Dam

engineering · water · structures

Heavy gravity dams. These are thick, solid structures made of concrete or stone that use their own weight to push back against the water pressure. It's like a really strong wall that just refuses to budge.

Embankment dams. These are built from piled-up earth and rocks, kind of like a giant artificial hill. They're made from whatever materials are nearby, like clay, sand, soil, and gravel.

Buttress dams have helpers. They have a sloped concrete wall on the front with triangular supports called buttresses holding it up from behind. The buttresses are like strong arms pushing the wall from behind to keep it standing.

Arch dams curve smartly. These dams use a curved concrete wall that channels the water's force out to the sides toward the valley walls instead of pushing straight back. It's like the dam is using the surrounding rock as extra backup.

Dams control water flow. All dams do two main jobs: they stop water from flowing where it wants to go, and they collect it in one place. This water can be used for drinking, farming, or making electricity.