Chapter III: Hydrostatics Forces on Surfaces

Intended Learning Outcome:

Upon completing this chapter and working through a problem sets at the end-of-module, you will be able to:
 Understand the concept of hydrostatic forces on surfaces.
 Calculate the hydrostatic forces on plane and curved surfaces.
 Analyze and evaluate the equilibrium forces on structures with hydrostatic loads.

Chapter Overview:
The study of hydrostatic forces on surfaces is essential for understanding the pressure distribution on a submerged
surface. This module will provide an in-depth analysis of hydrostatic forces on both plane and curved surfaces, including the
calculation of hydrostatic force and the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle.
The discussion will highlight the practical applications of hydrostatic forces on surfaces, such as the design and
construction of dams, ships, and submarines. Additionally, the discussion will explore the challenges that arise in the application
of these principles and the importance of considering environmental factors to ensure optimal results.
Discussion:
III.1 Hydrostatic Forces
The study of hydrostatic forces on surfaces involves analyzing the pressure distribution, calculating resultant forces and
moments, and determining the stability and equilibrium of submerged structures. Engineers use principles of fluid mechanics and
mathematical equations to model and predict the behavior of these forces in different fluid environments.
When a surface, whether flat or curved, is in contact with a static mass of fluid, it experiences a force exerted by the fluid
known as total pressure. This force always acts perpendicular to the surface. The point on the surface where the total pressure is
applied is termed the center of pressure.
In immersed surfaces, the intensity of total pressure increases with depth. As a result, the total pressure force does not
align with the center of gravity of the vertical surface but rather at a point below it, termed the center of pressure. Conversely, for
horizontal surfaces, the pressure intensity is uniform across the surface, causing the center of pressure to coincide with the center
of gravity.
Determining the total pressure and center of pressure is crucial in the design of hydraulic structures like dams, sluice gates,
and lock gates. These considerations ensure structural stability and proper functioning in fluid environments.
In hydrostatics, the distribution of pressure on submerged surfaces is a key consideration. Pressure increases with depth
in a fluid, resulting in varying intensities of hydrostatic forces across the surface. This non-uniform pressure distribution can lead to
complex force interactions, requiring careful analysis to determine the resultant forces and moments acting on the structure.

Total Hydrostatic Force and Center Pressure

Total hydrostatic force (or Total Pressure) refers to the force exerted by a fluid on a submerged surface due to its weight.
It is calculated by integrating the hydrostatic pressure over the surface area. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure due to
the height and density of the fluid, and it increases with depth.
The center of pressure is the point at which the hydrostatic force can be considered to act on a submerged surface. It is
the point where the resultant force due to fluid pressure is assumed to act. The center of pressure is not fixed and can
change with changes in the angle of the surface, the depth of submersion, and the shape of the surface.

Let’s consider forces acting on the surface of the element,

dF  pdA
p  h, and  h ൌ ysin Where:
dF  ysin dA F = Total pressure
e = eccentricity
 dF   sin  ydA A = area of the body
F  Aysin 
hcg = h
F  Ahcg

F  Ah

Figure 3.1. Hydrostatic Force and Center pressure.

III.1.1 Horizontally Immersed Surface
A horizontally immersed surface is a surface that is submerged in a fluid such that its surface is parallel to the free surface
of the fluid. When a horizontally immersed surface is at rest, the hydrostatic pressure acting on it is constant at any depth
below the fluid surface. The magnitude of the hydrostatic pressure is given by the equation:
F   hA
where :
  specific weight of liquid
A  area of the surface
y  depth of horizontal surface from the liquid

III.1.2 Vertically Immersed Surface

A vertically immersed surface is a surface that is submerged in a fluid such that its surface is perpendicular to the free
surface of the fluid. The distribution of hydrostatic pressure along the vertically immersed surface can be visualized as a
triangular distribution, where the hydrostatic pressure is maximum at the base of the surface and decreases linearly
towards the top of the surface. The total hydrostatic force acting on a vertically immersed surface can be calculated by
dividing the surface into small vertical strips and integrating the hydrostatic pressure over each strip. The magnitude of the
total hydrostatic force is given by the equation:
dF  pdA
dF  ydA

 dF   ybdy
F  Ah
where :
  specific weight of liquid
A  area of the surface
h  depth of center of area
hCP  depth of center pressure from free surface
Calculation of center pressure:
Taking moments at free surface:
dM  ydF
dM  y  ydA 
dM  y 2dA

 dM    by dy
2

but :

 by dy  I  moment of inertia of the surface about free liquid surface

2
0

M  I0
It is said that the total hydrostatic force will pass at the center of pressure, then:
M  F  hcp solving: e
and: e  hcp  h
I0
F  hcp  I0 e h
Ah

2
I0  A h
Ah  hcp  I0 e
Ah

2
Ah  hcp  I0 I0  ICG  A h
I0 ICG
hcp  e
Ah Ah
Table. 3.1. PROPERTIES OF PLANE FIGURES (PART 1)
Table. 3.2. PROPERTIES OF PLANE FIGURES (PART 2)
Examples:
Problem 3.1. Figure shows a circular plate of diameter 1.2 m placed vertically in water in such a way that the center of the place is
2.5 m below the free surface of water. Determine: (i) Total pressure on the plate. (ii) Position of center of pressure.
Given : h  2.5 m
D  1.20m
sol'n;
ሺiሻ total pressure

