Prediction of the Jiatanchang Reservoir Bank Collapse in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Abstract

After the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir, slopes around the reservoir bank and other geological structures near the reservoir were affected by the sudden reservoir water level increase. Geomaterials around the reservoir bank suffered mechanical strength reduction due to the effect of the reservoir which shows periodic rise and fall in water level. Loss of shear strength within the reservoir bank may affect the stability of slopes around the reservoir bank. In this paper, the Jiatanchang reservoir bank was analyzed; it is divided into two parts based on geological characteristics. By the use of Limit Equilibrium Theory and Kachugin Graphic Method,the whole stability and local bank collapse were analyzed and predicted with the determination of the failure mode. Final result was combined with the urban planning and ecological management data, and remediation plans were put forward.