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Chapter 15: Problem 6

Why are dams thicker at the bottom than at the top?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Dams are thicker at the bottom than at the top because the fluid pressure increases with depth. Hence, to ensure the dam's stability and resist the increased pressure at the bottom, dams are built thicker at the lower levels.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the structure of a dam

The first point to recognize is that dams are constructed thicker at the bottom compared to the top. This is noticeably visible from their trapezoidal form.
02

Introducing the principle of fluid pressure

The principle of fluid pressure states that pressure in a fluid at rest increases linearly with depth. Hence, at greater depths, the pressure is higher.
03

Connecting fluid pressure with the dam structure

The dam must withstand the water's pressure. Given that the pressure increases with depth, the lower sections of the dam must withstand higher pressures. As a result, to resist this increasing pressure and ensure structural integrity, dams are built thicker towards the bottom.

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