Major Technologies for Safe Construction of High Earth-Rockfill Dams

The earth-rockfill dam is one of the primary dam types in the selection of high dams to be constructed in Western China, since it is characterized by favorable adaptability of the dam foundation; full utilization of local earth, rock, and building-excavated materials; low construction cost; and low cement consumption. Many major technical issues regarding earth-rockfill dams with a height of over 250 m were studied and solved successfully in the construction of the 261.5 m Nuozhadu earth core rockfill dam. This paper describes research achievements and basic conclusions; systematically summarizes the accumulated experiences from the construction of the Nuozhadu Dam and other high earth-rockfill dams; and discusses major technical issues, such as deformation control, seepage control, dam slope stability, safety and control of flood discharging, safety and quality control of dam construction, safety assessments, early warning, and other key technical difficulties. This study also provides a reference and technological support for the future construction of 300 m high earth-rockfill dams.

Technical Progress on Researches for the Safety of High Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dams

The concrete-faced rockfill dam(CFRD) is an important dam type in the selection of high dams to be constructed in Western China,owing to its direct utilization of local materials,good adaptability,and distinct economic advantages.Over the past decades,China has gained successful experience in the construction of 200 m CFRDs,providing the necessary technical accumulation for the development of 250–300 m ultra-high CFRDs.This paper summarizes these successful experiences and analyzes the problems of a number of major 200 m CFRDs around the world.In addition,it discusses the key technologies and latest research progress regarding safety in the construction of 250–300 m ultra-high CFRDs,and suggests focuses and general ideas for future research.

Seismic safety of high concrete dams

China is a country of high seismicity with many hydropower resources. Recently,a series of high arch dams have either been completed or are being constructed in seismic regions,of which most are concrete dams. The evaluation of seismic safety often becomes a critical problem in dam design. In this paper,a brief introduction to major progress in the research on seismic aspects of large concrete dams,conducted mainly at the Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research(IWHR) during the past 60 years,is presented. The dam site-specific ground motion input,improved response analysis,dynamic model test verification,field experiment investigations,dynamic behavior of dam concrete,and seismic monitoring and observation are described. Methods to prevent collapse of high concrete dams under maximum credible earthquakes are discussed.

Automatic modal parameter identification of high arch dams:feasibility verification

Modal parameters, including fundamental frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes, could be used to evaluate the health condition of structures. Automatic modal parameter identification, which plays an essential role in realtime structural health monitoring, has become a popular topic in recent years. In this study, an automatic modal parameter identification procedure for high arch dams is proposed. The proposed procedure is implemented by combining the densitybased spatial clustering of applications with noise(DBSCAN) algorithm and the stochastic subspace identification(SSI). The 210-m-high Dagangshan Dam is investigated as an example to verify the feasibility of the procedure. The results show that the DBSCAN algorithm is robust enough to interpret the stabilization diagram from SSI and may avoid outline modes. This leads to the proposed procedure obtaining a better performance than the partitioned clustering and hierarchical clustering algorithms. In addition, the errors of the identified frequencies of the arch dam are within 4%, and the identified mode shapes are in agreement with those obtained from the finite element model, which implies that the proposed procedure is accurate enough to use in modal parameter identification. The procedure is feasible for online modal parameter identification and modal tracking of arch dams.

Stability and reinforcement analyses of high arch dams by considering deformation effects

The strict definition and logical description of the concept of structure stability and failure are presented. The criterion of structure stability is developed based on plastic complementary energy and its variation. It is presented that the principle of minimum plastic complementary energy is the combination of structure equilibrium, coordination condition of deformation and constitutive relationship. Based on the above arguments, the deformation reinforcement theory is developed. The structure global stability can be described by the relationship between the global degree of safety of structure and the plastic complementary energy. Correspondingly, the new idea is used in the evaluations of global stability, anchorage force of dam-toe, fracture of dam-heel and treatment of faults of high arch dams in China. The results show that the deformation reinforcement theory provides a uniform and practical theoretical framework and a valuable solution for the analysis of global stability, dam-heel cracking, dam-toe anchorage and reinforcement of faults of high arch dams and their foundations.

