Let's talk about what a dam is, and also about the practical application of this structure.
What it is
Under the dam is meant an artificial elevation in the form of a shaft, which is constructed of earth, stones. You can build it from auxiliary materials. Let's get acquainted with the concept of "dam".
The meaning of the word in different dictionaries is the same.We are talking about the elevations that are built in the marshes, lowlands, the channels of large rivers, along the sea coast. The main purpose of such a facility is to carry out hydraulic engineering works, construct road and railroads over the water.
Features
So what is a dam now?First of all, this is a protective structure, protecting the road from possible flooding with water. In order for it to perform the function assigned to it in its entirety, the dam must rise above the surface of the water by at least one meter. There are certain requirements and the width of the erected protective strip.
So, for roads and railways, itshould be wider than the road itself, and for marine dams the width depends on the stability of the soil. In addition, the kind of material used for construction is taken into account.
Specificity of creation
How is the dam built? What does its steepness mean?Depending on the purpose, when creating such protective strips, choose a different angle of inclination. For roads and railways choose a soil that does not absorb water.
In general, sand is used, clay is not used for dams. Earth slopes can be a single or one-and-a-half slope, the width is calculated from one meter per meter of height.
To increase the strength of the structure, after 2-8 meters in high slopes make ledges in the form of horizontal platforms (berms), increasing the stability of the structure.
Answering the question what is a dam, we note thatit assumes the location of sandy soil layers. After laying one layer, the earth must be compacted, only after that work on creating a protective strip continues.
In cases where the soil used forthe filling of the dam, is not suitable for sowing, slopes are torn or covered with a layer of earth of 15-20 centimeters and are planted with vegetation. River dams are planted with willow bushes to fix the surface.
Those slopes that are subjected to a constantthe pressure of water or waves, additionally strengthen the stone to the level of high waters. According to new technologies, the slopes of the dams towards the water make it more gently sloping compared to the mountainous species.
In order to strengthen the erected structure, stakes are used, which are slaughtered in rows, as well as wattle fences.
When erecting a dam in a swampy terrain, first a deep ditch is excavated in the soil, it is compacted with clay and only all the subsequent construction work is carried out on the basis obtained.
Conclusion
In search of an answer to the question, what is a dam, wemanaged to find out the purpose of this structure. Without such bulk bands, it would be impossible to link together, for example, St. Petersburg and Kronstadt.
Of course, the cost of such constructionworks, is estimated in billions of rubles, and also huge time expenses, but that result which as a result can be received, completely pays all incurred expenses.
Before embarking on the erection of a dam, overA huge number of specialists work for the project. Detailed studies of the soil are carried out, the feasibility and the possibility of creating a dam are analyzed. Then calculations are carried out on the number of necessary embankments, materials for construction are selected, and only after that the approved project is implemented into reality.