Ambursen's design, often referred to as the "Ambursen Dam" design, significantly improved cost efficiency in dam construction through several key innovations:
Use of Concrete and Steel: Ambursen's design emphasized the use of reinforced concrete, which allowed for a more durable structure at a lower cost compared to traditional masonry. This material choice not only reduced the amount of labor required but also minimized maintenance costs over the dam's lifespan.
Gravity Dam Principles: The design utilized the principles of gravity dams, which rely on their weight to resist the water pressure. This approach reduced the need for complex structural features and materials, allowing for simpler and less expensive construction methods.
Modular Construction: By incorporating modular construction techniques, Ambursen's design enabled sections of the dam to be built off-site and then assembled on-site. This not only sped up the construction process but also reduced labor costs and material waste.
Improved Hydrology Analysis: Ambursen’s designs often included better hydrological analysis and planning, which allowed for more accurate predictions of water flow and load stresses. This foresight could lead to smaller, more efficient designs that met safety and operational requirements without excessive over-engineering.
Economies of Scale: As more dams were built using this design, construction companies gained experience and could leverage economies of scale, further driving down costs.
Overall, Ambursen's design principles led to a more efficient construction process, reducing both material costs and labor expenditures, while enhancing the longevity and performance of the dams.
For more in-depth insights, you can refer to resources discussing Ambursen's contributions to engineering and dam design.