Dam Construction Along River Yare Norfolk, UK

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Civil Engineering
First Name Last Name
Institution

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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................3
2.0 DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NORFOLK......................4
2.1 General...............................................................................................................4
2.2 Topography of the area..............................................................................................5
2.3 Geology.................................................................................................................5
2.4 Runoff..................................................................................................................6
2.5 Yield studies..........................................................................................................6
3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................6
4.0 SITE CONTROLS AND CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................8
5.0 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LOCATING THE DAM IN THIS
LOCATION.....................................................................................................................9
6.0 POTENTIAL RISKS....................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................10
REFERENCES................................................................................................................11

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DAM CONSTRUCTION ALONG RIVER YARE NORFOLK, UK
1. INTRODUCTION
Norfolk is the second largest city after Virginia Beach in the state of Virginia. It also happens to be centre of
administration of the federal government hence the Norfolk county. Norfolk is part of the larger Hampton
Roads metropolitan area comprising of seven counties and nine cities [24]. In the region, Norfolk is among the
oldest cities besides being a popular centre of culture, history, and finance. Norfolk has a population of
approximately 255000 within a total land area of ninety-six square miles. In this regard, Norfolk has a
population density of 4,488 people per square mile. Within increasing populations within and around Virginia
hence in Norfolk, drinking water supply shortages has been among the developing concerns. Industrial and
agriculture activities continue to contaminate the available water supplies hence the need for engineering,
innovation and technology to ensure safe and steady water supplies. Some of the key water problems in
Virginia are tabulated as in figure 1.
Figure 1. water sources, problems and associated symptoms in and around Norfolk city.
2. DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NORFOLK
Norfolk is heavily industrialised state as well as the surrounding regions. This has exposed its waters to risks of
contamination hence the need to put in place aggressive measures to treat its waters from toxic industrial
contaminants before it is supplied for use. Norfolk being an industrialized and fairly agricultural state, the

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demand for water remains high throughout hence the need to come up with ideas such as dam constructions.
Apart from storing water, dam construction seems a suitable alternative for power generations for use in
industrial and agricultural processes as well as in homes in Norfolk [18]. Additionally, it offers an alternative to
control flood waters and allow for a point treatment and supply systems of treated water.
2.1. General
River Yare develops closely to Shipdham village next to Dereham before it winds to the east reaching Norwich.
River Tiffey meets river Yare at Barford. The river continues through Earlham Park looping around the
University of East Angelia. River Yare is 83.5 km long with its mouth at Breydon water and part of the River
Wensum river system. The map of River Yare is as shown in figure 2.
Figure 2. Map of River Yare.
From the discussion above, it is now possible to gage into finding out the most appropriate point for the
construction of the proposed dam 4 km upstream of Norwich as part of the Garden city development initiative.
In doing so, we shall address the suitable type of dam as well.
Construction of reservoir requires a point where the flow of the river will not be disrupted neither will the
capacity be deprived hence reduced water flows and supply downstream [21]. Site geology and hydrology is as
well an important parameter and the occurrence of suitable geological characteristics [20]. Additionally, the site
should be close to source of materials supply to check on costs and accessibility considerations [14].
2.2. Topography of the area
The proposed dam site, 4 km of Norwich is placed at coordinates 52.6196°N and 0.8386°E with respect to the
Mean Sea Level. The elevation of this location is 79 m (259 feet). The stream rises south of Dereham toward
the west to the town of Shipdham. Over its juncture with a tributary stream from Garvestone it is known as the