Sectional Area of base for Minimum Intensity in horizontal plane on Buttress Dam Calculator

Formula:

\[ A_{cs} = \frac{p}{\sigma_i + \left(\frac{M_b \times Y_t}{I_H}\right)} \]

Load on Buttress Dams:

Intensity of Normal Stress:

Bending Moment:

N·m

Distance from Centroidal:

Moment of Inertia:

m⁴

Cross-Sectional Area of Base: m²

1. What is Sectional Area of Base for Buttress Dams?

Definition: This calculator determines the cross-sectional area at the base of a buttress dam required to maintain minimum stress intensity in the horizontal plane.

Purpose: It helps civil engineers design buttress dams with adequate base dimensions to withstand applied loads and moments.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ A_{cs} = \frac{p}{\sigma_i + \left(\frac{M_b \times Y_t}{I_H}\right)} \]

Where:

\( A_{cs} \) — Cross-sectional area of base (m²)
\( p \) — Load on buttress dam (N)
\( \sigma_i \) — Intensity of normal stress (Pa)
\( M_b \) — Bending moment (N·m)
\( Y_t \) — Distance from centroidal (m)
\( I_H \) — Moment of inertia of horizontal section (m⁴)

Explanation: The formula accounts for both direct stress and bending stress components to determine the required base area.

3. Importance of Base Area Calculation

Details: Proper base area calculation ensures structural stability, prevents overturning, and maintains stress within safe limits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required values in consistent units. The ±5% indicates typical tolerance in these measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What affects the intensity of normal stress?
A: Water pressure, dam weight, and foundation conditions primarily influence normal stress intensity.

Q2: How is bending moment determined?
A: Bending moment results from horizontal water pressure and any eccentric vertical loads.

Q3: Why include moment of inertia?
A: Moment of inertia accounts for how the dam's cross-sectional shape resists bending.

Q4: What's typical distance from centroidal?
A: This varies with dam geometry but represents the lever arm for bending stress calculation.

Q5: How does this relate to dam safety?
A: Proper base area prevents excessive stresses that could lead to cracking or failure.