High Lift Locks: Some Hydraulic Problems and Solutions

The ideal lock would be one in which the inflow is rapidly and evenly distributed throughout the lock chamber area and where all the energy is dissipated outside this chamber. Although such a structure would not be economically feasible, a good approximation can be obtained by dynamically balancing the flow into the lock chamber. The evolution of this concept is described, examples of its application are given and comparisons with other types of filling systems are outlined by the writers. It is shown that the concept is based on the fundamental equation of the unsteady flow regime. The design criterion of dynamically balanced locks is thus derived from the aforementioned equation. High lift locks designed according to this criterion are shown to be structurally economical and to perform in a manner that compares favorably with lock systems of different design.