F   w Ah

F  9.81 0.25 1.2   2.5

2

 
F  27.74 kN  answer!
ሺiiሻ position of center pressure
ICG
e
Ah
 
ICG  D4  1.2
4

64 64

 1.2
4

e 64
0.25 1.2  2.5
2

e  0.036 m
hCP ൌ2.536 m  answer!
Problem 3.2. A rectangular plate 3 meters long and 1 meter wide is immersed vertically in water in such a way that its 3 meters
side is parallel to the water surface and is 1 meter below it. Find: (i) Total pressure on the plate, and (ii) Position of center of
pressure.
Given : b  3 m

h  1.5 m
sol'n;
ሺiሻ total pressure

F   w Ah
F  9.81ሺ1.0ሻሺ3ሻሺ1.5ሻ
F  44.15 kN  answer!
ሺiiሻ position of center pressure
ICG
e
Ah
3ሺ1ሻ3
ICG 
12
0.25
e
1ሺ3ሻሺ1.5ሻ
e  0.056 m
hCP ൌ1.556 m  answer!
Problem 3.3. An isosceles triangular plate of base 3 m and Problem 3.4. A square aperture in the vertical side of a tank
altitude 3 m is immersed vertically in an oil of specific gravity has one diagonal vertical and is completely covered by a
0.8. The base of the plate coincides with the free surface of plane plate hinged along one of the upper sides of the
oil. Determine: (i) Total pressure on the plate, and (ii) center aperture. The diagonals of the aperture are 2.4 m long, and
of pressure. the tank contains a liquid of specific gravity 1.2. The center of
aperture is 1.8 m below the free surface. Calculate: (i) the
thrust exerted on the plate by the liquid, (ii) the position of its
center of pressure.

Given : b  3 m
h 3 m
 oil  7.848 kN/m3 Given : h  1.8 m
sol'n; 1
A  ሺ1.2ሻሺ2.4ሻ  2.88 m2
ሺiሻ total pressure 2
 s  11.772 kN/m3
dF  pdA
sol'n;
p  o  y 
ሺiሻ total pressure
dF  7.848  y  bdy
F   s Ah
1
b  2x ,  x  3  y  F  11.772 2.88 1.8 
2
 3  y  dy
3
 dF  7.848 y
0
F  61.03 kN  answer!
F  35.316 kN  answer! ሺiiሻ position of center pressure
ሺiiሻ position of center pressure I0
hCP 
I0 Ah
hCP   bh3   2.4ሺ1.2ሻ3 
Ah ICG  2    2 
I0   y 2dA   y 2bdy  12  4  12 
ICG  0.6912m
27 4
I0   y 2 3  y  dy 
3
m

2
0 4 I0  ICG  A h
Ah   ydA   y 3  y  dy
3

0 I0  10.0224 m4
Ah  4.5 m3 10.0224
hCP ൌ
hCP ൌ1.5 m  answer! 2.88ሺ1.8ሻ
hCP ൌ1.9333 m  answer!
PRACTICE PROBLEMS: Problem 3.3. A caisson for closing the entrance to a dry dock
Problem 3.1. A trapezoidal 2 m wide at the bottom and 1 m is of trapezoidal form 16 m wide at the top and 10 m wide at
deep has side slopes 1: 1. Determine: (i) Total pressure on the bottom and 6 m deep. Find the total pressure and center
the plate, and (ii) Centre of pressure on the vertical gate of pressure on the caisson if the water on the outside is just
closing the channel when it is full of water. level with the top and dock is empty.
Ans: 13.08 kN, 0.62 m Ans: 2.12 MN, 3.833 m

Problem 3.2. A sliding gate 3 m wide and 1.5 m high lies on a Problem 3.4. A cubical tank has sides of 1.5 m. It contains
vertical plane and has a co-efficient of friction of 0.2 between water for the lower 0.6 m depth. The upper remaining part
itself and guides. If the gate weighs 30 kN, find the vertical is filled with oil of specific gravity 0.9. Calculate for one
force required to raise the gate if its upper edge is at a depth vertical side of the tank: (i) Total pressure on the plate, and
of 9 m from free surface of water. (ii) position center of pressure.
Ans: 116.08 kN Ans: 15.164 kN, 1.005 m

P
III.1.3 Inclined Plane Surface Immersed in Liquid
The hydrostatic pressure acting on an inclined plane immersed in a liquid varies with depth and the angle of inclination.
The total hydrostatic force acting on an inclined plane immersed in a liquid can be calculated by dividing the surface into
small horizontal strips and integrating the hydrostatic pressure over each strip. The hydrostatic force acting on an inclined
surface immersed in a fluid can be resolved into two components: the horizontal hydrostatic force and the weight of the
fluid.
dF  pdA
p  h, and  h ൌ ysin
dF  ysin dA

 dF   sin  ydA
F  Aysin 

F  Ah
Calculation of center pressure:
Taking moments about line 0-0:
dM  ydF
dM  y  ysin dA 
dM  y 2 sin dA

 dM   sin  y dA
2

but :

 y dA  I  moment of inertia of the surface about free liquid surface

2
0

M  I0 sin 
It is said that the total hydrostatic force will pass at the center of pressure, then:
M  F  y cp solving: e
and: e  y cp  y
I0
F  y cp  I0sin e y
Ay

