Analysis of working behavior of Jinping-I Arch Dam during initial impoundment

To study the stress, deformation, and seepage pressure during the initial impoundment of the Jinping-I Arch Dam, monitoring analysis and numerical calculation were used in a dam behavior analysis that focused on the working behavior of the dam during the late period of the initial impoundment up to the end of November 2014. The numerical calculation was performed based on feedback analysis of the deformation and stress of the arch dam through inversion of the elastic moduli(E) of the dam body and foundation, using a three-dimensional finite element model for the linear elastic material of the arch dam. The main monitoring indices presented insignificant changes in the late period of the initial impoundment, and the results of feedback analysis were consistent with monitoring results. Analysis results also show that the deformations of the dam body and dam foundation were within the design range; the dam stress distributions were normal, with values lower than the design control criteria; and the seepage flows through the dam body and dam foundation were lower than the design drainage capacity of the deep-well pump house, demonstrating that the Jinping-I Arch Dam was in good working condition, and the initial impoundment had been successfully completed. The results of the working behavior analysis of the Jinping-I hydropower project during the initial impoundment can provide references for safe operation of similar projects.

Effective stress law for rock masses and its application in impoundment analysis based on deformation reinforcement theory

Reservoir impoundment is related to several hydraulic engineering concerns,including irreversible valley contractions,landslides and reservoir-induced earthquakes.However,these phenomena,such as valley contractions,are hardly to be explained by the conventional method.The scientific understanding of water effects during impoundment and their hazards to hydraulic structure are needed.The effective stress law for fissured rock masses is introduced in the elasto-plastic model employing the Drucker-Prager criterion and implemented in the three dimension(3D)nonlinear finite element method(FEM)program Three-dimensional FINite Element(TFINE).The slope deforms towards river-way during impoundment since the increasing pore pressure in fissures changes stress state and leads to additional plastic deformation in the rock materials.The value of Biot coefficient and the influence of water on rock materials are discussed in detail.Thus,the mechanism of slope deformation during the impoundment of Jinping-I arch dam is revealed,and the deformation is accurately measured.The application of the effective stress law provides a method to consider stress assessment,deformation evaluation and stability estimate of hydraulic structures during the impoundment process.This is a beneficial exploration and an improvement of hydraulic engineering design.

The effect of large reservoirs impoundment to the spatial and temporal variations of regional crustal deformation in Hubei Province, China

The total capacity of Three Gorges Reservoir（TGR） and Danjiangkou Reservoir（DJR） is large and has significant seasonal fluctuations, which give rise to crustal instability. In this research, we focus on studying the temporal and spatial variation of crustal deformation in Hubei Province caused by reservoir impoundment of TGR and DJR.The Digital Elevation Model, historical hydrological information, GPS monitoring data and load-induced deformation model are combined to monitor the crustal deformation. The modeled results indicate that in the trapezoidal area between the TGR and DJR, the average vertical deformations at different latitudes have different variation tendencies. The vertical deformation modulus and fluctuation amplitude are larger at the latitude of 33 N/32.5 N from 2003 to 2006 and at the latitude of 31 N/32.5 N from 2008 to 2014, while the latter are much larger than the former. Moreover, from2008 to 2014, the frequency and the intensity of seismic activities are all enhanced significantly in this region. The modeled results at the GPS sites are consistent with the vertical displacement of GPS monitoring results in trends and the waveform. It can be inferred that the seasonal deformation is elastic. The horizontal deformation components have the same variation trends with that at each GPS monitoring station,which demonstrates that the whole region is moving toward the southeast. The spatial variation of crustal deformation demonstrates that the impoundment of TGR in2003 causes significant vertical displacements, with the maximum modulus of 32 mm downward located in Xiangjiang River＇s estuary. When the water storage increases, the maximum value will become larger, and the location will move toward the upstream.Besides, the earthquakes occurred more frequently in the region with maximum deformation modulus.

The analysis on reservoir sediment deposition and downstream river channel scouring after impoundment and operation of TGP

According to the measured data after impoundment and operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir,the reservoir sediment deposition and downstream river channel scouring are described briefly and compared with the research results achieved in the demonstration stage.It is indicated through analysis that the reservoir sediment deposition and downstream river channel scouring during 8-year impoundment and operation are still within the original forecast,so the original forecasting results are feasible.The further observation and comparison should be conducted because the comparison between the observed data and the original forecast is not so sufficient in time and the prototype observation and related research work should be strengthened in the future.

