Civil Engineering/Mini/Micro dams

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Expert: - 12/16/2009


Question
Is it at all possible to construct micro dams,specifically to catch rain water/run off in small wadis(northern Somalia)?

Would they be earthen or concrete,and is there a  set of standard designs one can work  from?

Thankyou  

Answer
Hi Abdul,

Yes it is possible to construct micro/Mini dams, which could be made from either concrete of earth (with a clay core). However, knowing the nature of wadis in desert areas, your main problem will be leakage from the reservoir, due to the porous nature of the sand. To start with you will need a deep cut-off slurry or clay wall below the dam to reduce seepage, but in addition you may need to treat the reservoir area with either cement grout or a rubber lining so as to reduce seepage and prevent massive loss of water.

I would suggest you study the "Design of Samll Dams" by the USBR, which you can view here:


www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/.../techreport-alta-attachmentK.pd

http://www.amazon.com/Design-Small-Resources-Technical-Publication/dp/016003373X

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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