Author(s): Fernando Re

Linked Author(s): Fernando Re

Keywords: Panama Canal; Locks Filling and Emptying system; Numerical model; Physical model; Prototype tests;

Abstract: The Panama Canal Third Set of Locks is a three-lift lock with Water Saving Basins that have been designed to provide a safe and reliable transit system for Neopanamax vessels travelling in both directions between the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. The hydraulic design consists in a dynamically balanced double longitudinal culvert side port Filling and Emptying System. This paper presents the process, methodology, and tools employed to develop and validate the filling and emptying system design, from original concept through system commissioning. Main results collected during the startup and commissioning of the system and the evolution of its performance over the firsts years of operations is presented proving that the innovative designed system performs as it was required.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/38WC092019-1139

Year: 2019