Tangential load and trim behaviour

Abstract

This investigation considers the two floating gates of the Maeslant barrier, which is a storm surge barrier in the Rotterdam area. During the end of each closure operation of the Maeslant barrier, the flow at the barrier may be in seaward direction. Three different effects have been observed in the situation with a flow in seaward direction. The following three effects are considered in this report:

1. A force in the connection between the gate and guide tower
2. A quasi-constant change of the gate orientation
3. A periodic oscillation of the gate orientation

In this report, these three effects are described, and data on these effects and relevant hydraulic conditions is collected. These data are obtained from yearly test closures in the period 2007-2021. Based on the collected data, the three effects and hydraulic conditions are quantified. From a statistical analysis based on the data, a relation with the local discharge is found for each of the three effects.

To further explain the effects, simple conceptual models are derived for each of the effects. The conceptual models yield the most relevant results for the observed force, which is appropriately modelled based on a momentum balance over the barrier. For the other two effects, the conceptual models presented in this report do not adequately model the gate behaviour, however suggestions are provided for further improved models.

Lastly, based on the most relevant statistical and conceptual models, an extrapolation of the three effects is performed to assess the magnitude of the three effects in extreme situations.