Evaluation of Flood Discharge Safety of Three Gorges Dam in Two Decades of Operation

DUAN Wen-gang; HU Han; HOU Dong-mei

doi:10.11988/ckyyb.20240016

PDF(7290 KB)

Journal of Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute ›› 2024, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (6) : 178-186. DOI: 10.11988/ckyyb.20240016

Special Column on Innovative Development of Yangtze River Governance and Protection: Academic Symposium of the 20th Anniversary of Three Gorges Project Operation

Evaluation of Flood Discharge Safety of Three Gorges Dam in Two Decades of Operation

DUAN Wen-gang, HU Han, HOU Dong-mei

Author information +

History +

Abstract

In recent years, incidents of damage to high dam discharge structures have become increasingly frequent. The Three Gorges Dam, boasting the world’s highest discharge volume and falling head, commands unparalleled discharge power, making its discharge safety a matter of great concern. Drawing upon hydraulic prototype observations and model tests conducted since its impoundment in 2003, we examine seven pivotal factors affecting discharge safety: discharge structure layout, discharge capacity, dynamic pressure, flow cavitation, aeration, ventilation wind speed, cavitation wear, as well as energy dissipation and erosion prevention. In accordance with relevant technical standards and engineering experiences, we propose a comprehensive method for evaluating flood discharge safety tailored to high dams, outlining both qualitative criteria and quantitative thresholds. Our findings demonstrate the rationality of discharge structures of the Three Gorges Dam. The actual discharge aligns well with design values. The spillway structure sees no cavitation wear. In conclusion, over the two decades of operation, the drainage structures and energy dissipation zones of the Three Gorges Dam have operated reliably, ensuring the safety and efficacy of flood discharge operations.

Key words

flood discharge safety / spillway structures / discharge capacity / water flow aeration / cavitation wear / energy dissipation and erosion prevention / Three Gorges Dam

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

DUAN Wen-gang, HU Han, HOU Dong-mei. Evaluation of Flood Discharge Safety of Three Gorges Dam in Two Decades of Operation[J]. Journal of Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute. 2024, 41(6): 178-186 https://doi.org/10.11988/ckyyb.20240016

