Hydraulic Research for the New Lock in Terneuzen

This paper discusses the main results of extensive scale model research done to assess the performance of the levelling system for the new lock in Terneuzen, in The Netherlands. The hydraulic design of the levelling system has a large influence on the resulting hydrodynamic forces acting on the vessel during levelling operations, and therefore on achievable passage times and operational windows. Different hydraulic designs for the new system were considered at different stages of the project and their performance is discussed here, focusing on the effect of density currents on the resulting hydrodynamic forces acting on the vessel. The results here presented show that density currents lead to the dominant forces and their effect must be considered when designing sea locks. Numerical models can be used to determine the main layout and dimensions of the levelling system, but the performance of the system including non-stationary flow, density currents and a vessel present in the lock chamber cannot yet be accurately assessed without performing physical scale model research.