Dams and Reservoirs

The primary purpose of a dam is to control flooding by storing excess water during periods of high flow and releasing it gradually during periods of low flow.

An earthfill dam is constructed by piling up earth and rock materials, typically with a core of impervious material to prevent seepage.

The function of a spillway in a dam is to control the flow of water over the dam during periods of high flow, preventing overtopping and potential failure of the dam.

An arch dam is constructed using a curved, thin wall that arches upstream, transferring the water's force to the abutments on either side.

The reservoir behind a dam serves multiple purposes, including controlling flooding, generating electricity, providing irrigation, and creating a habitat for aquatic life.

A buttress dam is constructed using a series of buttresses to support a thin concrete or masonry facing, allowing for a more economical design compared to a gravity dam.

The full reservoir level is the maximum water level that a reservoir can safely hold without overtopping the dam.

A gravity dam is constructed using a thick, solid wall of concrete or masonry that relies on its own weight to resist the water's force.

The dead storage level is the minimum water level that a reservoir can reach before it can no longer supply water for its intended purposes.

There is no type of dam that is constructed using a thin, curved wall that arches downstream.

The live storage capacity is the difference between the full reservoir level and the dead storage level, representing the volume of water that can be used for various purposes.

A masonry dam is constructed using a series of concrete or masonry blocks stacked on top of each other, typically with a curved or stepped profile.

The spillway capacity is the maximum rate of flow that a spillway can safely handle without causing damage to the dam.

A membrane dam is constructed using a thin, flexible membrane that is supported by a network of cables or wires, allowing for a lightweight and cost-effective design.

The term used to describe the process of gradually releasing water from a reservoir to maintain a desired water level is 'release'.