Image: Wikimedia Commons

arch dam

Solid dam made of concrete that is curved upstream in plan

Instance of: type of dam
Subclass of: dam

Overview

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · Read full article · Text CC BY-SA 4.0

An arch dam is a concrete dam that is curved upstream in plan. The arch dam is designed so that the force of the water against it, known as hydrostatic pressure, presses against the arch, causing the arch to straighten slightly and strengthening the structure as it pushes into its foundation or abutments. An arch dam is most suitable for narrow canyons or gorges with steep walls of stable rock to support the structure and stresses. Since they are thinner than any other dam type, they require much less construction material, making them economical and practical in remote areas.

Overview

On other databases

13 identifiers linking arch dam across the web's reference databases

Data quality

statements

36%

externally sourced

Source last edited November 11, 2026. AIDb refreshes this page daily.

Suggest a fact or correction

Links

Use this data

curl https://aidb.si/api/v1/entities/Q890545

API docs, limits & keys

Cite this page

AIDb. (2026). arch dam (Q890545). Retrieved from https://aidb.si/e/arch-dam-Q890545