Numerical Evaluation of a 70-m Deep Hydro-Power Station Foundation Pit Dewatering
Abstract The average depth of Yamansu hydropower station foundation pit is 70 m. The foundation pit was excavated with five-level slopes. The lowering of groundwater level is significant for excavation. Drainage and pumping were adopted in dewatering. Pumping tests were performed to reverse hydraulic parameters and calibrate numerical models. Numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the dewatering scheme. In the first stage, powerhouse tailrace canal was excavated and utilized as a drainage channel to lower the groundwater level. The drawdown and hydraulic gradient were evaluated to prevent potential water inrush, erosion, piping, and slope failure. In the second stage, cutoff wall and pumping wells were evaluated to lower the groundwater level. The influences of depth, permeability, and thickness of the cutoff wall were evaluated. Dewatering scheme was revised accordingly based on the evaluation. The optimized dewatering scheme, which can be referred by similar engineering, was performed and verified successfully.