[DAMS

REVIEW INNOVATIONS]
Problem #1
The section of a concrete gravity dam is
shown. Unit weight of concrete is
24kN/m3. Hydrostatic uplift varies from
90% of the heel to 0% at the toe.
Coefficient of friction between the base of
the dam and the foundation is 0.80.

Problem #2

a. Calculate the factor of safety against

sliding.

A dam 4m on top, 18m at the bottom and

24m high has water 20m deep acting on
its vertical side. Assume weight of
masonry to be 2400 kg/m3. Coefficient of
friction between the base of the dam and
the foundation is 0.80.

Problem #3

b. Calculate the factor of safety against

overturning.

a. Calculate the factor of safety against

overturning.

c. Calculate the distance of the Ry from

the toe.

b. Calculate the factor of safety against

sliding.

a. Find the required width of the base.

d. Calculate the pressure at the heel.

c. Compute the stress at the heel.

b. Find the factor of safety against sliding.

e. Calculate the pressure at the toe.

d. Compute the stress at the toe.

c. Find the pressure at the heel.

A trapezoidal concrete dam is 20m high.

The upstream face is vertical and the
water is flush with the top, which is 3m
wide. The coefficient of friction between
the base of the dam and the foundation is
0.60. If it is required to have a factor of
safety of 3 for overturning and knowing
that specific gravity of concrete is 2.40.

d. Find the pressure at the toe.

4m

9m
3m
9m

[DAMS
REVIEW INNOVATIONS]
Ry = Fy
B. Horizontal resultant force, Rx
Rx = Fx

DAMS
I. Consider 1 unit (1m) length of dam
(perpendicular to the sketch) and identify
the heel and the toe.
II. Determine all the forces acting:
A. Vertical forces

B. Horizontal forces
1. Total hydrostatic force acting at
the vertical
projection of the submerged
portion of the
dam.

1. Weight of the dam

IV. Moment about the toe

A. Overturning Moment, OM
B. Righting moment, RM
V. Factor of safety
A. Factor of safety against overturning,
F.O
F.O = RM/OM

2. Weight of water above the dam (if

any)

B. Factor of safety against sliding, F.S

3. Weight of permanent structures on

the dam

FH1 h1

h2

FH2

4. Hydrostatic Uplift (U)

F.S = Ry/Rx
VI. Location of Ry ( x ) and e

whAv = = wh12/2
FH2 = whAv = = wh22/2
FH1 =

x = RM OM
Ry

e = B/2 - x

VII. Foundation pressure

h1
h2
%2w
h2

%1w
h1

2. Other forces like wind pressure,

wave action,
floating bodies and earthquake
load
(if applicable)
III. Solve the resultant force
A. Vertical resultant force, Ry

A. If e B/6
qmax = Ry 1 + 6e
B
B
qmin = Ry 1 - 6e
B
B

[DAMS
REVIEW INNOVATIONS]
B. If e > B/6
qmax = 2Ry

3x
qmin = 0
Note: if not given, use
specific gravity of
concrete = 2.4