A Crucial Project for Harnessing the Yellow River: Xiaolangdi Multi-purpose Dam Project

Abstract

As one of the most challenging schemes in the history of hydraulic engineering in the world, the Xiaolangdi Multi-purpose Dam Project is the only control project that provides a large storage capacity on the mainstream of the Yellow River. In this paper, the author investigates the decision-making, design, construction, performance and outcomes of the project in a comprehensive manner. In doing so, the huge challenges and the great achievements in terms of construction and management are discussed, and the enormous benefits of the project for flood control, hydropower, irrigation, municipal and industrial water supply are analysed.