2
I0  A y
Aysin  y cp  I0sin e
Ay

2
Ay  y cp  I0 I0  ICG  A y
I0 ICG
y cp  e
Ay Ay
hcp  y cp sin 
I0 sin 
hcp 
Ay
Examples: Problem 3.7. A trapezoidal plate measuring 1 m at the top
Problem 3.5. A 1m wide and 1.5 m deep rectangular plane edge and 1.5 m at the bottom edge is immersed in water with
surface lies in water in such a way that its plane makes an the plan making an angle of 30° to the free surface of water.
angle of 30° with the free water surface. Determine the total The top and the bottom edges lie at 0.5 m and 1 m
pressure and position of center of pressure when the upper respectively from the surface. Determine the hydrostatic
edge is 0.75 m below the free water surface. force on the plate.
Given : b  1 m Given :   300

h  1.5 m  3 2
A  ሺ22  12 ሻ  m
4 4
y  2.25 m 1  0.5
h  1.0 m
sol'n; sinሺ30ሻ
sol'n;
ሺiሻ total pressure
ሺiሻ total pressure
F  pA
dF  pdA
F  o A h
dF  y sin bdy
F  9.81 2.25sinሺ30ሻሺ1ሻሺ1.5ሻ
1
b  1  2x  2x  ሺy  1ሻ
F  16.55 kN  answer! 2
b  0.5ሺy  1ሻ
ሺiiሻ position of center pressure
2

hCP 
I0 sin   dF   0.5 sinሺ30ሻyሺy  1ሻdy
1
2
Ay
 dF   4.905sinሺ30ሻyሺy  1ሻdy
bh3
 1ሺ1.5ሻ3
2 1
I0  A y   1.5ሺ1ሻሺ2.25ሻ2
12 12 F  9.401 kN  answer!
I0  7.875 m4
7.875sinሺ30ሻ Problem 3.8. An inclined rectangular sluice gate AB 1.2 m by
hCP   1.17 m
1.5ሺ1ሻሺ2.25ሻ 5 m size as shown in figure below is installed to control the
hCP ൌ1.17 m  answer! discharge of water. The end A is hinged. Determine the force
Problem 3.6. An annular plate 2m external diameter and 1m normal to the gate applied at B to open it.
internal diameter with its greatest and least depths below the Given :   450
surface being 1.5 m and 0.75 m respectively. Calculate the A  1.2ሺ5ሻ  6 m2
magnitude, direction and location of the force acting upon
y  6.471 m
one side of the plate due to water pressure.
1.5  0.75  5 
Given : sin    0.375 h  0.6  sin45
2  sinሺ45ሻ 
 3 2 h  4.576 m
A  ሺ22  12 ሻ  m
4 4
sol'n;
h  1.125 m
ሺiሻ total pressure
1.125 m
y  3.0 m
0.375 P  Ah
sol'n;
P  9.81ሺ6ሻሺ4.576ሻ
ሺiሻ total pressure
P  269.34 kN
F   w Ah
ሺiiሻ solving hcp
 3 
F  9.81  1.125 I0
 4  hcp  sin 
F  26.00 kN  answer! Ay
5ሺ1.2ሻ3
 6ሺ6.471ሻ2
ሺiiሻ position of center pressure hcp  12 sinሺ45ሻ
6ሺ6.471ሻ
I0 hcp  4.589 m
hCP  sin 
Ay
 4 4 y cp  6.4895 m

2  1    3
2

hCP ൌ 64
3
0.375 M A
0

4
 3   5 
1.2F  269.34  6.4895    1.2  
hCP ൌ1.164 m  answer!   sinሺ45ሻ 
F  138.807 kN  answer!
PRACTICE PROBLEMS: Problem 3.7. There is an opening in a container shown in
Problem 3.5. A 6 m × 2 m rectangular gate is hinged at the figure. Find the force F and the reaction at the hinge.
base and is inclined at an angle of 60° with the horizontal. The Ans: 19.2 kN, 18.09 kN
upper end of the gate is kept in position by a weight of 60 kN
acting at angle of 90° as shown in figure below. Neglecting the
weight of the gate, find the level of water when the gate
begins to fall.
Ans: 4.36 m

Problem 3.6. A gate supporting water takes the form of an Problem 3.8. Figure shows a rectangular sluice gate AB, 3 m
inclined shield which swings around a hinged axis O (figure). wide and 4.5 m long hinged at A. It is kept closed by a weight
Determine: (i) The position x of the hinge at which a water fixed to the gate. The total weight of the gate and weight
level of h = 5.1 m on the left would cause the gate to tip over fixed to the gate is 515 kN. The center of gravity of the weight
the hinge; (ii) The magnitude of hydrostatic free on the gate and gate is at G. Find the height of the water h which will first
just before it opens (tips about the hinge) automatically. cause the gate to open.
Neglect frictional effects. Ans: 4.08 m
Ans: 2.4 m, 180.11 kN
III.2.1 Hydrostatic Forces on Submerged Curve Surfaces
In numerous engineering scenarios, the surface under consideration is non-planar, often curved. These surfaces can be
found in structures like tanks, dams, and pipes. his curvature allows the hydrostatic forces acting on the dam to be sustained
by the walls of the canyon where the dam is situated.

