Gates

1. PURPOSE The purpose of this section of the Design Guidelines for Headworks of

Hydropower Projects is to provide technical criteria and guidance for the planning and design of

Gates for run-of-river hydropower projects.

2. SCOPE The guidelines presented in this document covers choices of gates and design of

vertical and radial gates. The guidelines are general in nature and they were developed in

accordance with standards and guidelines prevailing in different countries with due consideration

to Nepali conditions and experience.

3. TERMINOLOGY Terms and abbreviations used in these guidelines are defined below: Gate

or Shutter A closure device in which a leaf or a closure member is moved across the waterway

from an external position to control the flow of water. Bulkhead Gate A gate operated only under

balanced pressures and invariably kept in either fully-open or fully-closed position. Anchorage A

structural member embedded in concrete for aligning and holding the embedded parts of a gate

in position. Deep Seated Radial Gates Low-level radial outlet gates. Flushing Gate A gate

located at various locations of a hydropower plant to flush out accumulated sediment.

Emergency Gate A gate provided on the upstream of a service or a regulating gate to shut off the

flow under unbalanced head. Fixed Wheel Gate A gate mounted with wheels having axles fixed

to the gates.

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Flap Gate A gate which operates by rotation about a hinge or hinges. Intake Gate A gate located

at the upstream end of a river outlet, conduit or penstock. Multileaf Gate Hook gate with vertical

gate or combination of flap gate with radial gate, etc. Radial Gate A hinged gate, the leaf of

which is usually a circular arc with the centre of curvature at the hinge or trunnion. Stoplog A

log, plank cut timber, steel or concrete beam fitting into end grooves between walls or piers to

close an opening under unbalanced conditions. Vertical Gate A gate operating in vertical

grooves.

Bottom Seal A seal provided at the bottom of the gate leaf. Gate Leaf The main body of a gate

consisting of skin plate, stiffeners, horizontal girders and end girders. Gate Seal A device for

preventing the leakage of water around the periphery of a gate. Gate Sill The top of an

embedded structural member on which a gate rests in closed position. Seal Plate A metal plate

mounted on a gate leaf to transfer water pressure to the seat and to act as a seal. Top Seal A seal

provided at the top of a gate leaf or gate frame. Trunnion Axis The axis about which a radial gate

rotates.

4. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

4.1 Objectives a. The gates shall be designed for the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces taking

into consideration forces arising from wave effects, seismic loads and ice formation wherever

applicable. b. The additional water head to the static head to account for the sub-atmospheric

pressure downstream of gates located in conduits/sluices should be specified to the designer. c.

The gate is normally designed to close under its own weight with or without addition of ballast

but sometimes it may require a positive thrust for closing, in which case hoist shall be suitable

for that purpose.

4.2 Design Criteria The gate, in general, shall satisfy the following criteria: a. It shall be

reasonably watertight, the maximum permissible leakage being not more than 5 litres/min/m

length of seal in case of crest gates and medium head conduit gates. The figure of permissible

leakage is the upper limit before which remedial measures shall be required to rectify defects; b.

It shall be capable of being raised or lowered by the hoist at the specified speed; c. Power

operated gates shall normally be capable of operation by alternate means in case of power supply

failure; d. If meant for regulation, it shall be capable of being held in position within the range

of travel to pass the required discharge without cavitations and undue vibration; and e. Whenever

necessary, model studies may be carried out for high head regulating gates. The crest gate should

generally be self-closing. The closing moment provided by the moving parts of the gate in any

position should always be greater than the forces opposing the closure movement of the gate

whether it is with the top seal against a breast wall or without top seal. However, for conduit

gates, it may become necessary to provide a positive thrust for closing, in which case the hoist

provided shall be suitable for the purpose.

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4.3 Occasional Forces

4.3.1 Earthquake Effect Earthquake forces shall be computed in accordance with criteria for

earthquake resistant design and the gate designed accordingly.

4.3.2 Wave Effect For very wide and big reservoirs, the effect of wave height due to storms, etc.

in causing increased loading on the gate, shall also be considered.

4.3.3 Occasional Overtopping Whenever occasional overtopping of gate is allowed the design of

gate shall be checked for increased stresses. Proper provision shall be made to protect gate

during occasional overtopping.

4.3.4 Permissible Stresses The allowable stresses in the various parts of the gate under the action

of occasional forces shall be increased by 33 percent of the permissible stresses subject to the

maximum of 85 percent of the yield stress. In case of nuts and bolts, increase in stress shall not

be more than 25 percent of allowable stress (Refer IS 4622:2003). The permissible values in

welded connections shall be the same as permitted for parent material. The earthquake forces, the

wave effect and occasional overtopping shall not be considered to act simultaneously while

computing the increased stress in the gate.

4.4 Ice Load

4.4.1 Ice Impact and Ice Pressure Provided local conditions do not impose other values, ice

impact and ice pressure shall be taken into account in such a way that the water pressure triangle

shall be replaced as given below. i. In waters with ice thickness greater than 300 mm, by an even

surface pressure of 30000 N/mm2 up to 3 m depth; and. ii. In waters with ice thickness up to 300

mm by an even surface pressure of 20000 N/mm2 to 2 m depth.

