Prediction of siltation in the downstream approach channel of tidal locks

Silt deposition occurs in the downstream approach channel of the tidal lock as in a closed channel or excavated dock basin. It is often difficult to c alculate or predict siltation because of complex flow and sediment conditio ns and many other affecting factors. In this paper, the characteristics of flow movement in the approach channel (including its mouth) of the tidal lo ck are analyzed, the basic laws of sediment movement and siltation mechanis m are investigated, the conditions for three types of siltation (circumflue nce siltation, density flow siltation and slow flow siltation) are discusse d, and corresponding calculating formulas are proposed. A practical example shows that the difference between measured and calculated results is small , indicating that the present calculating methods could be used in design a nd management of practical engineering projects.