Steel Structural Dam (IMAGE) Southwest Research Institute Caption To accelerate pumped storage hydropower development, SwRI has developed a modern version of a 19th-century steel structural dam to impound water in a reservoir. The circular dam above is composed of modular sections that can be rapidly assembled using redesigned steel support frames made of standard W-beams and S-beams (left). The frame and water-tight faceplate modules are put in place using mobile heavy-lift cranes. Credit Southwest Research Institute Usage Restrictions Images/videos may be used by the media and the public for educational and informational purposes only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.