Engineering Geology Multiple Choice Questions on “Types of Dams – 02”.
1. How many types of arch dams are present?
a) 1
b) 3
c) 4
d) 2
Answer: d
Clarification: Two main types of arch dams are: The constant radius arch dam and the variable radius dam.
2. The type of arch dam in which upstream face is vertical is __________
a) Constant radius arch dam
b) Variable radius arch dam
c) Vertical arch dam
d) Inclined arch dam
Answer: a
Clarification: The constant radius arch dam is an arch dam in which the radius of curvature throughout the structure is constant and upstream face is vertical.
3. An arch dam having a curvature both in horizontal and vertical alignment is called __________
a) Constant radius arch dam
b) Variable radius dam
c) Cupola
d) Cipalo
Answer: c
Clarification: An arch dam having a curvature both in horizontal and vertical alignment is often called a cupola dam.
4. Pick the wrong statement about arch dams.
a) Arch dams are heavier compared to other types
b) Arch dams offer many advantages over other dams
c) Arch dams are quite thin walled compared to gravity dams
d) Arch dams are lighter in weight compared to other types
Answer: a
Clarification: In ideal situation, arch dams offer many advantages over other types of dams. Arch dams are quite thin walled compared to gravity dams and hence lighter in weight.
5. Arch dams are best suitable for which site?
a) Flat lands
b) Plateaus
c) Narrow valleys
d) Very wide valleys
Answer: c
Clarification: Arch dams are better suited for narrow valleys with strong and uniformly sloping walls or abutments.
6. The arch dam in India is situated in which state?
a) Karnataka
b) Gujarat
c) Kerala
d) Maharashtra
Answer: c
Clarification: The Idukki dam in Kerala is an important arch dam of our country.
7. The dam which generally is of trapezoidal shape is __________
a) Gravity dams
b) Arch dams
c) Cupola dams
d) Embankment dams
Answer: d
Clarification: Embankment dams include a variety of non-rigid structures which are built over wide valleys with varying foundation characteristics from easily available materials such as earth and rock fragments. These are generally of trapezoidal shape.
8. The dam which can be constructed even on glacial deposits is __________
a) Gravity dams
b) Arch dams
c) Embankment dams
d) Cupola dams
Answer: c
Clarification: The main advantage of the embankment dams is that they can be constructed on weak foundations such as unconsolidated weak-river or glacial deposits.
9. The Hirakud dam in India is which type of dam?
a) Gravity dams
b) Arch dams
c) Cupola dams
d) Embankment dams
Answer: d
Clarification: The Hirakud dam in Orissa is one of the longest embankment dams of our country.
10. The compacted core is generally made of __________
a) Shale
b) Clay
c) Limestone
d) Coal
Answer: b
Clarification: An embankment dam is constructed as a homogeneous construction but very commonly, with a properly compacted core of impervious material such as clay.
11. An arch dam cannot be constructed at all when the valley is very wide.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: A combination of series of arch dams called Multiple Arch Dams is sometimes applied with an advantage when the valley is too wide for a single arch or gravity dam. Hence, arch dam can be constructed in a very wide valley too.