Large Dam Construction in China over the Past Fifty Years

This paper gives an introduction to the large dam construction achievements seen in China over the past fifty years. Four developmental stages, dam height and darn type, newly adopted and developing dam types are elaborated in detail, with large dam statistics completed and under construction attached as well.

Construction Simulation and Real-Time Control for High Arch Dam

A method of combining dynamic simulation with real-time control was proposed to fit the randomness and uncertainty in the high arch dam construction process. The mathematical logic model of high arch dam construction process was established. By combining dynamic construction simulation with schedule analysis, the process of construction schedule forecasting and analysis based on dynamic simulation was studied. The process of real-time schedule control was constructed and some measures for dynamic adjustment and control of construction schedule were provided. A system developed with the method is utilized in a being constructed hydroelectric project located at the Yellow River in northwest China, which can make the pouring plan of the dam in the next stage (a month, quarter or year) to guide the practical construction. The application result shows that the system provides an effective technical support for the construction and management of the dam.

Real-Time Spreading Thickness Monitoring of High-core Rockfill Dam Based on K-nearest Neighbor Algorithm

During the storehouse surface rolling construction of a core rockfilldam, the spreading thickness of dam face is an important factor that affects the construction quality of the dam storehouse' rolling surface and the overallquality of the entire dam. Currently, the method used to monitor and controlspreading thickness during the dam construction process is artificialsampling check after spreading, which makes it difficult to monitor the entire dam storehouse surface. In this paper, we present an in-depth study based on real-time monitoring and controltheory of storehouse surface rolling construction and obtain the rolling compaction thickness by analyzing the construction track of the rolling machine. Comparatively, the traditionalmethod can only analyze the rolling thickness of the dam storehouse surface after it has been compacted and cannot determine the thickness of the dam storehouse surface in realtime. To solve these problems, our system monitors the construction progress of the leveling machine and employs a real-time spreading thickness monitoring modelbased on the K-nearest neighbor algorithm. Taking the LHK core rockfilldam in Southwest China as an example, we performed real-time monitoring for the spreading thickness and conducted real-time interactive queries regarding the spreading thickness. This approach provides a new method for controlling the spreading thickness of the core rockfilldam storehouse surface.

Optimizing Earth Allocation for Rock-Fill Dam Construction

An optimal allocation of earth is of great significance to reduce the project cost and duration in the construction of rock-fill dams. The earth allocation is a dynamic system affected by various time-space constraints. Based on previous studies, a new method of optimizing this dynamic system as a static one is presented. In order to build a generalized and flexible model of the problem, some man-made constraints were investigated in building the mathematic model. Linear programming and simplex method are introduced to solve the optimization problem of earth allocation. A case study in a large-scale rock-fill dam construction project is presented to demonstrate the proposed method and its successful application shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.

Influence of construction interfaces on dynamic characteristics of roller compacted concrete dams

To study the influence of construction interfaces on dynamic characteristics of roller compacted concrete dams(RCCDs),mechanical properties of construction interfaces are firstly analyzed. Then, the viscous-spring artificial boundary(VSAB) is adopted to simulate the radiation damping of their infinite foundations, and based on the Marc software, a simplified seismic motion input method is presented by the equivalent nodal loads. Finally, based on the practical engineering of a RCC gravity dam, effects of radiation damping and construction interfaces on the dynamic characteristics of dams are investigated in detail. Analysis results show that dynamic response of the RCC gravity dam significantly reduces about 25% when the radiation damping of infinite foundation is considered. Hot interfaces and the normal cold interfaces have little influence on the dynamic response of the RCC gravity dam.However, nonlinear fracture along the cold interfaces at the dam heel will occur under the designed earthquake if the cold interfaces are combined poorly. Therefore, to avoid the fractures along the construction interfaces under the potential super earthquakes,combination quality of the RCC layers should be significantly ensured.

Dam foundation excavation techniques in China:A review

A protective layer(PL) is commonly reserved above foundation surface to protect the underlying rock mass during dam foundation excavation. In China, the PL of dam foundation is conventionally subdivided into two or three thin layers and excavated with the shallow-hole blasting method, even by pneumatic pick method in case of soft rock mass. The aforementioned layered excavation of the PL delays the construction of the whole project. After nearly 30-year practices, several safe and effcient methods for the PL excavation of dam foundation are gradually developed. They include shallow-hole bench blasting with cushion material(SBC) at the bottom of the hole, and horizontal smooth blasting(HSB). The PL is even cancelled on the condition that horizontal pre-split technique is employed during dam foundation excavation. This paper introduces the aforementioned two PL excavation methods(shallow-hole blasting and bench blasting) and horizontal pre-split technique of dam foundation without protective layer(HPP). The basic principles of blasting method, blasting geometry, charge structure, drill-and-blast parameters of typical projects are examined. Meanwhile, the merits and limitations of each method are compared. Engineering practices in China show that HSB is basically the optimal method for dam foundation PL excavation in terms of foundation damage control and rapid construction. Some new problems for dam foundation PL excavation arising, such as strong unloading and relaxation phenomenon that encountered in the gorge region of southwest China, are needed to be addressed; and the corresponding countermeasures are discussed as well.

