Old River Diversion, Mississippi River. Report 3. Barge Barrier Study. Hydraulic Model Investigation.
Abstract
Barges in the inflow channel of the Old River Diversion Low-Sill Structure are of particular concern because of the possibility of their being lodged on the structure and endangering the stability of the already weakened structure. The 1:120-scale undistorted fixed-bed model was used to study the following four types of barge barriers to determine their effectiveness and their effect on the hydraulic conditions of the inflow channel: a spur dike system, a vane dike system, an anchored floating barrier, and a pier-supported floating barrier. Also studied was the effect on loose barges of the reduction of discharge through the low-sill structure when an auxiliary structure is used. Results of the studies indicated that only the floating barge barrier would be effective in preventing loose barges from entering the low-sill structure inflow channel and this barrier would require an overbank structure through which flow could pass easily to stop barges floating across the overbank toward the inflow channel during floods. The pier-supported floating barrier would require all piers except the most upstream pier and all floating barrier sections to be designed to withstand equal impact based on the angle of approach of an unpowered tow. The most upstream pier should be designed to withstand the total impact force from a barge tow during a flood with sufficient overbank depth to provide flotation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA142221
Entities
People
- C. R. Nickles
- T. J. Pokrefke Jr.