APPLICATION OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS FOR STUDYING THE TECHNICAL STATUS OF EARTH DAMS*

Earth dams are constructed on a wide scale for hydrotechnical and reclamative purposes. However, the great water permeability of soils and their bad gradation are frequently responsible for the development of mechanical suffusion and other phenomena resulting in dam destruction. Geophysical observations allow under certain conditions to forecast the development of adverse factors. They thus are, as practice shows, an important tool to observe the technical status of dams. The difference in propagation velocities of elastic waves in the zone of aeration and full saturation determines the applicability of the reflected wave method for determining the depth of seepage flow in the dam supporting mass. This can be also achieved by electrical sounding and induced polarization methods since the resistivity and polarizability of air-dry and water-saturated grounds differ considerably. Maps of equal potentials measured on the dam slope reflect the configuration of the contours of water table of the water flow passing through the dam. This makes it possible to obtain data on the direction and intensity of flow as well as on the presence of heterogeneous grounds filling the dam supporting mass. Besides, regime observations conducted according to the SP method allow to forecast the development of suffusion and observe the redeposition of grounds. If the SP anomalies do not increase with time, the suffusion processes can be regarded as fading out. Enhanced amplitude and increasing areas of anomalies show the intensification of these processes. Combined application of some of the above mentioned methods allowed to obtain many practical results on a number of dams in Transcaucasia and Central Asia. The true position of the depression surface determined in the dam of one of the high-mountain water reservoirs, for instance, considerably differed from the designed one. The configuration of the seepage flow surface and its fluctuation caused by the rise and drop of the water level in the reservoir have been studied in detail on another dam situated on a plain. The sites of the most intensive outwash of fine material have also been located and the processes of soil redeposition in the dam supporting mass characterized. The data of the geophysical investigations were used to plan hydroinsulation and repair work.     

基于Copula函数的连河通江湖泊防洪安全设计:以洪泽湖为例

湖泊作为一种蓄水单元,尤其是大型过水性湖泊,是一种典型的平原型水库,在功能上与山谷型水库具有许多相似之处,但由于其特殊的地理地形构造,使得入湖洪水过程与入库洪水过程存在着较大的差异.在防洪安全设计研究中,山谷型水库关注的多是坝址洪水,即总的入库洪水过程,而对于湖泊来说,还需要关注各个分区的入湖洪水过程对湖区洪水演进的影...     

DESIGN OF SLIT DAMS FOR CONTROLLING STONY DEBRIS FLOWS

1 INTRODUCTION Stony debris flows are natural, highly concentrated water-sediment mixture, which forms wherever the simultaneous availability of water, debris material and an adequate slope, steeper than o10 are satisfied (Gregoretti, 2000). In mountainous regions of Taiwan, due to vast development and utilization of hills, stony debris flows are important from the point of disaster prevention, since they occur frequently and often bring about heavy loss of lives and properties. Therefo…     

On the nature of “periodic” river bends

The formation of bends (meanders) can be described by a simple physical model, according to which, water flow in a gentle valley with gentle slopes, once deflected by a random obstacle, starts oscillating from one slope to another, while keeping moving down the valley. The sinuosity of the river (the ratio of the path along its channel to the direct path along the valley) depends on the ratio of the steepness of the slopes and the valley; the mean sinuosity is close to 1.5 in accordance with the available geographic data.     

Geomorphic controls and transition zones in the lower Sabine River

Instream flow science and management requires identification of characteristic hydrological, ecological, and geomorphological attributes of stream reaches. This study approaches this problem by identifying geomorphic transition zones along the lower Sabine River, Texas and Louisiana. Boundaries were delineated along the lower Sabine River valley based on surficial geology, valley width, valley confinement, network characteristics (divergent versus convergent), sinuousity, slope, paleomeanders, and point bars. The coincidence of multiple boundaries reveals five key transition zones separating six reaches of distinct hydrological and geomorphological characteristics. Geologic controls and gross valley morphology play a major role as geomorphic controls, as does an upstream‐to‐downstream gradient in the importance of pulsed dam releases, and a down‐to‐upstream gradient in coastal backwater effects. Geomorphic history, both in the sense of the legacy of Quaternary sea level changes, and the effects of specific events such as avulsions and captures, are also critical. The transition zones delineate reaches with distinct hydrological characteristics in terms of the relative importance of dam releases and coastal backwater effects, single versus multi‐channel flow patterns, frequency of overbank flow, and channel‐floodplain connectivity. The transitional areas also represent sensitive zones which can be expected to be bellwethers in terms of responses to future environmental changes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Natural frequencies of arch dam reservoir system—by a mapping finite element method

