Indiacon Civil

Structures Library

Dams, canals and barrages

What it is

Structures that store, raise or carry water for irrigation, supply, power and flood control.

How it works

A dam resists water pressure by weight, arch action or a sealed embankment; barrages raise river level with gates; canals carry water on a gentle slope.

Diagram: Indiacon original, not to scale.

Main components

Dam body, foundation grouting, spillway, gates, energy dissipator, intake, canal lining, falls, regulators, cross-drainage works.

Key codes

IS 6512, IS 8826, IS 10430, IS 7784. Cited by number only; get the text from BIS or the issuing body.

Notable projects

Banasura Sagar dam, Hoover Dam (USA).

Videos

Last reviewed: 23 Oct 2026. Sources: official publications and cited standards, see sources and policy. Report an error: comment on the related video on YouTube.