4.5 CORROSION CONTROL Corrosion damage will occur over time and can impair structural

and operational capacity of gates. To minimize future structural problems and high maintenance

and rehabilitation costs, resistance to corrosion shall be considered in the design process. Gates

are subject primarily to localized corrosion (i.e., crevice corrosion or pitting corrosion), general

atmospheric corrosion, or mechanically assisted corrosion. Prudent design and maintenance

practices can minimize these types of corrosion. Corrosion of gates is best controlled by
application of protective coatings, but is also effectively controlled by proper selection of

materials, cathodic protection, and proper design of details. The selection of corrosion protection

alternatives depends on the environment in which the gate will function.

4.5.1 Coating Systems Application of coating systems is the primary method of corrosion

protection for gates. Coating systems include alkyd enamel, vinyl, and epoxy paint systems.

Thermal spraying (metallizing) should be considered when extreme abrasion is predicted or

when the use of volatile organic compounds is restricted. Acceptable standards shall be followed

for selection, application and specifications of coating systems and thermal spraying.

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4.5.2 Cathodic Protection Cathodic protection shall be used in the more corrosive environments

to supplement the paint coatings. Since corrosion is a continuing process of removing electrons

from the steel, cathodic protection introduces a low current to counteract this effect. This

essentially causes all parts of the structure to be cathodic. Cathodic protection is achieved by

applying a direct current to the structure from some outside source. The direct current can be

invoked either by impressed current or sacrificial anodes attached to the gate. Sacrificial

magnesium anodes are often installed on gates used in fresh water when carbon and stainless

steels are in contact with each other. For example, anodes would be used when a painted mild

steel gate is in contact with stainless steel tracks and rollers and also in contact with the stainless

steel guides through the bearing shoes, rollers, or wheels. Unfavorable area differences such as a

small anode (less noble mild steel 99 percent covered with paint) and a cathode many times

larger (more noble stainless steel bare) will cause rapid development of pits at imperfections in
the paint coating. Magnesium, being less noble than either mild steel or stainless steel, becomes a

sacrificial anode and will protect these flaws in the paint coating and also protect oxygen-

deficient areas on the stainless steel. To provide adequate protection, anodes shall be within 600

mm and in line of sight of the surface they are protecting.

4.5.3 Control Contamination Metallic contamination of the metal surface can cause galvanic

corrosion. Nonmetallic contamination on stainless steel can result in loss of passivity at the

contamination sites or create oxygen concentration cells, which can cause pitting. Such

components as stainless steel rollers, wheels, axles, track plates, seal plates, and guides shall be

passivated after fabrication with a nitric acid solution. During manufacturing, metals may acquire

contamination from metal forming and machining operations. Avoidance of contamination, or

the discovery and removal of prior contamination on metals, is critical at the construction site

during erection or installation of the structure or equipment.

4.5.4 Design Consideration for Corrosion Prevention Structural detailing has a significant impact

on corrosion prevention. Structures shall be detailed to avoid conditions that contribute to

corrosion. The following items shall be considered in the design process: a. Structural members

shall be detailed such that all exposed portions of the structure can be properly painted or coated.

b. Provide drain holes to prevent entrapment of water. Locate extra large drain holes in areas

where silt or sand may be trapped. c. Avoid lap joints, but where used, seal weld the joint so that

water cannot be trapped between the connected plates. d. Grind slag, weld splatter, or any other

deposits off the steel. These are areas that form crevices that can trap water. e. Where dissimilar

metals are in contact (generally carbon steel with either stainless steel or bronze), provide an

electric insulator between the two metals and avoid large ratios of cathode (stainless steel) to

anode (carbon steel) area. f. Use continuous welds in lieu of bolts where possible with caution
given to the effect of or susceptibility to fracture. g. Break or grind sharp corners or edges to a

minimum 1-mm radius to allow paint or coating to properly cover the surface. h. Avoid designs

with enclosed spaces. If such spaces cannot be avoided, make them large enough for

maintenance work and painting, or provide cathodic protection. In some

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gates it may be possible to fill and seal the space with a non-corrosive liquid or solid. This

technique has been used on tanks for floating fish entrance gates. i. Consider using corrosion-

resistant metal for areas that will be inaccessible for replacement. j. If anodes are used, allow

enough room for maintenance workers to replace them.

4.5.5 Safety Corrosion may be the cause of catastrophic damage or loss of life due to failure of a

gate or structural members of a gate. Particular attention shall be applied to structural members

that are inaccessible to inspection or accessible only for infrequent inspection. Prevention of

corrosion failures shall be investigated during the design of the gate. Where corrosion failure will

place human life at risk, the most current methods of corrosion control shall be employed.

