Hydraulic Evaluation of Culvert Valves at Eisenhower and Snell Locks, St. Lawrence Seaway

Abstract : The aged double-skin-plate valves of the Eisenhower and Snell Locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway are being replaced. The replacement valves are of the vertical-frame design to facilitate inspection and spot repair. A new vertical-frame valve was installed in the filling valve well of the Snell Lock s south wall culvert. The new vertical-frame valve operated at a slower rate than the double-skin-plate valve, and its operation required more energy. A physical model study was conducted to identify modifications that could be made to reduce the energy required to operate the new valve. The recommended valve design had a top plate that was only large enough to serve as a base for the stabilizers and strut connector. The bottom plate and bottom seal was replaced with a sharp-edged lip formed at the bottom end of the ribs and skin plate. The recommended valve was specifically designed to fit the Eisenhower and Snell Locks, it meets the USACE guidance for verticalframe valves, and it had hoist forces that were lower than the valves currently in operation.