Total hydrostatic force for immersed objects both faces incontact

with the liquid.

Horizontal component of the hydrostatic force:

R x  FAB   hA
Vertical component of the hydrostatic force:
R y  W  V

Total hydrostatic force:

R   R 
2 2
FH  x y

Total hydrostatic force for immersed objects not all faces incontact
with the liquid.

Horizontal component of the hydrostatic force:

R x  FAB   hA
Vertical component of the hydrostatic force:
R y  W  hA  V
R y  V0

Total hydrostatic force:

R   R 
2 2
FH  x y
Examples: Problem 3.10. A cylindrical roller of 2 m diameter is placed in
Problem 3.9. Surface AB is a circular arc with a radius of 2 m water as shown in the figure. Find the horizontal and vertical
and a width of 1 m into the paper. The distance EB is 4 m. The component of hydrostatic force due to water acting on
fluid above surface AB is water, and atmospheric pressure cylindrical roller per water length.
prevails on the free surface of the water and on the bottom side Given : D ൌ 2 m
of surface AB. Find the magnitude and line of action of the sol'n;
hydrostatic force acting on surface AB.
Given : b  1 m ሺinto the paperሻ ሺiሻ horizontal force on the gate:

h  5.0 m F   w Ah

sol'n; 1
h  JE  EA
2
ሺiሻ horizontal force: 1
h  2  1  cos45  2.854m
Fx   w A h 2
A CDA  AE  1
Fx  9.81ሺ1ሻሺ2ሻሺ5ሻ
A CDA  1  sin45ሺ1ሻ  1.707 m2
Fx  98.10 kN
FhCDA  9.81ሺ1.707ሻሺ2.854ሻ
ሺiiሻ vertical force
FhCDA  47.80 kN 
Fy  W
Fh AB   w Ah AB
Fy   w V
1

Fy  9.81 0.25ሺ2ሻ2  2  4 ሺ1ሻ  h AB  JH  AH
2
1
Fy  109.30 kN h AB  2  2sin45 
2
1  sin45  3.5607m
ሺiiiሻ Line of action ሺhorizontal forceሻ A AB  AH  1  ሺ1  sin45ሻሺ1ሻ  0.293 m2
I0 Fh AB  9.81ሺ0.293ሻሺ3.5607ሻ
hcp 
Ah Fh AB  10.235kN 
bh3

1ሺ2ሻ3
2
I0  A h   2ሺ5ሻ2  50.667
12 12 FH  FhCDA  Fh AB  37.565 kN  Answer!
50.667
hcp   5.0667m ሺiiሻ Vertical force:
2ሺ5ሻ
ሺivሻ Take moment at pt. C FV   w  VCDAB  VCBHL 

 MC  0 VCDAB 
1
 
  12 1  1.5708 m2
2
Fx ሺhcp  4ሻ  Fy x cp  1
VCBHL   2  2  2cosሺ45ሻ 2sin451   3.8284 m2
98.10ሺ5.0667  4ሻ  109.30 x cp   2
FV  9.811.5708  3.8284 
x CP ൌ0.9574 m
FV ൌ52.97 kN  answer!
ሺvሻ Magnitude and line of action from point C.

F   F 
2 2
Fh  x y
 146.87 kN  answer!
x  5.0667  4  1.0667 m  answer!
y  0.9574 m  answer!
Problem 3.11. Find the magnitude and direction of the PRACTICE PROBLEMS:
resultant force due to water acting on a roller gate of Problem 3.9. Gate ABC is a circular arc, sometimes called a
cylindrical form of 4.0 m diameter, when the gate is placed on Tainter gate, which can be raised and lowered by pivoting
the dam in such a way that water is just going to spill. Take about point O. See figure. For the position shown, determine
the length of the gate as 8 m. (a) the hydrostatic force of the water on the gate and (b) its
Given : D ൌ 4 m line of action. Does the force pass through point O?
sol'n; Ans: 179.10 kN, 10.270
ሺiሻ horizontal force on the gate:

F   w ACDE h

h  2.0m
A CDE  CE  8
A CDE  4ሺ8ሻ  32 m2
FhCDE  9.81ሺ32ሻሺ2ሻ  627.84 kN 
ሺiiሻ Vertical force:
FV   w  VABDA 
Problem 3.10. The dam in figure is a quarter circle 50 m
wide into the paper. Determine the horizontal and vertical
VABDA 
1
2
 
  22  8   16 m2 components of the hydrostatic force against the dam and
FV  9.8116  the point CP where the resultant strikes the dam.
Ans: 97.9 MN, 153.8 MN
FV ൌ493.104 kN 
ሺiiiሻ Magnitude and direction:

627.84   493.104
2 2
R
R  798.33 kN  Answer!
 Fv 
  arctan  
 Fh 
 493.104 
  arctan    38.146  Answer!
0

