1. ERDC Knowledge Core
2. Pre - Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
3. Hydraulics Laboratory - (8/1/1972 - 9/1996)
4. Publication
5. Miscellaneous Paper

Title:	An analytical model to predict ship transit capacities of sea-level canals
Authors:	Harrison, John, 1939- Simmons, H. B. (Henry B.) Stinson, Beryl G. Anklam, Frederick M.
Keywords:	Canals Canal capacity Transit capacity Canal transit Mathematical model Numerical model Sea-level canal Ships Tows Waterways Inland navigation
Publisher:	Hydraulics Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.:	Miscellaneous paper (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station) ; H-69-10.
Description:	Miscellaneous Paper Abstract: The large first cost and subsequent operation and maintenance costs of sea-level canals demand that all economic and technical alternatives be thoroughly investigated before construction is begun. The vast number of variables to be considered for any given set of alternative canals requires study in an orderly and meaningful manner. An analytical model in the form of a digital computer program to predict ship transit capacities of sea-level canals has been written and tested. The program calculates ship movements by evaluating, at small, equal time increments, the many changing factors which affect their movement. In addition to inserting ships into the canal in some prescribed order, the program keeps track of each ship (its type, location, speed, and direction) in the canal and adjusts its speed at each time increment so that each ship operates safely under a predetermined set of conditions. The program is designed to predict the number of ship transits per unit time by considering the canal configuration, flow conditions in the canal, and the shipping which is expected to use the canal. The program can be used to optimize canal configuration for any given expected shipping, to optimize the manner of ship input for a given canal configuration, and to develop operation pr ocedures for any canal configuration with any ship mix. Future versions of the program can be used to control actual canal traffic in a real-time configuration. The model has been made as general as possible, lacking generality only where present knowledge does not allow sufficient definition of variables and processes. Some simplifications have also been made for the sake of expedience because of the time limitations of the study. Because of its modular form the program can be changed to incorporate future developments with relative ease.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/10669
Appears in Collections:	Miscellaneous Paper