Prototype Evaluation of Bay Springs Lock, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Mississippi
Abstract
Prototype tests were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the 84-ft-lift Bay Springs Lock, located at the southern end of the Divide Section of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The evaluation included analysis of the operating characteristics and hydraulic efficiency of the lock as well as a comparison of the physical and analytical model results with the prototype. Prototype measurements included pressures in the culvert system, air vent flow rates, downstream approach canal surges, valve movement and cylinder pressures, and water-surface elevations. Results indicate that satisfactory operating conditions exist at Bay Springs Lock. The lock has functioned without major operational problems and the prototype test data do not indicate any area in which major operational problems might be expected. Air venting just downstream of all valves is required to eliminate large-scale cavitation. Small cavitation occurs following the vented periods; however,the time duration is so short that the design is acceptable. The 6-in. orifices installed on the filling valve air intakes for controlling air entrainment seemed to be the optimum size. Venting without the intake orifice installed (12-in.-diam opening) resulted in unacceptable chamber water-surface conditions due to the large amount of air entrained in the flow. Without venting, severe cavitation occurred. A 4-ft surge was generated in the downstream canal during normal emptying operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212431
Entities
People
- Richard G. Mcgee