SEDIMENTATION PROBLEMS IN THE ACCESS CHANNELS OF THE GEZHOUBA NAVIGATION LOCKS

SEDIMENTATION PROBLEMS IN THE ACCESS CHANNELS OF THE GEZHOUBA NAVIGATION LOCKS

Sedimentation problems in the access channels of the Gezhouba Navigation Locks at the Third Channel, which is of great importance for the navigation are discussed in this paper:1) the cause of deposition in the access channel, 2) effects of the deposit--reducing embankment and sediment sluices and 3) the relation between the sediment deposition at the Third Channel and the sediment discharge of the Yangtze River. Analyzing a four years' field data of sounding records with respect to the lock operation, it can be seen that the flood release through the navigation channel resulted in severe deposition, especially the sediment deposits induced by eddy current are difficult to be cleared off by flushing and jeopardize the working conditions of the lock operation. It is obvious that the flood release through the navigation channel should be minimized. In order to reduce the sediment deposits caused by eddy current attempts should be made to adjust the alignment of the boundaries and layout of the entrance of access channels.