Irrigation Engineering Questions and Answers – Factors Governing the Selection of a Particular Type of Dam

This set of Irrigation Engineering Interview Questions and Answers for Experienced people focuses on “Factors Governing the Selection of a Particular Type of Dam”.

1. Topography dictates the first choice of the type of dam. A narrow U-shaped valley would suggest a ________________________
a) concrete overflow dam
b) spillway
c) arch dam
d) earth dam
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Since the topography of the dam site is the first criterion of the selection process. For deep gorges, a concrete dam is an obvious choice whereas an embankment dam with a separate spillway is generally preferred for
broad valleys in plains.

2. A narrow V-shaped valley indicates the choice of _________________
a) concrete overflow dam
b) spillway
c) arch dam
d) earth dam
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The choice of an arch dam is suggested for a narrow V-shaped valley. A separate site for the spillway must also be available and it is generally preferred to have the top width of the valley less than 1/4 of its height.

3. Which of the following foundations are suitable for earthen and rock-fill dams?
a) Solid rock foundation
b) Gravel foundation
c) Silt and fine sand foundation
d) Clay foundation
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Gravel foundations are suitable for earthen and rock-fill dams as the coarse sands and gravels are unable to bear the weight of high concrete gravity dams. However, low concrete gravity dams up to a height of 15 m may also be suggested.
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4. Which foundation suggests the adoption of an earth dam or very low gravity dam?
a) Solid rock foundation
b) Gravel foundation
c) Silt and fine sand foundation
d) Clay foundation
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Silt and fine sand foundation suggest the adoption of earth dams or low gravity dams up to a height of 8 m and a rock-fill dam is not suitable on such foundation. Seepage and settlement through such foundation may be excessive and must be properly designed to avoid dangers

5. Which foundation is not fit for concrete gravity dam or for rock-fill dams?
a) Solid rock foundation
b) Gravel foundation
c) Silt and fine sand foundation
d) Clay foundation
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Due to enormous settlement, unconsolidated and high moisture clays are not fit for concrete gravity dams or for rock-fill dams. It can be accepted for earthen dams but only after special treatment.
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6. Which dam is a better choice when the raw materials are not available and have to be transported from far off distances?
a) Earthen dam
b) Rock-fill dam
c) Concrete gravity dam
d) Hollow concrete dam
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Availability of construction materials sometimes dictates the choice. A buttress (hollow concrete dam) is a better choice if the material has to be transported from far off distances. If they are easily available it naturally calls for a concrete gravity dam.

7. For any width of the valley with any foundation and low height of water to be stored, the best-suited dam is _____________
a) steel dam
b) buttress dam
c) timber dam
d) solid gravity dam
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: For any width of the valley with good foundation steel dam is the most suited and if the low height of the water is to be stored for any width of the valley with any foundation timber dam is suited. If gorge with the rocky bed is available soli gravity dam is suited.
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8. Arch dams are constructed in _____________
a) wide valleys with flat side slopes
b) narrow valley with weak abutments
c) moderate valleys with strong abutments
d) narrow valleys with strong abutments
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: An arch dam is very suitable for the narrow valley provided with good rock abutments are available. They are best suited at sites where the dam must be extremely high and narrow but the presence of sound abutments is an important requirement.

9. Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding the selection of dam site?
a) For economy, the length of the dam should be as small as possible
b) For a given height, it should store the maximum volume of water
c) The river valley at the dam site should be narrow but should open out upstream to provide a large basin for a reservoir
d) The general bed level at the dam site should preferably be lower than that of the river basin
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The general B.L should preferably be higher than that of the river basin which facilitates drainage problem and will reduce the height of the dam. The water storage should be largest for the minimum possible height and length and site should be located in a narrow valley.
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10. Which structures are best suited to resist earthquake shocks without danger?
a) Earthen dams
b) Concrete gravity dams
c) Timber dam
d) Both earthen and concrete gravity dams
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The design must include the earthquake forces if the dam is to be situated in an earthquake zone and the safety is ensured by considering the worst-case against the increased stress induced by high intensity. The best-suited dams are earthen dams and concrete gravity dams.

Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Irrigation Engineering.

To practice all areas of Irrigation Engineering for Interviews, here is complete set of 1000+ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.

If you find a mistake in question / option / answer, kindly take a screenshot and email to [email protected]

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Manish Bhojasia, a technology veteran with 20+ years @ Cisco & Wipro, is Founder and CTO at Sanfoundry. He lives in Bangalore, and focuses on development of Linux Kernel, SAN Technologies, Advanced C, Data Structures & Alogrithms. Stay connected with him at LinkedIn.

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