ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT For the evaluation of new and existing hydraulic structures, i.e. ship locks, considering robustness became a meaningful tool for decisions. In present codes robustness is only found as a hint, sometimes with strategic and/or construction rules which remain a qualitative matter. A quantitative robustness judgement for comparing structures can hardly be found. Based on a reference with quantitative criteria worked out for bridges an approach for a robustness evaluation for ship lock chambers has been undertaken. In the German waterway system, similar to the European waterway system, about 70% of all locks have a fall of below 10 meters. In case of erection or replacement two main types of construction for the lock chamber are suited for this range of falls. These construction types are a reinforced concrete U-frame and sheet pile walls with concrete base slab. The heads are constructed in traditional way as a massive concrete structure. The filling and emptying is generally managed through the gates or in some cases by short hydraulic circuits in the heads. Both construction types have different shapes, cubing, safety fulfillments, construction costs and maintenance aspects. Robustness criteria like redundancy, stability, ductility, compactness and some more have been quantified by numerical values so as to support the decision for the most suitable construction type over the design working life. For a set of given circumstances the reinforced U-frame lock chamber shows exemplary the best ranking order. The robustness criteria might be used for other hydraulic structures and for an evaluation of existing structures as well.
