Model growing with dam growing: an integrated approach to constructional safety and sustainability

January 7, 2026

Groundwater modelling often plays a crucial role in dam design and construction, but site operation and expansion pose significant structural and numerical challenges in representation of the dynamic interactions between infrastructure growth and groundwater systems. This paper introduces the concept of "Model Growing with Dam Growing" (MGDG), a processive framework that integrates structural expansion with adaptive groundwater modelling to enhance sustainability and resilience in dam projects. The MGDG approach emphasizes the continuous evolution of both physical structures and numerical models to align with engineering and hydrological factors over time. The central premise of MGDG is that as dam is constructed, upgraded, or expanded, corresponding simulation and predictive models should also evolve to reflect real-time changes in structural load, water flow dynamics, and construction impacts. By leveraging advancements in model re-layering and numbers of real-life calibrations including analytic assistance, MGDG ensures that modelling strategies remain adaptable to emerging risks such as extreme seepage events and sedimentation challenges. The framework integrates the mesh sizes, element distributions, discrete wedge-shaped unsaturated zones and heterogeneous fractured foundations, and real-time monitoring systems to be effectively aligned for model calibration and prediction, enabling easy model convergence and dynamic representation to support decision-makers to optimize dam operations and mitigate adverse dewatering consequences. In conclusion, "Model Growing with Dam Growing" represents a paradigm shift in the incorporation of dam construction, seepage/pressure mitigation and monitoring systems within groundwater model development. By coupling structural expansion with evolving numerical approaches in groundwater modelling, MGDG enhances the sustainability, safety, and efficiency of dam constructions.

Wang, X., Strachotta, C. 2025 “Model Growing With Dam Growing: An Integrated Approach to Constructional Safety and Sustainability,” in Proceedings of the NZSOLD/ANCOLD Conference 2025, 19 – 21 November 2025, Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand: NZSOLD/ANCOLD