A dam’s construction is the culmination of careful designing process and constructionn. It may look like a dam, but it is much more than that. The different dam types include the gravity, buttress, arch and buttress. These dams vary in their design, shape, purpose and size.

They are also involved in designing and locating the dams. They determine the best dam site based on contours and other physical features of the land. Geologists are able to determine what materials were used in building the ground and how deep the bedrock is. They are looking for cracks or fault lines to alert against potential natural hazards. They ensure that the ground can support both the weight of a dam and the amount of water. Hydrologists predict and estimate the flow of water, both through and under the dam during the upcoming seasons and years. They perform detailed calculations on how much flow will occur in extreme or normal situations.

One aspect of dams is spillways. This involves analyzing where water will flow. Diversion is often done via rivers, tunnels and construction pits. Dam foundations are another topic. The embankment and arch dams both require solid rock for a firm foundation. Construction of concrete dams is heavily dependent on materials like wooden and steel frames. These blocks allow for a faster construction process, as there are less surfaces to clean and then add more concrete. This means fewer shapes are needed. It is heavier to lift. It takes more time for it to dry.