Location: Sanbanxi Hydropower Station | Guizhou, China
Application: Reservoir Water Temperature Management
Rope Solution: HMPE Structural Ropes and Soft Shackles
Project Status: In operation since 2022
Project Overview
At Sanbanxi Hydropower Station in Guizhou, China, reservoir stratification can result in relatively cold water being discharged from the lower layers of the reservoir. This can affect downstream water temperatures and, in turn, aquatic ecosystems and agricultural water use.
To address this challenge, a large-scale underwater water curtain was developed to help regulate the flow of colder water toward the hydropower intake and improve downstream water temperatures.
The system consists of multiple polyester fabric modules reinforced by horizontal and vertical fiber ropes. Due to the scale and flexible nature of the structure, a large number of reliable connections were required during assembly and installation.
Engineering Challenges
The project presented a unique construction challenge.
The water curtain was a large, modular and flexible structure with numerous connections between the fabric modules and the fiber-rope reinforcement system. These connections had to be completed in a floating working environment, making installation efficiency and ease of handling critical to the overall construction process.
The project required a connection solution that could provide:
- Reliable mechanical performance
- Flexibility for a large underwater structure
- Lightweight and practical field handling
- Efficient connection of numerous structural points
- Synchronized installation by multiple work teams
The connection system was therefore an important part of making the overall water curtain concept practical for field construction.
FBR’s Solution
FBR provided an HMPE rope-based structural and connection solution using HMPE structural ropes, spliced rope eyes and soft shackles.
The rope-based system provided a flexible and lightweight approach to connecting the large-scale reinforcement structure. Compared with more complex rigid connection arrangements, the solution simplified the assembly of the numerous connection points required by the water curtain.
A key advantage was its suitability for multi-team, synchronized installation from floating platforms. This allowed workers to carry out connection operations simultaneously across different sections of the structure, significantly reducing the complexity of field assembly.
FBR’s rope solution therefore contributed not only to the structural connection system, but also to the overall constructability of the water curtain.
Laboratory Validation
Before field application, FBR conducted laboratory testing to evaluate the relevant static and dynamic physical and mechanical performance of the rope and connection system.
The test program confirmed that the system met the applicable design requirements for the project.
Field Installation and Operation
The water curtain was assembled and installed from a floating platform.
The HMPE rope connection system enabled multiple teams to perform synchronized installation work on the water, helping simplify the large number of connection operations required for the modular structure.
The water curtain entered operation in April 2022 and has remained in service under reservoir operating conditions.
Measured Project Results
Monitoring after implementation showed measurable improvements in downstream water temperature.
Reported project results include:
- Up to 4.5°C increase in the 10-day average discharge water temperature
- Nearly 20 days reduction in the delay of the local fish spawning temperature period
- Approximately 40% reduction in the adverse impact of low water temperatures on agricultural irrigation
The results demonstrate the practical value of the water curtain system in managing downstream water temperatures.
FBR’s Contribution
For this project, FBR provided more than synthetic fiber rope products.
FBR developed and supplied a practical rope-based connection solution for a complex, large-scale fabric and fiber-rope structural system. The solution enabled multiple teams to carry out synchronized connection work directly from floating platforms, significantly simplifying field installation and helping make the overall water curtain project feasible.
FBR also supported laboratory validation of the rope and connection system to confirm its suitability for the required operating conditions.
Application Insight
The Sanbanxi project demonstrates how high-performance synthetic fiber ropes can be applied beyond conventional marine and offshore applications.
For large flexible structures requiring numerous connections and efficient field assembly, HMPE rope systems can provide a combination of high strength, low weight, flexibility and installation efficiency.
This project represents FBR’s experience in applying synthetic fiber rope technology to complex infrastructure and water-management applications.