Book Description

This study is concerned with navigation conditions in the upper approach to a temporary 110- by 1200-ft lock under construction at the existing Lock and Dam 53 on the Ohio River. It became apparent during construction that the intensity of the crosscurrents in the approach to the existing lock would be increased with the temporary lock making navigation conditions extremely difficult and hazardous. The study was undertaken to determine the conditions that would develop with the structure as planned and to develop modifications required to provide satisfactory navigation. In order to provide results before construction was completed on the original plan, a semifixed-bed model utilizing existing facilities was used for the study. The model reproduced to an undistorted scale of 1:120 the dam, upper portions of the locks, and about 2 miles of the river upstream. Results of the investigation indicated the hazardous condition that could be expected with the structures as planned. Satisfactory navigation conditions could be developed with the temporary lock by extending the upper guard wall and providing sufficient ports in the wall to pass most of the flow intercepted by the wall. (Author).