CVE 111

Hydraulics 1
Dams

Kristine D. Sanchez, Ph.D.

Course Instructor
Contents [1]
• Overview
• Intended Learning Outcomes
• Objectives
• Analysis of gravity dam
• Steps of solution
• Factor of Safety, location of 𝑅𝑦
• Case 1: Neglecting hydrostatic uplift
• Equations for Case 1: Neglecting hydrostatic uplift
• Notation with SI units for Case 1
Contents [2]
• Case 2: Considering hydrostatic uplift
• Equations for Case 2: Considering hydrostatic uplift
• Notation for Case 2
• What is hydrostatic uplift?
• Case 3: Overflowing dam without hydrostatic uplift and neglecting the
effect of water on the downstream side
• Equations for Case 3
• Case 4: Overflowing dam with hydrostatic uplift
• Equations for Case 4
Contents [3]
• Case 5: Dams with both water on upstream and downstream side
• Equations for Case 5
• Notation for Case 5
• Pressure distribution at the base
• Notation for pressure distribution at the base
• Sample Problem 5.1
• Sample problem 5.2
• Exercise
Overview
• Dams are built for the purpose of impounding water.
• This lecture considers the following:
• Neglecting hydrostatic uplift
• Considering hydrostatic uplift
• Overflowing dam without hydrostatic uplift and neglecting the effect of water
on the downstream side
• Overflowing dam considering hydrostatic uplift
• Dams with water on both upstream and downstream side
Intended Learning Outcomes

• At the end of this topic, the student will be able to:

• Learn about the different concepts of analyzing dams under different
loading conditions
Objectives
• At the end of this topic, the student will be able to:
• Identify the different combinations of loading for dams;
• Solve problems related to analyzing dams in different loading
conditions by calculating for the forces (magnitude and location);
• Check for the safety of the dam against sliding and overturning;
Analysis of gravity dam
• A dam is subjected to hydrostatic forces due to water which is raised
on its upstream side.
• These forces cause the dam to slide horizontally on its foundation and
overturn it about its downstream edge or toe.
• These tendencies are resisted by friction on the base of the dam and
gravitational forces which cause a moment opposite to the
overturning moment.
• The dam may also be prevented from sliding by keying its base.
Steps of solution [1]
1. Consider 1-unit strip width.
2. Determine the forces acting:
2.1. Vertical forces
2.1.1 Weight of the dam
2.1.2 Weight of the water on the upstream sides (if any)
2.1.3 Weight of permanent structures on dam
2.1.4 Hydrostatic uplift
Steps of solution [2]
2.2. Horizontal force
2.2.1 Total hydrostatic force due to water on the upstream side
2.2.2 Wind pressure
2.2.3 Wave action
2.2.4 Floating bodies
2.2.5 Earthquake load

3. Solve for the vertical reaction, 𝑅𝑦 and horizontal reaction, 𝑅𝑥 .

4. Solve for the righting moment, 𝑅𝑀, and overturning moment, 𝑂𝑀.
5. Solve for the location of 𝑅𝑦 , 𝑥.ҧ
Factor of Safety, location of 𝑅𝑦
• Location of 𝑅𝑦 , 𝑥:ҧ
𝑅𝑀 −𝑂𝑀
𝑥ҧ = (5.1)
𝑅𝑦

• Factor of safety against sliding, 𝐹𝑆𝑠 :

μ𝑅𝑦
𝐹𝑆𝑠 = >1 (5.2)
𝑅𝑥

• Factor of safety against overturning, 𝐹𝑆𝑜 :

