Academician Zhu Bofang. Image provided by the interviewed institution.
The river flows eastward, while the lake water lies to the west; by the water's edge, flowers fall as dreams return. Recently, Zhu Bofang, a senior academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a pioneer and founder of the theoretical framework for hydraulic concrete structures in China, and a professor-level senior engineer at the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, passed away in Beijing due to illness at the age of 96. The maestro of the water industry will no longer hear the murmurs of flowing water.
When it comes to China's water resources and hydropower industry, Zhu Bofang's name is unavoidable. He dedicated his career to the research of hydraulic structures, achieving several milestones. He participated in the design of China's first three high dams (Foziling Dam, Meishan Dam, and Xianghongdian Dam), pioneering the technique of concrete gradation zoning for large dams. He also initiated the temperature stress theory for concrete dams, solving the global challenge of "cracking in every dam."
In the industry, Zhu Bofang is hailed as the "treasure of China's water resources and hydropower," and Qian Zhengying, the former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, once referred to him as a "master of the generation."
Engaging in Huai River management sets the path in water resources
Born in 1928 to an intellectual family, Zhu Bofang's father graduated from the National University of Beiping. In 1948, Zhu Bofang entered Shanghai Jiao Tong University, topping the Civil Engineering department in grades. In 1950, when severe flooding hit the Huai River, the central government decided to manage the river. In September 1951, Zhu Bofang, still a senior at university, interned at the Huai River Management Committee and was assigned to the technical department of Foziling Reservoir, participating in the design of China's first concrete dam—Foziling Dam.
Despite lacking design experience and technical data, facing numerous challenges, they learned on the job, dedicating themselves to understanding and solving problems. Zhu Bofang derived the design method for the arch dam, solving various issues during construction. He introduced the concept of zoning large dams for the first time, saving a significant amount of cement. This technique, developed during the Foziling project, has become a globally adopted dam construction method.
In 1954, Zhu Bofang was transferred to the Meishan Reservoir Command Headquarters Engineering Technical Department, responsible for designing Meishan Dam. In August 1955, he participated in the design of Xianghongdian Dam, serving as the design group leader. Alongside Cao Chusheng and Zhou Yunming, Zhu Bofang led the design of Xianghongdian Dam.
The years of working on Huai River projects transformed Zhu Bofang from a senior university student into a hydraulic engineer, establishing a lifelong connection with water resources.
"I am determined to study hard, work seriously, and transform myself into a world-class dam expert through my work." This was Zhu Bofang's pledge at the mobilization meeting for scientific advancement in 1956, showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in his field.
Addressing the challenging issue of dam cracks
The challenge of "cracking in every dam" plagued the hydraulic engineering community for a long time. Despite referring to foreign literature and implementing some basic concrete temperature control measures during the design and construction of Foziling and Meishan dams, significant cracks still appeared in the actual structures. This made Zhu Bofang realize the crucial nature of temperature control to prevent cracks in concrete dams.
In 1955, Zhu Bofang pioneered research in the field of concrete temperature stress and control in China, publishing the first paper on the temperature calculation of concrete dams, titled "Calculation of Concrete Dam Temperature." After the experiences gained from Foziling, Meishan, and Xianghongdian projects, he possessed practical experience and a theoretical foundation, motivating him to address the global challenge of dam cracks.
After years of practical work, he developed a precise algorithm and software for calculating temperature stress in concrete dams, introducing the three principles for concrete dam temperature control: comprehensive and prolonged temperature control, early cooling with small temperature differences, and appropriate control of cooling layer height. These principles proved crucial and effective in preventing cracks in concrete dams.
"Not succumbing to self-deprecation in adversity, avoiding arrogance in prosperity, having a clear direction and advancing bravely." From practice to theory, and then from theory back to practice, after decades of effort, Zhu Bofang and his team finally established a comprehensive theoretical framework for concrete dam temperature stress, resolving the global challenge of dam cracks.
Beyond this achievement, he and his team also pioneered mathematical models and solutions for optimizing arch dams, applied in over 100 projects, including the world's tallest three arch dams, saving 10% to 30% in investment. They introduced a simulation analysis method for concrete dams, significantly improving stress analysis capabilities, and developed a numerical monitoring method for concrete dams, elevating safety monitoring standards.
Research requires diligence in reflection
When it comes to conducting research, Zhu Bofang's advice was to be diligent in work, study, and reflection.
Before the age of 70, whether on workdays or holidays, he worked 11 to 12 hours every day. During most weekends, Zhu Bofang spent his time at the Beijing Library, carrying hot water and steamed buns to delve into foreign scientific literature. Occasionally, on weekends, when accompanying his wife shopping, he brought a small stool and a book. While his wife shopped, he would sit at the entrance reading. During his years in Beijing, Zhu Bofang never visited the Great Wall, not because he had no desire to see it, but because he cherished every moment of his precious time.
Zhu Bofang's son said, "Almost all of my father's life achievements were accomplished through learning and reflection." Enjoying the process of reflection, Zhu Bofang continuously proposed new methods, technologies, and concepts, embodying his research philosophy of "coming from reality, rising above reality, and being used in reality." He remained busy at the forefront of scientific research throughout his life.
To understand the issues in production, he almost visited every concrete dam construction site in China. Faced with the rapid development of modern science and technology, he extensively explored related disciplines, tracking the trends of international technological advancements. Staying closely connected to reality, he bravely explored, continuously achieving pioneering results in the design, research, and construction of water resources and hydropower projects.
For young scientific and technical workers, Zhu Bofang always emphasized the importance of diligence in work and reflection. Accumulated experience and deepened understanding are directly proportional to the amount of work completed. Additionally, one should not be content with simply completing tasks; the pursuit should be for the excellence and perfection of work. When anomalies occur in calculations or experiments, one should not hastily reject them but analyze them carefully, as they often harbor new discoveries and achievements. Title: "Building Prosperity through High Dams: Remembering Academician Zhu Bofang's Contribution to Serving the People and Advancing Technology"
In this piece, we will delve into the remarkable journey of Academician Zhu Bofang, a distinguished member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, whose groundbreaking work has not only benefited the public but also left an indelible mark on the nation's technological landscape.
