Smithland Locks and Dam, Ohio River; Hydraulic Model Investigation.

This investigation was concerned with the development of plans for the Smithland Locks and Dam located on the Ohio River at mile 918.5. The study indicated that satisfactory navigation conditions could be developed with a 17-gate or 11-gate spillway and with a 600- and a 1,200-feet lock or with two adjacent 1,200-ft locks. With two 1,200-ft locks, a new concept in the arrangement of the lock auxiliary walls was developed that would improve navigation conditions, particularly for downbound tows. Ports will be required in the upper guard walls to reduce the tendency for crosscurrents near the ends of the walls. Shoaling in the lower lock approach will be a maintenance problem but could be minimized with the use of wing dikes along the lower end of the lower guard wall.