Chapter 2:

Chapter 2: Principles of
Hydrostatics

Total Hydrostatic
Force on Surfaces
Chapter 3:
Hydrostatic Force
on Surfaces
Analysis Of Gravity Dams
Purpose of a dam:
Dams are built for
(1) Irrigation and drinking water
(2) Power Supply (hydroelectric)
(3) Navigation
(4) Flood Control
(5) Multi Purpose
Types of Dams:
(1) Gravity Dams
(2) Embankment Dams
(3) Arch Dams
(4) Buttress Dams
Example 1:
In the figure shown, find the width b of the
concrete dam necessary to prevent the dam from
sliding. The specific gravity of concrete is 2.4 and the
coefficient of friction between the base of the dam and
the foundation is 0.4. Use 1.5 as the factor of safety
against sliding. Is the dam also safe from overturning?
Example 2:
A dam is triangular in cross-section with the
upstream face vertical. Water is flushed with the top.
The dam is 8m high and 6m wide at the base and
weighs 2.4 tons per cubic meter. The coefficient of
friction between the base and the foundation is 0.8.
Determine (a) the maximum and minimum unit
pressure on the foundation, and the (b) factors of
safety against overturning and against sliding.
Example 3:
A gravity dam of trapezoidal cross-section with
one face vertical and horizontal base is 22 m high and
has a thickness of 4 m at the top. Water upstream
stands 2 m below the crest of the dam. The specific
gravity of masonry is 2.4.
A. Neglecting hydrostatic uplift
1. Find the base width B of the dam so that the
resultant force will cut the extreme edge of the middle
third near the toe.
2. Compute the factors of safety against sliding
and overturning. Use = 0.5
Example 3:
A gravity dam of trapezoidal cross-section with one
face vertical and horizontal base is 22 m high and has a
thickness of 4 m at the top. Water upstream stands 2 m
below the crest of the dam. The specific gravity of masonry
is 2.4.
B. Considering hydrostatic uplift to vary uniformly from
full hydrostatic pressure at the heel to zero at the toe;
1. Find the base width B of the dam so that the
resultant force will act at the extremity of the middle third
near the toe.
2. Compute the maximum and minimum compressive
stresses acting against the base of the dam.
Example 4:
The section of a concrete gravity dam is shown in
the figure. The depth of water at the upstream side is
6m. Neglecting hydrostatic uplift and us unit weight of
concrete equal to 23.5 kN/m3. Coefficient of friction
between the base of the dam and the foundation is 0.6.
Determine the following: (a) Factor of safety against
sliding, (b) the factor of safety against overturning,
and (c) the overturning moment acting against the
dam in kN-m.
Example 5:
The section of a gravity dam is shown in the
figure. Assume hydrostatic uplift to vary uniformly
from full hydrostatic uplift from the heel to zero at the
toe. Determine the total reaction per unit length at the
base of the dam. Use specific gravity of concrete = 2.4.
Example 6:
A section of the masonry dam is shown. The
specific weight of the water is 9.81 kN/m3 and that of
concrete is 23.54 kN/m3. Assuming uplift pressure
varies linearly from maximum hydrostatic pressure at
the heel to zero at the location of the drain, determine
the (a) location of the resultant force, (b) factor of
safety against sliding if coefficient of friction is 0.75,
(c) factor of safety against overturning, (d) the stress at
the heel and at the toe, and (e) the unit horizontal
shearing stress at the base.
Example 7:
The section of a concrete gravity dam is shown in
the figure. The depth of water at the upstream side is
6m. Neglecting hydrostatic uplift and us unit weight of
concrete equal to 23.5 kN/m3. Coefficient of friction
between the base of the dam and the foundation is 0.6.
Determine the following: (a) Factor of safety against
sliding, (b) the factor of safety against overturning,
and (c) the overturning moment acting against the
dam in kN-m.