PROPOSALS ON THE METHOD FOR CALCULATING WATER LEAKAGES THROUGH THE SLUICE GATES AND VALVES
The proposals for adjusting the method for determining water leakages through leaks in the sluice gates and valves are presented in the paper. The methodology for leaks accounting and determining the values of infiltrated water consumptions is determined by the current “Instruction for observations and research at navigable hydraulic structures”. However, as shown in the paper, the methodology established by the current regulatory document is not free from shortcomings. The effect on the change in water levels in the lock chamber of the simultaneous processes of water inflow through the leaks of the upstream end of the lock and leakages through the structures of the downstream end of the lock is not taken into account. For a more accurate determination of the change in water levels in the chamber, it is necessary to take into account both processes and their mutual influence, that is, after calculating the filtration leaks through the downstream end of the lock, the leaks through the upstream end of the lock must be recalculated, and vice versa. A new approach to determine the leaks using an iterative calculation process is proposed. Comparison of the data obtained by calculation using two methods with the results of experiments carried out on the operating gateway № 15 of the Volgo-Don Administration is carried out. It is noted that the data obtained according to the method established by the current regulatory document give overestimated values of the water levels in the chamber in comparison with the experience. The coincidence of the experimental data with the data calculated by the proposed iterative method has turned out to be more reliable. In addition, unreliability and laboriousness of the methods for monitoring the water level in the chamber using a boat or binoculars, as recommended by the current instructions, are noted. It is recommended to use the modern technical means for measuring and processing results, which are currently available as part of the equipment of operating shipping locks.