A Research Overview of the Siltation Loss Controls and Capacity Recovery Processes in China’s Reservoirs

China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China

^a Corresponding author: H H Hu, sowaco@iwhr.com

Abstract

There are many reservoirs in China with serious siltation issues which are affecting the function and safety of the reservoirs. Recently, research studies have been carried out regarding siltation loss control and capacity recovery technology due to the decreases in suitable dam sites for establishing reservoirs, and the increasingly serious siltation losses which have been occurring in the present reservoirs. The results of these studies have been of great significance to the partial recoveries of the siltation capacities of reservoirs, improvements in the respective efficiencies of the current reservoirs, and the prolonging of the service life the reservoirs. This study presented a simple review of the previous research findings regarding the current siltation loss situations and controls, as well as the capacity recoveries which have been achieved. Also, this study proposed the urgent need for in-depth examinations to be conducted pertaining to the national investigations of the reservoir siltation status in China, as well as a review of the current mechanisms and control measures for reservoir siltation losses.