Ex 6.1 Read the text about dams.
Reading
Read the text about dams. Check the meaning of the highlighted words in the glossary if necessary.
Dams.
Dams differ from all other major civil engineering structures in a number of important regards:
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every dam, large or small, is quite unique; foundation geology, material characteristics, catchment flood hydrology etc. are each site- specific. |
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dams are required to function at or close to their design loading for extended periods. |
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dams do not have a structural lifespan; they may, however, have a notional life for accounting purposes, or a functional lifespan dictated by reservoir sedimentation. |
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the overwhelming majority of dams are of earthfill, constructed from a range of natural soils; these are the least consistent of construction materials. |
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dam engineering draws together a range of disciplines, e.g. structural and fluid mechanics, geology and geotechnics, flood hydrology and hydraulics, to a quite unique degree. |
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the engineering of dams is critically dependent upon the application of informed engineering judgement. |
In summary, dam engineering is a distinctive, broadly based and specialist discipline. The dam engineer is required to synthesize design solutions which, without compromise on safety, represent the optimal balance between technical, economic and environmental considerations.