Dam – reservoir Structure, Cross Section ( Spillway. Sluice,water Level , Toe, Gallery, Heel )
What is reservoir
The part of catchment’s area behind (upstream) the dam in which the water is stored.
Spillways
These are controlled/uncontrolled openings in the body of the dam or somewhere else on the reservoir periphery in order to convey the reservoir water downstream.
Abutment
The sloping sides of the valley upon which the dam rests.
River or channel section
Is the central portion of the dam that directly overlies the river channel.
Heel
The upstream portion of the dam where it contacts the foundation surface.
Toe
the downstream portion of the dam where it contacts the bearing surface.
Crest
Is the topmost plane on the dam, sometimes used as roadways/pedestrians etc.
Parapet Walls
walls along the length of the dam on either side of crest to afford safety to a road or a walkway.
Axis of the dam
An imaginary line drawn along the exact center of the plan of the crest.
Dam X-Section
Section drawn across the axis of the dam.
Free board
The distance between the highest level of water in the reservoir and top (crest) of the dam.
Maximum water level
The highest elevation at which water can be stored in a reservoir without overtopping the dam or being released through the spillways.
Minimum water level
The lowest elevation to which the reservoir water can be lowered and water still be drawn.
Dead Storage Water Surface
The elevation of the reservoir below, which water stays permanently in the reservoir and cannot be drawn.
Tail water
Water at the downstream side of the dam.
Galleries
These are horizontal and/or vertical openings within the body of a dam at one/various levels to monitor seepage/leakage and other maintenance schedules.
sample Dam