Dynamic Risk Assessment Index System for Earth-Rock Dam during Construction

During the construction of earth-rock dam,mutual exclusive construction goals such as quality,safety,progress and cost all have influences on each other,with risk factors being everchanging as the construction progresses.Accurate identification of the risk factors,as well as clearing any possible effect that any risk factors might have on the construction project is the key and foundation to our cooperative control of the construction goals.According to the construction planning of earth-rock dam,the hall3 D structure was used to identify the potential changes of risk factors,and the possible means of any risk factors to interfere with the construction goals.The dynamic risk assessment index system is established by deploying the WBS-RBS(work breakdown structurerisk breakdown structure)method,aiming at the construction goals of earth-rock dam.The case study shows that the index system is very effective at risk management of earth-rock dam during construction,and relatively practicable.

Nutrient Release from Immersed Foliar Biomass during Caruachi Dam Reservoir Filling: Caroni River, Venezuela

Background: Decomposition process controls the release and the availability of essential nutrients, which affects the structure and the functioning of plant communities. Freshwater reservoirs are largely known to have impacts on the water quality, especially during the first phases of filling. The aim of the study was to conduct a nutrient release experiment where decomposition of fresh leaves and litter from vegetation of a low dry tropical forest was flooded. Selected species were Leguminosae species Albizia glabripetala (H. S. Irwin) G. P. Lewis & P. E. Owen (AG), Bauhinia aculeata L. (BA), Centrolobium paraense Tul. (CP) and Piptadenia leucoxyllon Barneby & J. W. Grimes (PL). Freshwater decomposition experiments were carried out at 50 cm depth inside nine floating containers in a protected area of the reservoir: litter (HJ), leaves of AG and BA (E2), and CP and PL (E3) were used. It was over 20 weeks period. Every week for two months and at week 20, a bag of each sample was extracted for analysis of Carbon, Ca, Mg, Na, K, P and S. Results: Results indicate that residual dry mass decreased by 71% for HJ, 81.4% for E2, and more than 86.8% for E3 after twenty weeks. The higher content of carbon (%) at the beginning of the experiment was E2 > E3 > HJ. After 20 weeks, the percentage of carbon loss was 2.09% for HJ, 3.02% for E2, and 1.69% for E3. S decreased between 50% - 60% during the first week;at 20 weeks, the remaining amount of S was 13% for HJ and E3 and 7% for E2. P showed a different pattern, where the second week was more important for the release. HJ and E3 followed the pattern of nutrient release: K > Mg > Na > Ca while E2 was K > Ca > Mg > Na. Conclusions: P and S release depends on the time of submergence and the species. Fresh leaves decay faster than necromass. Nutrient loss is higher than 50% for the three first weeks and seems constant between week 8 - 20. C and S concentrations incorporated in the reservoir can result in a high release of gases CH4 and S2 to the atmosphere. This study is the first publication in relation to nutrient release from the submergence of species in dry tropical forests.

Discussion on construction and type selection of China high dams

At the beginning of 21st century, with the rapid and steady development of China economy, a lot of large scale hydropower projects with large dams from 200 m to 300 m high are being or to be built. China dam constructions are reaching the level of 300 m high arch dam, 250 high CFRD (concrete face rockfill dam) and 200 m high RCC (roller compacted concrete) gravity dam. Due to the safety and the economy, the type selection for high dams has become the key issue during the argumentation for the hydropower projects, and further efforts are still needed in this aspect for high dams. After reviewing the high dam constructions in China and abroad, authors proposed some advices for the selection of dam types, and hope that it can provide some helpful information for the researches and the design of high dams.

堆石混凝土坝概述及下一代混凝土坝施工技术展望

Over the past few decades,one of the most significant advances in dam construction has been the inven-tion of the rock-filled concrete(RFC)dam,which is constructed by pouring high-performance self-compacting concrete(HSCC)to fill the voids in preplaced large rocks.The innovative use of large rocks in dam construction provides engineers with a material that requires less cement consumption and hydration heat while enhancing construction efficiency and environmental friendliness.However,two fundamental scientific issues related to RFC need to be addressed:namely,the pouring compactness and the effect of large rocks on the mechanical and physical properties of RFC.This article provides a timely review of fundamental research and innovations in the design,construction,and quality control of RFCdams.Prospects for next-generation concrete dams are discussed from the perspectives of envi-ronmental friendliness,intrinsic safety,and labor savings.