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.

Genetic Parameters Evaluation of Main Reproductive Traits for the New Yorkshire Dam Line with High Prolificacy

The genetic parameters of main reproductive traits for the new Yorkshire line with high prolificacy were evaluated by multiple animal model DFREML The re- suits showed that the heritability evaluates of the total number of born （TNB）, alive number of born （ANB）, litter weigh at birth （LWB） and litter weight at age of 21 days were 0.10, 0.15, 0.09 and 0.14, respectively. The genetic correlations between these traits, for example, the correlations between TNB/ANB, NB/LWB, TNB/LW21, ANB/LWB, ANB/LW21 and LWB/LW21 were 0.87, 0.74, 0.43, 0.69, 0.59 and 0.51, respectively.

Combined Selection Index for New Yorkshire Dam Line with High Prolificacy

The combined selection index used in the breeding of new Yorkshire dam line with high prolificacy according to breeding objects was formulated as /：2.272E- BVNB-0.056EBVDAYS. After 5 generations breeding, the two main selected traits such as total number of born and age at 100 kg weight was 12.17 piglets/litter and 165.18 d, respectively. The genetic improvements per generates was 0.156 and -2.198, respec- tively. The breeding objects of the new Yorkshire dam line with high prolificacy were basically reached. It indicated that the methods and index could be used in pig breeding.

Study of damage to a high concrete dam subjected to underwater shock waves

To study the effect of a strong underwater shock wave on a concrete dam, this research aims to improve hammer impact methods in model tests. Six 1:200 scale models were designed and tested under distributed impact loads. A device was deployed for a direct measurement of the impact force at the upstream face of the dams. The model dam bases were anchored to prevent displacement. The experimental results indicate that the top part of the concrete dam is a weak zone, and the impact failure initiates with a fracture on the top of the dam. The peak value of impact stress increases when the second crack appears in the concrete dam from the upstream face to the downstream face. And, the level of the second crack in the dam body is lower as the peak value of impact stress increases. In this study, dynamic analysis was conducted by calculating the results to verify the effectiveness of a device to directly measure the impact force. This method may be used to approximately forecast the damage of concrete dam and may also be useful in other engineering applications.

Parallel computation of seismic analysis of high arch dam

Parallel computation programs are developed for three-dimensional meso-mechanics analysis of fully-graded dam concrete and seismic response analysis of high arch dams （ADs）, based on the Parallel Finite Element Program Generator （PFEPG）. The computational algorithms of the numerical simulation of the meso-structure of concrete specimens were studied. Taking into account damage evolution, static preload, strain rate effect, and the heterogeneity of the meso-structure of dam concrete, the fracture processes of damage evolution and configuration of the cracks can be directly simulated. In the seismic response analysis of ADs, all the following factors are involved, such as the nonlinear contact due to the opening and slipping of the contraction joints, energy dispersion of the far-field foundation, dynamic interactions of the dam-foundation- reservoir system, and the combining effects of seismic action with all static loads. The correctness, reliability and efficiency of the two parallel computational programs are verified with practical illustrations.

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.

Analysis of seismic disaster failure mechanism and dam-break simulation of high arch dam

Based on a Chinese national high arch dam located in a meizoseismal region, a nonlinear numerical analysis model of the damage and failure process of a dam-foundation system is established by employing a 3-D deformable distinct element code(3DEC) and its re-development functions. The proposed analysis model considers the dam-foundation-reservoir coupling effect, infl uence of nonlinear contact in the opening and closing of the dam seam surface and abutment rock joints during strong earthquakes, and radiation damping of far fi eld energy dissipation according to the actual workability state of an arch dam. A safety assessment method and safety evaluation criteria is developed to better understand the arch dam system disaster process from local damage to ultimate failure. The dynamic characteristics, disaster mechanism, limit bearing capacity and the entire failure process of a high arch dam under a strong earthquake are then analyzed. Further, the seismic safety of the arch dam is evaluated according to the proposed evaluation criteria and safety assessment method. As a result, some useful conclusions are obtained for some aspects of the disaster mechanism and failure process of an arch dam. The analysis method and conclusions may be useful in engineering practice.