5. TYPES OF GATES AND HOISTING ARRANGEMENT The types of gates and hoists

commonly used for headworks of run-of-river projects are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Types of

Gates and Hoists Location Type of Gate Type of Hoist Remarks Crest Fixed wheel

vertical/radial Rope drum/Hydraulic hoist Used in the spillway for discharge of flood. Vertical

gates/radial gates chosen from consideration of factors like head, superstructure height and

available width of pier ice conditions, etc. Limiting height of vertical lift: 8 m. Automatic gates

Float operated/counter weight operated hoist. Stoplog gates which are fixed wheelvertical gates
or slide type Gantry crane/Monorail crane automatically operated lifting beam. These gates

facilitate the maintenance of main crest gates. River sluice Service/ Emergency gate of fixed

wheel type or slide type or radial gates Screw hoist or rope drum hoist or hydraulic hoist. Used

to control the flow of water to river downstream side. For small heads, fixed wheel type gate

operated with rope drum/screw hoists. Screwhoists limited to 15 tonnes. High head gates/ jet

flow gates to be hoisted hydraulically. Construction sluice Fixed wheel vertical lift gates Rope

drum hoist/chain pulley blocks/winches/ movable cranes Used for making construction sluice/

diversion tunnel dry, which has to be plugged after construction.

6. MATERIALS The materials generally used for different parts of the gate are listed in Table 2.

Any other material satisfying the requirements of the job may also be specified by the designer.

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Table 2: Materials Generally Used for Gates Component Parts Recommended Materials Skin

plate, stiffeners, horizontal girders, Structural steel arms, bracings, tie members, anchorage

girder, yoke girder, embedded girder, rest girder, load carrying anchors Structural steel Guide

rollers and guide shoes Cast iron, Structural steel, Forged steel Trunnion, hub and bracket

Wrought steel, Cast iron, Cast steel, Structural steel Wheels Cast steel, cast iron, wrought steel,

forged steel Wheel pins or axles Chrome nickel steel or corrosion resistant steel, mild steel with

nickel or hard chromium plating Wheel track Stainless steel/corrosion resistant steel Bearing/

Bushing Anti-friction bearing/bronze, phosphor bronze, aluminium bronze, self lubricating

bushing Seal Rubber Seal seat Stainless steel plate Seal base, seal-seat base, seal clamp, sill

beam Structural steel Guide Structural steel/stainless steel Springs Spring steel / stainless steel
Anchor cables, rods Structural steel Grade of the material conforming to acceptable national or

international codes shall be specified by the designer to suit the particular requirement. Steel for

pin shall be electroplated with chromium as per the relevant codes.

7. DESIGN OF GATE COMPONENTS General design of the vertical and radial gates involves

design of the following components. Specific components are separately dealt with in relevant

headings.

7.1 Skin Plate and Stiffeners a. The skin plate and stiffeners shall be designed together in a

composite manner. b. The skin plate shall be designed for either of the following two conditions

unless more precise methods are available: a. In bending across the stiffeners or horizontal

girders as applicable, or. b. As panels in accordance with support conditions. c. The stresses in

skin plates for conditions in (7.1 b) shall be determined. d. In either of the cases specified in (7.1

b) while designing the stiffeners and horizontal girders the skin plate can be considered coacting

with them. The coacting width of the skin plate in non panel fabrication shall be taken by

restricting to the least of the following values in mm: a. Bt +40 where, t is thickness of skin

plate, B is width of the stiffener flange in contact with the skin plate. b. 0.11 span and c. Centre-

to-centre of stiffeners and girders.

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The width of the skin plate coacting with beam or stiffeners in panel fabrication as per (7.1 b.b)

shall be worked out and stresses due to beam action calculated. e. The stresses so computed

shall be combined in accordance with the formula: Eq. 1 22 2 3 yxyyxvx τσ σσ σσ −+=+ where,

σV is combined stress, σX is sum of stresses along x-axis, σY is sum of stresses along y-axis,
and τXY is sum of shear stresses in x-y plane. The appropriate signs should be taken for σX σY

in the above formula. f. The permissible value of mono-axial as well as combined stresses should

not be greater than those specified (Refer IS 4622:2003). g. Permissible value of stresses in

welds shall be the same as permitted for the parent material. For site weld the efficiency should

be considered 80 percent of shop weld. h. To take care of corrosion, the actual thickness of skin

plate to be provided shall be at least 1.5 mm more than the theoretical thickness computed based

on the permissible stresses. The minimum thickness of the skin plate shall not be less than 8 mm,

exclusive of corrosion allowance. i. The stiffener may, if necessary, be of a built up section or of

standard rolled section, that is, tees, angles, channels, etc.

7.2 Stiffeners and Girders for Vertical Gates a. The horizontal and vertical stiffeners shall be

designed as simply supported or continuous beam depending upon the framing adopted for gate.

The spacing between main horizontal girders shall preferably be such that all the girders carry

almost equal loads. b. The end vertical girders shall be designed as continuous beam resting on

wheel centre points with concentrated loads, coming from horizontal girders. Care shall be taken

in carrying out the analysis of end girders to include torsional effect, if any. c. The stresses in

stiffeners and girders shall not exceed permissible values. d. Whenever the gate is connected to

the hoisting mechanism at points other than the end vertical girders, care shall be taken to avoid

stress concentration particularly on the web of the top horizontal girder. The hoisting force

should preferably be dispersed through suitable stiffeners to one or more horizontal girders

below the top one. The extra stresses arising due to this arrangement may be combined with

other stresses to ensure that the permissible limits are not exceeded.

