Wax Lake Outlet Control Structure, Louisiana; Hydraulic Model Investigation
Abstract
The Wax Lake Outlet Channel is an artificial channel that diverts 30 percent of the flow from the Atchafalaya River to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of degradation of the channel, its capacity to carry flow during nonflood periods has increased, resulting in lower river stages at Morgan City, Louisiana. A stone control structure was proposed to control the amount of flow passing through the Wax Lake Outlet Channel. Tests were conducted on a 1:30-scale model that initially reproduced one-half of the rock weir notch (425 ft) and a 785-ft- long portion of the overflow rock weir at elevation 7.5 ft referred to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum. The main objectives of this model were to determine a riprap gradation that would be suitable for anticipated flows, define low characteristics through the structure, and determine discharge coefficients for the proposed control structure. Discharge coefficients were obtained for free-flow and submerged-flow conditions for both the overflow weir and notch. Riprap stability test in the notch indicated that type C riprap (D sub 50 minimum = 2.31 ft) would remain suitable on the downstream slope if the slope was changed from a IV on 4H to 1V on 10H. Riprap stability tests for the overflow section indicated that a type B (D sub 50 minimum = 2.05 ft) gradation would remain stable for anticipated flows.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199971
Entities
People
- Robert A. Davidson