Optimal experiments of layout of an approach channel for Sanxikou navigable power project

Sanxikou navigable power project is located at the river junction of two river bends. The flow pattern along the entrance area of the upper approach channel is disturbed by the dynamic water in the reservoir near the curved or braided reaches,and the river bend and the inflow of a small tributary disturb the flow pattern in the entrance area of the lower approach channel. In this study,the navigable flow conditions in the approach channel and its entrance area have been analyzed through the hydraulic model tests. Based on the contrastive analysis of experiment results,suggestions for the flood release of the navigable power project for safe navigation are made.Reasonably dredging the convex bank along the channel and regulating the length and angle of the approach channel can effectively improve the navigable flow conditions at the entrance area of the lower approach channel of Sanxikou navigable power project. The optimized management and measures to improve the shipping problems of the lower approach channel are given. These research results have important reference values for the similar projects in the future.