A simple mapping finite element method is used to calculate the coupled natural frequencies and mode shapes of realistic arch dam reservoir systems in which the dam is circular cylindrical with non-uniform cross-section. This method, in which both the dam and the reservoir domains are mapped into geometrically simpler shapes using cylindrical-polar transformations, is found to give accurate results, achieved simply and economically. Results of analysis show that hydrodynamic interaction has a substantial effect on the coupled natural frequencies and mode shapes; also that the effect of water compressibility in the type of dams considered can be ignored without significant loss of accuracy. A simple method is also presented for predicting the water compressibility effect before undertaking detailed response analysis.     

How is water availability related to the land use and morphology of an inland valley wetland in Kenya?

Small inland valley wetlands contribute substantially to the livelihoods of rural communities in East Africa. Their conversion into farmland is driven by water availability. We quantified spatial-temporal dynamics of water availability in a headwater wetland in the humid zone of Kenya. Climatic conditions, soil moisture contents, groundwater levels and discharge data were monitored. A land-use map and a digital elevation model of the valley bottom were created to relate variations in soil moisture to dominant land uses and valley morphology.Upland crops occupied about a third of the wetland area, while approximately a quarter of the wet, central part of the valley bottom was designated for flood-tolerant taro, grown either by itself or in association or in rotation with upland crops. Finally, natural vegetation was found in 3% of the mapped area, mainly in sections with nearpermanent soil saturation.The HBV rainfall-runoff model's overestimation of stream discharge during the long dry season of the hydrological year 2010/2011 can be explained by the strong seasonal impact of water abstraction on the wetland's water balance.Our study vividly demonstrates the necessity of multi-method approaches for assessing the impact of management practices on water availability in valley bottom wetlands in East Africa.     

Effective ambient vibration testing for validating numerical models of concrete dams

Ambient vibration tests were conducted on a 56 metre high concrete gravity dam to measure its modal properties for validating a finite element model of the dam–reservoir–foundation system. Excitation was provided by wind, by reservoir water cascading down the spillweir, and by the force of water released through outlet-pipes. Vibrations of the dam were measured using accelerometers, and 3-hour data records were acquired from each location. Data were processed by testing for stationarity and rejecting non-stationary portions before Fourier analysis. Power spectra with low variance were generated from which natural frequencies of the dam were identified clearly and modal damping factors estimated. Modal analysis of the frequency response spectra yielded mode shapes for the six lowest lateral modes of vibration of the dam. The finite element model for the dam was analysed using EACD-3D, and the computed mode shapes and natural frequencies compared well with the measured results. The study demonstrates that ambient vibration testing can offer a viable alternative to forced vibration testing when only the modal properties of a dam are required. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

MAPPING AND INTERPRETATION OF FIELD PHENOMENA FOR GROUNDWATER RECONNAISSANCE IN A PRAIRIE ENVIRONMENT,ALBERTA, CANADA

ABSTRACT

Theoretically, a small drainage basin may be divided into equal areas of downward flow and upward flow of groundwater. In regions where surface water does not obscure the phenomena produced by groundwater, these areas can be differentiated by mapping springs, seepages, groundwater levels, flowing wells, chemical quality of water, natural vegetation, salt precipitates, quality of crops, soap holes, and moist and dry depressions.

Mapping and interpretation of field phenomena have been carried out in a section of the Ghostpine Creek valley in a Prairie environment. The relief is gently rolling, the geology is simple, and the climate is cold, humid, and continental. The area of the “north flow-systems” is apportioned as follows: 26 per cent underlain by downward flow; 42 per cent underlain by a mid-line area; and 32 per cent underlain by upward flow.

Noting that groundwater flow is nearly parallel to the water table in the vicinity of the mid-line these results comply with the above-mentioned theory of groundwater flow distribution in small drainage basins. Thus, the method is suggested for: 1. A reconnaissance study of the groundwater regime in certain areas, and 2. Specific problems related to groundwater in a Prairie environment, such as: finding suitable locations for dug-out type water supplies, estimating prospects for slough-draining and irrigation, and explanation of the development of certain soil types. For such purposes, the method appears to be competitive with test drilling.     

