To standardize the annual inspection procedure of air-shield dams and clarify key maintenance inspection points, this paper classifies the frequently damaged components in a hierarchical manner. A total of four major categories and six critical vulnerable parts are summarized with clear inspection requirements and potential safety hazards, providing a concise reference for routine and annual maintenance.

1. Airbag and Sealing System

This category contains 2 vulnerable components, serving as the core pressure-bearing and water-sealing structure of the dam:

• • Airbag Body: Inspect for surface scratches, aging and bulges. Folding edges are most prone to fatigue and air leakage; potential risk: shield plate collapse.
• • Sealing System: Check the tightness of the connection between the airbag and shield plate, as well as the water stop belt at anchorage points; potential risks: gas leakage and water infiltration, which may flood the dam chamber in severe cases.

2. Anchorage and Mechanical Connection System

This category contains 1 vulnerable component, responsible for the fixed load-bearing of the dam structure:

• • Anchoring Parts: Inspect bolts, pressure plates and embedded parts for looseness and corrosion; potential risks: airbag displacement and shield plate overturning, which may further cause dam break accidents.

3. Air Circuit and Control System

This category contains 2 vulnerable components, acting as the core system for inflation and deflation regulation:

• • Air Circuit Control Components: Inspect solenoid valves, pressure sensors and pipeline joints; potential risks: delayed inflation and deflation, and unstable water level regulation.
• • Air Supply Accessories: Inspect safety valves, filters and dryers; potential risks: accelerated aging and overpressure rupture of the airbag.

4. Electrical and Limit Devices

This category contains 1 vulnerable component for electrical protection and operation limitation:

• • Electrical and Limit Devices: Inspect the sensitivity of travel switches and the insulation performance of cables; potential risks: excessive inflation of the airbag and incorrect equipment operation.

Conclusion

The safe operation of air-shield dams originates from rigorous annual inspections. The six vulnerable components cover all key links from mechanical sealing to electrical control, and any negligence may lead to engineering accidents. During the maintenance process, classified inspections, complete equipment ledgers and timely replacement of aging components shall be implemented to eliminate potential risks and ensure the long-term stable and safe operation of air-shield dams.