Earthquake dynamic response behavior of Xiangchong valley type tailings impoundment in Yunnan, China

Tailings impoundments can potentially collapse due to damage caused by earthquakes,which has frequently occurred around the world.This study takes the proposed valley type tailings impoundment in Yunnan as the research object to analyze the dynamic response behavior under earthquake action with both numerical simulation and physical model test(1:300).The results of both tests show that the dynamic response of the valley type tailings impoundment is characterized by"medium stiffness effect",in other words,in a certain range,the"softer"the unsaturated tailings sand is,the more energy it can dissipate,which leads the decrease of the value of the acceleration amplification factor.In addition,the peak acceleration of the monitoring points increases with the vertical elevation,which indicates that the"elevation amplification effect"exists in the tailings impoundment dynamic response.The middle part of the outer side of the raised embankment reacts more sensitive than the crest,which is similar to the slope dynamic response.The starter dam reacts sensitively under the earthquake excitation,which should be given more attention during the seismic design.The dynamic response rules reflected by the numerical simulation are consistent with the results monitored on the physical model test,although there are some differences between their values.The dynamic response rules of the valley type tailings impoundment can provide basis for the design of the similar projects in this region.

Gravity change and its mechanism after the first water impoundment in Three Gorges Project

In this paper we have analyzed precise gravity survey and gravity effects resulted from water loading, crustal deformation, ground water level change and precipitation before and after the water impoundment in the Three Gorges Reservoir. We found that： ① In dam area of the reservoir, gravity effect resulted from water load increase is the most significant, maximum gravity change is 200×10^-8 m/s^2, but this effect is limited in amplitude and range. Gravity change can be observed about 5 km offshore. The gravity change caused by ground water level change is regional; and the impact of precipitation on it should not be neglected. ② At head area of the reservoir, the maximum gravity change is near Xiangxi. Monitoring the variation of gravity field and further study should continue in the future.

A stability evaluation method for deep-seated toppling in the upper Lancang river,Southwestern China

Deep-seated toppling in the upper reaches of the Lancang River,southwest China involves deformations exceeding 100 m in depth.The slope deformation is initiated by river downcutting and evolves distinctive characteristics with a depth of river incision.In this study,we propose a system for evaluating the stability of deep-seated toppled slopes in different evolutionary stages.This system contains identification criteria for each evolutionary stage and provides the corresponding stability evaluation methods.Based on the mechanical and kinematic analysis of slope blocks,the specific stage of slope movement can be identified in the field through outcrop mapping,in situ tests,surface displacement monitoring,and adit and borehole explorations.The stability evaluation methods are established based on the limiting equilibrium theory and the strain compatibility between the undisturbed zone and the toppled zone.Finally,several sample slopes in different evolution stages have been investigated to verify the applicability and accuracy of the proposed stability evaluation system.The results indicate that intense tectonic activity and rapid river incision lead to a maximum principal stress ratio exceeding 10 near the slope surface,thus triggering widespread toppling deformations along the river valley.When considering the losses of joint cohesion during the further rotation process,the safety factor of the slope drops by 7%e28%.The self-stabilization of toppling deformation can be recognized by the layer symmetry configuration after the free rotation of the deflected layers.Intensely toppled rock blocks mainly suffer sliding failures beyond the layer symmetry condition.The factor of safety of the K73 rockslide decreased from 1.17 to 0.87 by considering the development of the potential sliding surface and the toesaturated zone.

Large-scale toppling slope under water level fluctuation of reservoir:A case of Yunnan Province,China

Landslides induced by reservoir inundation are common in Southwest China,negatively influencing hydropower stations.TheWunonglong hydropower station dam was constructed in the upper reaches of the Lancang River,accordingly causing the water level at the Lajinshengu slope to increase by 30 m.A tension crack with a visible depth of 8 m was observed in the upper sector of the Lajinshengu slope after reservoir impoundment for 170 d.In the following days,numerous cracks appeared on the surface of the slope,and the maximum displacement of the slope reached 3.22 m.Then,a large-scale active deformation body within the Lajinshengu slope formed with an area of 2.62×10^(5)m^(2)and a volume of 1.65×10^(7)m^(3).Detailed field investigations,on-site monitoring,and centrifugal model tests were carried out to analyze the surface features,deformation characteristics,and failure mechanism of the Lajinshengu slope.The results show that the slope is an ancient landslide,divided into two parts(i.e.zone A and zone B)by the gully.Zone B is a traction landslide caused by the displacement of zone A.The longterm inundation weakens the soft rock at the slope foot,intensifying the toppling of bedrock and consequently triggering the sliding of the overburden in zone A.The failure mode of the Lajinshengu slope is a typical case of toppling-sliding failure,and the underlying rock toppling drives the overlying sliding.In addition,early identification methods for toppling deformation covered by overburdened soil were proposed based on monitoring data and deformation signs.

