Book Review 2-11 “DAMS”

I read this book “DAMS”. I have been interested in dams. I read this book, and I could know many things about dams.


First, I knew that there are many kinds of dams. They are arch dams, buttress dams, embankment dams and gravity dams. These four dams have each features, and these roles are different too. Arch dams are curved. Arched dams are built in rocky areas. Arched dams are thin. But they help hold back the water strongly. So they don’t use much concrete to build. Buttress dams have supports on one side to help make them strong. These supports are called buttresses. They help hold back the water strongly. Embankment dams are huge. They are made of earth and rock. They are like big lakes. Gravity dams are huge and heavy dams. They are made of earth, rocks and concrete. Gravity dams use lots of concrete, earth and rocks. So they are expensive to build. They are very heavy, but the weight supports the water strongly.


Things and architectures that have artificial shapes are so interesting for me. For example tanks, tetrapods and dams. But dams are especially huge in them. I have ever been and watch to a dam in Kumamoto. At that time, I was surprised at the huge lump of concrete. The lump is fascinating for me. I think that dams are like a symbol of human’s power. Dams go against natural power of water. And we can watch the wisdom and technique of human being. I think that dams are wonderful things.

Reference
Alan, T. (2007). DAMS. Melbourne: Thomson Learning Australia.

[271 words]