Table of Contents
Introduction Of Diversion Dam
A diversion dam is a structure that changes the natural course of a river. The river course is completely or partially changed.
Most of the time, diversion dams do not impound water in a reservoir; Instead, they direct it into a man-made waterway or canal that can be used for irrigation. This water is returned to the river after passing through hydroelectric generators, flowing into another river, or even being dammed on site or to form a groundwater reservoir.
Purpose Of Diversion Dam
- Diversion dam redirects water from one direction to another stream.
- Diversion dams are used to store water in a reservoir.
- It is used to raise the water level of the reservoir.
- The diversion dam diverts water from the river into canals.
- The diversion dam is used for irrigation of crops.
Types Of Diversion Dams
There are 4 types of diversion dams as listed below.
- Gravity Diversion Dam.
- Arc Diversion Dam.
- Buttress Diversion Dam.
- Embankment Diversion Dam.
Let’s discuss these 4 types of diversion dams.
1. Gravity Diversion Dam
Gravity diversion dams are constructed with a weight that is sufficient to withstand the force of the water pressing against the dam. Stone Masonry are frequently used in the construction of gravity dams.
The gravity dam foundations are often built on top of a strong bedrock foundation. However, if the appropriate precautions are taken to stop the flow of water under the dam, gravity dams can be constructed over unconsolidated terrain. The dam might break if water were to enter it.
2. Arc Diversion Dam
Diversion dams of the arch style have an arch shape, with the top of the arch pointing upstream. To resist the force of the water, the arch shape adds strength. Arch-shaped dams are typically built in confined canyons. Concrete is often used to construct dams in the arch form.
A firm connection between the underlying foundation and the concrete base of the dam is necessary to ensure its structural stability. One kind of arch dam is the dam in the dome style. The dome-shaped dam is curved both vertically and horizontally. The only direction that the dam’s arch curves is horizontal.
3. Buttress Diversion Dam
The bedrock that makes up the earth’s crust is a solid rock. Sedimentary, igneous, and metaphoric rock origins can all be used to create bedrock. Buttress dams need a lot of effort and steel work. Angle supports are used in the design of buttress diversion dams on the dam’s downstream side.
To help balance the power of the water on the dam, the supports are fastened to the dam’s wall. Dams in the buttress design are constructed across broad valleys without a firm underlying basis. Because of its high cost to build, buttress style dams aren’t commonly used today.
4. Embankment Diversion Dam
Embankment diversion dams are built with enough weight to withstand the force of the water pushing against the dam in order to counterbalance it. Embankment dams are frequently constructed using local resources in the vicinity of the dam-building site. Typically, the materials consist of sand, gravel, and rocks.
The embankment dam’s integrity is provided by the combination of these construction elements with either clay or an impermeable membrane. Because of this and the readily available building materials in the area, embankment dam construction is less expensive than other types of dam construction.
FAQ
What Is The Aim Of Diversion Dam?
The aim of diversion dam is go divert water from one path to another.