Theories of Arch dams design

Introduction .

A dam is a barrier built across a stream or a river. Water gets collected behind
this barrier forming a pool of water or what it is called a reservoir .

Upstream

downstream
Types of Arch Dams.
The arch dams may he divided into the following three types:
1.Constant radius dam.
2. Variable radius dam, and
3. Constant angle dam.
4. Double curvature arch dam

All the centers at the different heights lie on a vertical line , the radiuses are equal
but the central angle are different

A constant radius arch dam is that, in which, the radii of the outside water
side or upstream side curved surface are equal at all elevations, from top to the
bottom. The centers of all such circular arcs, called extrodos , will therefore,
evidently lie on one vertical line. However, the introdos ( i,e inside downstream
curved surface of the arch) has gradually decreasing radius from top to the
bottom, so as to provide increased concrete thickness towards the base for
accounting the proportionally increasing hydrostatic water pressure of the
reservoir. The dam body will, therefore, be triangular in cross-section with
upstream face vertical, and a minimum thickness at the top.

Evidently, it is only the radii of the introdos, which decrease with depth;
while the centers of all such circular arcs continue to lie on the same vertical line,
on which lie on the same vertical line, on which lie the centers of the extrodos.
Hence, in such a dam, the centers of extrodos, introdos, as well as the centerlines
of the horizontal arch rings, at various elevations, lie on a straight vertical line
that passes through the center of the horizontal arch ring at the crest. Such a
dam, is therefore, sometimes called a constant center arch dam, although strictly
speaking, this center is not at one point, but lies at different heights along one
vertical line.

Cupola profile

A variable radius arch dam is the one in which the radii of the extrodos curves
(i.e., arch rings corresponding to upstream face);
and introdos curves (i.e., arch rings corresponding to downstream face) vary at
various elevations being maximum at the top and certain minimum at its bottom.
This makes the central angle as large as possible so that maximum arch efficiency
may be obtained at all elevations.
The variable radius arch dams have often vertical or even overhanging laces at
the upstream side near the abutments and the downstream side near the crown.
The centers of the horizontal arch rings at various elevation do not lie on the
single vertical line.
Hence, it is also known as variable center arch dam.
A variable radius arch dams are often adapted to narrow V-shaped canyons
since arch action can be depended upon at the lower levels.
A variable radius arch dam has greater arch efficiency, resulting in saving of
concrete.
Constant angle arch dam, is a dam in which central angle of every arch ring is
constant throughout the height of an arch dam. It is obtained by the modification
of variable radius arch dam. Safe and best central angle 1330 34’ is used as central
angle in this case.

Double Curvature Arch Dam.

Double curvature arch dam, in which curvature is provided not only in
horizontal direction but also in vertical direction. It means the cross section of
double curvature also looks like curve. The whole dam is looks like shell type so,
it is also called as shell arch dam. Because of double curvature, the thickness of
arch wall is reduced. But this non-vertical type dams are difficult to construct
compared to other three types. They also require stronger foundations. Shell arch
dams are more suitable for very narrow valleys.
Ex: The famous Hoover dam of U.S.A., constructed in 1936, is an an arch dam of
constant radius type having the following dimensions:
Height 222 m (726 ft);
Length 380 m (1244 ft);
Top width 13.7 m (45 ft)
and Base thickness 201 m (660 ft).
Forces Acting on Arch Dams
Generally, the same forces act on arch dam, which do act on a gravity dam.
These forces are: (i) water pressure; (ii) Uplift pressure; (iii) earthquake forces;
(iv) silt pressure; (v) wave pressure (vi) ice pressure; the relative importance of
the forces is difference in an arch dam, as compared is small and is generally
neglected, because of the narrow base width of its body. On the other hand, the
stresses caused by ice, temperature changes, and yields of supports (i.e.
abutments), generally become quite important in arch dams, and hence must be
thoroughly examined.
Analysis and design of Arch dams
Thin Cylinder theory
Thick Cylinder theory
Elastic arches theory
Trial load theory.
Thin Cylinder theory