Did the reservoir impoundment trigger the Wenchuan earthquake?

January 16, 2009 issue of Science magazine published, in its ' News of the Week' section, an article entitled 'A Human Trigger for the Great Quake of Sichuan?'. The article boldly proposed, 'Zipingpu reservoir may have triggered the Wenchuan earthquake'[1]. Incidentally, similar reports had appeared in the media such

Current situation and forecast of environmental risks of a typical lead-zinc sulfide tailings impoundment based on its geochemical characteristics

The potential environmental implications of a Pb(Lead)-Zn(Zinc)sulfide tailing impoundment were found to be dependent on its geochemical characteristics.One typical lead-zinc sulfide tailing impoundment was studied.Ten boreholes were set with the grid method and 36 tailings were sampled and tested.According to the results of metal content analysis,the tailing samples contained considerably high contents of heavy metals,ranging from 6.99 to 89.0 mg/kg for Cd,75.3 to 602 mg/kg for Cu,0.53%to 2.63%for Pb and 0.30%to 2.54%for Zn.Most of the heavy metals in the sample matrix showed a uniform concentration distribution,except Cd.Cd,Pb,Zn,and Mn were associated with each other,and were considered to be the dominant contributors based on hierarchical cluster analysis.XRD,SEM and XPS were employed for evaluation of the tailing weathering characteristics,confirming that the tailings had undergone intensive weathering.The maximum potential acidity of the tailings reached 244 kg H2SO4/ton;furthermore,the bioavailability of heavy metals like Pb,Cd,Cr,Cu,and Zn was 37.8%,12.9%,12.2%,5.95%,and 5.46%respectively.These metals would be potentially released into drainage by the weathering process.Analysis of a gastrointestinal model showed that Pb,Cr,Ni and Cu contained in the tailings were high-risk metals.Thus,control of the heavy metals’migration and their environmental risks should be planned from the perspective of geochemistry.

Monthly change of community structure of zoobenthos in Xiangxi Bay after impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir,China

Xiangxi Bay,a typical bay of the Three Gorges Reservoir(TGR)in China,was formed in June 2003 after the impoundment of the TGR.We investigated the community structure of zoobenthos in Xiangxi Bay from August 2003 to August 2004.Benthic abundance and biomass were calculated per unit area of sediment.A total of 26 taxa were identified.They included two families of Lamellibranchia(7.7%of the total taxa number),two families of Oligochaeta(50%),Chironomidae(38.5%),and one other animal(3.8%).The average density and biomass were 276 ind./m2 and 0.301 g/m2,respectively.Oligochaetes and chironomids constituted the major groups,and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri,Procladius sp.,Branchiura sowerbyi,Tubificidae sp1.and Polypedilum scalaenum group sp.were the common taxa in this reservoir system.Among them,L.hoffmeisteri and Procladius sp.were the dominant species,and contributed 37.0%and 28.3%of the total density,respectively.The standing crop of zoobenthos in Xiangxi Bay was relative low,compared with other similar reservoirs.Our studies demonstrate that the standing crop increased gradually with time.The total density and biomass in August 2004 were 8.8 and 14.3 times those of the initial impoundment,separately.Oligochaetes did not become the sole dominant group,indicating that the sediment loading in Xiangxi Bay may be not serious.

Numerical analysis and geophysical monitoring for stability assessment of the Northwest tailings dam at Westwood Mine

The Westwood Mine aims to reuse the tailings storage facility #1(TSF #1) for solid waste storage, but,downstream of the Northwest dike is considered critical in terms of stability. This paper uses numerical modeling along with geophysical monitoring for assessing the Northwest dike stability during the restoration phase. The impact of waste rock deposition in the upstream TSF #1 is considered. The geophysical monitoring is based on electrical resistivity methods and was used to investigate the internal structure of the dike embankment in different deposition stages. The numerical simulations were performed with SLOPE/W code. The results show a factor of safety well above the minimum recommended value of 1.5. Geophysical monitoring revealed a vertical variation in the electrical resistivity across the dike, which indicates a multilayer structure of the embankment. Without any current in situ data, the geophysical monitoring helped estimating the nature of the materials used and the internal structure of the embankment. These interpretations were validated by geological observation of geotechnical log of the embankment. Based on this study, it is recommended that the water polishing pond be partly filled before waste rock is deposited in TSF #1. In addition, to ensure the stability of the dike, the piezometric head monitoring prior to and during waste rock deposition is recommended.

