The lock model at Flanders Hydraulics is no longer available. It was a model of the locks of the Panama Canal, with a scale factor of λ = 80 (1 m in model scale corresponds to 80 m in full scale). By using different scale factors and with small adjustments to the tank, the lock model was also used for other projects.
| Description | Lenght in nature (Panama) | Lenght in model |
|---|---|---|
| Lock lenght | 488 m | 6.100 m |
| Lock width | 55 m | 0.688 m |
| Level difference removable floor (sill) | 9 m | 0.113 m |
| Outlet of culverts | 43.6 m x 6.5 m | 0.545 m x 0.082 m |
| Approach channel width (bottom) | 218 m | 2.725 m |
| Approach channel lenght | 3040 m | 38 m |
The model consisted of 1 lock chamber in glass (with a double floor), 1 operational lock gate and a gate chamber, outlet of culverts including an extra outlet reservoir to generate the lock spill, an approach channel of about 6 ship lengths and a turning area. This length allowed the ship model to accelerate smoothly without generating unwanted waves.
In the axis of the lock over the overall length of the model a horizontal rectangular beam was positioned to guide the ship. The guiding beam was designed to be adapted to the required height for different ship models and different water levels. It had a bridge section in front of the lock to enable free placing of approach structures and another bridge section at the turning area.
