Transverse Mooring Forces Due to Asymmetrical Filling in a Lock with Longitudinal Culverts and Side Ports

Abstract In lock design, several geometries are proposed for the levelling system with aim of insuring a smooth and fast operation. For high medium lift lock, longitudinal culverts side ports located in walls often chosen because this distribute flow along entire length chamber. Nevertheless, when one culvert (valve) is out order, asymmetrical what induced significant transverse mooring forces, especially during filling operations. Field measurement on such (225 m long, 25 wide 13.5 lift) demonstrated water slopes significantly larger than admissible criteria Further investigations physical scale model highlighted driving effect port jets rolling flow. Detailed measurements were performed covering: (1) surface slope; (2) velocity distribution; (3) forces angle vessel It was concluded that size outlets has major impact forces. smaller at given discharge, increases more impulse transferred to flow, resulting vessel.