Classification of Dams by Material, Use, Hydraulic Design

Classification of Dams by Material, Use, Hydraulic Design

Dams can be classified in various ways depending upon the purpose of classification

Classification of Dams according to the Material used for Dam Construction

1. Earth Dams
2. Rock fill Dams
3. Solid masonry gravity Dams
4. Hallow masonry gravity Dams
5. Steel Dams
6. Timber dams
7. Arch dams

The first three types of Dam are ancient in origin while the last four have come in general use only in the last century or so.

Classification of Dams according to Use

1. Storage Dams
2. Detention Dams
3. Diversion Dams

Classification according to Hydraulic design

1. Overflow Dams
2. Non-Overflow Dams
3. Rigid Dams
4. Non-Rigid Dams