7.2.1 Deflection of Vertical Gates Maximum deflection of the gate under normal conditions of

loading shall be limited to 1/800 of the span (centre-to-centre of the wheels). However, in case of
gates with upstream top seals a maximum deflection of the gate leaf at the top seal shall not be

more than 80 percent of the initial interference of the seal.

7.3 Wheel and Wheel Tracks The gate wheels shall be suitable to withstand the stresses

developed due to hydrostatic loads, which they will carry. Wheels may preferably be without

flanges but may be flanged, where considered necessary. For large spillway gates, the tread of

the wheel or track may be slightly crowned to accommodate gate deflection under heavy load.

The tread of the wheel may be flat when self-aligning bearings are used between the wheel and

wheel pin. The wheels shall be machined true to size and shall operate smoothly without

vibration and without under going undue drift.

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7.3.1 Design of Wheels with Point Contact The capacity of the wheels shall be calculated and the

maximum shear stress in N/mm2 thus computed shall not exceed 2.41 x BHN where BHN is the

Brinell Hardness Number of wheel tread or wheel path whichever is smaller, or 0.7 times

ultimate tensile strength, whichever is less. In general, the required tread hardness shall penetrate

to at least twice the depth at which the maximum shear stress occurs. The tread width/track width

shall be such that with the gate deflected under the actual design loads, the distance from the

edge of the wheel tread/track shall be at least 15 mm. The radius of crowning of the wheel or

track shall not be more than 10 times the radius of the wheel. Permissible values of contact stress

as given as 1.4 times ultimate tensile strength shall be followed.

7.3.2 Design of Wheels with Line Contact The contact stresses between the wheel and the track

shall be calculated in accordance with the following formula:

Eq. 2

rl PEf c 0418 .=

where c f is the contact stress in N/mm2, P is the wheel load, in N, E is the modulus of elasticity,

in N/mm2, r is the radius of wheel in mm and lis the tread width in mm. Permissible values of

contact stress as given as 1.6 times ultimate tensile strength shall be followed.

7.3.3 Wheel Pins The wheels shall be mounted on fixed pins. The pin shall be harder than

bronze bushing. Grease fittings shall be provided to permit greasing of the bearings at easily

accessible location and suitable grease holes shall be provided in the pin for this purpose. a. The

wheel pin shall either be supported at both ends, on one side of the web of the vertical girder and

on the other side by the stiffener plate or of cantilever box of the end vertical girder. In the latter

case the rigidity of cantilever box should be ensured. b. The wheel pin shall be designed for

bearing, bending and shear; the load shall be taken as the wheel load acting on the width of the

bearing. The pin supports shall be suitably stiffened against bearings and tearing. The stresses

shall not exceed permissible values. c. The pins may have a suitable eccentricity to permit

alignment of wheels, normally 5 mm.

7.3.4 Wheel Bearing The wheel bearing may be bronze bushing, self-lubricating bushing or anti-

friction roller bearings of any suitable design to suit the operational requirements and installation

of gates. Where bronze bushing is used, the bearing stress shall not exceed the permissible

values. a. For antifriction roller bearings the outer diameter of the roller bearing shall not exceed

0.6 times the wheel diameter in case of point contact and 0.8 times the wheel diameter in case of

line contact. The bearing shall be selected on the basis of factor of safety of 1.5 on the static
capacity. b. The following formula shall be used for computing the wheel frictional force for

bush and roller bearing:

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Eq. 3 () R P F ra frf =+ where F is the total wheel friction in N, P is the total hydrostatic load in

N, R is the wheel radius in mm, a f is the coefficient of axle friction (sliding), r f is the

coefficient of rolling friction and r is the effective radius of bearing in mm. i. The following

values shall be used for coefficient of axle friction (sliding): For Starting Running Bronze

bushing 0.20 0.15 Roller bearing 0.015 0.01

ii. For rolling between wheel and wheel track, the coefficient of friction shall be 1.0.

7.3.4.1 Fits and Tolerances When bronze bushing is provided, the bushing shall be force-fit in

the wheel and the wheel pin shall be running-fit in the bushing. When roller bearing is provided,

the outside diameter of bearing shall be tight-fit in the wheel and the pin shall be tight-fit in the

inside diameter of bearing.

7.4 Seal and accessories a. Seals shall be fixed by means of seal clamps and galvanized iron or

stainless steel bolts/stainless steel screws so as to ensure a positive water pressure between the

seal and the gate, and to bear tightly on the seal seat to prevent leakage. For reducing the seal

friction fluorocarbon clad seals may be used. Edges of seal clamp adjacent to seal bulb shall be

rounded. b. Solid bulb music note type seals are recommended for medium head gates. Hollow/

solid bulb music note type or flab or premoulded L-type rubber seals are preferred for low head

gates. c. For regulating gates, the designer at his/her discretion may make the seals effective
throughout the range of the travel of gates either by fixing the seals to the embedded parts or by

providing a liner plate above in continuation of the top seal seats for the entire width of the gate

and range of regulation.

