There are more than 58,800 Yudiba dams built in the Yellow River basin, which have played an important role in sediment trapping and discharge reduction. However, the conventional earth embankment is constrained by the problems such as flood susceptibility, dam overtopping and failure, and cascade breaching.

The research team led by ZHANG Jinliang put forward the innovative design and operation concept, and conducted a series of research and invention concerning the dam structure against failure, loess solidification and the design of resisting sediment-laden floods, which is transformation of the 400-year conventional Yudiba dam. The key technology of the new type of Yudiba dam integrates the protection of dam against failure and high sediment trapping capacity, resulting in the increase of sediment trapping by 30% to 40%, the unit cost reduction by 25% to 35% and the increase of warped land area by 20% to 60%.

The outcomes are recognized and supported by the Ministry of Water Resources and other relevant organizations, and are appraised as an advanced practical technology of water conservancy with outstanding economic, social and ecological benefits.