 627.84  Problem 3.11. The 4-ft-diameter log (SG = 0.80) in the figure
is 8 ft long into the paper and dams water as shown. Compute
Problem 3.12. The tank in the figure contains benzene and is the net vertical and horizontal reactions at point C.
pressurized to 200 kPa (gage) in the air gap. Determine the vertical
Ans: 2996 lbs, 313 lbs
hydrostatic force on circular-arc section AB and its line of action.
Specific gravity of benzene = 0.881
Given : P0  200kPa
Gs  0.881
sol'n;
ሺiሻ vertical force
Fv  PA  Wbenzene
Problem 3.8. A 2-ft-diameter sphere weighing 400 lbf closes
P  P0
a 1-ft-diameter hole in the bottom of the tank in shown in the
A  0.6ሺ1ሻ  0.6m2 figure. Compute the force F required to dislodge the sphere
 from the hole.
0.6  1 9.81ሺ0.881ሻ
2
W
4 Ans: 289 lbs
W  2.444 kN
F   200ሺ0.6ሻሺ1ሻ  2.444  kN
Fv  122.44 kN  answer!
III.2.2 Tension Capacity of Hoops
Vessels like boilers and compressed air receivers often come in cylindrical or spherical shapes and are utilized for holding
fluids (whether liquid or gas) under pressure. These vessels typically have thin walls relative to their diameters. When the
thickness of a cylindrical vessel's wall is less than 1/15 to 1/20 of its internal diameter, it is classified as a thin cylinder. In
thin cylinders, stress distribution is assumed to be uniform across the wall thickness.

The tension capacity of hoops refers to the maximum amount of tensile force or stress that hoops, which are circular bands
or rings, can withstand without breaking or yielding. Hoops are commonly used in cylindrical structures like pressure vessels
and pipes to provide reinforcement and prevent the cylinder from bulging or bursting under internal pressure. The tension
capacity of hoops is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of these cylindrical components under pressure.
Cylindrical Vessel Subjected to Internal Pressure
F H
0
p ሺDሻሺHሻ  2T ሺtሻሺHሻ
p ሺDሻ  2T t
 pD
T 
2t
Where:
T  tensile stress or hoop stress of material
p  int ernal pressure or fluid pressure
t  thickness
D  internal diameter

Note: This formula is for cylindrical vessel with full of water.

Spherical Vessel Subjected to Internal Pressure

F V
0
 
p  d2   T  dt 
4 
pd  4T t
 pd
T 
4t
Where:
T  tensile stress or hoop stress of material
p  int ernal pressure or fluid pressure
t  thickness
D  internal diameter

Note: This formula is for cylindrical vessel with full of water.

Examples:
Problem 3.13. A vertical cylindrical tank is 6 m in diameter and 10 m high. Its sides are held in position by means of two steel hoops,
one at the top and one at the bottom. The tank is filled with water up to 9 m. Compute the hydrostatic force at the side of tank.
Determine the tensile stress at the top and at the bottom.
Given : D  6 m
hw  9 m
sol'n;
ሺiሻ Hydrostatic force at the side of the tank.
1
P   w hw  A 
2
P  oA h
P  0.5ሺ9.81ሻሺ9ሻሺ9ሻሺ6ሻ
F  2,383.83 kN  answer!
ሺiiሻ Tensile stress at the top:

M bot
0
2T1 10   P 3
20ሺT1 ሻ  3ሺ2,383.83ሻ
T1  357.57 kN  answer!
ሺiiiሻ Tensile stress at the bottom:

F h
0
P  2T1  2T2
2,383.83  2357.57 
T2 
2
T2  834.34 kN  answer!

Problem 3.14. Find the wall thickness of steel pipe needed to resist the static pressure in a 36-in diameter steel pipe carrying water
under head of 750 ft of water. Use an allowable working stress for steel pipe of 16,000 psi.

Given : D  36 in
h w  750 ft
T  16,000 psi
sol'n;

 Fh  0
p  D H  2T ሺHሻ t 
p  62.4 750  46,800 lb/ft 2  325psi
325ሺ36ሻ  2ሺ16,000ሻሺtሻ
t  0.366 in  answer!
III.2.3 Dams
A significant amount of water is essential for irrigation and power generation year-round. Dams are built to store this water,
while retaining walls are constructed in hilly terrain to hold back the earth. The water stored in a dam applies pressure on
the dam's face in contact with the water, while the earth held by a retaining wall exerts pressure on the wall itself. This
chapter explores various dam types, stress distribution across dam sections, dam stability, and the minimum bottom width
necessary for a dam section.
Types of Dams
There are many types of dams, but the Earth Dam or Gravity type Dams are more important:
1.) Rectangular Dams
2.) Trapezoidal Dams having:
a. Water face in vertical position
b. Water face in inclined position
A trapezoidal dam as compared to rectangular dam is economical and easier to construct. Hence these days
trapezoidal dams are mostly constructed.

Rectangular Dams
Figure shows a rectangular dam having water on one of its sides:

Where:
h  height of the water
F  hydrostatic force exerted by water on the side of the dam
W  weight of the dam per meter length
H  height of the dam
b  width of the dam

Solving the magnitude of F and W.