𝑅𝑀 (5.3)
𝐹𝑆𝑜 = >1
𝑂𝑀
Case 1: Neglecting hydrostatic uplift
𝑥1
𝑥2 1𝑚

𝑾𝟏
ℎത
𝑾𝟐
h
𝑷

h/3
OM
TOE
𝑹𝒙
𝑥ҧ vertical projection
RM
𝑹𝒚
Fig. 5.1. Free body diagram for Case 1
Equations for Case 1: Neglecting hydrostatic uplift
ത
• 𝑃 = γℎ𝐴
• ℎത = ℎ/2
• 𝐴 = ℎ ∗ 1𝑚 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝
• So, 𝑃 = γℎ/2(ℎ ∗ 1)
γℎ2 𝑅𝑀
Furthermore, (1) 𝑃 = (5) 𝐹𝑆𝑜 =
2 𝑂𝑀
(2) 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊1 𝑥1 + 𝑊2 𝑥2
ℎ μ𝑅
(3) 𝑂𝑀 = P (6) 𝐹𝑆𝑠 =
3 𝑃
(4) 𝑅𝑦 𝑥ҧ = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀 (7) 𝑅 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2
Notation with SI units for Case 1 [1]
• 𝑥ҧ : distance from the toe to the vertical reaction force, 𝑅𝑦 (m)
• 𝑅𝑀: righting moment (kN-m)
• 𝑂𝑀: overturning moment (kN-m)
• 𝑅𝑦 : vertical reaction force (kN)
• 𝐹𝑆𝑠 : factor of safety against sliding
• 𝜇: coefficient of friction
• 𝑅𝑥 : horizontal reaction force (kN)
• 𝐹𝑆𝑜 : factor of safety against overturning
Notation with SI units for Case 1 [2]
• 𝑃: hydrostatic force (kN)
• γ: unit weight of fluid (kN/cu.m)
• ℎ: height of the dam that is submerged in the fluid (m)
• ത vertical distance from the center of gravity of the dam to the water
ℎ:
surface (m)
• 𝐴: cross-sectional area of the dam (sq.m)
• 𝑊1 : weight of the portion of the dam (kN)
• 𝑥1 : distance from the center of gravity of 𝑊1 to the toe (m)
• 𝑊2 : weight of the portion of the dam (kN)
• 𝑥2 : distance from the center of gravity of 𝑊2 to the toe (m)
Case 2: Considering hydrostatic uplift
𝑥1
𝑥2

𝑾𝟏

𝑾𝟐
h
𝑷

ℎ/3
TOE
𝑹𝒙
𝛾 ℎ𝑢 𝑥ҧ
2𝐵/3

𝑼 𝑹𝒚
Equations for Case 2: Considering hydrostatic uplift

(1) 𝑅𝑦 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 − 𝑈
γℎ𝑢 𝐵 (1)
(2) 𝑈 =
2
(3) 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊1 𝑥1 + 𝑊2 𝑥2
ℎ 2
(4) 𝑂𝑀 = 𝑃 + 𝑈 𝐵
3 3
(5)𝑅𝑦 𝑥ҧ = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀
Notation for Case 2
• Other notations, please refer to “Notations for Case 1”
• 𝑈: hydrostatic uplift force (kN)
• ℎ𝑢 : height of the uplift pressure diagram (m)
• 𝐵: width of the base of the dam (m)
What is hydrostatic uplift?
• Because of the presence of the water on the upstream face which is
raised into a certain height, there is a tendency for the water to seep
under the dam and escape at the lower level on the downstream
side; since this seepage is under pressure, it exerts a hydrostatic uplift
on the dam which reduces the stability of the dam against sliding and
reduces also the stability against overturning.
Case 3: Overflowing dam without hydrostatic uplift and
neglecting the effect of water on the downstream side
𝑥1 = 𝑥3
𝑥2 1𝑚

