Field Experience with Lock Culvert Valves

Abstract : The objective of this technical note is to identify lock culvert valve issues that challenge the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as it continues to provide reliable transport at navigation projects. In order to accomplish this objective, navigation projects were visited to observe operations and discuss maintenance history with lock operations and maintenance personnel. The intent was to identify any common troubles that particular valve designs have presented. The personnel interviewed varied from area office engineers to maintenance contractors. Also, pertinent findings from previously published prototype lock studies are included. Particular attention was given to the valves on locks with lifts in excess of 30 ft which are classified as high-lift and very-high-lift locks (Headquarters, USACE 2006), since these projects have historically had the most issues. Site visits were made to several USACE locks and two locks operated by the Department of Transportation s St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC). The lock valve parameters for the navigation projects visited are listed in Table 1 along with those for which prototype studies have been published (listed in the footnotes following Table 1). These six prototype studies provide data useful for quantitative analysis of valve performance. Information applicable to lock culvert valve design, operation, or maintenance is provided in the following project discussions. A brief description is given for projects, listed by waterway, that had interesting accounts regarding their lock culvert valves.