Long-term monitoring revealed fish assemblage zonation in the Three Gorges Reservoir

Reservoirs are important artificial ecosystems that modify the hydrological and ecological characteristics of a river. Knowledge of the basic characteristics of fish assemblages in reservoirs is a first step toward the development of effective conservation policies. We used the information collected over a 10-year period (2006-2015) to assess the structure of the fish assemblages in the Three Gorge Reservoir (TGR) in a river-dam gradient. Three fish zones were detected in TGR. Species richness was the highest in the upper zone and lowest in the lower zone. The riverine zones were dominated by rheophilic species Coreius guichenoti and Pelteobagrus vachelli. The transitional zones were dominated by Coreius heterodon and Rhinogobio cylindricus. The lacustrine zones were dominated by eurytopic species Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Aristichthys nobilis, Hemiculter bleekeri and Cyprinus carpio. For the functional characteristics, fish assemblages in riverine and transitional zones were dominated by insectivorous species, equilibrium strategists and rheophilic species (e.g., Coreius heterodon and Coreius guichenoti). In lacustrine zones, the fish assemblage was dominated by habitat generalists common to lakes and reservoirs (e.g., Hemiculter bleekeri, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Aristichthys nobilis). Moreover, 18 exotic species (e.g., Protosalanx hyalocranius, Ictalurus punctatus, Megalobrama amblycephala, Tilapia) were collected in TGR, most of which only existed in the lacustrine zone. The results highlight the importance of freely flowing riverine reaches for conserving native fish in the upper Changjiang River and adaptive management strategies for fisheries in TGR.

Displacement characteristics and prediction of Baishuihe landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir

In order to reach the designated final water level of 175 m, there were three impoundment stages in the Three Gorges Reservoir, with water levels of 135 m, 156 m and 175 m. Baishuihe landslide in the Reservoir was chosen to analyze its displacement characteristics and displacement variability at the different stages. Based on monitoring data, the landslide displacement was mainly influenced by rainfall and drawdown of the reservoir water level. However, the magnitude of the rise and drawdown of the water level after the reservoir water level reached 175 m did not accelerate landslide displacement. The prediction of landslide displacement for active landslides is very important for landslide risk management. The time series of cumulative displacement was divided into a trend term and a periodic term using the Hodrick-Prescott(HP) filter method. The polynomial model was used to predict the trend term. The extreme learning machine(ELM) and least squares support vector machine(LS-SVM) were chosen to predict theperiodic term. In the prediction model for the periodic term, input variables based on the effects of rainfall and reservoir water level in landslide displacement were selected using grey relational analysis. Based on the results, the prediction precision of ELM is better than that of LS-SVM for predicting landslide displacement. The method for predicting landslide displacement could be applied by relevant authorities in making landslide emergency plans in the future.

Status of two Coreius species in the Three Gorges Reservoir,China

Dam construction alters natural flow regimes which,in turn,cause significant changes in fish communities during and after impoundment. The construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir,from impoundment of the Changjiang(Yangtze) River,China,may have affected native fish species. Thus,the status of two lotic freshwater fish species,Coreius heterodon and C.guichenoti,were monitored in the Three Gorges Reservoir,including fish abundance,individual composition,growth,condition,and mortality. Data on both species were gathered from upstream,midstream and downstream areas of the reservoir and,where available,from studies published before and after dam construction. Lower abundance,slower growth,a less diversified age structure,poorer fish condition(indicated by hepatosomatic index) and higher mortalities were recorded in sites nearest the dam compared with upstream areas. Furthermore,after final impoundment,individual Coreius species inhabiting the area changed,with young individuals becoming more abundant,while upstream of the reservoir the two Coreius species became smaller at a given age. The results show that the status of the two Coreius species was subject to dramatic changes after impoundment.

Model-scale tests to examine water pressures acting on potentially buoyant underground structures in clay strata

Throughout the service life, underground structures are subjected to transient and sustained hydrostatic pressures. The reservoir impoundment results in an increase in water level, as well as hydraulic gradient,which can endanger the uplift performance of infrastructure. In uplift design, a reduction factor is often suggested for buoyant force acting on underground structures in clays due to the time lag effect.However, the mechanism of pore pressure generation in clays is not fully understood. This investigation presents a novel U-shaped test chamber to assess the pore pressure generation with time in the horizontal branch subjected to an increase in reservoir level in the left vertical branch. A mathematical model is developed to explain the time lag effect of pore pressure generation. The test program also involves the evaluation of uplift pressure acting on foundation model in the right vertical branch due to adjacent reservoir impoundment. It is found that the time lag effect of pore pressure generation in clays can be observed irrespective of hydraulic gradient, but a higher hydraulic gradient can lead to a faster response in pore pressure sensors. A reduction factor of 0.84-0.87 should be considered to reduce the conservatism of uplift design.

