Width of Elementary Gravity Dam Calculator

Base Width Formula:

\[ B = \frac{H_d}{\sqrt{S_c - C}} \]

Base Width:

1. What is a Width of Elementary Gravity Dam Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the base width required for an elementary gravity dam based on its height, material properties, and seepage conditions.

Purpose: It helps civil engineers and dam designers determine the minimum base width needed for dam stability.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ B = \frac{H_d}{\sqrt{S_c - C}} \]

Where:

\( B \) — Base width of the dam (meters)
\( H_d \) — Height of elementary dam (meters)
\( S_c \) — Specific gravity of dam material
\( C \) — Seepage coefficient at base of dam

Explanation: The dam height is divided by the square root of the difference between specific gravity and seepage coefficient to determine the required base width for stability.

3. Importance of Base Width Calculation

Details: Proper base width estimation ensures dam stability against sliding and overturning, accounting for the material properties and water seepage forces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the dam height in meters, specific gravity of material (default 2.2), and seepage coefficient (default 0.8). All values must be > 0 and (Sc - C) must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical specific gravity for concrete dams?
A: Most concrete dams have specific gravity around 2.2-2.4, but this can vary based on aggregate type and mix design.

Q2: How is the seepage coefficient determined?
A: The seepage coefficient depends on foundation conditions and typically ranges from 0.7 to 1.0 for most dams.

Q3: Why is there a ±5% range for input values?
A: Material properties and conditions can vary, so the ±5% allows for these uncertainties in preliminary design.

Q4: Is this calculation sufficient for final dam design?
A: No, this provides only elementary profile dimensions. Final design requires detailed stability and stress analysis.

Q5: What safety factors are included in this calculation?
A: The elementary profile provides minimum dimensions without explicit safety factors. Additional width is typically added for safety.