The 'gravity dam' resists the applied forces primarily by:
Choose the correct answer
Arch action transferring load to abutments
Its own large self-weight — resists overturning, sliding, and bearing failure through gravity alone
Steel reinforcement in tension
Pre-stressing cables inside the dam body
Correct Answer
B. Its own large self-weight — resists overturning, sliding, and bearing failure through gravity alone
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Gravity dam: massive concrete/masonry structure with large self-weight. Stability by gravity — weight resists: (1) Overturning (resultant must fall within middle third); (2) Sliding (FOS > 1.5: ΣV×μ/ΣH); (3) Bearing failure (no tension at base: e < B/6). Uplift (seepage pressure) must be considered as destabilising force. No tension in masonry/concrete → resultant within middle-third rule.
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