The stresses in the arch dam are assumed to be approximately the same as
in thin cylinder of equal outside radius.
PH= pressure* projected area

L=2rsinϴ

PH= Ɣw *H*2rsinϴ

PH= 2Ɣw *H*rsinϴ …….(1). At base

PH=2Rsinϴ =2Ɣw *H*rsinϴ

R= Ɣw*H* r ………………..(2)
r =radius of arch , t is the thickness, 2ϴ= central angle , H=depth of
water
𝑅 Ɣw∗H∗ r
To determine compressive stress σ=
𝑡∗1
= 𝑡
 The allowable compressive stress =fc , for safety σ should be
less than fc
Ɣw∗H∗ r Ɣw∗H∗ r
For limiting fc = ,,,, t==
𝑡 fc
t depends on H and r
For optimum design of an arch dam we should reduce the cost which means
reducing the Volume of concrete per unit height of an arch dam
Calculating volume per unit height

𝑎𝑟𝑐 𝑎𝑟𝑐
Any angle =𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑢𝑖𝑠 , 2𝛳 = , , , , , 𝑎𝑟𝑐 = 2𝛳 ∗ 𝑟
𝑟

𝑉𝑜𝑙 = 2𝛳 ∗ 𝑟 ∗ 𝑡
Ɣw∗H∗ r
Remember that t== fc
Ɣw ∗ H ∗ r 2𝛳 ∗ Ɣw ∗ H ∗ r 2
𝑉𝑜𝑙 = 2𝛳 ∗ 𝑟 ∗ =
fc fc

𝐿
L=2rsinϴ ,, r=
2sinϴ

𝐿 2
2𝛳 ∗ Ɣw ∗ H ∗ ( )
𝑉𝑜𝑙 = 2sinϴ
fc
2 ∗ Ɣw ∗ H ∗ 𝐿2 𝛳
𝑉𝑜𝑙 = ∗
4 ∗ fc 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛳

𝛳
𝑉𝑜𝑙 = 𝐾 ∗
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛳
𝜕𝑉 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛳−𝛳∗2 sin 𝛳∗𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛳
= =0
𝜕𝛳 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝛳

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛳 − 𝛳 ∗ 2 sin 𝛳 ∗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛳 = 0

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛳 = 𝛳 ∗ 2 sin 𝛳 ∗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛳

sin 𝛳 = 𝛳 ∗ 2 ∗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛳
sin 𝛳
= 2𝛳 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛳
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛳
 𝛳 = 1330 34′

Example : Design an arch dam for a valley 20m width at the and 100
m width at height 120m from the base . The allowable stress = 400
T/m 2 A) design constant radius arch dam . 2ϴ=150 at the top
B) Design constant optimum angle arch dam , minimum thickness
2.5 m .
 𝑥 120−ℎ
=
40 120

40 1 ℎ
𝑥=( ) (120 − ℎ) = (120 − ℎ) = 40 −
120 3 3

𝐿 = 20 + 2𝑥
ℎ 2ℎ 2ℎ
𝐿 = 20 + 2 (40 − ) = 20 + 80 − = 100 −
3 3 3
2ℎ
𝐿 = 100 −
3

For the constant radius arch dam . Determining constant

radius

𝐿 = 2𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛳
 𝐿 100
𝑟𝑒 = 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛳 = 150 at the top.
2sin( )
2

re=51.7638m=52m
𝛾𝑤 ℎ 𝑟𝑒
𝑡=
𝑓𝑐

1 ∗ ℎ ∗ 52
𝑡= = 0.13ℎ
400
𝐿 = 2𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = , , , , , 𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 , , , , ,2𝜃 = 2 ∗ 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1
2𝑟𝑒 2𝑟𝑒 2𝑟𝑒

See Following Table for design calculations .

