Innovative Simulation Model Enhances Construction Efficiency and Safety in Arch Dam Projects

News Summary

The construction of arch dams is seeing a significant improvement in efficiency and safety through a groundbreaking simulation model. Addressing mechanical spatial-temporal conflicts, this model optimizes management processes during pouring operations, particularly in complex projects like the Baihetan arch dam. By analyzing conflict risks and proposing quantification algorithms, it aims to ensure safer and more efficient construction practices that could transform the industry.

Innovative Simulation Model Enhances Construction Efficiency and Safety in Arch Dam Projects

The construction of arch dams faces numerous challenges, with one of the most pressing issues being the outbreak of mechanical spatial–temporal conflict. This conflict can result in significant quality, safety, and scheduling problems during the building process. Recently, a new simulation model has been developed to tackle these issues and enhance efficiency and safety in arch dam construction.

Spatial-temporal conflict occurs when multiple labor crews are assigned to concurrent activities that share a common workspace. This may lead to physical collisions and overall inefficiencies, posing risks to both workers and project timelines. To address these challenges, effective simulation and analysis of these conflicts are vital for optimizing construction organization and management.

Focus on Baihetan Arch Dam

The study particularly emphasizes the pouring construction process of the Baihetan arch dam. Researchers analyzed various levels of spatial-temporal conflicts and their impacts on safety and efficiency during the pouring phase. The research introduces a proposed quantification algorithm, which categorizes spatial-temporal conflicts based on safety risks, efficiency loss, and collision risk.

This innovative simulation framework integrates key objectives, operational cycles, resource allocation mechanisms, and core modeling assumptions related to construction machinery. The development of visual simulation systems is crucial in effectively analyzing and integrating conflict information derived from the simulation results.

Understanding Conflict Impact

Findings from the simulation underline that spatial-temporal conflicts frequently occur during the pouring process, leading to increased safety risks and declines in efficiency. Mitigating these issues involves effective planning of unloading points and setting trajectories for construction machinery, which could significantly minimize the associated risks.

Typically, the pouring process of arch dams employs a layered-block method, consisting of numerous independent units formed by countless pouring blocks. The condition of each pouring block has a direct correlation with construction safety and efficiency. Furthermore, the study showcases that the physical collision accident rate, security risk rate, and efficiency loss rate can all be quantified at any point throughout the construction phase.

Theoretical Basis for Risk Assessment

The research provides a solid theoretical foundation for implementing early warnings and making necessary adjustments when assessing construction risks during the pouring process. Several factors contribute to spatial-temporal conflicts, including the size of machinery, construction methodology, operational speed, and the running trajectory of equipment.

The developed simulation model captures the complexities and random nature of construction procedures inherent to the pouring process, emphasizing the need for refined management strategies in construction operations. The case study of the Baihetan Hydropower Station highlights the critical importance of effective management to ensure smooth operations and enhance safety measures.

Implications for Future Projects

The insights gained from the findings of this study have broader implications for enhancing safety and efficiency in similar arch dam projects worldwide. By utilizing this simulation model, construction teams can better anticipate potential conflicts during the pouring process, leading to improved organizational practices and resource management.

The integration of simulation technology into construction management is poised to revolutionize planning and execution in arch dam projects, paving the way for safer and more efficient construction practices on a global scale.

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Additional Resources

• Water Power Magazine: Spotlight on Large Dams
• South China Morning Post: How China Built the World’s Largest Arch Dam
• NS Energy: Baihetan Hydropower Project
• Power Magazine: China Starts Up Turbines at 16 GW Hydro Project
• Global Construction Review: China Completes World’s Second Largest Hydropower Project
• Wikipedia: Hydropower
• Google Search: Arch Dam Construction
• Google Scholar: Arch Dam Construction Efficiency
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dam
• Google News: Hydropower Projects