7.4.1 Initial Interference The seal interference of double stem and the projection of bottom

wedge seals shall vary from 2 mm to 5 mm depending upon the requirement and type of

installation at the discretion of the designer. Suitable chamfer shall be provided at the bottom of

the skin plate and clamp plate to accommodate the bottom wedge seal in compressed position.

7.4.2 Seal Friction For the purpose of calculating the frictional forces to overcome, the following

friction coefficients shall be used: F o r S t a r ti n g R u n n i n g Rubber seal on stainless steel

1.5 1.2 Fluorocarbon on stainless steel 0.20 0.15

7.5 Guide Roller and Guide Shoes a. Gate guide roller/shoes shall be provided on the sides of the

gates to limit the lateral motion of gate to not more than 6 mm in either direction. The rollers

shall be flanged and travel on steel plates or rails securely attached to anchor bolts. In case of

rollers it

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shall be provided with bronze bushing or self-lubricating bushing turning on fixed steel pins.

Suitable arrangement for lubrication of these rollers shall also be provided. Where necessary,

counter guide rollers shall be provided to limit the transverse movement of gates. b. A minimum

of two guide rollers or shoes should be provided on each side of the gate to resist the transverse

and lateral movement of the gate and at the same time to prevent the gate from jamming. A
clearance of 3 mm to 6 mm between the guide rollers and guide surface is normally

recommended. The guide rollers or shoes, should be structurally adequate to withstand the load,

they are likely to be subjected to, depending upon the type of installation, hoist and hydraulic

condition. Guide rollers may also be provided with suitable springs, whenever required. Guide

rollers may be preferred for gates to be handled by lifting beams. c. Suitable spring assembly

may be provided beneath the guide shoes or guide rollers assembly to restore the gate to normal

position after any deflection. d. The guide roller/shoes shall be designed to the maximum loads

to which they may be subjected during operation. A minimum load of 5 percent of the total dead

weight of the gate is recommended for the design of each guide roller.

7.6 Wheel track and track base a. The wheel track shall provide a true and smooth machined

surface for the wheels to roll and transmit the loads through the wheels to the track base. b. The

hardness of wheel track surface shall be kept minimum 50 points Brinell Hardness Number

(BHN) higher than that of the wheel tread to reduce wear. For gates, which may not be put to

frequent use, the difference between the BHN of wheel and wheel track may be reduced suitably

at the discretion of the designer.

7.6.1 Thickness of Track Plate (with Line Contact) The thickness of track plate shall be

calculated from the following formula:

Eq. 4 ⎟ ⎠ ⎞ ⎜ ⎝ ⎛= E rx l Pb 155 . where l is the tread width in mm, b is the half contact width

in mm, P is the wheel load in N, r is the radius of wheel in mm and E is the modulus of elasticity

in N/mm2. Depth to the point of maximum shearing stress, in mm, Z1 = 0.786b The thickness of

the wheel track shall not be less than 6 times the depth to the point of maximum shearing stress,

Z1.
7.6.2 Thickness of Track Plate (Wheel Track with Point Contact) The thickness of track plate

shall be calculated by the following formula:

Eq. 5

tcf P

2 .271= where t is the track thickness in mm, P is the wheel load in N, c 2 is the track width in

mm and t f is the allowable track bending stress, in N/mm2 (0.4 YP of track material). The

minimum thickness of track plate shall be 10 mm.

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The track base shall be embedded in concrete. It shall be designed as a beam on elastic

foundation. The stresses in concrete under the track shall be found from the following formula:

Eq. 6

3/1

2.2810 ⎟ ⎟ ⎠ ⎞ ⎜ ⎜ ⎝ ⎛

IwE E

Pp
s

where p is the bearing stress in concrete in N/mm2, P is the total wheel load in N, c E is the

modulus of elasticity of concrete in N/mm2, s E is the modulus of elasticity of steel, in N/mm2, I

is the moment of inertia of track base in mm4 and w is the width of track base in contact with

concrete in mm. The edge distance of the bearing flange of track base from the groove face shall

be determined on the basis of the following criteria: a. The wider flange, in case of double-

flanged track base, shall be considered as bearing flange for the purpose of transferring load from

the track base to the concrete. b. The minimum edge distance ‘e’ of the bearing plate flange shall

in no case be less than 150 mm. c. The load shall be assumed to be distributed at 450 dispersion.

d. The width of loaded area at the interface of primary and secondary concrete shall fully lie in

the primary concrete. Clear cover of the reinforcement is to be neglected. The length of influence

of the parabolic distribution under the track base may be found from the following formula:

Eq. 7

wp P

xL .51=

where L is the length of influence under track base in mm, P is the total wheel load in N, w is the

width of track in contact with concrete in mm and p is the stress in concrete in N/mm2. If

pressure distribution under adjacent wheels overlaps, superposition of the pressure shall be

adopted and checked for the worst condition. The track base shall be checked for bending and

shear also. Bending stress shall be calculated from the following formula:
Eq. 8

3/1

.50 ⎟ ⎟ ⎠ ⎞ ⎜ ⎜ ⎝ ⎛

wI

EE

ZP

bσ

where b σ

is the bending stress in N/mm2, P is theload on roller in N, Z is the of section of the track base

about the neutral axis, in mm3; c E is the modulus of elasticity of concrete, in N/mm2, s E is the

modulus of elasticity of steel in N/mm2, I is the moment of inertia of the track base about the

neutral axis in mm4 and w is the width of track base in contact with concrete in mm. The flange

of the track base shall be checked for bending. The web of the track base shall be checked for

compression. Permissible stress in compression for web shall be taken as 85 percent of yield
point for normal condition and equal to yield point for MWL/occasional load condition. The

stresses in track base shall be within the permissible values.

