Unlocking the Dark Side of Dams
Dams have been used for thousands of years. The earliest trace of them dates back to Ancient Egypt, 4,000 years ago.
Today, they have many use cases. We all think of hydraulic energy, but it can also be used as drinking water reservoirs and for irrigation. Some of them are also used as flood barriers, which regulate the flow of rivers during periods of high water.
Know the place, know the risks
That’s always the first thing to do. Study your structure’s environment to identify risks.
Here are a few examples to take into account:
- Climate: Know the amount of rainfall per year to build a flood-resistant dam. Also, the temperature of the area can have an impact on the expansion of materials.
- Geology structures: Dams are always implanted on the bedrock. You must know the geology of your region and the geological structures that can impact the dam’s construction and prosperity. (Faults, cavities…)
- Water: Linked to the climate, the composition of the water is important. It will be in permanent contact with the structure. Tropical waters are different from glacial waters, for example. In the water, there are also flora and…
