Design and Construction of Arch Dams
From ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox
“Unlike a concrete gravity dam which carries the entire load by its self weight, an arch dam obtains its stability by both the self weight and, to a great extent, by transmitting the imposed loads by arch action into the valley walls. The geometry of the dam site is, therefore, the most basic consideration in the selection of an arch dam. As a general rule, an arch dam requires a site with abutments of sufficient strength to support the arch thrust. On special occasions artificial abutments – thrust blocks – may be used in the absence of suitable abutment(s)”.[1]
Examples
Best Practices Resources
Arch Dam Design (EM 1110-2-2201)
Trainings
Citations:
Revision ID: 2877
Revision Date: 09/13/2022