The content

The theory
Introduction
of dams

History of The benefits

dams of dams

Components
Types of dams
of dams

How to design How to work the

dams hydraulic dams

Conclusion
The possibilities of dam
failure and the method of
maintaining dams
Introduction
Dams are one of the most prominent engineering structures that are an
essential pillar of infrastructure development in many countries. Dams
are a vital component in the management of water resources and the
provision of water for humanity, plants and animals, they play a key
role in providing water for agriculture, desalination of water for
industrial and drinking use, generating renewable electric power, and
controlling floods.

Dams are also an important environmental milestone, as they are built

to balance different water uses and preserve the surrounding
environment, and reduce the effects of droughts and floods. In
addition, dams contribute to strengthening the local economy and
providing jobs in the fields of civil engineering, technology and
.environmental management

It is worth mentioning that the construction of dams requires

comprehensive and specialized studies in civil, environmental and
hydrological engineering sciences, and also requires careful planning
and effective management of water resources, with the aim of making
.the most of dams and protecting the environment at the same time

Dams are one of the most important infrastructure in the

world, representing an important solution for the control and
effective use of water resources. Dams allow large amounts of
water to be stored, contributing to securing drinking water,
agriculture and industry for local and national communities. In
addition, dams are used as sources of electric power
generation, where running water energy is converted into
usable electrical energy in various sectors.
Dams also provide opportunities for economic development, as
additional infrastructure such as roads, bridges and tourist
facilities are being established near dams, which enhances
economic growth and increases employment opportunities in
those areas. Dams also protect residential and agricultural
areas from floods, maintain ecosystem balance by regulating
water flow and conserving local wildlife and plant life.

From environmental aspects, the construction of dams also

raises some challenges and concerns, such as their impact on
aquatic and animal ecosystems, and changing the natural
environment in neighboring areas. Hence it becomes necessary
to balance the economic and social use of dams, the protection
.of the environment and the conservation of biodiversity

The theory of
dams

Dam theory is a set of concepts and principles that are based on

many sciences such as civil, hydrological, geological and
environmental engineering, and aims to guide the process of
designing, building and effectively managing dams. There are
several key aspects to focus on in dam theory:

Engineering of dams: includes the design, construction and

maintenance of dams. Dams must be designed to ensure their
durability and stability to cope with various water and
hydrological stresses. Dams must also be built using strong and
durable materials such as reinforced concrete or reinforced
stampon land .
 Dam Hydrology: Focuses on studying the hydrological behavior of
the area around the dam and analyzing water flows, helping to
determine the ability of dams to store water, manage floods and
generate power.

Geology of dams: It examines the geological layers, rocks and soil at

the dam site, and the assessment of their ability to withstand the
loads and pressures resulting from the construction of the dam.

Dam environment: Focuses on assessing the effects of dams on the

surrounding environment, such as changing the pattern of natural
water flow and its impact on aquatic plants and animals, and how to
mitigate those impacts and preserve biodiversity.

Water resources management: focuses on the sustainable and

effective use of water, directing water flows to balance human and
environmental needs, and providing water for agriculture, industry
and drinking.

The theory of dams is a comprehensive area that requires

cooperation between several disciplines and the application of
scientific and technical standards and principles to ensure the safe
and efficient construction and management of dams, taking into
account the environmental, social and economic impacts of these
large structures.

Dam theory is a conceptual and scientific framework that aims

to identify principles, factors, and variables that affect the
design, construction, and management of dams effectively and
safely. This theory is based on the application of a set of
engineering, hydrological and environmental concepts and
principles to ensure the sustainability of the work of dams and
make the most of them.
History of dams

‫ ‏‬he dams date back thousands of years, where they were used
T
for various purposes related to water control and guidance for
different uses. In ancient times, people used simple fences and
dams to store water for use in irrigation and drinking.
As civilizations progressed, the construction of dams became a
more sophisticated and used process. In ancient Egypt, famous
dams were built on the Nile such as the Aswan Dam to guide
flood water and store water for agricultural use. Dams in this
period were important engineering facilities that contributed to
the stability of agricultural communities.
In the Middle and Modern Ages, dams experienced tremendous
development. They were used more to generate electric power,
as large hydroelectric dams were built on the Rhine in Europe
and on the Congo River in Africa and other major rivers around
the world.
In the modern era, dam construction techniques have been
significantly developed, with increasing attention to
sustainability and environmental conservation. Advanced
dams have been developed based on modern technologies
for effective and sustainable water management, which
contributes to balancing human needs and environmental
protection. Dams have also become one of the main
solutions to address modern-day water challenges such as
water shortages and climate change.
In addition, dams today are also an important source of tourism
and entertainment, as many large dams are used as tourist and
recreational areas that attract tourists from around the world.

