Dam Engineering

A dam is an infrastructure system that consists of several structures with the intent to collect, store and manage water. It’s a human-made barrier that is usually built to hold back water forming a lake or a reservoir. Dam engineering is a professional field that addresses issues related to the design, construction, and maintenance of dams.

Purposes of Dams

• Water Supply
• Irrigation
• Flood control
• Hydroelectric energy production
• Improvement of water quality
• Retention and control of sediments
• Contain and store waste (tailings) from mine
• Inland navigation
• Fish Farming

Types of Dams

• Gravity Dams
• Concrete Dams
• Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) Dams
• Arch Dams
• Buttress Dams
• Embankment Dams
• Earthfill Dams
• Rockfill Dams
• Tailings Dams