Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-05-08 Origin: Site
This paper systematically reviews the technological evolution of intelligent dam construction, dividing it into three phases: digitalization, digital networking, and intelligence. It analyzes the technical characteristics, research progress, and representative engineering cases of each phase, explores the relationship between intelligent construction and smart dams, and proposes future development directions. The deep integration of next-generation information technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, digital twins) serves as the core driver for advancing dam construction toward safety, high quality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Digitalization Phase
Material performance testing (thermodynamics, deformation, permeability).
Simulation analysis (stress, temperature fields).
Digital sensors (GPS positioning, stress-strain gauges) and information management platforms (BIM, SAPTIS).
Key Features: Integration of computing, communication, and control technologies; development of digital monitoring equipment, modeling, and simulation. Enables digital monitoring and control of construction processes (personnel, materials, techniques).
Research Progress:
Case Studies: Three Gorges Project, Xiaowan Project—validated digital monitoring systems, improving construction efficiency and safety.
Digital Networking Phase
Closed-loop control theory (dual loops: execution layer and coordination layer).
Networked platforms integrating design, construction, and operational data.
Key Features: Combines internet technologies and "Internet+" concepts to form a "perception-analysis-control" closed loop. Achieves interconnected and dynamically coordinated human-information-physical systems.
Research Progress:
Case Studies: Baihetan and Wudongde Hydropower Stations—applied intelligent compaction and temperature control technologies for full-process optimization.
Intelligence Phase
Intelligent perception (IoT sensors), intelligent decision-making (machine learning algorithms), intelligent execution (unmanned compaction equipment).
Key Features: Deep integration of AI, big data, and blockchain technologies; establishment of intelligent decision-making and adaptive control systems. Digital twin enables virtual-physical interaction; parallel intelligence resolves uncertainties in complex systems.
Research Progress:
Case Studies: Lianghekou and Datengxia Projects—multi-agent collaborative construction advancing "full-site intelligence."
Core Connection: Intelligent construction is the production process; smart dams are the end product.
Shared Framework: Based on "human-information-physical systems" and digital twin technology, enabling closed-loop lifecycle management (design-construction-operation).
Shared Goals: Pursuit of efficient, safe, and sustainable hydraulic engineering value.
Intelligence Hierarchy Upgrade:
From execution-level (single-point intelligence, e.g., temperature control) to coordination-level (multi-objective optimization, e.g., balancing schedule and quality) and organizational-level intelligence (full-site autonomy, e.g., unmanned construction).
Key Technological Breakthroughs:
Refine general theories of intelligent construction; develop specialized technologies (e.g., anti-cracking for concrete dams, unmanned compaction for earth-rock dams). Deepen applications of digital twins and parallel intelligence to address system uncertainties.
Standardization and Sustainability:
Establish technical standards and management protocols for intelligent construction; promote integrated design-construction-operation systems. Incorporate green construction principles to reduce carbon emissions and enhance resource efficiency.
| Technical Area | Application Case | Technical Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Temperature Control | Baihetan Arch Dam | Closed-loop feedback control for mass concrete crack prevention |
| Unmanned Roller Compaction | Earth-Rock Dam Projects | RTK-GPS navigation with real-time compaction quality evaluation |
| Digital Twin | Huangdeng Dam | Virtual-physical interaction for dynamic construction optimization |
| Intelligent Decision-Making | Three Gorges Schedule Management | Multi-objective optimization algorithms to boost efficiency |
Dam construction is undergoing a profound transformation from digitalization to intelligence. Future efforts should focus on deeper integration of next-gen IT with hydraulic engineering, breakthroughs in multi-agent collaboration and data-driven decision-making, and establishment of standardized systems to advance global hydropower projects toward safer, more efficient, and greener outcomes.
BGT Hydromet committed to the field of intelligent perception safety monitoring of DAMS, we have participated in the construction of nearly 3,000 small reservoirs in China for rainwater conditions and dam safety monitoring services, providing accurate information guarantee for reservoir flood control dispatching, forecasting and early warning.