Interception, degradation and contributions of terrestrial organic carbon obtained from lignin analysis in Wujiang River, southwest China

Understanding the fate of terrestrial organic carbon(OC)in a cascade impoundment system is critical for recognizing the role of carbon sink for reservoirs.Surface sediments collected from eight cascade reservoirs across the Wujiang River,southwestern China,were analyzed for elemental and stable carbon isotopic(δ^13C)composition,and lignin phenols(∑8 andΛ8)to investigate the spatial distribution,contribution,origin and degradation of sedimentary terrestrial OC.The values of total organic carbon(TOC)and∑8 exhibited a remarkable reduction along the upstream-downstream transect suggesting the trapping effect of cascade-damming.A relatively broad range ofδ^13C(-26.61 to-25.54%,95%CI)and C/N(6.80-18.20)indicated mixed allochthonous/autochthonous OC sources in surface sediments.The quantitative simulation indicates that the OC of the sediments mainly was derived from terrestrial organic matter.Soilderived OC rather than C_(3)vascular plant-derived OC makes a major contribution to sedimentary terrestrial OC in reservoirs on karst terrain.As evidenced by lignin compositions andδ^13C,the predominant vascular plant origins of terrestrial OC along the Wujiang River are non-woody angiosperm C_(3)plants.The aged reservoirs showed a trend of increasing contribution of autochthonous OC,which potentially weaken the role of carbon sink for reservoirs.The relationship between runoff inputs,watershed area/water surface area ratios,and water residence time and Λ8 were explored,indicating the natural and anthropogenic influences on terrestrial OC remains very complex in a cascade-damming river.

Sedimentation retention basin utilization for best management practice

Approaches to the artificial impoundment and theoretical design of sedimentation retention basin are reviewed with particular attention to best management practice(BMP) to control agriculture and surface runoff. Sediments retention basins are the small version of farm pond used where a criteria of farm pond is not met. Such basin traps the pollutants and suspended solids prior to entry into streams and lakes. The study is focused with special reference to the assessment and control of non point source pollution(NPSP) from the sub basin area of Tai Lake in the Xishan County of Wuxi City of China. The author suggested two different approaches to conduct this study including theoretical design for sedimentation retention basin and computation of flow, sediment transport and deposition during the artificial impoundment of retention basin for BMP's utilization. Theoretical design will provide a useful function as a first line defense against the movement of sediments and transport of pollutants into the Tai Lake while the assessment of sediments deposition will help to make its proper use and periodic cleanup.

Effect of Planting in Furrow and Whole Plasticfilm Mulching on Double Ridges on Improvement of Degraded Desert Grassland

[Objective] This study aimed to provide theoretical basis and technologies for the application of planting in furrow and whole plastic-film mulching on double ridges. [Method] The conventional method was used to re-seed the bunch Gramineous forage in the degraded desert grassland in Yanchi, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Four kinds of conservation treatments, namely, ridging with black film mulching, ridging with transparent film mulching, ridging with no mulching and the flatplanting with no ridging and mulching were conducted to the forage to analyze the effects of each treatment on soil moisture and seedling growth. [Result] From July to November, the moisture contents of ridging with black film mulching, ridging with transparent film mulching, ridging with no mulching and the flatplanting were respectivery 9.88%, 9.24%, 8.75% and 8.13%, showing significant differences among the treatments; the survival rates of re-seeding forage were 96.2% , 93.4% , 45.6% and 28.3% , and the mulching treatment showed significant difference with the unmulching treatments in survival rate. The treatment with black film mulching showed great advantage that its moisture content on ridge top had the buffering effect of ＂load shifting＂, and the soil moisture content of black mulching treatment increased 21.5% than the flatplanting. Black film mulching also had the largest water supplement amount in soil below 1 m. Although mulching cost too much, its overall benefits were higher than that with no mulching. [Conclusion] This study lays the experimental basis for the application of planting in furrow and whole plastic-film mulching on double ridges in improving degraded grassland desertification.

Tectonic environment and cause of earthquakes in the Three Gorges reservoir area

Seismotectonics in the Three Gorges reservoir area is investigated by using the P-wave tomography with earthquakes that occurred before the impoundment of the reservoir. The result indicates that most of these events occurred in or around the velocity-gradient belts between high-velocity and low-velocity anomalies. These belts have similar characteristics to buried-fauh zones. Stresses generated by movement of partially molten upper-mantle materials and thermal stress may have jointly contributed to the seismic activities along the faults and such buried faults, and possibly activated new earthquake ruptures.