IN A NUTSHELL

ACTIVITY 1. Explain the following statement.

1. The one of the purposes of dam is flood prevention but according WWF International
Research Paper published last June 21, 2001 that Dams accused of role in flooding. How can it
possible that the dam that create flood? In what way. Also, give a real-life scenario that a
dam causes a flood on an area.

Ans. We know that the purpose of dam is to prevent flood and to control the flow/ discharge of
streams or river. But dams can also cause flooding. When the water behind a dam reaches the
capacity of the dam, water must be released the prevent damage to the dam. Sometimes
extremely large amounts of water needs to be released during large rain events. These large
releases of water can sometimes cause flooding downstream. Another reason that dams can
cause flood, when the dams are not properly design there’s a possibility that it will collapse and
can cause damage of property and life. For example, The Dale Dyke Dam (1864) collapsed on
first filling. The flood downstream killed about 240 people. The design was probably satisfactory
but the construction technique was flawed, as was the assessment of the impact of cracks. It was
re-built.

2. Give at least five (5) name of a dam that can be found in the Philippines and explain the
purpose of each dam.

Ans.

1. Magat dam – purpose/s: power generation, irrigation

2. San Roque dam- purpose/s: flood control
3. Angat dam – purpose/s: power generation, irrigation, and potable water
4. Ipo dam – purpose/s: irrigation and flood control
5. Binga dam – purpose/s: power generation
3. What is the difference between a weir and a dam?

Ans. weir is an impervious barrier constructed across a river to raise the water level on the
upstream side. The water is raised up to the required height and the water then flows over the
weir. In a weir the water overflows the weir, but in a dam the water overflows through a special
place called a spillway. Weirs have traditionally been used to create mill ponds. They are also
used to prevent flooding, measure discharge, and help render a river navigable. While A dam is
a high impervious barrier constructed across a river valley to form a deep storage reservoir.
The surplus water is not allowed to flow over the dam, but it flows through the spillways
provided at some level built into the dam.

4. How can hydraulics structures improve the life of the people?

Ans. There is much importance of Hydraulic structures in civil engineering. This sector can be
described as a neglected field in the world. Many engineers, especially civil engineers build fluid
retaining structures which stand with different structures. Some of the structures include weirs,
canals, aqueducts, and notches.
In general, hydraulic structures deal with different concerns and problems related to water.
These areas include dams, piping systems, pumping stations, gabion, irrigation systems, and
sewerage systems among many other aspects. These are areas that are very important in
society.
Some of the notable importance of this sector include the availability of a proper drainage
system. Through a good drainage system, people can get away with different water-borne
diseases. Besides, water can be treated and therefore people consume clean water. With clean
water, people can live healthy lives.
Without hydraulic structures, the world would be spending half of their time looking and
fetching water.