Impacts of hydropower-induced flow alterations on composition and diversity of riparian vegetation in the Western Himalayas: A case study in Uttarakhand, India

The increasing demand for water and energy resources has led to widespread dam construction,particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayan Range.This study focuses on the Uttarakhand state in the Western Himalayas,where hydroelectric projects(HEPs)have significantly altered river flow regimes.The research investigates the impact of flow alterations on the composition and structure of riparian vegetation in the Garhwal Himalayas,specifically analysing four rivers regulated by hydroelectric projects.Utilizing the paired-reach comparison method,control(undisturbed),diverted(downstream of barrage/dam),and altered flow conditions(downstream of water outlet)were examined.The research reveals diverse and unique riparian ecosystems,with 89 genera and 113 taxa identified,showcasing the dominance of families like Asteraceae and Lamiaceae.The study unveils the structural importance of key species such as Berberis asiatica and Artemisia nilagirica.The density,diversity,and richness of shrub and herb species vary significantly across flow conditions.Notably,altered flow conditions demonstrate resilience in vegetation structure,while diverted conditions exhibit decreased species richness and density.The study emphasizes the importance of nuanced environmental flow management for mitigating adverse effects on riparian biodiversity in the fragile Himalayan region.These findings contribute to the global discourse on dam impacts and riparian ecology,shedding light on the complexities of this dynamic relationship in a vulnerable ecosystem.

Decadal variations in diatoms and dinoflagellates on the inner shelf of the East China Sea, China

Diatoms and dinoflagellates are two major groups ofphytoplankton that flourish in the oceans, particularly in coastal zone and upwelling systems, and their contrasting production have been reported in several world seas. However, this information is not available in the coastal East China Sea （ECS）. Thus, to investigate and compare the decadal trends in diatoms and dinoflagellates, a sediment core, 47-cm long, was collected from the coastal zone of the ECS. Sediment chlorophyll-a （Chl-a）, phytoplankton-group specifc pigment signatures of diatoms and dinoflagellates, and diatom valve concentrations were determined. The sediment core covered the period from 1961 to 2011 AD. The chlorophyll-a contents ranged from 2.32 to 73 gg/g dry sediment （dw） and averaged 9.81 gg/g dw. Diatom absolute abundance ranged from 29 152 to 177 501 valve/gram （v/g） dw and averaged 72 137 v/g dw. Diatom valve and diatom specific pigment marker concentrations were not significantly correlated. Peridinin increased after the 1980s in line with intensified use of fertilizer and related increases in nutrient inputs into the marine environment. The increased occurrence of dinoflagellate dominance after the 1980s can be mostly explained by the increase in nutrients. However, the contribution of dinoflagellates to total phytoplankton production （Chl-a） decreased during the final decade of this study, probably because of the overwhelming increase in diatom production that corresponded with the construction of the Three Gorges Dam （TGD） and related light availability. Similarly, the mean ratio of fucoxanthin/peridinin for the period from 1982 to 2001 was 6% less than for 1961 to 1982, while the ratio for 2001 to 2011 was 45.3% greater than for 1982 to 2001. The decadal variation in the fucoxanthirdperidinin ratio implies that dinoflagellate production had been gradually increasing until 2001. We suggest that the observed changes can be explained by anthropogenic impacts, such as nutrient loading and dam construction.

Investigating the causes of Lake Urmia shrinkage:climate change or anthropogenic factors?

In the current scenario,Lake Urmia,one of the vastest hyper saline lakes on the Earth,has been affected by serious environmental degradation.Using different satellite images and observational data,this study investigated the changes in the lake for the period 1970–2020 based on the effects of climate change and several human-induced processes on Lake Urmia,such as population growth,excessive dam construction,low irrigation water use efficiency,poor water resources management,increased sediment flow into the lake,and lack of political and legal frameworks.The results indicated that between 1970 and 1997,the process of change in Lake Urmia was slow;however;the shrinkage was faster between 1998 and 2018,with about 30.00%of the lake area disappearing.As per the findings,anthropogenic factors had a much greater impact on Lake Urmia than climate change and prolonged drought;the mismanagement of water consumption in the agricultural sector and surface and underground water withdrawals in the basin have resulted in a sharp decrease in the lake's surface.These challenges have serious implications for water resources management in Lake Urmia Basin.Therefore,we provided a comprehensive overview of anthropogenic factors on the changes in Lake Urmia along with existing opportunities for better water resources management in Lake Urmia Basin.This study serves as a guideline framework for climate scientists and hydrologists in order to assess the effects of different factors on lake water resources and for decision-makers to formulate strategies and plans according to the management task.

