Question

A low gravity dam of elementary profile made up of concrete of relative density 2.57 and safe allowable stress of foundation material 4.2 MPa. What is the maximum height of the dam without considering the uplift force?

(a) 120 m

(b) 217 m

(c) 279 m

(d) 325 m

I had been asked this question in an interview for job.

I would like to ask this question from Design of Gravity Dams in chapter Gravity Dam Design and Construction of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) 120 m

Best explanation: The maximum possible height of low gravity dam is H = f / ϒw (Sc + 1) where f = allowable stress of dam material = 4.2 MPa, Sc = 2.57, and ϒw = 9.81 KN/m^2.

H = [4.2 / (9.81 x 3.57)] x 1000 = 119.92 m.