Dammkörper

Dammkörper refers to a German term that broadly translates to "dam body" or "embankment body." It is a structural element that forms the main mass of an embankment dam. These dams are constructed from compacted materials such as earth, rock, or a combination of both, forming a barrier to impound water. The Dammkörper is designed to withstand the immense pressure exerted by the reservoir it creates and to ensure stability and prevent leakage. The composition and design of the Dammkörper are critical factors in the dam's safety and performance. Different types of embankment dams, such as earth-fill dams and rock-fill dams, are distinguished by the primary materials used in their Dammkörper. In earth-fill dams, the Dammkörper is typically composed of cohesive soils like clay and silt, often with a central impermeable core to prevent seepage. Rock-fill dams, on the other hand, utilize large quantities of rock, with finer materials used to create a watertight face or core. The construction process involves careful selection, placement, and compaction of these materials to achieve the required density and strength, ensuring the long-term integrity of the structure.