Building the Three Gorges Project for the Chinese Nation—An Interview with General Manager Lu Youmei, China Yangtze River Three Gorges Project Development Corporation

The Yangtze River has nurtured the fertile land on both its banks and hundreds of millions of Chinese people. but its raging waters have also wreaked havoc on the people living in its reaches. Since the founding of New China, large-scale surveys, planning, scientific research and feasibility studies have been carried out in an effort to harness the

Responses of river bed evolution to flow-sediment process changes after Three Gorges Project in middle Yangtze River:A case study of Yaojian reach

The Three Gorges Project(TGP)has changed the flow-sediment process in the middle Yangtze River.For navigation purposes,there is an urgent need to study the changes of the river regime over a long-term period and the shoal-channel evolution over different seasons since the completion of the TGP.Based on analysis of the measured data and the results of a two-dimensional mathematical model,the changes of the river regime and river bed evolution in the Yaojian reach downstream of the TGP were studied.Results show that a high sediment transport flux helps to keep the main flow in the North Branch,while a low sediment transport flux helps to keep the main flow in the South Branch.Thus,the main branch will not change in the near future because of the low sediment transport load.In this study,the flow-sediment process adjusted by the TGP was restored to the conditions before the TGP,and the river bed evolution under the adjusted and non-adjusted flow-sediment conditions was calculated.After the completion of the TGP,the reservoir storage accelerated the flood recession process and decreased the erosion by 11.9%under the flow-sediment conditions in 2010,and the deposition in the flood season decreased by 56.4%.

Key Technologies of the Hydraulic Structures of the Three Gorges Project

To date,the Three Gorges Project is the largest hydro junction in the world.It is the key project for the integrated water resource management and development of the Changjiang River.The technology of the project,with its huge scale and comprehensive benefits,is extremely complicated,and the design difficulty is greater than that of any other hydro project in the world.A series of new design theories and methods have been proposed and applied in the design and research process.Many key technological problems regarding hydraulic structures have been overcome,such as a gravity dam with multi-layer large discharge orifices,a hydropower station of giant generating units,and a giant continual multi-step ship lock with a high water head.

Monitoring result analyses of high slope of five-step ship lock in the Three Gorges Project

The construction of the double-lane five-step ship lock of the Three Gorges Project （TGP） wascommenced in 1994, the excavation of the ship lock was completed by the end of 1999, and the ship lockwas put in operation in June 2003. The side slopes of the ship lock are characterized by great height（170 m）, steepness （70 m in height of upright slope）, and great length （over 7000 m in total length）. Inassociation with the ship lock, the surrounding rocks in slope have a high potential to deform, withwhich the magnitude of deformation is restricted. Monitoring results show that the deformation of thefive-step ship lock high slopes of the TGP primarily occurred in excavation period, and deformationtended to be stable and convergent during operation period, suggesting the allowable ranges of deformation.At present, the slopes and lock chambers are stable, and the ship lock works well under normaloperation condition, enabling the social and economic benefits of the TGP. 2015 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seismic hazard assessment of the Three Gorges Project

Seismic monitoring data for the past 50 years in the Three Gorges Reservoir area show that the reservoir head area is a typical weak seismic region with low seismieity before impoundment and that the epicenters were concentrated in the east and west sides of the Zigui Basin, most of which were natural tectonic earth- quakes. After impoundment, the seismic activity shifted to the segment between Badong and Zigui along the Yangtze River, mainly within 5 km of the reservoir bank. The seismogenesis was categorized into four types： Karst collapse earthquakes, earthquakes caused by Karst gas explosion, mining tunnel collapse earthquakes, and rock （terrane） slip earthquakes, all of which are related to the lithology, structure, and tectonics of near- surface geological bodies of the area. Compared with the seismicity before impoundment, the seismic frequency increase was remarkable, with most of the magnitudes below Ms2.0. Therefore, the intensity of the earth- quakes remained at a low level. On November 22, 2008, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake, the largest earthquake recorded since impoundment, occurred in Quyuan Town, Zigui County. The intensity and PGA of reservoir-in- duced earthquakes are higher than those of tectonic earthquakes with equal magnitude, but the peak intensity of reservoir-induced earthquakes is not likely to go beyond that of the estimated range from earlier studies.

Key issues in rock mechanics of the Three Gorges Project in China

The Three Gorges Project is one of the essential key projects for flood controlling and water resources regulation in the Yangtze River. The project includes a river-crossing dam, underground powerhouses, and navigation structures. Because of the huge size and complicated construction technologies, the project faced a series of challenging engineering issues. In terms of rock mechanics, there are many key technical issues, including the sliding resistance and stability of the dam section along the foundations of powerhouses No.l-5, the ,,;lope stability of the double-line five-stage shiplock, excavation of large-scale underground powerhouses, and curtain grouting under the dam. With decades of scientific research and 16 years of practical construction experiences and reservoir operations, these key technical issues in construction of the Three Gorges Project are successfully resolved, which will attribute to the development of hydropower technology. On the basis of the monitoring data during construction and normal operation periods of the Three Gorges Project, this paper presents a systematic analysis of these key rock mechanical issues in terms of behaviors, solutions, dynamic controlling, monitoring arrangement and integrated assessment.