Probabilistic analysis for the response of nonlinear base isolation system under the ground excitation induced by high dam flood discharge

According to theoretical analysis, a general characteristic of the ground vibration induced by high dam flood discharge is that the dominant frequency ranges over several narrow frequency bands, which is verified by observations from the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station. Nonlinear base isolation is used to reduce the structure vibration under ground excitation and the advantage of the isolation application is that the low-frequency resonance problem does not need to be considered due to its excitation characteristics, which significantly facilitate the isolation design. In order to obtain the response probabilistic distribution of a nonlinear system, the state space split technique is modified. As only a few degrees of freedom are subjected to the random noise, the probabilistic distribution of the response without involving stochastic excitation is represented by the δ function. Then, the sampling property of the δ function is employed to reduce the dimension of the Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov （FPK） equation and the low-dimensional FPK equation is solvable with existing methods. Numerical results indicate that the proposed approach is effective and accurate. Moreover, the response probabilistic distributions are more reasonable and scientific than the peak responses calculated by conventional time and frequency domain methods.

Crucial technologies in the design of Xiluodu Super High Arch Dam

Some super high arch dams （ SHADs）, like Xiluodu Arch Dam, after their heights reaching the magnitude of 300 m, confront lots of technical challenges in design and construction. Several crucial technologies of 6 SHADs will be reviewed and discussed in this and consecutive papers, including Xiluodu, Jinping I in China, Baktiary in Iran, ete. , on the topics of the research method, criterion for evaluation and engineering application of dam safety analysis and evaluation, reasonable dam base interface, dam shape optimization, comprehensive treatments of complex foundation, anti-seismic engineering, dam construction material, concrete placement and temperature control, instrumentation and monitoring of dam operation, etc. This paper will mainly focus on the overall safety of SHADs, reasonable dam base interface analysis and evaluation and their engineering application.

Key technologies for the construction of the Xiluodu high arch dam on the Jinsha River in the development of hydropower in western China

Hydropower development in China is concentrated in the country's western regions.Among all the rivers in China,the lower course of the Jinsha River contains the richest hydro-energy resource,and therefore,4 mammoth hydropower plants are under construction on this particular section of the river at Wudongde,Baihetan,Xiluodu,and Xiangjiaba.The water-blocking structures of the hydropower facilities at Wudongde,Baihetan and Xiluodu are all arch dams of around 300 m high.In view of changes in the geological conditions at the foundation of the Xiluodu dam on the riverbed after excavation started,the designs of expanding foundation surface excavation and dovetailing the dam body and foundation rock on both upstream and downstream sides were introduced,allowing the arch dam and foundation to fit each other and improving the stress conditions of the dam body and foundation.By dividing the dam body into various concrete sections,the dynamic properties of concrete were adequately adjusted to the distribution of stress in the dam body.In addition,the use of the most optimal concrete material and mixture ratio allowed thermodynamics of concrete to satisfy the requirements of the strength,durability,temperature control and crack prevention of the concrete.Moreover,rigorous temperature control measures were introduced to prevent harmful cracking,thus enhancing the integrity of the arch dam.Furthermore,sophisticated construction machinery,scientific testing methods,and sound construction techniques were employed to ensure the uniformity and reliability of concrete placement.The "Digital Dam" for the Xiluodu project,which is based on the theory of total life cycle,has supplied strong support for construction process control and decision-making.

