Simulation Modeling and Schedule Optimization for Arch Dam Construction in High-Altitude Regions with Severe Temperature Variations

In the construction of conventional concrete high arch dams in high-altitude regions with large temperature variations, the prolonged and cold winters often force the suspension of concrete pouring, severely constraining the overall schedule. To address this limitation, this paper breaks away from the conventional winter-shutdown scheme by proposing a new technique: continuous construction under low-temperature conditions. It can adapt to large temperature variations, and this study develops a corresponding construction schedule simulation model for quantitative evaluation and scheme optimization. First, the influence of large diurnal temperature variations on high-altitude concrete pouring was analyzed. Based on this, a dynamic pouring technique for sub-blocks is proposed—thin-layer pouring during positive temperatures and insulation curing during negative temperatures—with the aim of transforming discrete climatic windows into a continuous construction period. Second, to accurately simulate this complex spatial partitioning and temporal scheduling process, a customized schedule simulation model based on discrete-event simulation (DES) theory was developed. The model incorporated meteorological recognition at low temperatures, dynamic dam-block partitioning, and sub-block pouring scheduling. Finally, a high arch dam on a plateau in Southwest China was used as an engineering case to compare two construction schemes: the low-temperature shutdown scheme and the continuous construction scheme. After validating the simulation model under parameter assumptions such as ideal resource availability and stable annual climate patterns, the results showed that the continuous construction scheme achieves a monthly average pouring volume of 33,721 m3 during the period with large diurnal temperature variations, which accounts for 42.48% of the average monthly pouring volume during the normal construction period. Compared to the low-temperature shutdown scheme, the coefficient of variation of the monthly pouring intensity decreases by about 40%, and the total construction period is shortened by approximately ten months. This demonstrates the potential for schedule optimization for continuous winter construction in simulation.