𝑾𝟑
ℎത
𝑾𝟏
𝐷/2
ℎ
𝑾𝟐
𝑷 𝑒
𝐷
−𝑒 OM
2
toe
𝑥ҧ 𝑹𝒙
RM vertical projection

𝑹𝒚
Equations for Case 3
• 𝐷: height of dam
ത
(1) 𝑃 = γℎ𝐴 ത 𝑆𝑠 = 𝐷(1)(ℎ)
(6) 𝑆𝑠 = ℎ𝐴, ത
ത 𝐷
(2) ℎ = 𝑦 + (7) 𝑅 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 + 𝑊3
2
(3) 𝐴 = 𝐷 1 (8) 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊1 𝑥1 + 𝑊2 𝑥2 + 𝑊3 𝑥3
𝐼𝑔 𝐷
(4) 𝑒 = (9) 𝑂𝑀 = 𝑃( − 𝑒)
𝑆𝑠 2
1(𝐷3 )
(5) 𝐼𝑔 = (10) 𝑅 𝑥ҧ = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀
12
Notation for Case 3
• Other notations, please refer to “Notations for Case 1”
• 𝐷: height of the submerged dam (m)
• 𝑒: distance from the center of gravity of the dam to the center of
pressure where hydrostatic force is located (m)
• 𝐼𝑔 : moment of inertia of the dam to its neutral axis (𝑚4 )
• 𝑆𝑠 : moment of the area of the dam with respect to the water surface
(𝑚2 )
• 𝑊3 : weight of the water on top of the dam (kN)
• 𝑥3 : distance from the center of gravity of 𝑊3 to the toe (m)
Case 4: Overflowing dam with hydrostatic uplift

𝑥1 = 𝑥3
𝑥2 1𝑚

𝑾𝟑
ℎത
𝑾𝟏
𝐷/2
ℎ
𝑾𝟐
𝑷 𝑒
𝐷
−𝑒 OM
2
toe
𝑥ҧ 𝑹𝒙
𝛾𝑓𝑙 ℎ RM vertical projection
2𝐵/3

𝑼 𝑹𝒚
Equations for Case 4
ത 1𝐷3
(1) 𝑃 = γℎ𝐴 (8) 𝐼𝑠 =
12
γℎ𝐵 ത 𝑆𝑠 = 𝐷(1)(ℎ)
ത
(2) 𝑈 = (9) 𝑆𝑠 = ℎ𝐴,
2
(3) 𝑅 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 + 𝑊3 − 𝑈
All notations are found in previous
(4) 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊1 𝑥1 + 𝑊2 𝑥2 + 𝑊3 𝑥3 notations. Please refer to previous
slides.
𝐷 2
(5) 𝑂𝑀 = 𝑃 −𝑒 + 𝑈( 𝐵)
2 3
(6) 𝑅𝑥ҧ = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀
𝐼𝑠
(7) 𝑒 =
𝑆𝑠
Case 5: Dams with both water on upstream and
downstream side
𝑥1
𝑥2

𝑾𝟏 𝑥3

𝑾𝟐 𝑾𝟑
ℎ1
𝑷𝟏

ℎ1 /3 𝑷𝟐 ℎ2
ℎ2 /3
toe
𝑥ҧ 𝑹𝒙

𝑹𝒚 𝐵/2
𝑼𝟏 𝑼𝟐 2𝐵/3
Equations for Case 5
ℎ12 ℎ1 2 𝐵
(1) 𝑃1 = γ (8) 𝑂𝑀 = 𝑃1 + 𝑈1 𝐵 + 𝑈2
2 3 3 2
ℎ22 μ𝑅𝑥
(2) 𝑃2 = γ (9)𝐹𝑆𝑠 =
2 𝑃1 −𝑃2
γ ℎ1 −ℎ2 𝐵
(3) 𝑈1 =
2
(4) 𝑈2 = γℎ2 𝐵
(5) 𝑅 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 + 𝑊3 − 𝑈1 − 𝑈2
(6) 𝑅𝑥ҧ = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀
ℎ2
(7) 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊1 𝑥1 + 𝑊2 𝑥2 + 𝑊3 𝑥3 + 𝑃2
3
Notation for Case 5
• Please refer to previous slides for other notations not found herein.
• 𝑃1 : hydrostatic force at the upstream side of the dam (kN)
• ℎ1 : distance from the center of pressure of 𝑃1 to the base of the dam (m)
• 𝑃2 : hydrostatic force at the downstream side of the dam (kN)
• ℎ2 : distance from the center of pressure of 𝑃2 to the base of the dam (m)
• 𝑈1 : triangular portion of the hydrostatic uplift force (kN)
• 𝑈2 : rectangular portion of the hydrostatic uplift force (kN)
Pressure distribution at the base [1]
• For 𝒆′ ≤ 𝑩/𝟔
• From combined axial and bending stress formula:

𝑃′ 𝑀𝑐
𝑞=− ± (5.4)
𝐴𝑏𝑜𝑡 𝐼

𝐵/3 𝐵/3 𝐵/3

• where:
𝐵/6 𝐵/6 (5.5a – 5.5e)
• 𝑃′ = 𝑅𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑡𝑜𝑒
• 𝐴𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 1𝑚 𝑥 𝐵 = 𝐵 c.g.
• 𝑀 = 𝑅𝑦 𝑒′
1𝐵 3 𝑞𝐻 𝑥ҧ
• 𝐼= 𝑒′ 𝑞𝑇
12
𝐵
• 𝑐= 2
Soil pressure
diagram
𝑹𝒚
Pressure distribution at the base [2]
𝑅𝑦 (𝑅𝑦 𝑒′)(𝐵/2)
𝑞=− ±
𝐵 𝐵3 /12

𝑅𝑦 6𝑅𝑦 𝑒′
𝑞=− ±
𝐵 𝐵2

𝑅𝑦 6𝑒′
𝑞=− 1± , where 𝑒′ ≤ 𝐵/6
𝐵 𝐵
(5.6)

• Use (+) to get the stress at point where 𝑅𝑦 is nearest. In the soil pressure diagram, use
(+) to get 𝑞𝑇 and (-) to get 𝑞𝐻 . A negative stress indicates compressive stress, and a
positive stress indicates tensile stress.
Pressure distribution at the base [3]
• Since soil cannot carry any tensile stress, if Eq. (4.6) is positive, the result is
invalid. This happens when 𝑒′ > 𝐵/6. In this case, use Eq. (4.8).
𝐵/2
• F𝐨𝐫 𝒆′ > 𝑩/𝟔 𝑒′
ഥ 𝑎 (5.7a – 5.7b)
• 𝑥′ =
3
1
• 𝑅𝑦 = (𝑎) (𝑞𝑒 ) (1) 𝑎 ഥ 𝒒𝒆
= 𝑥′
2 3
1 ഥ (𝑞𝑒 )
• 𝑅𝑦 = (3𝑥′) 𝑎
2
𝑹𝒚
2𝑅𝑦
𝑞𝑒 = (5.8)
ഥ
3𝑥′
Notation for pressure distribution at the base
• 𝑒′: eccentricity of the dam (distance from the center of gravity to the location of
the vertical reaction force, 𝑅𝑦 ) (m)
• 𝑞: soil pressure (kN/sq.m)
• 𝐴𝑏𝑜𝑡 : cross sectional area of the base of the dam (sq.m)
• 𝑀: moment of 𝑅𝑦 with respect to the center of gravity of 𝐴𝑏𝑜𝑡 (kN-m)
• 𝐼: moment of inertia of 𝐴𝑏𝑜𝑡 (𝑚4 )
• 𝑐: distance from the farthest portion of the base of the dam (heel or toe) to the
center of gravity (m)
ഥ : location of 𝑅𝑦 for 𝑒′ > 𝐵/6 (m)
• 𝑥′
• 𝑎: width of the triangular soil pressure diagram for 𝑒′ > 𝐵/6 (m)
• 𝑞𝑒 : soil pressure for 𝑒′ > 𝐵/6 (kN/sq.m)
Sample Problem 5.1 [1]
• Determine the height of the water
that could rise on the vertical side 𝑾𝟐
of the dam having a triangular
section 24 m high and 12 m wide h=?
at the base so that the maximum 𝑷 𝑥2
intensity of pressure at the toe is
twice the average pressure at the h/3
base. Neglect hydrostatic uplift.
Weight of masonry is 2,400
kg/cu.m. 𝑥ҧ
12 m

