Model Study for the Design of Emergency Stoplogs Deployed in a ComplexFlow Field — Part 1: Experimental Results

The model study objective is to determine the optimum configuration for a multi-segment cable-deployed vertical gate to block flow through a fish bypass when primary gates are not functional. In such emergency situations, gate segments are subjected to complex three-dimensional flows that vary with gate deployment elevation. The 1:24 scale model incorporated a comprehensive experimental setup controlled by LabVIEW data acquisition and visualization software allowing real-time measurement and visualization of the forces during gate deployment. Thirty gate segments (stoplogs) and lifting beam shape combinations were tested to minimize submerged gate closure weight and measure maximum cable tension. The experimental tests were complemented by companion Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations aimed at substantiating the flow features and directing the phasing of the experimental program. This paper describes the experimental setup, procedures, and experimental phasing, as well as synergistic use of laboratory and CFD data.