References

[1] Independent Forensic Team. Independent Forensic Team Report Oroville Dam Spillway Incident[R].California: Independent Forensic Team, 2018.
[2] 姜付仁, 凌永玉. 美国奥罗维尔大坝溢洪道事故应急决策及启示[J]. 中国防汛抗旱, 2018, 28(7): 40-45. (JIANG Fu-ren, LING Yong-yu. Emergency Decision-making Processes of Oroville Dam Spillway Incident in the United States and Policy Recommendations for China[J]. China Flood & Drought Management, 2018, 28(7): 40-45.(in Chinese))
[3] 陈永灿,王皓冉,李永龙,等.高坝枢纽泄洪消能建筑物智能巡检与安全评价理论方法和技术研究展望[J].工程科学与技术,2023,55(3):1-13.(CHEN Yong-can, WANG Hao-ran, LI Yong-long, et al. Theoretical and Technical Research Prospects for Intelligent Inspection and Safety Evaluation of Flood Discharge and Energy Dissipation Buildings in High Dam Hubs[J]. Advanced Engineering Sciences, 2023, 55(3): 1-13.(in Chinese))
[4] 金峰, 段文刚, 廖仁强, 等. 三峡泄洪深孔选型试验研究与工程效果[J]. 水力发电学报, 2009, 28(6): 75-81, 48. (JIN Feng, DUAN Wen-gang, LIAO Ren-qiang, et al. Model Study and Prototype Observation on Deep Outlets of Three Gorges Project[J]. Journal of Hydroelectric Engineering, 2009, 28(6): 75-81, 48.(in Chinese))
[5] 戴会超, 杨文俊. 三峡工程泄洪建筑物泄洪消能问题研究[J]. 水力发电学报, 2007, 26(1): 48-55. (DAI Hui-chao, YANG Wen-jun. Study on Hydroenergy Dissipation Problem of Flood Discharge Structure of the Three Gorges Project[J]. Journal of Hydroelectric Engineering, 2007, 26(1): 48-55.(in Chinese))
[6] 段文刚,胡晗,侯冬梅.我国特高拱坝坝身泄洪消能技术研究与应用[J].长江科学院院报,2021,38(10):93-98.(DUAN Wen-gang,HU Han,HOU Dong-mei.Research and Application of Flood Discharge and Energy Dissipation Technology for Super-high Arch Dam in China[J]. Journal of Yangtze River Scientific Research Institute, 2021, 38(10): 93-98.(in Chinese))
[7] SL 253—2018, 溢洪道设计规范[S]. 北京: 中国水利水电出版社, 2018. (SL 253—2018, Spillway Design Code [S]. Beijing: China Water & Power Press, 2018. (in Chinese))
[8] SL 258—2017,水库大坝安全评价导则[S].北京:中国水利水电出版社,2017.(SL 258—2017, Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Reservoirs and Dams [S]. Beijing: China Water & Power Press, 2017. (in Chinese))
[9] SL 319—2018, 混凝土重力坝设计规范[S]. 北京: 中国水利水电出版社, 2018. (SL 319—2018, Design Code for Concrete Gravity Dams [S]. Beijing: China Water & Power Press, 2018. (in Chinese))
[10] DL/T 2259—2021, 水电站泄洪消能安全预警系统技术规范[S]. 北京: 中国电力出版社, 2021. (DL/T 2259—2021, Technical Specification for Flood Discharge and Energy Dissipation Safety Early Warning System for Hydropower Stations [S]. Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2021. (in Chinese))
[11] DL/T 5313—2014, 水电站大坝运行安全评价导则[S]. 北京: 中国电力出版社, 2014. (DL/T 5313—2014, Guide for Safety Assessment of Large Dams for Hydropower Station in Operation[S]. Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2014. (in Chinese))
[12] DL/T 5772—2018, 水电水利工程水力学安全监测规程[S]. 北京: 中国电力出版社, 2018. (DL/T 5772—2018, Hydraulic Safety Monitoring Regulations for Hydropower and Water Conservancy Projects [S]. Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2018. (in Chinese))
[13] NB/T 10867—2021, 溢洪道设计规范[S]. 北京: 中国水利水电出版社, 2021. (NB/T 10867—2021, Spillway Design Code [S]. Beijing: China Water & Power Press, 2021. (in Chinese))
[14] NB/T 35026—2014, 混凝土重力坝设计规范[S]. 北京: 新华出版社, 2014. (NB/T 35026—2014, Design Code for Concrete Gravity Dams[S]. Beijing: Xinhua Publishing House, 2014. (in Chinese))
[15] 车清权, 郭红民, 陈辉. 三峡水利枢纽泄洪调度运行水力学试验研究[J]. 长江科学院院报, 2006, 23(1): 1-4. (CHE Qing-quan, GUO Hong-min, CHEN Hui. Hydraulics Research on Flood-releasing Regulation of TGP[J]. Journal of Yangtze River Scientific Research Institute, 2006, 23(1): 1-4.(in Chinese))
[16] (美)柯乃普.空化与空蚀[M].北京:水利出版社,1981.(KNAPP R T.Cavitation and Cavitation Erosion [M]. Beijing:Water Conservancy Press,1981.(in Chinese))
[17] 姜伯乐, 张晖, 杨江宁. 三峡电站排沙孔工作门区及通气管道空化特性研究[J]. 长江科学院院报, 2013, 30(8): 46-49. (JIANG Bo-le, ZHANG Hui, YANG Jiang-ning. Characteristics of Cavitation in Sediment-release Orifices and Aeration Conduits of Three Gorges Hydropower Station[J]. Journal of Yangtze River Scientific Research Institute, 2013, 30(8): 46-49.(in Chinese))
[18] 段文刚,侯冬梅,王才欢,等.三峡大坝泄水建筑物水力学原型观测与分析[J].水利学报,2019,50(11):1339-1349.(DUAN Wen-gang, HOU Dong-mei, WANG Cai-huan, et al. Hydraulic Prototype Observation and Analysis of Three Gorges Dam Discharge Structures[J]. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 2019, 50(11): 1339-1349.(in Chinese))
[19] 陈正虎. 三峡大坝泄洪深孔缺陷原因分析及处理对策[J]. 人民长江, 2013, 44(7): 91-94, 107. (CHEN Zheng-hu. Analysis of Defect of Deep Outlets of Three Gorges Hydropower Station and Countermeasures[J]. Yangtze River, 2013, 44(7): 91-94, 107.(in Chinese))