Due to the special internal and external dynamic action of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the high and cold valleys are typically characterized by high-steep terrain, dry and cold climate, lithologic diversity, complex geological structure, and frequent occurrence of earthquakes. In this study, the types of special geotechnical structures of bank slope deposits in high and cold valleys are summarized based on field investigation, field and laboratory tests, and numerical simulation. These special deposits include colluvial-deluvial deposits, terrace deposits, early debris flow deposits, and landslide deposits. The formation mechanism, physical and mechanical properties, and stability analysis of these deposits were studied. The results show that the formation mechanism of various deposits is different, which is closely related to the intense geological tectonic action, the weathering and unloading action intensified by freezing and thawing cycles, and the special rock and soil structure in the high and cold valleys. Different material compositions have obvious effects on the physical and mechanical properties of the deposits, thus affecting the stability and deformation characteristics of the deposits. Under natural and saturated conditions, the stability of different types of the deposits is different, which is mainly related to the special geotechnical structure of various deposits. Compared with that before the reservoir impoundment, the stability factor of various deposits after the reservoir impoundment is significantly reduced. The performances can be provided as a reference for evaluating the stability of bank slope deposits in high and cold valleys.

Failure to meet specific standards for slope stability conditions may result in the potential collapse of the slope, either partially or completely. The article focuses on slope engineering and examines the structure and components of a comprehensive digital twin system. It also explores the digital technologies used in this system and assesses its unique features and innovative applications in slope construction. The architecture of the digital twin system for rock slopes must cater to the requirements of multiple professionals, comprehensive process coverage, and data-centricity. It should ensure the separation of software and personnel, with key technologies such as 3D geological modeling and rapid updates, GIM+BIM coupling modeling, and challenging techniques like cutting and sealing. Independent innovation is crucial to address these key technologies. During the slope construction period, the digital twin system of rock slope is utilized to intelligently screen unstable blocks. This innovative approach has been successfully implemented and verified in numerous large-scale rock mass projects, with favorable implementation conditions.

The construction of infrastructure projects such as the Sichuan–Tibet Railway and western cascade hydropower stations has led to the increasing development of ultra-long and deeply buried tunnels in an environment characterized by highly active neotectonic movement, which affects the sustainable development of ecological civilization in Tibet. However, the effects of faults resulting from tectonic activity on the distribution of geostress fields have not been systematically studied. This research focuses on the development characteristics and basic type of the Zhuka fault near the RM hydropower station, aiming to analyze the phenomenon of geostress concentration in the study area. Field investigations have revealed significant high-geostress damage on the downstream slope of the lower dam site, situated on the hanging wall of the Zhuka fault. The results indicate a correlation between these high-geostress phenomena and the Zhuka fault, suggesting the concentration of geostress within a certain range on the hanging wall and outside of the fault zone. Stress concentration primarily depends on the characteristics of fault thrusting and fault morphology. The left-lateral strike-slip and thrusting process of the Zhuka fault, combined with NNW-directed tectonic compression stress and sudden changes in fault strike, contribute to geostress concentration within a specific range of the fault hanging wall. The observed high-geostress damage to the hard rock on the valley slope results from the combined effect of construction stress concentration and fourth-order valley incision stress concentration, which influences site selection for the RM hydropower station, thereby highlighting the role of geostress concentration outside the fault zone in engineering practice. This study provides valuable insights into geostress concentration and its implications for sustainable development in the Sichuan–Tibet region.

A large pumped storage power station is planned in Mangkam, Xizang, adjacent to the Lancang River Fault Zone, where the terrain is highly dissected. In recent years, seismic activity, extreme weather, and human interference have collectively caused frequent collapses and landslides. Based on comprehensive data collection and field geological investigations, this study evaluates regional crustal stability using a Random Forest (RF) model, incorporating seismicity, geological hazards, geophysical fields, and in situ stress conditions. The results show that the area of stable, relatively stable, relatively unstable and unstable crustal zones account for 31.2%, 34.09%, 16.53% and 18.16%, respectively. Fault structures are the dominant factor controlling crustal instability, while geological hazard susceptibility exerts a significant secondary influence. The RF and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) yield broadly consistent zoning patterns, but RF demonstrates clearer spatial differentiation and a more pronounced response to key controlling factors, indicating its greater effectiveness for crustal stability assessment.