Design of Channel

Methods of design and analysis are presented in this paper for use in determining the minimum cross section of the channel and the alinement and treatme nt of curves in a sea-level canal at Panama, to provide safe and efficient transit of a ll vessels to the year 2000. The channel design is based on the operation of the canal as an open waterway with a maximum current of 4.5 knots. The design methods described in this paper utilize the marine operating experience of existing waterways and the results of ship model tests conducted at the David Taylor Model Basin, some of which have been presented in the preceding paper in this Symposium. A minimum channel section 600 ft wide, measured at a d ep th of 40 ft, and 60 ft deep is proposed.