arch dam

Its curvature allows most of the water’s thrust to be transmitted to the usually narrow valley slopes supporting it.

cross section of an arch dam

pulvino

Supporting mass of the dam foundation that bears its weight and transmits it to the ground.

reservoir

Basin formed by the construction of a dam; it holds back a very large volume of water so that the flow rate can be controlled.

soil

Natural rocky ground in which the dam is anchored.

afterbay

Area of the watercourse where water is discharged after passing through the turbines.

peripheral joint

Material that fills the space between the dam and the pulvino over the entire length of the structure; it allows the structure to transmit the thrust of the water to its lateral supports.

cantilever

Imaginary vertical element that is used to calculate the arch dam (usually by breaking it down into horizontal arches and vertical cantilever elements).