Abstract
The main problems faced with earth dams relate to leakage, landslides and cracking, which are in turn related to seepage under and through dams. The construction of the Huangbizhuang reservoir began in 1958, and impounding started in 1960. The main purpose of the Huangbizhuang reservoir is flood control, while secondary uses are irrigation, fish farming, electricity generation and water supply. Many problems have occurred for more than 40 years of its operation. The construction of a seepage cut-off wall for the subsidiary dam began in March 1999. Seven dam collapses occurred during the construction of the cut-off walls. In this research study, the geological conditions of the site are considered, especially during the construction of the joint section of the cut-off wall (∼120 m long) where most of the collapses occurred. The methods for remediating the subsidiary dam of this reservoir are analysed and compared. Details of the collapses are described, and causes and improvement projects are proposed. Finally, suggestions regarding the construction of cut-off walls under such complex conditions are presented.
Highlights
Many dams and reservoirs were built in the 1950s and 1960s in China
Technology and financial support were limited; most of the dams built during this period were not adequately designed for flood prevention and were of poor quality
This paper describes the details of the collapses and analyses the causes and improvement plans for the dam
Summary
Technology and financial support were limited; most of the dams built during this period were not adequately designed for flood prevention and were of poor quality These dams would not meet the requirements of the current national standards and are considered to be potentially hazardous. The main problems with earth dams relate to leakage, landslides, cracking and even collapse, which are in turn related to seepage under and through the dams. The main problems with earth dams relate to leakage, landslides and cracking, which in turn lead to seepage under and through the dams. The dam collapsed seven times during the construction of the cut-off walls Other severe problems, such as cracks in the impermeable upstream blanket and continuous seepage of the dam, occurred. Suggestions regarding the construction of cut-off walls for such complex conditions are presented
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