Gate Design For Large, High Head Locks: "The development of an innovative lock gate"

Gate Design For Large, High Head Locks: "The development of an innovative lock gate"

Doeksen, J.W.

Vrijling, J.K. (mentor)
Molenaar, W.F. (mentor)
Ostayen, R.A.J. (mentor)

Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Hydraulic Engineering

Hydraulic Structures

2012-02-10

This master thesis researches the necessity and possibilities of new/innovative lock gate technologies for future large & high head locks, like the Panama Canal Expansion Project. A historical data analysis has been performed, contemplates over 220 of the worlds largest locks throughout time, analyzing the development and application of conventional lock gate technologies. From this, the conclusions have been drawn that the required lock gate dimensions of a number of future projects, fall far outside the application area of current technologies, and that it may not be assumed that conventional technologies will lead to optimal solutions at this scale. In addition, a number of aspects will be highlighted for future large & high head lock gate design, especially reliability, water consumption and its effects on the locks accessibility. A new lock gate technology has been developed specifically attuned to the future dimensions and highlighted requirements resulting into the design of: ‘The Sliding Arch Gate’, an extremely slender gate design, using (tension) arch action to transfer loads to the lock head structure, minimizing recess dimensions and water consumption. In addition, the absence of submerged moving / mechanical parts, minimizes maintenance requirements and the modular design of the gate enhances ease of maintenance, transport and manufacture. The Sliding Arch Gate has been worked out to an operational design level, using the Panama Canal Expansion Project as reference, in order to evaluate its potential performance and to make comparison with conventional technologies. From the evaluation it has been concluded that Sliding Arch Gate will require higher initial investments but that major benefits are achieved by reduced water consumption and low maintenance. The first of which can result into over $2,000 mln. in added revenues for the Panama Canal, during the commercial lifetime of the gate, due to increased lockage capacity. It has thus been concluded that new/innovative technologies, like the Sliding Arch Gate, can outperform up-scaled conventional technologies. However as the design of the Sliding Arch Gate is still in a pioneering stage, there are many optimizations to be found and uncertainties to be investigated.

locks
lock gate
innovation
arched Gate
arch
Panama Canal
hydrofoot
hydrostatic bearings

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:10298cf5-eff0-4664-ab16-980bc86dbd44

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2012 Doeksen, J.W.