High-Dam Seismic Monitoring Research Project on Dadu River Shows Great Significance

The reservoir seismic monitoring and predicting system of Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Sichuan Province, operated by Dadu River Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. under China Energy, was put into trial operation on February 25. It has been successfully connected to the Chengdu Earthquake Networks Center. The system can obtain original geomorphic data to guarantee the safe operation of the reservoir of the Shuangjiangkou hydroelectric project, creating remarkable engineering and social value for stable operations of major national projects and regional geological studies.

The hydroelectric project’s 300-meter-high dam, one of the world’s tallest, is under construction, which requires high-standard seismic monitoring. An important component of the Shuangjiangkou reservoir’s earthquake network, the system needs to undergo a transitional phase of trial operations for three to six months before it is officially put into use. During the transitional phase, evaluations will be made on its seismic monitoring capacity, positioning accuracy and other aspects, so as to identify and address potential problems in terms of construction and equipment operation and ensure it meets relevant standards.

The Shuangjiangkou Branch of Dadu River Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. attaches great importance to the construction of the earthquake network. In the preparatory period, it already coordinated with the local government and the Sichuan Provincial Earthquake Administration in terms of land acquisition and procedure handling. Thanks to its efficient efforts in location selection and construction, the project was completed ahead of schedule, with its construction period shortening from the planned one year to nine months. So far, it has completed equipment installation of 15 monitoring stations and connected them to the Chengdu Earthquake Networks Center, creating favorable conditions for its smooth trial operation one year ahead of schedule.