CONCRETE DAM WITH THE USE OF BUTTERSTRONGS

Abstract

Dams are structures designed to intercept and control the flow of water in streams, rivers and canals. The article explores the fundamentals of buttress dams, highlighting their operating principle based on the distribution and dissipation of water pressure through buttresses. Comparing them with other types of dams, the research highlights their advantages, especially in favorable geotechnical conditions. Various types of concrete dams are discussed, with emphasis on the characteristics of buttress dams. The practical application of these structures covers energy generation, water supply and flood control projects, exemplified by the Belo Monte dam in Brazil. The article details advantages and disadvantages of buttress dams, covering their durability, improved stability and adaptation to terrain, but also construction challenges and potential risks. Technical aspects, such as the calculation of forces, efforts in the foundation, thermal stresses and deformations due to changes in concrete volume, are analyzed in depth. The research also includes a discussion about water demand, project flow and the importance of geotechnical analysis in the foundation. The methodology adopted involved a qualitative analysis with bibliographic review and the construction of a model, and the REVIT software was used for the 3D model. The results highlight the complexity of creating the model, considering the scale, material selection and realistic representation of structural elements. In summary, the article offers a comprehensive overview of buttress dams, from their fundamentals to practical applications and construction challenges, culminating in the physical representation of the scaled-down model.