Aswan Old Dam Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews
Aswan Old Dam is a gravity masonry buttress dam on the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt. In fact, Aswan Old Dam built at the former first cataract of the Nile. The Dam located about 1000 km up-river and 690 km south-southeast of Cairo. It constructed between 1899 and 1902. In fact, it intended to reduce flooding and to support population growth in the lower Nile. The dam provided inadequate flood protection and raised twice, between 1907–1912 and 1929–1933. The alterations did not suffice and it nearly over-topped in 1946. As a result, it led to the construction of the Aswan High Dam 6 kilometers (4 mi) upstream.
In fact, the British invasion and occupation of Egypt was in 1882. They began the construction of Aswan Old Dam across the Nile in 1898. The construction lasted until 1902 and opened on 10 December 1902. It was by HRH the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. In fact, designed by Sir William Willcocks. Moreover, it involved several eminent engineers of the time. The dam designed as a gravity-buttress dam. The buttress sections accommodate many gates. The gates open yearly to pass the flood and its nutrient-rich sediments. In fact, it is without retaining any yearly storage. The dam constructed of rubble masonry and faced with red ashlar granite. When constructed, the dam was the largest masonry dam in the world.
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The design also included a navigation lock of similar construction on the western bank. In fact, it allows shipping to pass upstream as far as the second cataract. It is before a portage overland required. At the time of its construction, nothing of such scale attempted. The initial limitations imposed on its height due to concern for the Philae temple. Furthermore, the initial construction soon was inadequate for development needs. The height of the dam raised in two phases, 5 meters between 1907–1912 and 9 meters between 1929–1933. The generation of electricity added. With its final raising, the dam is 1,950 m in length. It is also with a crest level 36 m above the original riverbed.
The dam provides the main route for traffic between the city and the airport. As a result of the High Dam upstream, the Old Dam’s ability to pass the flood’s sediments lost. In fact, the serviceability provided by the locks. Aswan Old Dam reservoir level also lowered. In fact, it now provides control of tail water for the High Dam. The Old Dam in Aswan supports two hydroelectric power plants, Aswan I and Aswan II. Aswan I which built in 1960 contains 7 X 40 MW generators. It is with Kaplan turbines which for a combined capacity of 280 MW. It located west of the dam. Aswan II which built 1985 contains 4 x 67.5 MW generators for an installed capacity of 270 MW. It located at the toe of the dam.
