Abstract: The influence of changing the length of straight navigation wall on the approach channel downstream of shiplock in the presence of varied downstream water depth is investigated via physical model experiments together with theoretical analysis. On this basis, the influence of adding arc-shaped short navigation wall on flow structure is also examined. Increasing the length of straight navigation wall is beneficial to improving the navigation condition in the entrance area of the approach channel; after reaching a certain length, however, such improvement weakens. Arc-shaped short navigation wall has a good effect on improving the flow structure in the protected area of the downstream approach channel. Small longitudinal parameter “a” and larger lateral parameter “b” have better effect; but the opening angle should not be too large.

Key words: arc-shaped short navigation wall, downstream approach channel of shiplock, flow structure, surface transverse velocity, physical model experiment