Civil and, Hydraulic Engineering Section, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12.
After a simple explanation of the structural behaviour of an arch, its use as a structural member in a dam is investigated. In order to avoid tensile stresses in an arch the curve of pressure in an arch is to be retained within its middle third. The criterion of eccentricity in circular arches of constant thickness is then discussed, and a simple inspection test is developed to determine the suitability of such arches for arch dams, even under deformable foundations.