Response characteristics of plunge pool slabs of Xiaxiluodu Hydropower Station to flood discharge pulsating-pressure under valley deformation conditions

The key problem of the energy dissipation scheme of the arch dam body flood discharge and plunge pool below the dam is the stability problem of the plunge pool slab. As the protection structure of the underwater bed, the plunge pool slab bears the continuous impact of high-speed water flow. The hourly average dynamic water pressure on the slab is one of the main loads directly affecting the stability of the slab and is the main factor causing its erosion destruction. After the impoundment of the Xiluodu Hydropower Station, the measuring line of valley width in the plunge pool area has been continuously shrinking. By 2020, the cumulative shrinking value is about 80 ​mm. In light of the general background condition of valley shrinkage, daily inspection, annual detailed inspection, underwater inspection and drainage inspection of the plunge pool found that the plunge pool has experienced different degrees of damage, which greatly influences the long-term safety stability of the plunge pool. In this paper, the prototype observation data of flood discharge is used as the input load of pulsating-pressure, and the stress and displacement distribution of the plunge pool structure under the vibration load of flood discharge is analyzed under the condition that the stress and strain state of the plunge pool is changed under the influence of valley displacement. The results show that the stress, strain, and displacement distribution of the plunge pool are mainly caused by valley deformation, the vibration caused by flood discharge is little in influence, and the impact effect of deep hole flood discharge tongue on the plunge pool slab is weak.     

带弹簧支撑的新型泥石流拦挡坝抗冲击性能研究

为了解决普通重力式泥石流拦挡坝在大规模泥石流发生时容易被大块石损毁的问题,提出带弹簧支撑的新型泥石流拦挡坝,并采用钢球代替泥石流中的大块石,运用有限元软件ANSYS/LS-DYNA对这种新型坝体进行泥石流大块石的冲击模拟,从坝体的变形、支反力、Von Mises应力、加速度和应变率5个方面与普通重力式拦挡坝进行对比分析。结果表明：与普通泥石流拦挡坝相比,带弹簧支撑的新型泥石流拦挡坝的支反力可减小3/4左右,钢球的冲击加速度可降到1/3.87,坝体的响应加速度可降到1/2.61,说明带弹簧支撑的新型泥石流拦挡坝具有非常好的抗冲击性能。     

Ground water flow in a desert basin: challenges of simulating transport of dissolved chromium

A large chromium plume that evolved from chromium releases in a valley near the Mojave River was studied to understand the processes controlling fate and migration of chromium in ground water and used as a tracer to study the dynamics of a basin and range ground water system. The valley that was studied is naturally arid with high evapotranspiration such that essentially no precipitation infiltrates to the water table. The dominant natural hydrogeologic processes are recharge to the ground water system from the Mojave River during the infrequent episodes when there is flow in the river, and ground water flow toward a playa lake where the ground water evaporates. Agricultural pumping in the valley from the mid-1930s to the 1970s significantly altered ground water flow conditions by decreasing water levels in the valley by more than 20 m. This pumping declined significantly as a result of dewatering of the aquifer, and water levels have since recovered modestly. The ground water system was modeled using MODFLOW, and chromium transport was simulated using MT3D. Several innovative modifications were made to these modeling programs to simulate important processes in this ground water system. Modifications to MODFLOW include developing a new well package that estimates pumping rates from irrigation wells at each time step based on available drawdown. MT3D was modified to account for mass trapped above the water table when the water table declines beneath nonirrigated areas and to redistribute mass to the system when water levels rise.     

深厚库底回填料上面板堆石坝动力反应分析

深厚库底回填料是影响面板堆石坝动力响应的重要因素之一。为深入研究深厚库底回填料对面板堆石坝动力响应的影响,基于某拟建抽水蓄能电站,采用三维动力有限元分析系统研究其上库面板坝的地震反应,主要包括坝体加速度、面板动力响应、接缝变位情况以及库底防渗土工膜的动应变等。计算结果表明:由于库底回填料的存在,坝体加速度放大效应被明显削弱;面板周边以受拉为主,中部大部分区域受压;垂直缝呈现出周边张开、中间闭合的趋势;土工膜的顺河向和坝轴向的动拉应变皆小于屈服应变,最大应变出现在库底材料分界处,为提高坝体渗透安全性,建议对主堆石区与连接板相接处的回填料进行适当范围换填的处理措施。研究成果可以为类似工程提供参考。     

