A Computer System to Operate Coastal Structures

Hwa, George; Vyhnanek, Rudi; Mierau, Ron; ,

A Computer System to Operate Coastal Structures

by George Hwa, South Florida Water Management, District, West Palm Beach, United States,
Rudi Vyhnanek, South Florida Water Management, District, West Palm Beach, United States,
Ron Mierau, South Florida Water Management, District, West Palm Beach, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering Hydrology

Abstract:

The Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project (C&SF) was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is operated and maintained by the South Florida Water Management District. In the past, the gate status at water control structures was adjusted either by automatic, float-controlled, mechanical devices at each site or adjusted remotely by SCADA technicians through the District's Communication and Control System (C&CS). In response to an expanded mission and an increasing number of structures, new programs were written within the existing C&CS software to make gate adjustments remotely by computer, based on the current sensor readings and operational guidelines. The technician on duty only monitors messages given by the computer. This paper presents the background information which lead to the development of this method of operation. It also discusses the needs, design requirements, implementation and benefits.

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