The wall of a dam is broader at the base

Lokendra Rathod • 2.31K Points
Master Physics

Q. The wall of a dam is broader at the base

(A) Because streamlining is required
(B) To withstand pressure that increases with depth
(C) To withstand pressure that increases in a horizontal plane
(D) To withstand pressure that is increased with atmospheric pressure

Correct Answer - Option(B)
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Explanation by: Lokendra Rathod

The pressure applied to walls of the dam will be a function of the amount of water that is over that particular point on the wall. So water pressure is very large at the bottom due to its large depth. That's why dams are constructed thicker at their bottoms than at their tops.

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