Three-dimensional non-cohesive earthen dam breach model. Part 2: Validation and applications

Our proposed three-dimensional dam breach model is tested using one field test from the European Community funded IMPACT project. Results show that this three-dimensional model accurately predicts the peak breach discharge and final breach width for this case. It is shown that the three-dimensional model is capable of simulating the breaches that develop in different locations along a hypothetical long non-cohesive dam while accounting for variations in the natural valley topography, including symmetrical and asymmetrical settings. Our results show that both the breach location and reservoir shape have a significant effect on the peak breach discharge and the outflow hydrograph shape. Different inflow hydrographs were found not to significantly change the peak breach discharge rate for the hypothetical reservoir and spillway. Comparisons with laboratory and field dam breach tests and one historically breached dam show that the real shape of the breach channel during the breach process is successfully modeled.     

Wave-movement and water-quality variations during a controlled release from Kielder Reservoir, North Tyne River, U.K.

Data are presented to describe the at-a-station variations and downstream patterns of change, of flow and water quality during the passage of a controlled reservoir release along a short 10 km reach, immediatly below the dam. By removing the effects of runoff from diverse catchment sources, which characterise natural flow variations, reservoir releases are used to focus attention on the effects of channel characteristics. At each of four main sites, measurements were made at 4 min intervals for at least 4 h. The data illustrate the dominant effect of initial flow conditions, especially channel roughness, upon wave movement, suspended solids transport, and hydrochemical lags. Variations in the patterns of change appear to relate to spatially variable in-channel sources which can be particularly influential within such short study reaches.     

Post-analysis simulation of the collapse of an open sabo dam of steel pipes subjected to boulder laden debris flow

The objective of the proposed method is to utilize a site investigation of a debris flow disaster and verify a real scale analysis to evaluate the impulsive load on an open sabo dam. The Nagiso debris flow disaster which occurred in Nagano in 2014, where damage caused by Typhoon Neogri was studied. The verification result of the site investigation demonstrated the weak components of the open Sabo dam experienced damage owing to the debris flow. A discrete element method is normally applied to a solid body to calculate an interaction function force with respect to the contact point between boulders and the dam. The numerical method initially concatenates elements that model the open Sabo dam. Moreover, the stiffness coefficient of flanges and coupling joints between pipes was expressed to utilize the sectional partition method to determine the structural characteristics. The method was improved to separate from the connecting elements beyond the boundary conditions. The debris flow model uses a water flow distribution model, and the debris flow flowed from 200 m upstream of the open sabo dam. Accordingly, the proposed method was examined to verify the primary cause of damage to the open sabo dam and used to reproduce the circumstances that evaluated the impulsive load occurrence mechanism in the case of a real disaster. In addition, the coupling joints between the hollow steel pipes utilized a ‘reproduction analysis’ for a real sabo dam and a ‘reinforced analysis’ for a reinforced sabo dam were applied to assess the weak point of the dam.     

Evolution of river planforms downstream of dams: Effect of dam construction or earlier human‐induced changes?

When studying the evolution of landscape, it is difficult to discriminate the influence of anthropogenic from natural causes, or recognise changes caused by different sources of human action. This is especially challenging when the influence of certain sources is overprinted. For instance, although dam closure is the most common method of altering river courses, dam construction is often preceded by hydro‐technical works such as channel straightening, embankment construction or sediment mining. Both dam construction and the hydro‐technical works that precede dam closure can result in changes in the balance between sediment supply and transport capacity, and often, changes in river planform. The main objective of this study was to verify whether the works preceding dam closure are an important driver of river planform changes on the lower Drava River (Hungary). The case study is based on geological and geophysical surveys, as well as the analysis of historical maps covering an anabranching, 23 km long valley section. We show that channel straightening conducted prior to dam closure resulted in a transition from a meandering to sinuous planform with channel bars. Dam construction itself then caused enhanced incision, exposure of bar surfaces, vegetation encroachment and the formation of an anabranching planform. Based on this study, we developed models of alluvial island and channel planform evolution downstream of dams. Dam construction enhances channel incision, narrowing, and the reduction of flow caused by earlier hydro‐technical works. Many rivers downstream of dams experience episodes of anabranching or wandering, with a multi‐thread pattern replacing sinuous, braided and meandering courses. When incision continues, river patterns evolve from anabranching to sinuous via the attachment of alluvial islands to floodplains. However, the timing and sequence of these changes depend on hydrological and sediment supply regimes, geomorphic settings and anthropogenic actions accompanying dam construction. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Factors Governing Sustainable Groundwater Pumping near a River

