Long-term evolution of the seepage field at the site of a super-high arch dam
CHEN Yifeng1, 2*, DONG Jun1, 2, MAO Yanpian3, REN Wang1, 2, CHEN Kaikun1, 2, HU Ran1, 2, YANG Zhibing1, 2, ZHOU Jiaqing1,2
(1. State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China; 2. Key Laboratory of Rock Mechanics in Hydraulic Structural Engineering, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China; 3. China Yangtze Power Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei 430014, China)
Abstract：The alteration of the seepage field is one of the most significant processes influenced by the construction of high dams, typically characterized by a wide range of changes, extensive areas of impact, and prolonged durations. Thus, characterizing the spatiotemporal evolution of the seepage field in dam and reservoir areas is crucial for the safety assessment of high dams. Based on seepage monitoring data collected over the past ten years at the Xiluodu super-high arch dam site, this study investigates the spatiotemporal distribution and variations of the seepage field and assesses the performance and safety of the seepage control system using numerical simulation and inverse modeling methods. The results indicate that the permeability of the near-dam fractured rock masses upstream of the grout curtains exhibits an exponential decay over time, having decreased to approximately 10% of its initial values and approaching a steady state. This permeability variation is primarily attributed to the clogging of suspended sediments transported by groundwater flow within the rock fracture networks. Consequently, the discharges from various parts of the site and the pore water pressure in the foundation rock masses upstream of the grout curtains decrease annually. Additionally, the hydraulic gradient of the grout curtains shows a noticeable decline, indicating a rising trend in seepage safety at the site rather than a decrease. The grout curtains and drains continue to perform effectively even after years of operation, ensuring that the seepage field is well-controlled. However, the discharge at the site is spatially unevenly distributed, influenced by factors such as geological structures, landform conditions, and unplugged boreholes drilled during site characterization. These findings are highly significant for the long-term seepage safety assessment of high dam projects.
陈益峰1，2*，董 俊1，2，毛延翩3，任 旺1，2，陈锴锟1，2，胡 冉1，2，杨志兵1，2，周佳庆1，2. 特高拱坝枢纽区渗流场长期演变规律研究[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报, 2026, 45(8): 2424-2436.
CHEN Yifeng1, 2*, DONG Jun1, 2, MAO Yanpian3, REN Wang1, 2, CHEN Kaikun1, 2, HU Ran1, 2, YANG Zhibing1, 2, ZHOU Jiaqing1,2. Long-term evolution of the seepage field at the site of a super-high arch dam. , 2026, 45(8): 2424-2436.
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2026, Vol. 45 