The history of dams reflects a tremendous development

through the ages, as dams have moved from being just simple
water storage structures to complex engineering systems that
play a vital role in saving water, energy and protecting the
environment. Here’s a more explanation:

Antiquity: In this period, the use of dams was limited and

simplified, as they were used for purposes such as irrigation
and water guidance for daily uses.

Medieval and modern: With the advancement of engineering

and technology, the construction of dams is taking on a more
sophisticated and expanding character. The dams are designed
larger and higher to store huge amounts of water and ensure
the sustainable provision of water to local communities.

20th century and beyond: This era has seen tremendous

development in the construction and uses of dams. Giant dams
were built on a global scale to generate electric power and
ensure water supply to cities, agriculture and industry.

The modern era: characterized by a greater focus on

sustainability and environmental conservation. New
technologies have been developed to build dams in a way that
preserves biodiversity and reduces negative environmental
impacts .
 Future: Developments in the field of dams are expected to
continue, with a focus on artificial intelligence technology and
green technology to make the most of dams without a
negative impact on the environment.

With this development, dams have become not just

exceptional structures of civil engineering, but have become a
point of balance between human needs and environmental
protection, and will continue to develop and improve their
functions in the future.

The benefits
of dams

‫ ‏‬ams are very important infrastructure in many aspects and

D
areas, and provide many important and vital benefits. Here’s a
detailed explanation of the benefits of dams:

Providing water for irrigation and agricultural uses:

• Dams store water for use in irrigation and agriculture,

contributing to improved crop productivity and increased
agricultural production.

Providing water for industrial use and drinking:

• Dam water is used for industry and drinking, where water stored
in dams can be desalinated for industrial and cheraby uses.
 Electric power generation:

• Water rise in dams is used to power electric power plants, and this
contributes to meeting the electric power needs of communities and
industries.

Flood control:

• Dams contribute to regulating water flows and reducing floods,

protecting residential and agricultural areas from flood losses.

Control of agricultural drainage:

• Dams can be used to regulate the drainage of agricultural water

and ensure that they are used with high efficiency without wasting.

Improving the environment and wildlife:

• Dams can improve the surrounding environment by providing

stable water resources for wild plants and animals

Tourism and entertainment:

• Some of the resulting dams and lakes are tourist attractions

and entertainment areas that attract tourists and support the
local economy.

Regulation of dry flows:

• Dams can be used to store water during the few periods of

precipitation and used during dry periods to maintain environmental
and agricultural sustainability
With these multiple benefits, dams contribute significantly to
improving the quality of life of humans, preserving the
environment, and promoting sustainability in the use of water
resources.

Components of
dams

Dams are complex engineering facilities consisting of several

components that work together to achieve various goals such
as water storage, electric power generation, flood prevention,
and water flow guidance. Here is a detailed explanation of the
components of the dams:

Dam Body:
• It is the main and most massive part of the dam, which is
responsible for withstanding the pressure and weight of the water
• The main body is built using materials such as reinforced
concrete or stone-reinforced stamponous ground.

Discharge (Spillway):
• The part that is used to discharge excess water during floods or
emergencies.
• The discharge is designed to ensure that large quantities of
water are discharged quickly and safely without any damage to
the dam.

Gates and Outlets:

• Used to control the flow of water from the dam and adjust the water levels.
• Gates can be operated manually or by an automatic system controlled by
advanced systems.
 Foundation:
• It is the part on which the dam is built, and it is structurally
carried.
• The base must be stable and strong to withstand the weight of
the dam and the water in which it is stored.

Sidewalls (Abutments):
• They are the side walls of the dam that support the main body
and protect it from collapse.
• The side walls can be natural rock or built from reinforced
concrete.

Additional equipment (Ancillary Features):

• It includes elements such as roads, bridges and additional
facilities located near the dam.
• Used to access and maintain the dam and provide additional
services to staff and visitors.

