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2
CHAPTER
Introduction to Dams
2.0 General water flowing is normally controlled, very ■ how the components function, and
high runoffs (floods) and very low runoffs ■ important physical conditions likely to
The purpose of a dam is to impound
(drought periods) are avoided. affect a dam.
(store) water for any of several reasons,
e.g., flood control, water supply for Human-built dams may be classified
humans or livestock, irrigation, energy 2.2 Types of Dams according to the type of construction
generation, recreation, or pollution Dams may either be human-built or materials used, the methods used in construc-
control. This manual primarily concen- result from natural phenomena, such as tion, their slope or cross-section, the way
trates on earthen dams, which constitute landslides or glacial deposition. The they resist the forces of the water pressure
the majority of structures in place and majority of dams are human structures behind them, the means of controlling
under development in Texas. normally constructed of earthfill or seepage, and occasionally, their purpose.
concrete. Naturally occurring lakes may A. Components—The components of a
also be modified by adding a spillway to typical dam are illustrated in Figure 2.1.
2.1 The allow for safe, efficient release of excess Nearly all dams possess the features
Watershed System water from the resulting reservoir. shown or variations of those features.
Water from rainfall or snowmelt Dam owners should be aware of: Definitions of the terms are given in the
naturally runs downhill into a stream ■ the different types of dams Glossary. The various dam components
valley and then into larger streams or other ■ essential components of a dam are discussed in greater detail later on.
bodies of water. The “watershed system”
refers to the drainage process through
Figure 2.1
which rainfall or snowmelt is collected
Parts of an Earthen Dam
into a particular stream valley
Emergency
during natural runoff (directed by Spillway
Embankment (Fill)
Da
Groin Area
overflow through a spillway may
of
& Riprap
p
To
exist, but because the quantity of Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (1989).
9
Guidelines for Operation and Maintenance of Dams in Texas
10 T E X A S C O M M I S S I O N O N E N V I R O N M E N TA L Q U A L I T Y
Guidelines for Operation and Maintenance of Dams in Texas
T E X A S C O M M I S S I O N O N E N V I R O N M E N TA L Q U A L I T Y 11
Guidelines for Operation and Maintenance of Dams in Texas
flow of water through these compo- reservoir reaches a certain level, water spillway functions during emergency
nents. Should high permeability occur, flows into a standpipe or riser pipe or conditions to prevent overtopping of a
seepage can lead to piping, which will over a gate. Intake structures for dam. A typical emergency spillway is an
likely result in failure. spillways must have systems that excavated channel in earth or rock near
prevent clogging by trash or debris. one abutment of a dam. An emergency
spillway should always discharge away
2.4 Release B. Drawdown Facility—All dams should
from the toe of a dam to avoid its
have some type of drawdown facility
of Water which can: erosion. Furthermore, the spillway
Intentional release of water, as stated should be constructed in such a manner
• Quickly lower the water level if
earlier, is confined to water releases that the spillway itself will not seriously
failure of the dam is imminent.
through a service spillway or outlet works erode when it is in use. Obviously,
• Serve the operational purposes of the
or over emergency spillways. erosional failure of the spillway could
reservoir.
A. Service (Principal) or Mechanical be as catastrophic as failure of the dam
• Lower the water level for dam repairs.
Spillway—The service (principal) or itself. An emergency spillway should be
mechanical spillway maintains the • Purposely fluctuate the pool level to sized to convey the so-called “design
normal water level in the reservoir. Its kill weeds and mosquitoes. flood”—the rare, large-magnitude flood
function is to pass expected flood flows The valve regulating the drawdown used to establish design criteria. The
past the dam safely and without facility should be on the upstream end spillways of many existing dams are
erosion. It may consist of a pipe of the conduit to minimize the risk to now considered undersized because
through the dam or a system of gates the dam posed by a possible internal standards for the design flood have
that discharge water over the top into a rupture of the pipe . increased over the years.
concrete spillway . Either method uses C. Emergency (Auxiliary) Spillway—As
the overflow principle. When the the name implies, an emergency
12 T E X A S C O M M I S S I O N O N E N V I R O N M E N TA L Q U A L I T Y