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A Gravity
Dam
Tygart Dam
photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh District,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (#)

(click for a full sized photo)

An Introduction
to Gravity Dams

Gravity dams are dams which resist the horizontal thrust of the water entirely by their own weight.

Concrete gravity dams are typically used to block streams through narrow gorges.

Because it is there weight holding the water back, concrete gravity dams tend to use a large amount of concrete. This can be expensive.

But many prefer its solid strength to arch or buttress dams.

Explore the links below to learn more about gravity dams.

The Anatomy
What do gravity dams look like? How are gravity dams different from the other types of dams?

How it Works
How do gravity dams hold back water?

A Brief History
What were gravity dams like centuries ago? How have gravity dams evolved?

Buttress dam historyGravity dam anatomy