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A dam releases water through a controlled structure called a spillway or outlet works. The spillway is designed to safely discharge excess water from the reservoir to prevent overtopping of the dam and potential flooding downstream. The water is released either through gates that can be opened or closed as needed, or through a series of valves or pipes that control the flow rate. The release of water is carefully managed to balance the needs of flood control, water supply, and power generation.
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BlakeAny modern dam has computer-controlled Gates which can be opened remotly by some switch/computer instruction .
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All dams have had release valves, or "sluices", built into them, irrespective of the mode of control. They are used to maintain flow in the river downstream during short dry spells, to flush out accumulated silt or to drain the reservoir for repairs.
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What is hydraulic height as it relates to a dam?
The pressure that water exerts on the walls of the dam is proportional to the depth of the water or you might say the height of the column of water from the base of the dam. The hydraulic height is the same as the depth of the water to the bottom of the dam.
The what energy of water in a dam is increased by raising the level of water behind the dam?
Potential Energy
What is impounded water?
Water retained for the dam.
What is the definition of scour pipe?
A scour pipe is used to flush out sediment or release water. It usually runs near the bottom of a dam.
Why the base of the dam is made wider?
The pressure of the water against the top of the dam wall, is much less than the pressure exerted against the bottom of the dam wall. The width of a dam wall increases to compensate for the increased water pressures at the lower level.
