At the request of the Liguria Region, CIMA Research Foundation began a technical and scientific support activity in December 2022 to define the operation scenarios for the 14 gates installed on the final stretch of the main stem of the Magra River in the province of La Spezia (Italy). The aim of the work is to make 14 tributary gates automatic along a stretch of about 1 kilometer, along the main course of the river, so as to control them more effectively in case of flood.
How does the project work?
The work consists of an initial preliminary phase of studying the area of interest and finding the necessary material to identify cartographic and river system data (such as channel layout, intrinsic characteristics of the basins, etc.), as well as all available studies/processes (such as flood maps, residual risk maps, historical data, etc.) that will allow the definition of operational parameters. Based on this information, the operation of the gates will be scheduled based on certain local physical parameter conditions, and specific precursors will be determined that will allow for a prediction of the scenarios that will occur-in other words, to know a few hours in advance whether or not the system will be able to go into operation.
What are the expected results?
- Status monitoring via sensor network;
- Automatic communications about exceeding activity thresholds and related door movement;
- Automation of door movement
What does CIMA Research Foundation do?
CIMA Research Foundation, at the request of the Liguria Region, will source the necessary information material and perform site surveys to verify the existing instrumentation. Then, we will proceed with the design of the control system and, having defined the instruments that will allow monitoring and operation, we will build the entire transmission and connection system with the mechanical part of the motors and instrumentation. We will then take care of testing and acceptance for the definition and setting of operation, completion of the automatic system for handling, and identification of possible malfunctions and/or conditions of use (e.g., blockage due to presence of debris, etc.). Finally, upon successful installation, we will perform an operational test in automatic mode and provide a dedicated portal for viewing monitoring data and system status. We are also responsible for the activation of automatic email/SMS notifications, which will be sent as alerts in case of overruns and/or movement of hatches.