The objective of this paper was to provide new insights into processes affecting riverbank filtration (RBF). We consider a system with an inflatable dam installed for enhancing water production from downstream collector wells. Using a numerical model, we investigate the impact of groundwater pumping and dam operation on the hydrodynamics in the aquifer and water production. We focus our study on two processes that potentially limit water production of an RBF system: the development of an unsaturated zone and riverbed clogging. We quantify river clogging by calibrating a time‐dependent riverbed permeability function based on knowledge of pumping rate, river stage, and temperature. The dynamics of the estimated riverbed permeability reflects clogging and scouring mechanisms. Our results indicate that (1) riverbed permeability is the dominant factor affecting infiltration needed for sustainable RBF production; (2) dam operation can influence pumping efficiency and prevent the development of an unsaturated zone beneath the riverbed only under conditions of sufficient riverbed permeability; (3) slow river velocity, caused by dam raising during summer months, may lead to sedimentation and deposition of fine‐grained material within the riverbed, which may clog the riverbed, limiting recharge to the collector wells and contributing to the development of an unsaturated zone beneath the riverbed; and (4) higher river flow velocities, caused by dam lowering during winter storms, scour the riverbed and thus increase its permeability. These insights can be used as the basis for developing sustainable water management of a RBF system.     

Groundwater levels,climate and anthropogenic factors affect the hydrology and water quality of an intermittent and a regulated subtropical stream

Stream hydrology and water quality are highly interconnected and impacted by climate, land use and geology. We examined this connection using monitoring data from 2000 to 2019 for two streams with contrasting hydrological regimes—intermittent and regulated perennial—in subtropical Queensland, Australia. Our main objective was to evaluate relationships between groundwater levels, climate and flow regulation on the hydrology and water quality of an intermittent and a regulated subtropical stream. In intermittently flowing Lockyer Creek, flow was highly dependent on groundwater levels and occurred when the aquifer was recharged to elevations exceeding the upper 90-percentile value. With 9.4% of the catchment area in irrigated horticulture, flow in Lockyer Creek was also likely to be reduced by drawdown of the aquifer for irrigation, with no flow for 30% to 81% of days over the observation period for stations in Lockyer Creek. In contrast, flow in the mid-Brisbane River was continuous, regulated by discharge from a large upstream dam. Nutrient and suspended sediment concentrations in Lockyer Creek were generally higher than in the mid-Brisbane River, likely associated with runoff from agricultural areas adjacent to the stream, while the upstream dam likely reduced the concentration and variability of nutrients and suspended sediment in the mid-Brisbane River. During periods of low flow in the mid-Brisbane River, longitudinal changes in nutrient and suspended sediment concentrations occurred, notably a significant decrease in total and dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations downstream (p < 0.05), indicating a possible effect of in-stream algal uptake and denitrification. This study highlights the impact of human modifications on stream hydrology and water quality in the face of climate change. The findings can inform decision-making on groundwater irrigation or dam release control for water security.     

Temporal and spatial distribution of dam failure events in China

Reservoirs play a vital role in economic development and flood control. Nevertheless, both human and natural factors may lead to dam failures with catastrophic consequences. Analyzing the data of dam failure events from 1954 to 2003 and using the method of energy spectrum analysis, this paper studies the periodicity of dam failures. The rate of failure of different dam ages is analyzed. The climate is the main factor affecting the rate of dam failure. Climate diagrams are used to analyze the spatial distribution of dam failure events in China. High rate of dam failure occurs with 25-year and 12.5-year periods. The distribution of the percentage of dam failure shows an L-shape as a function of service age. The first 5 years of operation is known as the ＂infant period＂, during which, the probability of dam failure is much higher than during any other periods. The failure rate in areas near or north to the 400 mm annual isopluvial line is notably higher than other areas. In areas with high temperature difference among seasons have a high annual average dam failure rate.