𝑹𝒚
• Answer: h = 20.24 m
Sample problem 5.1 [2]
• Solution:
• Considering 1-m strip:
24(12)(1)(2400)
• 𝑊= = 345,600 𝑘𝑔
2
• 𝑅 = 𝑊 = 345,600 𝑘𝑔
ത = 10000 ℎ
• 𝑃 = γℎ𝐴 ℎ 1 = 500ℎ2
2
2 2
• 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊 12 = 345600 12 = 2764800 kg. m
3 3
h h 500ℎ3
• 𝑂𝑀 = 𝑃 = 500ℎ2 = 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚
3 3 3
12
• 𝑅 𝑥 = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀, 𝑥 = 3 = 4𝑚
500ℎ3
• 345600 4 = 2764800 − 3
• 𝒉 = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟐𝟒 𝒎
Sample problem 5.2 [1]
𝑥1
𝑥2
• A trapezoidal masonry dam
with vertical upstream face is 𝑾𝟏
4.6 m high, 0.6m wide at the
top and 3 m wide at the base. h
𝑾𝟐
Hydrostatic uplift varies from 𝑷
full hydrostatic pressure at the ℎ/3
heel to zero at the toe. Find
the depth of water if the 𝑥ҧ
pressure at the toe is twice the 2𝐵/3
average pressure at the base. 𝑼 𝑹𝒚
Weight of masonry is 2400
kg/cu.m.
Sample problem 5.2 [2]
• Considering 1-m strip of the dam
γℎ2 1000ℎ2
•𝑃= = = 500ℎ2 𝑘𝑔
2 2
• 𝑊1 = 0.6 4.6 1 2400 = 6624 𝑘𝑔
(2.4)(4.6)(1)(2400)
• 𝑊2 = = 13248 𝑘𝑔
2
γℎ𝐵 1000(ℎ)(3)
• 𝑈= = = 1500ℎ 𝑘𝑔
2 2
• 𝑅𝑦 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 − 𝑈 = 6624 + 13248 − 1500ℎ = 19872 − 1500ℎ
2
• 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊1 2.7 + 𝑊2 2.4 = 39082 𝑘𝑔 − 𝑚
3
Sample problem 5.2 [3]
ℎ 2 2 ℎ
• 𝑂𝑀 = 𝑃 +𝑈 3 = 500ℎ + 1500ℎ 2
3 3 3
500ℎ3
• 𝑂𝑀 = + 3000ℎ
3
• 𝑅𝑦 𝑥 = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀, 𝑥 = 1𝑚
500ℎ3
• 19872 − 1500ℎ 1 = 39082 − − 3000ℎ
3
• ℎ3 + 9ℎ − 115 = 0
• By solving, we obtain one solution as our height which is 𝒉 = 𝟒. 𝟐𝟓 𝒎
Exercise
1. Perform an analysis of dam for sample problem 4.1 by changing the
dimensions of the concrete into height of the dam = 30 m and
width at the base = 15 m.
2. Perform an analysis of the dam for sample problem 4.2 by changing
dimensions of the concrete into height of the dam = 5 m, width at
the top = 1.2 m and width at the base = 4.5 m.
3. Write your assignment in a long bond paper and submit next
meeting.
Thank you.
• Sources:
• Besavilla, V. I., Jr. (1983). “Dams”, in Solutions to Problems in
Hydraulics (SI Version), Vol. 3, pp. 67-72, Cebu City.
• Gillesania, D. I. T. (2015). “Chapter 3: Total hydrostatic force on
surfaces (Analysis of Gravity Dams)” in Fluid Mechanics and
Hydraulics 4th ed., pp. 84-87, Cebu City.

• View: https://mathalino.com/reviewer/fluid-mechanics-and-
hydraulics/analysis-gravity-dam