoir is empty, was earlier passing through the inner middle third point. This will,
therefore, shift more towards the heel, crossing the inner middle third point and consequently, tension will
be developed at the toe. In order to avoid the development of this tension, some masonry will have to be

added to the upstream side., which shows the typical section along with the possible dimensions that can
be adopted for a low gravity dam section. It should however, be checked for stability analysis.

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LIMITING HEIGHT OF A HIGH AND LOW GRAVITY DAM (Refer Class Notes)
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF GRAVITY DAM

General Selection of the method of analysis should be governed by the type and configuration of the
structure being considered. The gravity method will generally be sufficient for the analysis of most
structures; however, more sophisticated methods may be required for structures that are curved in plan,
or structures with unusual configurations. 3-4.2 Gravity Method The gravity method assumes that the
dam is a 2-dimensional rigid block. The foundation pressure distribution is assumed to be linear. It is
usually prudent to perform gravity analysis before doing more rigorous studies. In most cases, if
gravity analysis indicates that the dam is stable, no further analyses need be done.

Stability Analysis Assumptions:

1. The dam is considered to be composed of a number of Cantilevers, each of which is 1 m thick
and each of which acts independently of the other.
2. No load is transferred to the abutments by beam action
3. The foundation and the dam behave as a single unit, the joints being perfect.
4. The material in the foundation and the body of the dam are isotropic and homogeneous.
5. The stresses developed in the foundation and the body of the dam is isotropic and
homogeneous.
6. No movements of dams are caused by the Transfers of loads.
7. Small openings made in the body of the dam do not affect the general distribution of stresses

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Stability Analysis Procedure

Two-dimensional analysis can be carried out analytically or graphically
Analytical Method
1. Consider unit length of the dam
2. Work out the magnitude and direction of all the vertical forces acting on the dam and their
algebraic sum i.e., ∑ V
3. Similarly, work out all the horizontal forces and their algebraic sum, i.e. ∑ V
4. Determine the level arm of all these forces about the toe
5. Determine the moments of all these forces about the toe and find out the algebraic sum of all
those moments i.e... ∑ M
6. Find out the location of the resultant force by determining its distance from the toe
x¯=∑M/∑V
7. Find out the eccentricity (e) of the resultant (R) using e=B/2-x¯. It must be less than B/6 in
order to ensure that no tension is developed anywhere in the dam.
8. Determine the vertical stresses at the toe and heel using the equation
Pv= ∑ V/B[1±6e/B]
Some stresses are found by ignoring uplift
9. Determine the maximum normal stresses i.e., principal stresses and shear stresses at the toe
and heel using equations. The crushing strength of concrete varies between 1500 to 3000
KN/m2 .
10. Determine the factor of safety against overturning using the formula
FSO= ∑ MR /∑ Mo
11. Determine the factor of safety against Sliding using the formula
FS=µ∑ V/∑ H
12. Determine the factor of safety against Shear using the formula
FSS=µ∑ V+ bq /∑ H
Sliding factor must be greater than unity and S.F.F. must be greater than 3 to 5.
The analysis should be carried out for reservoir full case as well as for reservoir empty case.

[Refer Class notes for problems on Stability Analysis of Gravity Dam]

Graphical method
1. In the graphical method, the entire dam section is divided into number of horizontal sections at some
suitable interval, particularly at the place where the slope changes.
2. For each section, the sum of the vertical forces ∑V and the sum of all the horizontal forces ∑
H acting above that particular section, are worked out and line of action are graphically
located.
3. The Resultant R is then found and its line of action is also located graphically.

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4. This is done for each section and a line joining all the points where the individual resultants
cut the individual sections, is drawn.
5. This line represents the resultant force and should lie within the middle third, for no tension
to develop.
6. The procedure should be repeated for reservoir full as well reservoir empty case.
7. Both the lines of resultant pressure so obtained should lie in the middle third portion as shown in
figure below.

Figure: Graphical representation of a Gravity Dam

FOUNDATION FOR A GRAVITY DAM

The foundation of a gravity dam plays a critical role in ensuring the dam's stability and safety. A gravity
dam relies on its weight to resist the horizontal forces exerted by the water it holds back. The foundation is
crucial because it must support the entire weight of the dam and the water, while also preventing
settlement or tilting.

Here are key components and considerations for the foundation of a gravity dam:

1. Location and Geology

The foundation should be placed on solid, stable rock or compacted soil capable of withstanding high
compressive and shear forces.

In cases where the foundation material is weak or loose, remedial actions like grouting or deep
foundations (e.g., piles) might be necessary.

2. Foundation Types
Rock Foundation: This is the most preferred foundation type, as it provides a strong, stable base. The
rock should be sound and free from faults, fractures, and other weaknesses.

