Difference Between Dam Weir and Barrage – Dams, weirs and barrages all are types of headworks used to increase the head of water on the upstream side. There is confusion between these terminologies which are explained in this article.
Dams, weirs, and barrages are hydraulic structures built across rivers or streams to manage water flow and meet various water management needs. Although they serve similar purposes, there are distinct differences between them based on their design, function, and impact. Read this article to find the difference between weir and barrage which can clear many queries like barrage vs dam, weir vs dam, weir vs barrage and barrage vs dam vs weir.
Dam, Weir and Barrage
Dam
A Dam, on the other hand, is a storage headwork so the main aim of the dam is to create a storage reservoir on the upstream of the dam. Dams are mostly multipurpose projects used for Irrigation, hydroelectric power, Flood control, recreation etc.
- A dam is a large structure that is built across a river or stream to create a reservoir of water.
- Dams are typically made of concrete, earth, or rock, and they can be very tall.
- Dams are used for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water storage.
Weir
A weir is a diversion headwork constructed across a river to raise the water level on the upstream side. Like Barrage its main aim to divert water as it does not have a storage reservoir. The water is raised up to the required height and the water then flows over the weir. In a weir the water overflows the weir, In Barrages, water flows through adjustable gates. Weirs have traditionally been used to create mill ponds. They are also used to prevent flooding, measure discharge, and help render a river navigable.
- A weir is a low barrier that is built across a river or stream to raise the water level.
- Weirs are typically made of concrete, stone, or timber, and they are not as tall as dams.
- Weirs are used for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, water supply, and fish passage.
Barrage
A Barrage is a diversion headwork. its main aim is to divert the flow of river it does not have a storage reservoir on its upstream side. The water is elevated only to a few feet. The main difference from the wear is that it has adjustable gates installed on top of it. The water level can be maintained using these gates.
- A barrage is a barrier that is built across a river or stream to control the flow of water.
- Barrages typically have adjustable gates that can be opened or closed to control the water level.
- Barrages are used for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, navigation, and flood control.
Difference Between Dam, Weir and Barrage
| Feature | Dam | Weir | Barrage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small | Medium |
| Purpose | Irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, water storage | Irrigation, water supply, fish passage | Irrigation, navigation, flood control |
| Construction material | Concrete, earth, or rock | Concrete, stone, or timber | Concrete, steel, or timber |
| Height | Tall | Low | Medium |
| Gates | No | No | Yes |
| Examples | Jinping-I Dam, Hoover Dam, Gathright Dam | Dobbs Weir, Proston Weir, Yanco Weir | Koshi Barrage, Delta Barrage, Assiut Barrage |
