Dams MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Sardar Sarovar Dam is a concrete gravity dam built across the Narmada river in Gujarat. A gravity dam resists water pressure using its own heavy weight.

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the structural type of the Sardar Sarovar Dam built on the Narmada river. 2. Sardar Sarovar Dam is a massive concrete structure that uses its self-weight to resist water pressure and horizontal forces. 3. Structures that resist forces purely by self-weight are classified as gravity dams. Answer: (B) Gravity Dam

Explanation

Sardar Sarovar Dam is a concrete gravity dam located near Navagam in Gujarat on the Narmada river. It is one of the largest concrete gravity dams in India. It resists all external water forces purely by its self-weight.

Why the other options are wrong

A: Storage dam is a functional type, but structural classification as a Gravity dam is the specific standard answer. C: A buttress dam has deck slabs supported by buttress walls, which is not the design of Sardar Sarovar Dam. D: A coffer dam is a temporary watertight structure built for construction under water, not a permanent dam.

Shortcut

Remember famous Indian dams: Sardar Sarovar Dam and Bhakra Dam are both concrete gravity dams.

Common mistake

Students often confuse the structural type (gravity dam) with functional classification (storage dam). In competitive exam standard classifications, it is categorized as a Gravity Dam.