Hydrostatic force on the face of the dam:
F  hA
1 
F    h h  1
2 
1
F  h2
2
considering 1m-strip.
Taking the unit weight of concrete as  c  23.54kN / m3 :
W   c  Adam  hdam 
W   c  b H 1
W   c bH

Taking moment at point M to get the value of x: distance NM.

h
F   Wx
3
Fh
x
3W
Problem 3.15. A masonry dam of rectangular section, 20 m high and 10 m wide, has water up to a height of 16 m on its one side.
Find. (i) Pressure force due to water on one meter length of the dam, (ii) Position of center of pressure, and (iii) The point at
which the resultant cuts the Base. Take the weight density of masonry = 19.62 kN/m3, and of water = 9.81 kN/m3.
Given : b  10 m
H  20 m
h w  16 m
 m  19.62 kN / m3
sol'n;
ሺiሻ Hydrostatic force at the side of the tank.
1
F   w hw  A 
2
F  0.5ሺ9.81ሻሺ16ሻሺ16ሻሺ1ሻ
F  1,255.68 kN  answer!
ሺiiሻ Position of the center pressure ሺyሻ:
y  16  hcp


2
Io  A h
hcp 
A h

1ሺ16ሻ3
 1ሺ16ሻሺ8ሻ2
32
hcp  12  m
1ሺ16ሻሺ8ሻ 3
32 16
y  16   m  answer!
3 3
note: this is h/3.
ሺiiiሻ The value of x where Ry acts from center of the base:

M M
0
F  y   Wሺxሻ  0
W   m VT  19.62ሺ10ሻሺ20ሻሺ1ሻ  3,924 kN
 16 
1,255.68    3924ሺxሻ  0
 3 
x  1.707 m  answer!

Problem 3.16. A masonry dam of rectangular cross-section 10 m high and 5 m wide has water up to the top on its one side. If the
weight density of masonry is 21.582 kN/m3. Find (i) pressure force due to water per meter length of the dam, (ii) Resultant force
and the point at which it cuts the base of the dam.
Ans: 490.5 kN, 1, 185.35 kN
Stresses across the section of a Rectangular Dams
Figure shows a rectangular dam having water on one of its sides:
Where:
h  height of the water
F  hydrostatic force exerted by water on the side of the dam
W  weight of the dam per meter length
H  height of the dam
b  width of the dam
d  distance from point A to M where Ry
passes from the center base of the dam
e  eccentricity; due to eccentricity, there will be moment
that will cause combine stresses at the base of the dam.

Due to axial load: where:

Due to axial:  Fv  0
P W W Ry  W
A   
A bሺ1ሻ b then :
6We
fb  
Due to moment: b2
Combine stresses: For rectangular section only!
b
R ye  P MC
fb  
MC
 2 f
A

I
I ሺ1ሻሺbሻ3 W 6We
f  2
12 b b
൅ ൌ compression W 6e 
fToe   1    max. stress at the toe.
b b
 ൌ tension W 6e 
fHeel   1    min. stress at the heel.
b b

Problem 3.17. A masonry dam of rectangular section, 20 m high and 10 m wide, has water up to a height of 16 m on its one side.
Find. (i) the maximum and minimum stress intensities at the base of the dam.
Given : b  10 m
H  20 m
h w  16 m
 m  19.62 kN / m3
F  1,255.68 kN
W  3,924 kN
e  1.707 m
Sol'n:
Stresses:
W 6e 
Toe  1  
b b
3924  6ሺ1.708ሻ 
Toe  1  
10  10 
Toe  794.30kPa  compression!

W 6e 
Heel  1  
b b
3924  6ሺ1.708ሻ 
Heel   
1 
10  10 
Heel  9.50 kPa  tension!
Trapezoidal Dams
Figure shows a trapezoidal dam having water face vertical. Considering one meter length of dam.

Where:
h  height of the water
F  hydrostatic force exerted by water on the side of the dam
W  weight of the dam per meter length
H  height of the dam
b  bottom width of the dam
a  top width of the dam
RM  righting moment
OM  overturning moment
e  eccentricity
CG  center of gravity
Solving the magnitude of F and W.
Hydrostatic force on the face of the dam:
F  hA
1 
F    h  h  1
2 
1
F  h2
2
considering 1m-strip.
Solving :d
due to weight: Take area moment at face AC:
W1   c a  H 1 M AC
0

W1   cHa d  1 1
aሺHሻ    H  b  a    b  a  H d  x 
2 2 2
1  ad   b  a    b  a  d  x 
W2   c  b  a  H  1
 2  ad   b  a   bd  bx  ad  ax
1
W2   cH b  a 
2 b  a  bd  x  b  a 
W  W1  W2 b  a  xb  a
d
1 b
W   cHa   cH b  a  then :
2
1 1 b
W   cHa   cHb   cHa ed
2 2 2
1 Combine stresses: For rectangular section only!
W   cH b  a 
2 f
P MC