Fuzzy Earthwork Dynamic Allocation and Optimization for Construction of High Concrete Face Rockfill Dam

Due to the complexity of earthwork allocation system for the construction of high concrete face rockfill dam,traditional allocation and planning are not able to function properly in the construction process with strong randomness.In this paper,the working mechanism of earthwork dynamic allocation system is analyzed comprehensively and a solution to fuzzy earthwork dynamic allocation is proposed on the basis of uncertain factors in the earthwork allocation of a hydropower project.Under the premise of actual situation and the experience of the construction site,an all-coefficient-fuzzy linear programming mathematical model with fuzzy parameters and constraints for earthwork allocation is established according to the structure unit weighted ranking criteria.In this way,the deficiency of certain allocation model can be overcome.The application results indicate that the proposed method is more rational compared with traditional earthwork allocation.

Research on the Seepage Safety Monitoring Indexes of the High Core Rockfill Dam

The study on developing the reasonable safety monitoring indexes plays a most importantly role in the health monitoring of high core rockfill dams. However, researches on this topic are relatively scarce both at home and abroad. In this paper, the characteristics and failure modes of seepage in high core rockfill dam are analyzed firstly. Then, a safety monitoring index based on seepage quantity, which reflects the overall seepage behavior, is developed, using the real-time monitoring data and its safety monitoring model. Moreover, another safety monitoring index based on seepage gradient, reflecting the local seepage behavior, is proposed, combining the spatial layout of osmo- meters and local failure mechanisms of core wall. Additionally, one more safety monitoring index based on permeability coefficient, which considers the overall and local seepage behaviors, is developed, on the basis of establishing the finite element analysis model and real-time seepage coefficient inversion analysis model of high core rockfill dam. A case study on these indexes of Nuozhadu high core rockfill dam is developed, which improves the reliability of seepage safety evaluation of the dam.

Safety and coping strategy for high dam under complex natural conditions

In respect to current situation and new challenges for high dam construction in China, safety problems are an- alyzed for high dam construction under complex natural conditions such as high elevation, cold area, high seismic inten- sity, large-seale landslide and high dam and huge reservoirs with dam types such as concrete surface rock-fill, asphalt concrete core, roller compacted concrete （RCC） arch dam and so on. From several aspects, including risk response measures for high dam, strengthening safety awareness for high dam design and construction, improving high dam con- struetion technique, intelligent dam safety management system based on IT, developing dam rehabilitation and mainte- nance technologies, useful dam safety and coping strategy is proposed.

Optimization design of foundation excavation for Xiluodu super-high arch dam in China

With better understanding of the quality and physico-mechanical properties of rocks of dam foundation,and the physico-mechanical properties and structure design of arch dam in association with the foundation excavation of Xiluodu arch dam,the excavation optimization design was proposed for the foundation surface on the basis of feasibility study.Common analysis and numerical analysis results demonstrated the feasibility of using the weakly weathered rocks III1and III2as the foundation surface of super-high arch dam.In view of changes in the geological conditions at the dam foundation along the riverbed direction,the design of extending foundation surface excavation area and using consolidating grouting and optimizing structure of dam bottom was introduced,allowing for harmonization of the arch dam and foundation.Three-dimensional(3D)geomechanics model test and fi nite element analysis results indicated that the dam body and foundation have good overload stability and high bearing capacity.The monitoring data showed that the behaviors of dam and foundation correspond with the designed patterns in the construction period and the initial operation period.

Multi-powder dam concrete with high performance and low adiabatic temperature rise

Based on the fluidity, strength, heat of hydration and loop crack resistance experiment of multi-powder paste, the components and proportion of multi-powder were optimized and the concrete properties were studied. The multi-powder consists of limestone powder, slag, fly ash and moderate heat Portland cement (PMH cement). The results show that the compressive strength of the multi-powder paste and mortar is close to those of PMH cement, fly ash paste and mortar currently used in dam concrete, yet the flexural strength is relatively higher. The multi-powder paste is featured by larger fluidity, lower heat of hydration and delayed cracking time. In comparison, less unit water consumption and cement is used in multi-powder concrete, and under premise of equal mechanical performance, deformation, thermal performance and durability, the adiabatic temperature rise at 28 d is reduced by 2 ℃. In this way, the crack resistance is improved and it is feasible both technically and economically to produce HPC for dam concrete.