Shear Forces on Dams: Struggling Amateur Needs Help

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding shear forces acting on dams, specifically whether these forces act through the center of pressure or at the bottom of the dam. The user has calculated shear forces at the bottom, assuming it is the only support point. The solution involves modeling the dam as a beam fixed at one end and free at the other, with hydrostatic pressure modeled as a distributed load. Analyzing the reactions at the fixed end and creating shear force and bending moment diagrams is essential for solving this problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beam theory and mechanics
  • Familiarity with hydrostatic pressure concepts
  • Knowledge of shear force and bending moment diagrams
  • Ability to perform structural analysis of fixed and free beams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study beam theory and its applications in structural engineering
  • Learn about hydrostatic pressure distribution and its effects on structures
  • Practice drawing shear force and bending moment diagrams
  • Explore fixed and free beam analysis techniques in structural mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Engineering students, structural engineers, and anyone involved in the analysis and design of dam structures will benefit from this discussion.

Eivind Johansen
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Im struggeling with understanding this task. Yeah I'm an amateur.. My English is not that good as well. My main problem is understanding where the share forces act on this dam, if its through the centre of pressure, or if its at the bottom of the dam. Now I have calculated the share forces acting on the bottom of the dam, as I have assumed this is the only place it is supported. Can anyone help me with this, or does anyone have some point of view.
 

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Eivind Johansen said:
Im struggeling with understanding this task. Yeah I'm an amateur.. My English is not that good as well. My main problem is understanding where the share forces act on this dam, if its through the centre of pressure, or if its at the bottom of the dam. Now I have calculated the share forces acting on the bottom of the dam, as I have assumed this is the only place it is supported. Can anyone help me with this, or does anyone have some point of view.
This problem is asking you to assume that the dam structure can be modeled as a beam which is fixed at one end and free to move at the other.

The hydrostatic pressure load on the submerged portion of the dam is modeled as a distributed load on the simple beam which is zero at the surface of the water, increasing in a linear fashion with increasing water depth.

Since this is a beam problem, you'll have to analyze it as such, by working out the reactions at the fixed end, and then drawing the shear force and bending moment diagrams along the length of the beam.

If you've worked beam problems before, then this should be fairly straightforward. If you haven't, then you'll have some further study to do.
 

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