Lateral Force and Pressure on a dam

Thread starter designer rose
Start date Oct 21, 2008
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Force Pressure

AI Thread Summary

The total lateral force on a vertical dam that is 75 ft high and 135 ft wide, with water at the top, is calculated to be 2.4 x 10^7 pounds. To determine the pressure on the lake bottom next to the dam, the pressure distribution across the dam's face must be considered, as it varies with depth. The pressure increases linearly with depth, leading to a maximum pressure at the base of the dam. The calculations for both the lateral force and pressure distribution involve integrating the pressure over the area of the dam. Understanding these principles is crucial for dam safety and design.

Oct 21, 2008

designer rose

1a. What is the total lateral force on a vertical dam 75 ft high and 135 ft wide if the water comes up to the very top of the dam?

I think I got the answer to this one, is it 2.4 x 10^7?

1b. What is the pressure on the lake bottom next to the dam?

Last edited: Oct 21, 2008

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Oct 21, 2008

Q_Goest

Science Advisor

Show how you got 1a please.

If you got 1a, then how did you resolve the pressure distribution across the face of the dam?

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