Panama Canal expansion project - design and construction of lock complexes

摘要

The third set of lock complexes (one complex at Atlantic site, the other one at Pacific site), were designed to permit Post-Panamax vessels to transit from ocean level to 27m higher Gatun level vice versa. Governing hydraulic design criteria was to reduce lockage time making usage of water saving basins. Structural design was carried out taking into account usual, unusual and extreme load conditions. Construction of both complexes is still going on, and, in order to fulfill construction site schedule, 10 to 15 lifts of a daily concrete volume between 3.000 and 5.000~m3 are poured at each site for concreting independent reinforced monoliths.