Citation

Rong G, Peng J, Wang X, Liu G, Hou D. Disaster Adv. 2013; 6(3): 4-11.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Shankar Gargh)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Jinping-I hydropower station sits in the west of Great River Bend of Yalongjiang River. Deep cracks are well developed in the slope of the hydropower station. This study is focused on formation mechanism of deep cracks in the left bank slope of Jinping-I hydropower station. Characteristics of in-situ stress in the dam site and the development law of deep cracks in the slope of Jinping-I hydropower station are analyzed. Finally, development of the river valley of Jinping-I hydropower station is simulated by adopting three dimensional distinct element code (3DEC) and variation of stress field as well as distribution of deformation and unloading in different stages of the river valley erosion are discussed. Based on the results and basic law of deformation and in-situ stress of the slope valley, it can be indicated that deep cracks developed in the left bank slope of Jinping-I hydropower station resulting from failure of rock masses which are controlled by the original dominated tectonic fractures. The failure is caused by the regional concentrated stress at the elevation of (EL.) 1700 similar to 1850 m in the slope during the process of valley erosion leaded by fast crust uplift and quick river erosion.