Radiation wells are widely used in the arid regions of northwest China, and the installment of these wells can solve the water intake problems effectively for the areas close to the rivers. The calculation model of the existing radiation well was verified by large sand tank experiments. With this applicable and reliable model, the radiation well water intake of Jinding water source was simulated and calculated, according to which different layout schemes were designed to simulate the influencing factors such as angle, length and buried depth of radiation pipes, position of vertical well and river depth. In addition, the variations of the radiation well water intake under different influencing factors were calculated, and the optimization proposal of the radiation well structure was put forward accordingly. This study can provide some reference for the actual construction of radiation wells.