Presenter
Mr. Lucheng Zhang, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute
Co-author(s)
Mr. Hongning Lu, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute
Mr. Shengyao Mei, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute
Mr. Meng Yang, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute
Prof. Qiming Zhong, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute
Date: Sept. 12th Session No.: RS 13 Theme: 3-7 Submission No.: O-3-7-23
Sub-theme
3. Building Resilience for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Topic
3-7. Management of water risks induced by extreme weather and climate events
Body
Earth-rockfill dams are commonly used in cascade watersheds to store water for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, irrigation, and domestic water supply. However, in recent years, extreme weather events occur frequently, usually accompanied by catastrophic rainstorms, landslides, mudslides and other disaster events, which seriously threaten the safety of earth-rockfill dams. The failure of such dams can lead to catastrophic consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and environmental degradation. If the outburst flood of a single earth-rockfill dam cannot be effectively retained, it may cause systemic risks in cascade watersheds. Therefore, risk assessment of earth-rockfill dams failure in cascade watersheds is crucial for finding out the possible problems of these structures in time and ensuring their safe and stable operation. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the risk assessment of earth-rockfill dam failure in cascade watersheds. First, the paper introduces the basic principles and methods of risk assessment for a single earth-rockfill dam, including hazard identification, vulnerability analysis, and consequence assessment. Second, the paper reviews the main factors that contribute to the failure of earth-rockfill dams, including overtopping, seepage, foundation instability, and earthquake-induced liquefaction. Third, this paper discusses the mechanism and main influencing factors of cascade reservoir group collapse. Fourth, the paper presents the state-of-the-art techniques and models for risk assessment of earth-rockfill dam failure in cascade watersheds. These include deterministic and probabilistic approaches, and the use of advanced technologies such as remote sensing, Geographic Information System, and numerical simulations. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and future directions of risk assessment of earth-rockfill dam failure in cascade watersheds. These include the requirements for more accurate and reliable data, the developments of new techniques and models, and the integration of risk assessment with dam safety management and emergency response planning. Overall, this review paper provides a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in the design, construction, and operation of earth-rockfill dams in cascade watersheds.