Impacts of Inundation of Houziyan Reservoir on Zang Nationality Blockhouse Group Relics along the Dadu River

Ancient blockhouses relics are representative culture of Zang nationality in China, which have attracted a great interest of archaeologists around world because of their unique historical, cultural and scientific values. However, the rising water level in Houziyan reservoir may pose threats to the stability of slope and in turn damages to the blockhouses located on the slope. In this paper, the authors characterize the origin of Suopo deposits, analyze structures and failure mechanisms of the blockhouses, and assess current status of slope stability and its change after inundation. Preliminary results indicate that Suopo slope is stable under current condition with localized non-uniform deformation and variable submersion, which had caused collapse of some ancient blockhouses. At a normal pool water level (NPL) of 1852 m, the slope is stable as whole after inundation of Houziyan reservoir. However, some slumps and rock falls may occur near the edge of the rising water or at the toe of slope. With appropriate protection of the slope toe and prevention of slumps and rock falls, impacts of inundation of the reservoir can be minimized, and the blockhouses can be protected.