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Soil Foundation: If the dam is built on soil, the soil must have high bearing capacity, good consolidation
characteristics, and low permeability to avoid settlement and seepage. Often, soil foundations are
improved through techniques like compaction, grouting, or providing a concrete slab.

Mixed Foundation: In some cases, parts of the dam may rest on rock, while other sections may be
founded on soil or loose material, requiring special considerations for reinforcement.

3. Preparation and Excavation

The site should be carefully excavated to a sufficient depth to remove any loose material, and the
foundation should be leveled and cleared of debris.

If necessary, an impermeable layer (like a concrete slab or cut-off trench) is constructed to minimize
seepage through the foundation.

4. Cut-off Wall or Trench

A cut-off wall or trench may be built to prevent seepage and uplift pressure under the dam. It acts as a
barrier that extends deep into the foundation rock or soil.

This trench can be filled with concrete or grout to ensure a watertight seal.

5. Uplift Forces
Water pressure beneath the dam (uplift pressure) is an important factor to consider in dam foundation
design. Uplift forces can cause instability if not properly addressed. The foundation should be designed to
resist these forces, often by providing a deep and solid foundation.

6. Seepage Control
Seepage through the foundation is a potential problem, especially if the foundation is in permeable
material. Measures like grout curtains, cutoff walls, and drainage systems are used to control and manage
seepage.

7. Settlement and Differential Movement

The foundation must be designed to ensure that it doesn’t settle unevenly, which could lead to tilting or
cracking of the dam structure. Settlement analysis is done to determine if the soil or rock can
accommodate the load without significant deformation.

8. Reinforcement
The foundation may need additional reinforcement, particularly in areas with weak or fractured rock. This
could involve grouting, soil stabilization, or even the use of foundation piles.

9. Drainage
Drainage systems are essential to relieve water pressure that might build up beneath the dam and to
control the uplift forces. These systems could include drain holes, galleries, and other features that allow
water to flow away safely.

10. Analysis and Design

The dam’s foundation design is based on detailed geological and geotechnical studies, including site
investigations to determine the properties of the soil or rock and the potential for seismic activity, erosion,
and groundwater movement.

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Galleries in Gravity Dams

Galleries are the horizontal or sloping openings or passages left in the body of the dam. • They may
run longitudinally (i.e. parallel to dam axis) or traversely (i.e. normal to the dam axis) and are provided
at various elevations. All the galleries are interconnected by steeply sloping passages or by vertical
shafts fitted with stairs or mechanical lifts.
Function and types of galleries in Dams

(i) Foundation Gallery

A gallery provided in a dam may serve one particular purpose or more than one purpose. For
example, a gallery provided near the rock foundation, serves to drain off the water which percolates
through the foundations. This gallery is called a foundation gallery or a drainage gallery.

1. It runs longitudinally and is quite near to the upstream face of the dam. Drain holes are drilled
from the floors of this gallery after the foundation grouting has been completed. Seepages is
collected through these drain holes.
2. Besides draining off seepage water, it may be helpful for drilling and grouting of the
foundations, when this cannot be done from the surface of the dam.
3. The primary function of a drainage gallery is to manage and control seepage (water flow
through or under the dam) to reduce the risks of internal erosion, instability, and damage to the
dam. It is designed to collect, control, and safely discharge water that may infiltrate the dam
structure or its foundation.

(ii)Inspection Galleries

The water which seeps through the body of the dam is collected by means of a system of galleries
provided at various elevations and interconnected by vertical shafts, etc. All these galleries, besides
draining off seepage water, serves inspection purpose. They provide access to the interior of the dam
and are, therefore, called inspection purposes. They generally serve other purposes along with this
purpose.

1. They intercept and drain off the water seeping through the dam body
2. They provide access to dam interior for observing and controlling the behavior of the dam.
3. They provide enough space for carrying pipes, etc. during artificial cooling of concrete
4. They provide access to all the outlets and spillway gates, valves, etc. by housing their
electrical and mechanical controls. All these gates, valves, etc, can hence be easily controlled
by men, from inside the dam itself.
5. They provide space for drilling and grouting of the foundations, then it cannot be done from
the surface of the dam.

An inspection gallery allows for easy access to inspect the interior of the dam structure. It provides a safe and
accessible space for engineers and maintenance teams to assess the condition of the dam, its drainage system,
and other critical components. The inspection gallery also facilitates monitoring for any signs of deterioration,
seepage, cracks, or other potential issues.
Akhila C G. Assistant Professor Dept of CE, ATMECE
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Akhila C G. Assistant Professor Dept of CE, ATMECE