The Hoover Dam, built 80 years ago, stands strong due to its innovative design and engineering. The dam was designed by Mr. John Savage, who chose a curved arch dam structure to withstand water pressure and tensile stress. The dam's width increases towards the base, lowering its center of gravity and increasing stability. To construct the dam, workers had to remove weathered rocks, dig a strong foundation, and use a unique cooling system to prevent heat buildup during the concrete pouring process. The dam's design includes intake towers, turbines, and generators to produce electricity, as well as spillways to prevent overflow. The dam also features a tunnel system to reduce uplift pressure and ensure stability. The Hoover Dam is a remarkable feat of engineering that has withstood the test of time and continues to serve the United States in irrigation, flood control, and electricity production.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Hoover Dam was built 80 years ago.
2. The dam serves the United States in the fields of irrigation, flood control, and electricity production.
3. The dam is located in the Black Canyon mountains next to the Colorado River.
4. The Black Canyon mountains were chosen for their decent height and narrow gaps.
5. The dam is designed with a curved shape to reduce stress on the concrete.
6. The curved shape of the dam allows it to withstand compressive forces.
7. The dam's design is called a gravitational arch dam.
8. The dam's height is 726 feet.
9. The dam's construction required removing weathered rocks to reach solid bedrock.
10. The dam's foundation was excavated to a depth of 135 feet.
11. The dam's construction required diverting the river flow using temporary dams and diversion tunnels.
12. The concrete used in the dam's construction was poured in blocks to prevent heat buildup.
13. The dam's construction used steel pipes to cool the concrete and control its temperature.
14. The dam has not shown any cracks to date.
15. The dam has 17 vertical Francis-type turbines that rotate electric generators.
16. Each generator produces enough electricity to power 100,000 people.
17. The dam's reservoir is used for irrigation purposes.
18. The dam is used for flood control by storing water in the reservoir.
19. The dam has spillways to release excess water and prevent damage to downstream structures.
20. The dam has tunnels that collect water from the body and bottom of the dam to reduce uplift pressure.
21. The dam's construction required the sacrifice of 96 workers' lives.