Question

Explain briefly why the bottom of a dam is much thicker than its top.

Answer 1

1. Dams are used to store the water in a reservoir.
2. This stored water applies force on the walls of the dam.
3. We know that, as the depth increases, the pressure exerted by the liquid also increases.
4. As a result, the bottom of the wall of the dam will experience a higher force as compared to the top part of the wall.
5. So, to withstand higher force, the walls of the dams are made thicker at the bottom and the top is thinner as compared to the bottom.