Short answer: Dam buttresses are structural elements built into or against a dam wall to resist the enormous water pressure exerted by a full reservoir. They are built thick because the forces involved are immense — water weighs one tonne per cubic metre and a full dam exerts tremendous lateral and downward pressure on every part of the structure. Properly designed and constructed buttresses are essential to the long-term integrity and safety of any significant dam.
Big Dam Buttresses: Built Thick For A Reason
One of our dozers, the D6T XL working the north spillway at Dungog in extreme winds & ferocious bulldust.
About Big Ditch
Big Ditch Aquatecture builds and repairs farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Contact us for a site inspection.
Big Ditch Aquatecture has built and repaired farm dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria for over 35 years. Every project is different — soil conditions, catchment size, and land use all shape the final design.
If you’re considering a new dam or need to repair an existing one, a professional site inspection is the best first step. We assess soil suitability, topography, catchment area, and regulatory requirements before recommending a solution.
Our team operates heavy earthmoving equipment across a wide range of terrain — from coastal flats to steep inland country. We’ve seen most problems before and know how to solve them efficiently.
Need help with your own dam? Book a site inspection with Big Ditch — we build and repair dams across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria.