What is the Difference Between Dam and Barrage?

The main difference between a dam and a barrage lies in their purpose, construction, and impact on water levels. Here are the key differences:

1. Purpose: A dam is built for water storage in a reservoir, which raises the level of water significantly. On the other hand, a barrage is built for diverting water, raising the water level by only a few feet.
2. Construction: A dam is a barrier constructed across a river valley or water source, often made of concrete. A barrage, however, consists of a series of large gates that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water. These gates are set between flanking piers, which support the water load.
3. Water Level: A barrage is designed to regulate and stabilize river water elevation upstream for use in irrigation or other purposes, while a dam stores water in a reservoir. A barrage usually raises the water level by a few feet, whereas a dam raises the water level almost to its height.
4. Flow and Level Monitoring: In a barrage, the flow and level of water are easily monitored because the gates can be easily manipulated. In a dam, excess water flows through spillways to prevent the dam from being overtaken when the water level rises.
5. Location and River Type: A barrage is typically built across a flat and relatively slow-moving river. A dam, on the other hand, can be built across various types of rivers and can create reservoirs with varying water levels.

In summary, dams are built for water storage and raising water levels significantly, while barrages are constructed to divert water and regulate water levels without substantially raising them.

Comparative Table: Dam vs Barrage

Dams and barrages are both constructed across large bodies of water to control water levels, but they have different construction processes and uses. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

In summary, dams are built for storing water and raising its level, while barrages are designed to regulate water flow and levels using adjustable gates. Dams are typically constructed across river valleys, while barrages are built across flat, slow-moving rivers.