Construction schedule risk analysis of high roller-compacted concrete dams based on improved CSRAM

The applied technology of high roller-compacted concrete(RCC) dams is quite complicated because of various risk factors, including the weather condition, supply of concrete aggregate, efficiency of transport machinery and dam surface machinery, and so on. In order to ensure the comprehensiveness, accuracy and objectivity of construction schedule risk analysis, a mathematical model called improved correlated schedule risk analysis model(CSRAM) is proposed in this paper. This model takes into account not only the construction features of high RCC dams, but also the stochastic variations of risk factors with the construction schedule, as well as their comprehensive effects. Using Monte Carlo method to solve this model enables the completion probability of a high RCC dam construction within plan time, and uncertainty analysis of risk factors. Compared with the conventional CSRAM, the improved CSRAM has higher completion probability and more convergent distribution of a simulation period, making analysis results more accurate and closer to actual engineering conditions. Among the ten risk factors selected, efficiency of dam surface machinery and proficiency of workers are found to be of the maximum uncertainty.

Dynamic time-cost-quality tradeoff of rockfill dam construction based on real-time monitoring

Time, cost, and quality are three key control factors in rockfill dam construction, and the tradeoff among them is important. Research has focused on the construction time-cost-quality tradeoff for the planning or design phase, built on static empirical data. However, due to its intrinsic uncertainties, rockfill dam construction is a dynamic process which requires the tradeoffto adjust dynamically to changes in construction conditions. In this study, a dynamic time-cost-quality tradeoff （DTCQT） method is proposed to balance time, cost, and quality at any stage of the construction process. A time-cost-quality tradeoff model is established that considers time cost and quality cost. Time, cost, and quality are dynamically estimated based on real-time monitoring. The analytic hierarchy process （AHP） method is applied to quantify the decision preferences among time, cost, and quality as objective weights. In addition, an improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm （NSGA-II） coupled with the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution （TOPSIS） method is used to search for the optimal compromise solution. A case study project is analyzed to demonstrate the applicability of the method, and the efficiency of the proposed optimization method is compared with that of the linear weighted sum （LWS） and NSGA-II.

Recovery of bird communities following the construction of a large-scale hydroelectric dam

Background:Habitat degradation is known to have a major impact on the composition of bird communities,yet how these communities recover following such disturbance is less understood.This study examined bird community changes from pre-logging to recovery over the course of habitat disturbance caused by the development of the Hulu Terengganu Hydroelectric Dam Project in Peninsular Malaysia,between 2007 and 2018.Bird surveys were conducted using point count observations and mist netting in the dam area from the prelogging phase until the operation phase.Results:It was observed that while bird species significantly declined after large-scale habitat clearance between the pre-logging and construction phases,they showed positive signs of recovery from the inundation to operation phases.These findings indicate that the bird community is still recovering,and the permanent loss of habitat required by most of the original species has not occurred,as evidenced by recolonisation.Bird species composition differed across phases due to varying habitat conditions.The turnover rate and immigration rate(recolonisation and newly recorded species)were higher between the construction and operation phases.It was also observed that insectivorous birds were more heavily affected than others by changes to the landscape,which highlights the versatility,survivability and tolerance of certain species to extreme disturbance and habitat modification.Conclusion:Although the operation phase showed an incremental change in bird species richness due to recolonisation and newly recorded species,this value remains far from that of the pre-logging phase.We predict that bird species recovery will continue to increase for some time before reaching a plateau among the newly created islands,reservoir and catchment area of the dam.

Has“Grain for Green”threaten food security on the Loess Plateau of China?

There is debating over the question of whether the large-scale‘Grain for Green’program on the Loess Plateau of China threatens regional food security.Self-sufficiency index and cropland pressure index were used to assess food security on the Loess Plateau after the implementation of revegetation program.The results showed that the‘Grain for Green’program initially had a considerable impact on regional food security,where grain yield fell from 1999 to 2001,resulting in a lower grain self-sufficiency and increased farmland stress.Subsequently,grain yield in this region increased due to the elevated agricultural material input and increased construction of terraces and check dams.The grain self-sufficiency index would have increased to 96.55%if there were improvements to the agricultural conditions,such as fertilization and irrigation,which would have resulted in an increase in the crop yield per unit of 20%.However,the grain self-sufficiency increased to 105.25%via the construction of terraces and check dams.Thus,the government should further expand the‘Grain for Green’program in coordination with improvements to the agricultural production conditions and the construction of terraces and check dams on the Loess Plateau.