h L re p t tr ri=(re-tr) 2ϴ 2ϴ Degree
0 100 52 0 0 2.5 49.5 2.585099 148.0557
10 93.33333 52 10 1.3 2.5 49.5 2.227845 127.5947
20 86.66667 52 20 2.6 2.6 49.4 1.970222 112.84
30 80 52 30 3.9 3.9 48.1 1.755273 100.5293
40 73.33333 52 40 5.2 5.2 46.8 1.565208 89.64372
50 66.66667 52 50 6.5 6.5 45.5 1.391668 79.7046
60 60 52 60 7.8 7.8 44.2 1.229913 70.44048
70 53.33333 52 70 9.1 9.1 42.9 1.076934 61.67895
80 46.66667 52 80 10.4 10.4 41.6 0.93066 53.30146
90 40 52 90 11.7 11.7 40.3 0.789582 45.22153
100 33.33333 52 100 13 13 39 0.652542 37.37284
110 26.66667 52 110 14.3 14.3 37.7 0.518613 29.70238
120 20 52 120 15.6 15.6 36.4 0.387026 22.16606
 𝑥 120−ℎ
B) As was done above we should use =
40 120

40 1 ℎ
𝑥=( ) (120 − ℎ) = (120 − ℎ) = 40 −
120 3 3
2ℎ
𝐿 = 100 −
3
𝛾𝑤 ℎ 𝑟𝑒
𝑡=
𝑓𝑐
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑟𝑒 = 𝑟𝑖 + 𝑡
𝛾𝑤 ℎ (𝑟𝑖 + 𝑡) 𝑃(𝑟𝑖 + 𝑡)
𝑡= = , , , , , , , , , , 𝑡𝑓𝑐 = 𝑃(𝑟𝑖 + 𝑡)
𝑓𝑐 𝑓𝑐
𝑃𝑟𝑖
𝑡𝑓𝑐 − 𝑃𝑡 = 𝑃𝑟𝑖 , , , , , , , 𝑡 =
𝑓𝑐 − 𝑃

NOW assume
𝐿 𝐿
𝐿 = 2𝑟𝑖 ∗ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛳, , , , , , 𝑟𝑖 = =
2 ∗ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛳 1330 34′
2 ∗ 𝑠𝑖𝑛
2
𝑟𝑖 =0.544 L
See following Table

h P fc-p L ri t tϴ re
0 0 400 100 54.4 0 2.5 56.9
10 10 390 93.33333 50.77333 1.30188 2.5 53.27333
20 20 380 86.66667 47.14667 2.481404 2.5 49.64667
30 30 370 80 43.52 3.528649 3.528649 47.04865
40 40 360 73.33333 39.89333 4.432593 4.432593 44.32593
50 50 350 66.66667 36.26667 5.180952 5.180952 41.44762
60 60 340 60 32.64 5.76 5.76 38.4
70 70 330 53.33333 29.01333 6.154343 6.154343 35.16768
80 80 320 46.66667 25.38667 6.346667 6.346667 31.73333
90 90 310 40 21.76 6.317419 6.317419 28.07742
100 100 300 33.33333 18.13333 6.044444 6.044444 24.17778
110 110 290 26.66667 14.50667 5.502529 5.502529 20.0092
120 120 280 20 10.88 4.662857 4.662857 15.54286
Beginning in about the early 1960's a new concept for shaping arch
dams found its way to the Bureau of Reclamation. This shape, termed
“double-curvature” provided for more efficient distribution of loads
within the structure and to the abutments. A double-curvature arch is
curved in plan view and section view. This results in more of a
“bowl” shape to the structure. The undercutting at the heel of the
dam that results from this shape, and the inward curvature on the
downstream face, eliminate areas where tensions typically develop in
arch dams. The first double-curvature dam constructed by the
Bureau of Reclamation is Morrow Point Dam. The dam has a
structural height of 468 feet and a crest length of 724 feet.

Arch Dams, EM No. 36: USBR