TSV

Types of Dams - TSV

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
code	slug	name	description	examples	material
G	gravity-concrete-dam	Gravity Concrete Dam	The most common type where the dam's own weight resists water pressure.	Miyagase Dam, Katsuragawa Dam, Sakuma Dam, Katsurazawa Dam, Jozankei Dam	Concrete
HG	hollow-gravity-concrete-dam	Hollow Gravity Concrete Dam	A gravity dam with hollowed interior to reduce concrete usage.	Kanayama Dam	Concrete
A	arch-concrete-dam	Arch Concrete Dam	Curved in an arch shape to transfer water pressure to rock walls on both sides.	Naruko Dam, Midono Dam, Shin-Toyone Dam, Hoheikyo Dam	Concrete
GA	gravity-arch-concrete-dam	Gravity Arch Concrete Dam	A composite type combining features of both gravity and arch dams.	Kurohiyama Dam, Otsuro Dam	Concrete
B	buttress-dam	Buttress Dam	A dam structure with waterproofing plates supported by buttresses.	Sasanagare Dam, Omachi Dam	Concrete
R	rockfill-dam	Rockfill Dam	A dam built by stacking rocks with a waterproofing wall inside or on the surface.	Minamiaiki Dam, Isarigawa Dam, Tokachi Dam, Nitchu Dam	Rock, gravel, sand
RF	asphalt-facing-rockfill-dam	Asphalt Facing Rockfill Dam	A rockfill dam with an asphalt waterproofing layer on the reservoir side surface.	Futaba Dam, Bihoro Dam	Rock, asphalt
E	earthfill-dam	Earthfill Dam	The oldest type of dam built by stacking nearly homogeneous soil or rock.	Makubetsu Dam, many irrigation ponds	Soil, sand
C	combined-dam	Combined Dam	A composite dam combining two or more types of dam structures.	Bihoro Dam, Chubetsu Dam	Concrete, rock, sand, etc.