Design Process of Hume Dam: Feasibility, Planning, and Performance

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DESIGN PROCESS OF HUME DAM
An Assessment Paper on Design Process By
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
NEEDS DEFINITION......................................................................................................................................3
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN..................................................................................................................................4
Feasibility Study.......................................................................................................................................4
System Planning......................................................................................................................................5
Functional Analysis..................................................................................................................................6
Feasibility Analysis...................................................................................................................................7
System Operational Requirements..........................................................................................................8
Maintenance...........................................................................................................................................8
Performance Measurement....................................................................................................................9
EVALUATION................................................................................................................................................9
Research Skills.......................................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................10
BIBLIOGRAPHY...........................................................................................................................................11

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INTRODUCTION
This assessment paper evaluates the process of designing the Hume Dam with major
considerations being taken on the conceptual design of the Hume Dam. The conceptual design
of the Hume Dam primarily analyzes the construction process of the dam, performance
measurement, requirements of system operation, system planning, maintenance, feasibility study,
and functional analysis of the dam. Hume dam which was initially known as Hume Weir is a
primary dam across Murray River downstream of its junction with Mitta River in the New South
Wales, Riverina region. When Hovell and Hume trecked through in 1824 November, they were
close to the current site of the dam remarkable, crossing the Narantheran, Nurongong, and
Milewa, the native names for the Kiewa, Mitta, and Murray Rivers.
The major purpose of designing the Hume Dam include water conservation, water supply
for both domestic and industrial purposes, irrigation purposes, hydro-power generation, and
flood mitigation. The origin of Hume Dam goes back in the 19th century as interest in agricultural
irrigation developed and the need for a reliable supply of water along the Murray River. The
construction and design began with the selection of concrete gravity, constructed and designed
by New South Wales and the primary earthen embankment constructed and designed by
Victoria. The two states, Victoria and South Wales, started a separate organization, each with
different employment conditions and terms and set up separate camps of construction on either
side of the river (Allan, 2010).
NEEDS DEFINITION
The major reason for designing the Hume Dam by both the Victoria and New South
Wales States was due to the interest in agricultural irrigation development by the people who

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stayed along Murray River and also there was the need for a reliable supply of water by the
locals was recognized. The other reasons for designing the Hume Dam include water
conservation, water supply for both domestic and industrial purposes, irrigation purposes, hydro-
power generation, and flood mitigation. After World War II, numerous settlements regions of the
soldiers were established for irrigation in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia,
which promoted the demand for water from Murray River. Before the completion of the Dam,
the decision was made to further enlarge the capacity of the dam to 3038 GL, for the purposes of
regulation of the extra flows of Murray River that were diverted from the Snowy Mountains
Scheme (Association, 2010).
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
The conceptual design of the Hume Dam evaluates predetermination, commitment, and
the establishment of the development schedule, function, form, and cost of the Hume Dam as
well as its components such as the reservoir and hydro-electric plant. The conceptual design of
the Hume Dam primary involves the analysis of the feasibility study, performance evaluation,
the requirements of system operation, operational analysis, system planning, and the construction
process of the Hume Dam. The initial Home Dam was designed to maximize the storage when
needed, by the installation of gates on the spillway. Afterwards, extensive upgrading and
remedial works which were for foreseen during the designing process are meant to keep the
initial structure and also significant in ensuring that the integrity of the structure and its
capability of satisfying demand (Fell, 2014).
Feasibility Study
The dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who was the first explorer upstream of
Albury in 1824. The establishment of Murray Valley was originally dependent on the transport