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7.7 Guides The guides shall be fixed inside the groove in piers. The guide shall be flat plate or a

rail section anchored into concrete for gates fixed with guide rollers. The thickness of the plate

shall not be less than as given below: T y p e o f G a t e T h i c k n e s s o f P l a t e , m m Low

head gate 20 Medium head gate 32 The guide shall be suitable for the type of guide rollers or

shoes provided on the gate. The guide shall continue to the full range of travel of the gate.

7.8 Seal seat, Seal Seat Base, Seal-base and Sill Beam a. The minimum width of seal seat shall

be 80 mm excluding the required chamfer. b. Minimum thickness of stainless steel plate shall be

6 mm for low head gates and 8 mm for medium and high head gates. c. The seal-seat shall be

either welded or screwed with corrosion resisting steel screws to the seal seat base. The number

of screws should be such as to give sufficient rigidity to the assembly and water tightness. d.

The seal-seat shall be finished smooth to present a smooth surface to the gate seal. e. The seal

seat base shall be embedded in concrete, f. The seal-seat base on which the seal-seat is fixed

shall be made up of plate or any structural section. Angles or flats are used to fix the seal-seat

base to the embedded anchor bolts. After complete installation the side seals wall plates and the

bottom sealseat shall preferably be flush with the surrounding concrete surfaces. g. The edges of

side and top seal seat shall be rounded/chamfered to prevent damage to rubber seal during gate

operation. h. The sill beam shall be provided with stainless steel flats welded or screwed on the

top surface with stainless steel screws. The minimum thickness of stainless steel flat shall be 6
mm after machining. The surface of the sill beam shall be machined smooth and made flush with

the surrounding concrete.

7.9 Ballast Suitable ballast in the form of dead weight shall be added for making the gate self-

closing, when necessary. The ballast shall be in the form of cast iron/pig iron billets, concrete or

any other suitable material and shall not dislodge from its position during the gate operation.

7.10 Anchorages or Anchor Plates In order to ensure proper alignment of the embedded parts

anchorages shall invariably be provided in two stages that is partly in the first stage concrete,

with suitable block out openings, to hold the balance embedded parts in the second stage

concrete. a. For proper bonding of first stage and second stage concrete, suitable dowel bars

should be provided and interface surface should be kept thoroughly rough. The anchor bolts in

second stage concrete shall be with double nuts and washers. For adjustment purposes enlarged

holes in the second stage embedded parts plates/joist sections webs and flanges shall be

provided. Preferably anchor plates may be embedded in first stage concrete and anchor bolts

welded subsequently. b. The anchor bolts should not be less than 16 mm diameter. Washers shall

invariably be used with the anchor bolts.

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7.11 Tolerances / Non-destructive Testing of Welds The tolerances for embedded parts and

components of gates shall be within the permissible limits. The distance between the wall plates

shall be true within a tolerance of 3 mm. The anchors shall be set in the block outs within a

tolerance of 3 mm. All butt welds in gate components shall be 100 percent radiographically

tested for their soundness. However extent of radiography for joints in the skin plate alone could
be limited to 10 percent of total weld length suitably selected. However, other tests like

ultrasonic dye penetrant or magnetic particle test could be conducted for full length of butt joints

in the skin plate. All butt joints in hoist bridge shall also be tested radiographically 100 percent

for their soundness.

8. VERTICAL LIFT GATE Vertical lift gates are used for outlet works, and spillway crest gates.

Each type of gate used has its advantages and disadvantages and is designed to accommodate

special requirements for closure and retention of hydraulic head. Some of the main advantages of

using vertical lift gates are ease of fabrication, considerably shortened erection time, and in most

cases, shorter monoliths or supporting piers for spillways compared with those of radial gates.

The load from the gate to the supporting pier or monolith is in one direction, simplifying the

design of supports. One main disadvantage when using vertical lift gates that are under constant

cyclic loading is that the main loadresisting frame relies on a tension flange or, in the case of an

arch, tension tie. In these cases fatigue plays a major role in their design. The use of fixed-wheel,

tractor, Stoney, or slide gates versus radial gates for spillways and outlets depends on head, size

of gate, river-flow operational criteria, and economics.

8.1 Types of End Supports End supports for vertical lift gates may be classified according to the

method used to transfer the loads to the gate guides. The gate guides receive the main reaction

component from horizontal loads.