Hydromechanical and Electromechanical Equipment:

• Includes devices and equipment used to power the dam and
adjust the flow of water and electricity generated.
• This equipment includes the control, measurement, monitoring
and maintenance systems necessary for the dam.

Types of dams

There are several types of dams that vary based on the design,
materials used and the purpose of the dam. Here’s a detailed
explanation of the main dam types:
 Reinforced Concrete Dams:
• It is the most common and used type of dam.
• These dams are built using reinforced concrete, and are characterized
by durability and the ability to withstand high water pressure.
• Types of concrete dams include arc, underground, gravity, and tubular.

Earthfill Dams:
• These dams are built using soil, rocks and other natural materials.
• It has a lower construction cost compared to concrete dams, but it
needs more space.
• Types of curved and curved dam dams include load dams.
Rockfill Dams:
• Smashed soil and rocks are used to build these dams.
• It is characterized by durability and its ability to withstand high
pressures and geological distortions.
• Convex ground dams are commonly used in environments with hard
rocks and areas where concrete dams are difficult to build.
Rockfill with Concrete Face Dams:
• Combines the advantages of convex land dams with concrete dams.
• The main body of the dam is built from soil and shattered rocks, but
the outer facade is covered with reinforced concrete to increase
durability and corrosion resistance.

Embankment Dams with Core:

• These dams are characterized by the presence of a core or tunnel of
reinforced concrete or other water- and leak-resistant materials.
• The core is designed to prevent water from leaking through the dam,
increasing its efficiency in water storage.
Each type of dam has its advantages and disadvantages, and their uses
vary according to local geological, environmental and hydrological
conditions. Each dam needs a specialized design and construction that
takes into account many factors to ensure their long-term efficiency and
safety.
How to design
dams

The dam design process is a complex process that requires many steps
and stages to ensure safety and efficiency in their long-term
performance. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to design dams:

Location and geological studies:

• The dam design process begins with comprehensive studies of the site
and surrounding geology, to determine the characteristics of soil, rocks,
terrain, and geological balances.

Hydrological design:
• Expected water flows and potential floods are estimated using
available data and hydrological models, helping to determine the
storage capacity required for the dam.

Stability analysis:
• The stability of the dam is analyzed to ensure that it can withstand the
water and educational pressure applicable to it without collapse or
deformation.

Discharge design and gates:

• The vacuum system is designed of various types such as surface
discharge, asphalt discharge and hydraulic gates to ensure rapid and
safe discharge of excess water.

Modeling and tests:

• Hydraulic and structural modeling and tests are performed
on experimental models and on-site data to ensure the
correctness of the design and the integrity of the dam.
 Environmental and social assessment:
• A comprehensive assessment of the environmental and social impacts
of dams on surrounding areas, populations and wildlife is undertaken to
take action to reduce negative impacts.

Construction and monitoring:

• The dam is built gradually and under the supervision of a specialized
engineering to ensure the implementation of the design with accuracy
and quality, and monitoring and maintenance operations continue after
the completion of construction to ensure the continuity of its effective
and safe performance.

How to work the

hydraulic dams

The hydraulic work process of dams is to control, manage and direct

water flow in a safe and efficient way, whether to store water, convert it
into electrical energy, or to regulate flood flows. Here is a detailed
explanation of the hydraulic way of dams work:

Control the flow of water:

• The dam structure, gate system and discharge are used to control the
flow of water. The gates are opened and closed to control the quantities
of water passing through the dam, allowing efficient storage and safe
water flow.

Converting water into electrical energy:

• In hydroelectric dams, water is routed through turbine
pipes that convert hydro energy into electrical energy.
The flow of water is regulated to maximize efficiency in
power generation.
 Achieving environmental balance:
• The hydraulic work of the dams is designed in a way that achieves
ecological balance, ensuring no negative impact on wildlife and the
surrounding environment. The difference between water flows is
observed in the seasons of the year to preserve the aquatic
environment.
Regulation of flood flows:
• The discharge system is used in dams to safely regulate and direct
flood flows to prevent floods and protect surrounding areas.

Maintaining safety:
• Dams are designed with advanced monitoring and safety systems that
allow operators to track the hydraulic state of the dam and take action
in case of a safety problem or threat.

Multiple uses:
• The hydraulic work of dams can be designed in such a way as to enable
multiple uses, such as electric power generation, water provision for
irrigation, industrial and drinking uses, and regulation of river flows.

