Study of Navigable Flow Conditions in the Intermediate Channel of Decentralized Cascade Locks

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the different conveyance modes of the intermediate channel in decentralized cascade locks on navigation flow conditions were investigated. A new hybrid numerical simulation method was established to evaluate navigable flow conditions in intermediate channels at different water conveyance modes. This hybrid numerical simulation method was reliably compared by physical modeling tests. We used the 33.73 m class high-head intermediate channel filled with water as a study case. The study used the maximum water surface slope and maximum flow velocity as evaluation indexes for navigable flow conditions. The results showed that the navigable flow conditions of the centralized water conveyance mode were worse compared to the decentralized water conveyance mode in the intermediate channel. Especially in the upstream region of the intermediate channel with a centralized outflow, the navigable flow conditions were exceptionally harsh. We recommend the decentralized outflow mode in the high-head intermediate channel. This study provides an effective numerical simulation method for optimizing the water conveyance mode of the high-head intermediate channel of decentralized cascade locks and saving project investment.