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The Working Principle of Air-supported Dams

Mrs. Wendy June 25, 2025
1. Structural Components
1.1 The Airbag
The airbag is a crucial component of the air - supported dam, typically constructed from multiple layers of high - strength materials. For instance, it often consists of layers of NN66 or aramid fiber as the skeleton, which are combined with special rubber compounds. These materials endow the airbag with high strength and durability.
The airbag's performance is remarkable. Its working pressure generally ranges from 0.7 - 0.8MPa, and it is designed with a safety inflation pressure of up to 8 kilograms. This gives it a safety factor 15 times that of traditional rubber dams. The outer layer of the airbag is made of EPDM polymer, which has excellent weather - resistance and ozone - aging resistance, ensuring a service life of more than 50 years.
1.2 The Water - retaining Shield Plate
The water - retaining shield plates are usually made of stainless steel or carbon steel (with surface treatments such as polyurea coating or hot - dip galvanizing to enhance corrosion resistance). Each shield plate unit is typically about 5m in length, and the units are connected by high - strength rubber composite strips in a flexible manner. Structurally, they are fabricated from thick steel plates (usually 16mm or more) and have an arc - shaped design. On the water - facing side, reinforcement ribs are welded to enhance the plate's strength and stability.
2. Operating Mechanism
2.1 Dam - raising Process
When it is necessary to raise the dam to store water or adjust the water level, the air - supply system, which is part of the control system, starts to work. Compressed air is pumped into the airbags located beneath the shield plates. As the air fills the airbags, they gradually expand. The expansion of the airbags exerts an upward force on the shield plates. Since the shield plates are connected to the dam foundation through specific hinge - like structures (such as bolts with washers and hinges, as described in some practical cases), the upward force from the airbags causes the shield plates to rotate around the connection points at the bottom. As more air is pumped in, the shield plates are gradually lifted to the desired height, forming a barrier to retain water. The height to which the shield plates are raised can be precisely controlled by regulating the amount of air pumped into the airbags. This allows for accurate control of the upstream water level, which is crucial for various applications such as power generation, irrigation, and water storage for urban use.
2.2 Dam - lowering Process
In situations where it is necessary to lower the dam, such as during flood discharge or when the water level needs to be adjusted downward, the control system initiates the deflation process. The air in the airbags is released through the exhaust valves. As the air pressure inside the airbags decreases, the upward force they exert on the shield plates also reduces. Under the influence of gravity and the water pressure from the upstream side (if there is still water retained), the shield plates gradually tilt and fall back to their original positions, lying flat on the riverbed or dam foundation. This process enables the smooth passage of water downstream, ensuring flood control safety and maintaining the natural flow of the river. When the shield plates are in the lowered position, the airbags are protected beneath them, reducing the risk of damage from floating debris, ice floes, or the impact of high - velocity water flow.
2.3 Control System
The control system of the air - supported dam plays a vital role in its operation. It can be equipped with various sensors, such as pressure sensors to monitor the air pressure inside the airbags and level sensors to detect the upstream and downstream water levels. These sensors continuously send real - time data to a central control unit, which is often a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Based on pre - set parameters and the received sensor data, the PLC can automatically control the operation of the air - supply and exhaust systems. For example, if the upstream water level exceeds a certain threshold during a flood, the PLC will quickly trigger the exhaust valves to release air from the airbags, causing the dam to lower and allow for flood discharge. In addition, the control system can also be remotely operated, allowing operators to control the dam's operation from a control room located at a distance. This is especially convenient for dams located in remote areas or in situations where on - site operation may be difficult or dangerous.

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