INI

Types of Dams - INI

Dams are primarily divided into two major categories: concrete dams and fill dams, which are further subdivided based on how they withstand water pressure and the materials used. The optimal type is selected according to the terrain and ground conditions of the construction site, such as gravity type, arch type, and rockfill type. In Japan, gravity concrete dams are the most common, accounting for approximately 90% of all dams.

dam gravity dam arch dam rockfill dam civil engineering water resources

[item.gravity-concrete-dam]
code=G
slug=gravity-concrete-dam
name=Gravity Concrete Dam
description=The most common type where the dam's own weight resists water pressure.
examples=Miyagase Dam, Katsuragawa Dam, Sakuma Dam, Katsurazawa Dam, Jozankei Dam
material=Concrete

[item.hollow-gravity-concrete-dam]
code=HG
slug=hollow-gravity-concrete-dam
name=Hollow Gravity Concrete Dam
description=A gravity dam with hollowed interior to reduce concrete usage.
examples=Kanayama Dam
material=Concrete

[item.arch-concrete-dam]
code=A
slug=arch-concrete-dam
name=Arch Concrete Dam
description=Curved in an arch shape to transfer water pressure to rock walls on both sides.
examples=Naruko Dam, Midono Dam, Shin-Toyone Dam, Hoheikyo Dam
material=Concrete

[item.gravity-arch-concrete-dam]
code=GA
slug=gravity-arch-concrete-dam
name=Gravity Arch Concrete Dam
description=A composite type combining features of both gravity and arch dams.
examples=Kurohiyama Dam, Otsuro Dam
material=Concrete

[item.buttress-dam]
code=B
slug=buttress-dam
name=Buttress Dam
description=A dam structure with waterproofing plates supported by buttresses.
examples=Sasanagare Dam, Omachi Dam
material=Concrete

[item.rockfill-dam]
code=R
slug=rockfill-dam
name=Rockfill Dam
description=A dam built by stacking rocks with a waterproofing wall inside or on the surface.
examples=Minamiaiki Dam, Isarigawa Dam, Tokachi Dam, Nitchu Dam
material=Rock, gravel, sand

[item.asphalt-facing-rockfill-dam]
code=RF
slug=asphalt-facing-rockfill-dam
name=Asphalt Facing Rockfill Dam
description=A rockfill dam with an asphalt waterproofing layer on the reservoir side surface.
examples=Futaba Dam, Bihoro Dam
material=Rock, asphalt

[item.earthfill-dam]
code=E
slug=earthfill-dam
name=Earthfill Dam
description=The oldest type of dam built by stacking nearly homogeneous soil or rock.
examples=Makubetsu Dam, many irrigation ponds
material=Soil, sand

[item.combined-dam]
code=C
slug=combined-dam
name=Combined Dam
description=A composite dam combining two or more types of dam structures.
examples=Bihoro Dam, Chubetsu Dam
material=Concrete, rock, sand, etc.