Taking moment at M: A I
W 6We
M M
0 f  2
b b
W 6e 
h fToe   1    max. stress at the toe.
Wx  F   b b
3 W 6e 
fHeel   1    min. stress at the heel.
h 1 2  b b
 h 
3 2 
x
1
 H b  a 
2 c 
1 wh
3
x
3  cH b  a 
Problem 3.18. A trapezoidal masonry dam is of 18 m height. The dam is having water up to a depth of 15 m on its vertical side. The
top and bottom width of the dam are 4 m and 8 m respectively. The weight density of the masonry is given as 19.62 kN/m3.
Determine (i) The resultant force on the dam per meter length, (ii) The point where the resultant passes through the base from the
center of the section of the base, and (iii) The maximum and minimum stress intensities at the base. Take the weight density of
masonry = 19.62 kN/m3, and of water = 9.81 kN/m3.
Given : b  8 m
H  18 m
h w  15 m
a4 m
 m  19.62 kN / m3
Sol'n:
ሺiሻ resultant force on the dam per meter length
1
F   w h2
2
F  0.5ሺ9.81ሻሺ15ሻ2
F  1,103.63 kN
W1   maH
W1  19.62ሺ4ሻሺ18ሻ
W1  1,412.64 kN
1
W2   mH b  a 
2
1
W2  ሺ19.62ሻሺ18ሻሾ8  4ሿ
2
W2  706.32 kN Stresses at the base of the dam:
W  1,412.64 kN  706.32 kN P MC
f 
W  2,118.96 kN A I
W 6We
f  2
R  ሺ2,118.96ሻ2  ሺ1,103.63ሻ2  2,389.14 kN  answer! b b
since e is positive, it means that the toe is
ሺiiሻ solving for the eccentricity. in compression, while heel is in tension.
M M
0
fToe 
W 6e 
 1    max. stress at the toe.
1,103.635  2,118.96 x  b b
2,118.96  6ሺ2.16ሻ 
fToe  1  
x  2.604 m 8  8 
fToe  605.58 kPa  answer!
M AC
 0  in terms of area
W 6e 
fHeel   1    min. stress at the heel.
 4
4ሺ18ሻ 2  0.5ሺ4ሻሺ18ሻ 4    0.5ሺ8  4ሻሺ18ሻ d  2.604 
b b
3 2,118.96  6ሺ2.16ሻ 
  fToe  1  
d  5.715 m 8  8 
fToe  75.84 kPa  answer!
b
ed
2
8
e  6.16   1.715 m  answer!
2
Problem 3.19. The figure is a cross section of an earthwork dam with specific gravity of 2.5. If the dam experience hydrostatic uplift
that varies linearly from one-half of the hydrostatic head at the upstream edge of the dam to zero at the downstream edge, find the
maximum and minimum pressure intensity in the base of the dam.
`
Given : b  70 ft
H  120 ft
h w  97 ft
a  10 ft
 c  156 lb / ft 3
Sol'n:
ሺiሻ Solve the components of all forces present:
1
F   w h2
2
F  0.5ሺ62.4ሻሺ97ሻ2
F  293,560.80 lbs
W1   caH
W1  156ሺ10ሻሺ120ሻ
W1  187200 lbs
1
W2   cH b  a 
2
1
W2  ሺ162.24ሻሺ90ሻሾ70  10ሿ
2
W2  421200 lbs
W  187200 lbs  421200 lbs
W  608400 lbs
1  Alternate solution of d: ሺmuch easierሻ
Fy  0.5 w h w  b ሺ1ሻ
2 
1  M A
0
Fy  0.5ሺ62.4ሻሺ97ሻ  ሺ70ሻ
2  97   70 
  293,560.80   187200ሺ5ሻ  421200ሺ30ሻ  105,924    502,476  d 
Fy  105,924 lbs  3   3 
d  40.982 ft
Ry  608400 lbs  105,924 lbs  502,476 lbs
b
ed  40.982  35  5.982 ft
ሺiiሻ solving for the eccentricity. 2
Stresses at the base of the dam:
M M
0
P MC
f 
 97   70 
293,560.80   105,924 d    608400 x 
A I
R y 6R y e
 3   3  f  2
7020239.2  105,924d  608400 x   eq.1 b b
since e is positive, it means that the toe is
M AC
 0  in terms of area
in compression, while heel is in tension.
 60 
10ሺ120ሻ5  0.5ሺ60ሻሺ90ሻ 10    10ሺ120ሻ  0.5ሺ60ሻሺ90ሻ  d  x  Ry  6e 
3 fToe   1    max. stress at the toe.
 b  b
87000  3900ሺd  xሻ 502,476  6ሺ5.982ሻ 
fToe  1  
3900d  87000 70  70 
x  eq.2 fToe  10,858.81 lbs/ft 2 ሺcompressionሻ  answer!
3900
combine:eq.2 and 1. Ry  6e 
fHeel   1    min. stress at the heel.
b  b
 3900d  87000  502,476  6ሺ5.982ሻ 
7020239.2  105,924d  608400  fToe 
3900 1  
  70  70 
d  40.982 ft fToe  3,497.64 lbs/ft 2 ሺcompressionሻ  answer!
70
e  40.982   5.982 ft
2
Stability of Dams
A dam should be stable under all conditions. But the dam may fail:
1) By sliding on the soil on which it rests
2) By overturning
3) Due to tensile stresses developed, and
4) Due to excessive compressive stresses.

