| Several of the most common existing local canal gate automation methods and devices were selected for application in a comprehensive comparison and analysis study. Algorithms were developed for the local automation schemes by reviewing dozens of technical publications and existing source code from one unsteady-flow simulation model, and consulting with developers, marketers, and researchers on the various methods. The automation algorithms included the P+PR, BIVAL, Littleman, Colvin, Zimbelman, CARDD, and UMA methods, and two float-actuated devices. Each of the algorithms was implemented in newly developed software routines that were integrated into an existing unsteady hydraulic simulation model. The resulting model allows independent evaluation of the various types of local gate automation for canal systems, with the ability to easily include or omit various automation features, and with the capability to make fine adjustments to the control parameters between and during simulation runs. The routines were endowed with a sophisticated and interactive graphical interface, including error cross-checking routines.;Three small and three large hypothetical canal systems were used to determine appropriate parameter values for the different automation methods and to evaluate the model. Each of these systems included both three-and five-reach versions, which allowed for comparisons with previously reported results by the developers of some of the methods. In addition to the hypothetical systems, existing canals in the eastern Nile delta of Egypt and in northeast Thailand were included in the study. Possible approaches to control parameter selections were suggested for each of the methods, and numerous tabular and graphical results were generated. An analysis of the applicability of the respective methods was presented for potential installation into new designs and existing canal systems.;A separate, but related, topic involved research into the development of an algorithm to simulate the flow through section change boundaries, in which no physical structure exists, but the cross section, slope, roughness, and/or elevation change abruptly at a particular location in a canal. After several failures, a successful solution approach was devised for the model, and tests were conducted to demonstrate the utility and reliability of the procedure. |
