gravity dam![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Its huge mass resists the thrust of the water to prevent it from overturning or sliding; this type of dam is usually used to hold back large volumes of water.
cross section of a gravity dam ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
cut-off trench ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Watertight structure that extends the foundations of the dam into the ground; it limits leakage and infiltration under the dam.
reservoir ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Basin formed by the construction of a dam; it holds back a very large volume of water so that the flow rate can be controlled.
afterbay ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Area of the watercourse where water is discharged after passing through the turbines.
downstream face ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Usually sloping dam face on the afterbay side.
upstream face ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Dam face on the reservoir side.
top of dam ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Upper part of the dam that usually contains a roadway.