Main Participants: ZHANG Guoxin, LIU Yi, LIU Youzhi, ZHOU Qiujing, LU Zhengchao, WANG Zhenhong, ZHU Zhenyang, CHENG Heng, LEI Zhengqi, LI Jintao, XIN Jianda, QIU Yongrong, GU Yanling, JIANG Chenfang, XU Xiuming

In recent years, a number of  300m super-high arch dams such as Laxiwa, Xiaowan, Jinping-I and Xiluodu have been built in China. However, the engineering practice of these dams indicates that existing technical norms cannot fully cover the risks of 300m super-high arch dams. To pursue high-quality construction and intelligent management, a series of critical challenges need to be addressed, including the more accurate simulation of the working behavior of these super-high arch dams , the real-time and precise assessment of the safety state of these dams during the construction and operation processes, and the real-time knowledge and dynamic control of the safety state of the projects. Along with the construction process of Wudongde and Baihetan hydroprojects, based on the theory of dam behavior and concept of digital twin, the team conduct a holistic research on the theory, methodology and key technology that related to simulation dams construction. It was the first time to construct twin simulation dam in super-high arch dam. The achievements has laid a solid foundation for ensuring the high-quality, safty and efficiency on the construction of two 300-meter super-high arch dam of Wudongde and Baihetan hydropower station as well as their regular water storage.

·   The definition, connotation and framework of simulation dams;

·   Key technologies for automated monitoring and accurate boundary analysis of simulation dams;

·   Derivative mechanism analysis and risk assessment of the real working behavior of super-high arch dams;

·   Scheme optimization and adjustment strategies for construction and empounding processes of super-high arch dams;

·   Establishment of coordinated intelligent management platform of simulation dams;

·   Based on the lifecycle behavior simulation theory and methodology as well as the digital twin concept, the research team for the first time clarified the definition of simulation dam, revealed its connotation and established its architecture, laying the theoretical foundation for the construction of twin simulation dams;

·   A series of key technological problems for constructing simulation dams has been conquered regarding the real data acquisition, real parameter determinination, real boundarie analysis, fine model building and high-performance simulation algorithms. The research improves traditional safty monitoring system, ensures the authenticity of calculation parameters and boundary in the simulation process. A fine simulation model has been constructed which enables whole-process real-time simulation of dam working behavior with over 10 million degrees of freedom, providing technological support for the realization of dam simulation;

·   Through a systematic review, nearly 30 catagories of problems in construction and impoundment of high arch dams regarding risk assessment and warning have been summarized, with the evolution mechanism of each type of risk analyzed and respective control strategies and plans proposed. A decision-making support system for engineering experts is built, providing support for simulating the key indicators and key measures throughout the whole construction and impoundment processes and realizing the dynamic adjustment of onsite solutions;

·   A real-time simulation and coordinated intelligent dam management platform has been stablished, and a real-time simulation system developed which enables whole-process real-time simulation and forecasting of dam working behaviors during construction and impoundment, and dynamic assessment and warning of safety risks. A three-level interactive mechanism coupling the engineering progress, engineering behavior and engineering measures has been established that synergizes the dynamic optimization and decision adjustment of engineering progress, working behavior and engineering measures, constituting the twin “simulation dams”;

The theories, methods, technologies, control strategies and standards for the simulation of super-high arch dams proposed in this project have been fully applied in Wudongde and Baihetan projects, both 300m super-high arch dams. The relevant theories, technologies and assessment methods have also been applied in Laxiwa, Xiluodu and Jinping-I projects, effectively supporting the high-quality construction of these projects and safe impoundment,  bringing about enormous economic benefits. The research results have been fully recognized and highly praised by China Three Gorges Corporation.

Fig.1 Simulation Dam Interface

Fig.2 Model building technology of complex structure of dams

Fig.3 Three-Level Coordinated Control Mechanism

Fig.4 Intelligent Construction and Coordinated Management Platform