8.1.1 Fixed Wheel With this type of end support, the wheels revolve on fixed axles, which are

either cantilevered from the body of the gate or supported at each end by the web of a vertical

girder(s) attached to the gate frame. The wheels may also be mounted by pairs in trucks that

carry the wheel loads through center pins to end girders attached to the gate frame. When gate
hoisting occurs with no static head, this type of end support will usually be most economical.

The fabrication is generally less costly than using tractor type end support, described in Section

8.1.2 below. When the gate is used for outlet works, this type of end support will receive higher

point loads. This will cause a much higher bearing stress to the wheel and guides, as well as

shear, bearing, and bending forces to the center pins and end girder. This type of end support is

normally used in situations where the gate is used to control flows while under low static head as

with spillway gates, the wheels normally rest in a wheel recess to prevent them from transferring

hydrostatic loads. With the wheels in the recess, horizontal loads are transferred through an end-

bearing shoe to the pier-bearing surface. Hence the wheels carry no hydrostatic load. Hydrostatic

load is then transferred from end bearing shoes on the gate to the gate guides.

8.1.2 Tractor This type of end support has at each side of the gate one or more endless trains of

small rollers mounted either directly or members attached to or on the vertical end girder. These

are more commonly found on emergency closure gates or gates that control flow under high

head. Because load transfer is achieved by uniformly distributed bearing through the small

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rollers, they are able to withstand large horizontal loads while being lowered under full

hydrostatic head. Their main advantages over fixed wheels are a lower friction component while

hoisting under load, lower bearing stresses transferred to the guides and gate framing, and shear

and bending not transferred to the gate through the axle. When compared to slide gates, the main

advantage is reduced friction, which reduces the hoisting effort required for controlling of flow.
This reduced friction also reduces the wear and maintenance compared with those of slide gate

seal surfaces.

8.1.3 Slide Slide gates use metal-to-metal contact for end support. A machined surface that is

mounted to the front face of the gate bears directly against a machined guide surface in the gate

slot. The two bearing surfaces also serve as the gate seal. Materials for the gate seal surface may

include aluminum, bronze, or stainless steel. These types of gates are normally used in situations

where a head cover is used to seal off the guide slot from the gate operator for submerged flow

installations. They can be used for high heads. The bearing surfaces of the guides and slide

bearings shall be machined to tight tolerances to maintain a seal for the gate. This requires tighter

construction tolerances for installation of the guides and slide bearing than with tractor gates and

fixed-wheel gates, which use J seals along a seal plate.

8.1.4 Stoney Similar to a tractor gate, a Stoney gate uses a small train of rollers; however, the

fundamental difference is that the roller axles are held in position by two continuous vertical bars

or angles on either side of the roller. The load is transferred from a bearing surface on the gate,

through the rollers, to the guide-bearing surface on the monolith. The entire roller train is

independent from the gate and the guide, which allows free movement of the roller train. In order

to maintain the roller train in its proper vertical position, it is common to use a wire rope support.

The rope is fixed to a point on the gate, and is fixed to a point on the pier or monolith. Lateral

movement is prevented by vertical bars or axles along the guide surfaces. A unique feature of

this type of load transfer system is that axle friction component attributed to rolling friction. The

main advantages of this type of gate support system are the same as those of the tractor gates.
8.2 OUTLET GATES Often, lift gates are used for emergency closure of water intake systems or

outlet works. Their normal operation is in the open position. They are not used for throttling

flows; however, they are used to stop flow under operating conditions. They normally rest on

dogging devices during normal operation. In emergencies, they are lowered into the closure slot

to stop the flow water. Outlet gates use fixed wheel, tractor, and slide support systems. The time

saving would occur for gates used for outlet works. Normal use for these types of gates is a

tractor gate due to its low friction during operation. The size of gate and head requirements

determine the feasibility of slide, fixed-wheel, or tractor gates. Slide gates require precise

machined tolerances on the seal surfaces from the gate to the bearing guides. This requires

careful quality control during field installation. Wear and damage to the slide and bearing

surfaces due to use and cavitation can require higher maintenance to the slide gate. It may be

more cost effective to replace wheels, rollers, or seals on a fixed-wheel or tractor gate than to fill

and machine the gate and bearing surfaces of a slide gate.

8.2.1 Framing Systems Horizontal girder framing is the most common type of framing system

used for outlet gates. They may be framed with plate girders or rolled shapes. Horizontal plate

girders are the main force-resisting members of the gate. They consist of built-up plate elements

forming the stiffened webs and flanges of the girder. The spacing of the girders will depend on

the

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head requirements, the height of the gate, and the clear span. For short gates, it is not

advantageous to vary the spacing of the girders; however, for taller gates where the change in
hydrostatic loading will be more significant from the bottom sill to the top, it is more economical

to vary the spacing. Varying the spacing will require additional attention to design of the

intercostals and skin plate to compensate for the varying hydrostatic pressure and span between

girders. The girders frame into end posts that transfer end shear from the girders to bearing,

either on the gate guides or through the types of end supports. Intercostals are framed plates or

structural shapes that span the layers of horizontal girders used to create two-way plate bending

action for the skin plate. Diaphragms are used to provide continuity of the gate by distributing

horizontal loads more uniformly and supporting and distributing vertical loads. The main

difference in framing compared with that of spillway crest gates is that outlet gates require a

sloping bottom or flat bottom with lip extension on the downstream side to reduce downpull

forces while operating with water flow.

