Dam engineering

Arch dam
Best for narrow rocky ravines with steep walls strong enough to support the structure, these are solid concrete structures that curve upstream, forming an arch. The pressure from the water is distributed evenly for structural integrity, similar to an arch bridge. The weight of the dam pushes it into the ground, helping to reinforce it. Examples that are double-curved horizontally and vertically are referred to as dome dams.

Buttress dam
Buttress dams are used when the surrounding rock is not strong enough to provide a solid foundation. A series of solid concrete buttresses lined along the downstream face of the dam provide the strength needed to hold it in place. Buttresses add weight to the structure, pushing towards the ground and anchoring the dam even further. Since most of the support comes from the buttresses, the dam wall can either be flat or curved.

Embankment dam
Made from a bank of earth, these dams rely on their intense weight and sloped shape to hold the water back. There may be an impervious layer of concrete, plastic or other material on the upstream face if the particle sizes in the earth are big enough for water to seep through. Earth-filled dams can be made completely from one type of material, but may need a layer that collects and drains seep-water to ensure the structure stays intact.