The design of double line five step ship lock of Three Gorges Project

The general design and layout of the double-line five-step ship-lock,the water delivery technique for high head ship-lock,the key technical problems of fully lined ship-lock and the monitoring techniques for large-scale miter gates and hoisting equipment under complicated operation conditions of Three Gorges Project (TGP) are introduced.Since the operation of ship-lock in 2003,the operation practice has proved that the design techniques are advanced,rational and reliable.The design and construction of the fully lined ship-lock promotes the development of design theory and practice of ship-lock projects,which makes the construction technology of ship-lock in the world reach a new level.

Static and Dynamic Damage Analysis of Mass Concrete in Hydropower House of Three Gorges Project

This paper establishes a 3D numerical model for 15# hydropower house of the Three Gorges Project (TGP) and performs a nonlinear static and dynamic damage analysis. In this numerical model, a coupling model of finite and infinite elements for simulating infinite foundation of hydropower station is adopted. A plastic-damage model based on continuum damage mechanics, which includes the softening and damage behavior under tension is considered for the concrete material. The dynamic equilibrium equations of moti...

Impact on Mountainous Agricultural Development in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area forced by Migrants of the Three Gorges Project

The Three Gorges Project attracts worldwide attention because of the Three Gorges migrants, and the agriculture of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area is a foundation for the development of the Three Gorges migrants. The Three Gorges Reservoir Area is situated at the mountainous area with bad agricultural development conditions and relatively low levels of development. As a result, the large-scale migration fias special influence on its agricultural development, which has attracted much attention. The paper analyzes influence that the migrants have forced on its agricultural development based on the scientific data, and makes some explorations on the models that are suitable for the development of mountainous agriculture in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.

The construction design and practice of Three Gorges Project

The construction of Three Gorges Project (TGP) is characterized by large construction scale,high construction intensity and complexity in technology.In view of various technical difficulties such as navigation in construction period,two river closures,high-intensity concrete and earth-rock construction,high-intensity construction and demolition of RCC (roller compacted concrete) cofferdam in stage III and immediate navigation of double-line five-step shiplock after impoundment of reservoir,the scheme of river diversion during construction is adopted,namely "diversion in 3 stages,open channel navigation and cofferdam power generation".The practice and innovation achievements in river diversion during construction as well as earth-rock and concrete construction are presented emphatically.

Finite element and experimental analysis of pinion bracket-assembly of three gorges project ship lift

The pinion bracket-assembly(PBA) is a major part of three gorges project(TGP) ship lift drive system. The static strength,fatigue strength and stress distribution of hinge pin of PBA were analyzed by ANSYS, and the structure of PBA was optimized. The results show that after the optimization, the maximum comprehensive stress is 259.59 MPa, the maximum fatigue cumulative damage of weld joints is 0.94 and the maximum vertical deformation of hinge pin is 0.14 mm. The elastic deformation, hydropneumatic spring cylinder(HSC) load response and the vibration characteristics of PBA were studied by the bearing test when PBA bore the load caused by different water level errors. The results indicate that when the water level of ship chamber ranges from 3.4 m to 3.6 m,the vertical elastic deformation of the pinion shaft is between-8.58 and 10.50 mm. When upward outage-load(1580 k N) is imposed by the test-rack, the vertical elastic deformation of the pinion shaft is 13.42 and 14.07 mm and HSC load response is 795.80-800.80 k N. In the process of imposing load on the pinion by the test-rack, the maximum vibration amplitude and acceleration of PBA internal components are 0.37° and 2.67 rad/s2, respectively; the maximum impact on the pin caused by vibration is 19.89 k N; the pinion shaft vertical displacement and HSC load response do not fluctuate. There is a great difference between the frequency of meshing force of the pinion and the rack(1.06 Hz) and first-order natural frequency of PBA(8.41 Hz), thus PBA will not resonate.From all above, PBA meets the static strength and fatigue strength requirements. The vibration of PBA internal components has no effect on the vertical displacement of the pinion shaft, HSC load response and smooth operation of PBA. There is a liner relationship in the ratio of 2:1 between the thrust imposed by the test-rack and HSC load, thus HSC can limit the load imposed on the pinion.

