Mechanism for large-scale canyon deformations due to filling of large reservoir of hydropower project.

ABSTRACT: Large storage dam projects may modify geo-environmental conditions in many ways. The reservoir impoundment of the 285.5 m high Xiluodu arch dam located on the Jinsha River (China) caused large-scale canyon deformations, including significant canyon contraction and uplift movements from reservoir to downstream valley. The dam experienced subsequent tilting towards upstream and raised a safety concern of the project. A Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) mechanism is proposed for this extraordinary behavior. Due to reservoir impounding and seepage, significant temperature drops and fluid pressure increase within the underlying geothermal limestone aquifer in a synclinal basin are primary root causes. Finite element THM simulations successfully reproduce these unique deformations. Recent observatio

SUBMITTER: Jiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7376047 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature