ABSTRACT

As we have been able to see in the first, introductory chapter, an enormous number of dams have been built in the world, while the need for new such structures is still evident. Their high cost, as well as the influence on the environment, impose the need to work permanently on their advancement and rationalization of their structure and methods of construction. One can say that progress in the field of dam construction has been achieved when engineers will be able to construct faster – safer, higher, and cheaper dams. That can be achieved with the utilization of new materials, with new conceptions in the construction, as well as with more knowledge – both theoretical and practical.