The construction management system and practice of Three Gorges Project

Three Gorges Project (TGP),the largest water resources and hydropower project in the world with huge scale and complex techniques,has great comprehensive benefits mainly in flood control,power generation and navigation improvement.Through 17-year construction and practice,the project has been successfully completed.Some valuable experience from the successful construction of TGP has been gained for the management system and mechanism of hydropower project construction in China.Its construction management mode produces important influences on the management system of domestic capital construction.With combination of the construction management practice of TGP,the characteristics of management system and mechanism are summarized,and the suggestions on current hydropower development system and construction management mode are put forward.

Compensation for Land Loss in Reservoir Resettlement: A Case Study of The Three Gorges Project, China

This paper studies current policies in compensation for land lost due to construction of the Three Gorges project (TGP), China. In the case study of Kaixian County, the value of land in the peri-urban areas is underestimated. Some losses in land are tangible and thus measurable, but some losses are intangible and thus immeasurable. The land available in the resettlement areas is scarce and rarely of equivalent quality. This study suggests that the loss of agricultural land be compensated with alternative land and/or non-land-based livelihood strategies, including part compensation in monetary terms and preferential policies.

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.

The Three Gorges Project and Its Environmetal Impact

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Floodwater utilization of the Three Gorges Project

Floods are both risks and resources. Floodwater utilization is an important part of flood management. Considering the rising shortage of water resources, serious water pollution, and undersupply of electric power, it’s imperative to strengthen flood management. In light of the hydrological characteristics of the Three Gorges Project (TGP) on the Yangtze River in P. R. China, we investigated the necessity and feasibility of TGP floodwater utilization, proprosed dynamic control of limited water level during flood season of the reservoir and basin-wide integrated floodwater management as strategies, and identified problems that might occur in practice.

The resettlement planning and practice of Three Gorges Project

Migrant resettlement is essential to the success of the Three Gorges Project (TGP),and the smooth implementation of resettlement is ensured by the resettlement planning and effective organization management.In the process of resettlement planning and implementation,systematic legislation and document support system is established;environmental capacity analysis and assets appraisal methods are introduced;resettlement sites are selected through in-depth analysis and comparison;the relationship between resettlement compensation and local development is correctly understood and considered,and reasonable resettlement schedules are well prepared.Through the establishment of efficient management system and capital management mode of "static control and dynamic management",as well as the timely adjustment of plan according to actual situations,the resettlement is accomplished smoothly.Thus,the social stability of the reservoir area is ensured;the economic development of reservoir area is promoted,and it has promoted successfully the improvement of legislation,regulations and techniques for land requisition and resettlement.The paper also discusses the theory and prospective work of resettlement.

The research and practice of major technological issues on design of Three Gorges Project

The dam of Three Gorges Project is characterized by large flood discharge capacity,more outlets,complicated flood discharge and energy dissipation structure,and the stability of the bank powerhouse dam foundation is endangered by large gentle-dip structural plane of the bedrock due to the deep excavation of powerhouse at the dam-toe.For the dam body concrete,the durability requirement is high and the temperature control and crack prevention are difficult.The practical experience which could be used for reference in the design and construction of asphalt concrete core wall for Maopingxi protective earth-rock dam is scarce.The power station operates with high water head and large head variation.The type selection of penstock and intake as well as the embedding way of spiral case are complicated in technique,and the tailrace tunnel with sloping ceiling of underground power plant is arranged instead of traditional tailrace surge tank.For the double-line five-step ship-lock,the design of fully lined ship-lock,high head delivery system and large-sized miter gates and hoists is very challenging due to high operation head,complicated delivery conditions and building in deep excavated rock.The preferred solutions,optimal schemes and technical measures for various structures,as well as the innovation achievements proved by practice are highlighted.

On the treatment of thermal cracks in lining concrete of water conveyance system of Three Gorges Project permanent ship locks

A comprehensive investigation was performed for repairing the different types of cracks appearing on the surface or inside the concrete lining at various depths.The mate- rial properties used in grouting and two methods for crack repair were discussed in details, and consequently reliable repair measures were proposed and implemented.It is a better choice to adopt the hole-drilling method for the relatively regular crack.The grouting pres- sure should not be too high and it is generally between 0.4～0.6 MPa.For the second time grouting,the pressure maybe increased to 0.8 MPa.Other method is the pasting nozzles method which is more suitable for irregular cracks such as cracks with intensive density and crossing cracks.Its grouting pressure is generally between 0.6～1.0 MPa.The in-situ tests in Three Gorges Project demonstrate favorably the feasibility and applicability of the proposed methods for crack repair within the lining concrete.

The design and practice of giant hydro turbine generating units of Three Gorges Project

The main technical problems that should be considered in the design of hydro-turbine generating units of Three Gorges Project (TGP) are analyzed;the key technical researches performed are summarized,and the parameters of hydro-turbine generating units are optimized through the study on key technical problems.The unit operation indicates that the performance of the hydro-turbine generating units is excellent,and the units can operate in a safe,stable and highly efficient mode for a long term.Therefore,it is verified effectively that the general technical design of units is scientific and rational.