Saturday, November 30, 2013

DERIVING THE FORMULA FOR ESTIMATING DAM STORAGE CAPACITY


At the preliminary design stage of the dam, the storage capacity is estimated by the following formula:

   Q = LTD
            6

Where;
            Q = Storage Capacity in m3
          L = Length of the Dam at Full Supply Level in m
          T = Throwback in m and approximately in a Straight Line from the Wall
          D = Maximum Depth of the Dam at Fully Supply Level in m
The formula is derived as shown below:
The above method is accurate to within 20% and should be revised when a more detailed survey has been undertaken. The factor 6 in the formula is conservative so based on experience and local knowledge it can be adjusted.