Boogdammen

Boogdammen are a type of dam in Dutch engineering terminology known as arch dams. The upstream face of an boogdam is curved, and the structure relies on the arch action to transfer most of the water pressure to the dam’s abutments. This allows the dam to be thinner than a gravity dam in suitable sites while still remaining structurally sound.

There are two main varieties: single-curvature arch dams, curved in one vertical plane, and double-curvature arch dams, curved in both vertical and horizontal planes. Double-curvature designs can achieve higher strength and allow for tighter radii, making them suitable for more demanding geography.

Site requirements are stringent. Boogdammen perform best in narrow valleys or canyons with solid, stable abutments and strong bedrock that can resist thrust. The dam’s geometry and curvature are tailored to expected hydraulic loads and seismic considerations. Construction quality and concrete durability are critical to maintain long-term performance.

History and usage: the arch dam concept emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with reinforced concrete implementations becoming common in the ensuing decades. Today, arch dams are built worldwide in locations where a curved upstream face can efficiently transfer thrust to the surrounding rock. Their use is often favored when space is limited and the geology supports stable abutments.

Advantages and limitations: arch dams use less material than gravity dams in appropriate terrain, which can reduce costs and allow elegant integration into the landscape. However, their feasibility depends on strong abutments and suitable geology; unsuitable sites can render arch designs impractical. Seismic forces require careful analysis and design adjustments.

In Dutch-speaking contexts, boogdammen is the standard term for this dam type in engineering literature and planning. See also arch dam, dam, concrete dam.