Author(s): C. A. Fattor; J. D. Bacchiega; S. A. Arrigoni

Linked Author(s): Claudio Antonio Fattor

Keywords: Sluice Gates; Hydrodynamic Forces; Physical Modelling; Panama Canal

Abstract: The expansion of the Panama Canal system of locks through the construction of a third set allows the passage of larger vessels by the construction of three lock chambers on each of the extreme locations (Pacific and Atlantic Oceans). The transfer of the water required to equalize levels between successive chambers is carried out with four gates with a maximum flow of 216per conduit. The optimization of the system consists in the reduction of the total time for the passage of a vessel, being necessary to analyze the hydrodynamic conditions for the transfer system, the gates and those related to the stability of the vessels. In order to evaluate the hydrodynamic forces on these gates and to contrast the results with those determined by the designers, INA built a 1:16 length scale physical model, where the approach and exit boundary conditions of the gates chamber were represented, including the volumetric representation of the upstream and downstream chambers. Tests under static and dynamic conditions allowed evaluating the hydrodynamic forces on the gates considering several and eventually critical scenarios. The evaluation has shown the presence of downpull forces up to 80% gate openings, with uplift forces for upper openings. The experimental results have a similar tendency to the determination of the designer, although with maximum values lower than those evaluated by the designer, which indicates that the construction of these gates with the conditions provided in the design bring safety conditions required for the operation of the lock system.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14264/uql.2020.596

Year: 2020