Condition to Prevent the Sliding of the Dam

Sufficient Friction: The interface between the base of the dam and the foundation material must provide adequate
frictional resistance to prevent sliding. The coefficient of friction between these surfaces should be high enough to
withstand the horizontal forces acting on the dam.
Fmax  Ry
  coefficient of friction
Ry  vertical component of force
Fmax  Fh
Fmax  frictional force
Fh  hydrostatic force
R y
F.S.  1  Factor of safety against sliding
Rx
Condition to Prevent the Overturning of the Dam
If the resultant R of the weight W of the dam and the horizontal F due to water pressure, strikes the base within its width
i.e., the point M lies within the base AB in the figure shown, there will be no overturning of the dam.
h
F   Wx
3
since overturning moment occurs at point B,
That is, taking moment at point B.
h
WሺNBሻ  F 
3
NB  NM
RM
FSo  1  Factor of safety against overturning
OM
RM  righting moment
RM  WሺNBሻ
OM  overturning moment
h
OM  F 
3
Condition to Avoid Tension in the Masonry of the Dam at its Base.
The masonry of the dam is weak in tension and hence the tension in the masonry of the dam should be avoided. The maximum
and minimum stresses across the base of the dam are given by the previous examples. In the limiting case, there will be no tensile
stress at the base of dam,
b
e
6
This means that the eccentricity of the resultant can be equal to b/6 on the either side of the middle point of the base section.
Hence the resultant must lie within the middle third of the base width, in order to avoid tension.
Condition to Avoid the Excessive Compressive Stresses at the Base of the Dam.
The maximum and minimum stresses across the base of the dam are given by the previous examples. The condition to avoid the
excessive compressive stresses in the masonry of the dam is that the pmax i.e., maximum stress in the masonry should be less than
the permissible stress in the masonry.

Problem 3.20. A trapezoidal masonry dam having 4 m top width, 8 m bottom width and 12 m high, is retaining water up to a height
of 10 m as shown in the figure. The density of masonry is 2000 kg/m3 and coefficient of friction between the dam and soil is 0.55.
The allowable compressive stress is 343.350 kPa. Check the stability of dam.

Given : b  8 m H  12 m
h w  10 m a 4 m
 m  19.62 kN / m3
allow  343.35 kPa  allow. compressive stress
Sol'n:
F  0.5ሺ9.81ሻሺ10ሻ2
F  490.50 kN
W1  19.62ሺ4ሻሺ12ሻ
W1  941.76 kN
1
W2  ሺ19.62ሻሺ12ሻሾ8  4ሿ
2
W2  470.88 kN
W  941.76 kN  470.88 kN
W  1,412.64 kN
R y  1,412.64 kN
ሺiሻ solving for the eccentricity, check for the tension.

M A
0
 10   4 ሺiiiሻcheck against sliding:
490.50    941.76ሺ2ሻ  470.88 4    1,412.64ሺdሻ
 3  3  R y
d  4.2685 m FSs 
Rx
e  4.2685  4  0.2685 m R y  1,412.64 kN, R x  490.50

b 0.55ሺ1,412.64ሻ
FSs   1.584
e  0.2685  1.333 m  safe against tension in the base. 490.50
6 FSs  1  safe against sliding.
ሺiiሻ check for overturning.
ሺivሻcheck for excessive compressive stress.
 2ሺ4ሻ 
RM  W1    W2 4  2 since e is positive, it means that the toe is
 3 
8 in compression, while heel is in tension.
RM  941.76    470.88ሺ6ሻ
3 Ry  6e 
RM  5336.64 kN-m fToe   1    max. stress at the toe.
b  b
1,412.64  6ሺ0.2685ሻ 
h fToe  1  
OM  F   8  8 
3 fToe  212.14 kPa ሺcompressionሻ
 10 
OM  490.50    1635 kN-m Ry  6e 
3 fHeel   1    min. stress at the heel.
RM 5336.64 b  b
FSO   1,412.64  6ሺ0.2685ሻ 
OM 1635 fHeel  1  
8  70 
FSO  3.264
fHeel  141.02 kPa ሺcompressionሻ  answer!
FSO  1  safe against overturning. allow  fToe  safe against excessive compression!
 PROBLEM SET #3
Instructions: Solve the following problems and present your solution in a very clear and easy to understand. To emphasize the
reaction of every element being solve. Present your solution in colorful pens indicating Reactions, directions (i.e., moments are in
blue, shear are in red and normal rection is in black color designation). Not following instructions will be returned or will not be
accepted. Free Body Diagrams are clearly highlighted in your solution. P
1) The V-shaped container in the figure shown is hinged at A and held together by cable BC at the top. If cable spacing is 1 m
into the paper, what is the cable tension.

2) What diameter of the sphere is just sufficient to keep the gate closed.

3) A gate having the cross section shown in figure is 4 ft wide and is hinged at C. The gate weighs 18,000 lbs, and its mass
center is 1.67 ft to the right of the plane BC. Determine the vertical reaction at A on the gate when the water level is 3 ft
above the base. All contact surfaces are smooth.

4) A tank wall has the shape shown in the figure. Determine the horizontal and vertical components of the force of the
water on a 4-ft length of the curved section AB.
5) Water backs up behind a concrete dam as shown in the figure. Leakage under the foundation gives a pressure distribution
under the dam as indicated. If the water depth, h, is too great, the dam will topple over about its toe (point A). For the
dimensions given, determine the maximum water depth for the following widths of the dam b 30, 40, 50, and 60 ft. Base
your analysis on a unit length of the dam. The specific weight of the concrete is 150 lb/ft3.

6) Considering the figure shown A dam is subjected to hydrostatic uplift that varies linearly from 60 ft at heel to zero at the
toe of the dam. The masonry has specific gravity of 2.5. Check the stability of the dam considering the coefficient of friction
equal to 0.68.