The hydraulic work of the dams is carefully designed to ensure the

efficient and sustainable use of water resources, and the realization of
multiple benefits to local and regional communities. This process is one
of the complex engineering challenges that requires experience and
specialization in the fields of civil, hydraulic and environmental
engineering.

The possibilities of
failure of dams

Dam failure is a rare but potentially catastrophic event if it occurs, and

this requires a thorough understanding of the factors affecting and the
possibilities associated with it. Here’s a detailed explanation of the
possibilities of dam failure:
 Incorrect design:
• Dam failure may occur as a result of an incorrect design or
incompatible with site and environmental conditions, resulting in poor
dam structure or inability to withstand hydraulic pressure.

Geological factors:
• Geological factors may play an important role in the failure of dams,
such as soil deformation or rocks under the dam, or the presence of
invisible cracks affecting the stability of the dam.

Corrosion and corrosion:

• Wear and corrosion that occurs over time can lead to a weakening of
the dam structure and increase the likelihood of water leakage and dam
failure.

Excess water flow:

• In cases of severe flooding or unexpected water flow and increased
hydraulic pressure, this may cause dams to fail if the flow is not
effectively controlled.

Neglecting maintenance:
• Neglecting regular maintenance and technical inspections may cause
problems to build up and deteriorate the dam’s structure, increasing the
likelihood that it will fail over time.

Natural breakdowns:
• Natural collapses such as landslides or rock collapses may occur near
dams, affecting their stability and increasing the likelihood of failure.

To reduce the possibility of dam failure, best engineering and

environmental practices should be applied in design, construction and
maintenance, as well as effective water flow control procedures and
continuous communication with relevant authorities for periodic
evaluation.
How to maintain
dams

Dam maintenance is a vital part of the process of maintaining the safety

and efficiency of dams in the long term. Dam maintenance involves
several processes and procedures aimed at identifying and correcting
any potential problems, and confirming the continuity of the
performance of dams efficiently. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to
maintain dams:

Periodic inspections:
• These inspections include examining the engineering structure of the
dam and ensuring its safety and no deformations or water leakage.
Discharge systems and gates are also inspected and made sure they
work efficiently.

Hydraulic checks:
• These tests include measurements and analysis of water flows and
hydraulic pressure on dams, to assess dam performance in different
conditions and identify any potential problems.

Corrosion and corrosion inspection:

• The walls and internal structures of the dams are inspected to ensure
that there is no corrosion or corrosion that can affect the stability of the
dam.

Preventive maintenance:
• Preventive maintenance operations include performing procedures to
improve and strengthen the dam structure and reduce corrosion and
corrosion, such as repairing cracks and covering the walls with
protective layers.

Waste management and sediment:

• Sediments and waste that may accumulate are handled within dams,
which can lead to reduced storage capacity or negative environmental
impacts.
 Systems update and development:
• Maintenance operations include the modernization and development
of systems and equipment used in dams, such as the modernization of
control, monitoring and flow systems to ensure effective dam
performance.

Training and awareness:

• Ongoing training is provided to maintenance teams and dam workers
on the correct procedures for maintenance, inspection and safety
verification of dams.

Communicating with the competent authorities:

• Maintenance operations require continuous communication with
relevant regulators and authorities to ensure compliance with
environmental and engineering standards and regulations.

Maintenance operations must be carried out regularly according to

predefined plans, and periodic maintenance and inspection follow-up
must be an essential part of the dam management process to ensure
their long-term safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

Dams are engineering structures built to store, direct and use water for
multiple purposes, including irrigation, power generation and regulation
of flood flows. Dams consist of a main body containing materials such as
reinforced concrete or ground and pressurized rocks. Key elements of
dams include gates, vacuum and discharge systems, and require periodic
maintenance and safety measures to ensure their safety and efficiency.
‫تم اعداد هذا التقرير بواسطة‬
‫علي حسن سلمان‬
‫حسين علي جدعان‬
‫المرحلة الثالثة شعبة ‪B‬‬

‫المصادر ‪-:‬‬
‫‪The book of dams‬‬

‫‪Fluid mechanics‬‬

‫‪Hydraulic dams‬‬

‫‪THE END‬‬
‫‪Thanks for‬‬
‫‪listening‬‬