8.2.2 Load Types The following load types are applicable to vertical lift gates used for outlet

gates:

8.2.2.1 Hydrostatic The hydrostatic load Hs shall be determined based on site-specific conditions

that account for the differential between headwater and sill bearing at the invert. Headwater is

determined from reservoir regulation studies for the dam.

8.2.2.2 Hydrodynamic Hydrodynamic loads for outlet gates shall account for water hammer.

8.2.2.3 Gravity Loads resulting from deadweight D, ice C, and mud M shall be based on site-

specific conditions. Mud loads shall include silt loads where applicable. Ice loads are considered

as gravity loads; lateral loads from ice are not considered in the load combinations.

8.2.2.4 Operating Equipment Q is the maximum inertial load that can be exerted by the

operating machinery. This shall consider the inertial effects of the deadweight, and in the case of
double- or multiple-section gates, the inertial effects of the hydrodynamic load, Hd, ice C, and

mud M, while using the gate for passing ice and debris; the effects of friction and binding of

seals, slides and wheels.

8.2.2.5 Earthquake Design earthquake load shall be determined based on an operational basis

earthquake (OBE). The earthquake load E shall be based on inertial hydrodynamic effects of

water moving with the structure. Sloshing liquid forces are small and may be ignored. The

vertical distribution of the initial hydrodynamic pressures acting on the gate shall be determined

from Westergaard's equation:

Eq. 9 Hyap ew ρ 8 7=

where p is the lateral pressure (N/m2) at a distance y below the pool surface in m, w ρ

is

the density of water in kg/m3, e a is the maximum acceleration of the supporting lock wall

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due to the OBE in m/sec2, H is the constant pool depth m and y is the distance below the pool

surface in m. The lock wall shall be assumed rigid in determination of e a and the assumed

direction of ea shall be perpendicular to the gate. The inertial forces resulting from the mass due

to structural weight D, ice C, and mud M are insignificant to the effect of p and need not be

considered. For overhead gates, the effects of E shall be applied to the towers.
8.2.2.6 Downpull Downpull forces R shall be determined based on flow conditions and the shape

of the gate. These shall be determined by hydraulic studies or extrapolation of data from previous

testing.

8.2.2.7 Wind loads Wind loads W shall be based on site-specific conditions and shall be applied

normal to the projected surface of the gate. For submersible gates, wind loads need not be

applied.

8.2.3 Load Cases Outlet gates shall be designed using working stress method. The most

unfavorable effect may occur when one or more of the loads in a particular load combination is

equal to zero. For each load combination the gate should be considered supported on either its

fixed supports or by the hoisting equipment. Q or Rshould be taken as zero when resting on its

fixed supports. Eq. 10 QMCD )(( +++ or ) R Eq. 11 ds HHD ++ Eq. 12 EHD s ++ where, D is

deadweight load of the gate, C is weight of ice, M is weight of mud or debris, Q is maximum

inertial effects of machinery forces, R is downpull forces, s H is hydrostatic load due to

differential head, d H is hydrodynamic load due to water hammer and E is lateral seismic forces

from adjacent water

8.2.4 Serviceability Requirements Vertical lift gates shall be designed for an expected life of 50

years. Limiting values of structural behavior to ensure serviceability shall be chosen to enable

the structure to function as intended for its design life.

8.2.5 Fatigue and Fracture Control For outlet gates, the total number of loading cycles is based

on the projected frequency of usage over the life of the gate. Generally, outlet gates are operated

infrequently; hence the fatigue is not a contributing factor to the design of the gate. Where
projected usage of the gate is expected to place the members and connections into fatigue stress,

then the fracture control requirements shall be followed.

8.2.6 Welds All new gates use some form of welded fabrication. It is very important to select the

proper weld material and the proper welding procedures.

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8.3 Spillway Crest Gates For spillway crest, radial gates are preferred over vertical gates due to

lower maintenance. When multiple-section vertical lift gates are required, the latching

mechanisms can become inoperable unless continued maintenance is performed requiring

maintenance activities. However, vertical lift gates are preferred to radial gates when the

elevation of the maximum controlled pool is so far above the sill that excessively long piers

would be required for radial gates or flood discharge or drift conditions are such that any

obstruction to the flow below the bottom of the spillway bridge is undesirable, requiring the gate

to be removed. Spillway crest gates use a horizontal framing system. This type may be framed

with plate girders or rolled shapes. Most spillway crest gates have a fixed-wheel end support

system. Tractor and slide gates are infrequent.

8.3.1 Framing Systems Horizontal plate girders are the main force-resisting members of the gate.

For further description Section 8.2.1 above may be referred.

8.3.2 Load Types

8.3.2.1 Hydrostatic The hydrostatic load Hs shall be determined based on site-specific conditions

that account for the differential between headwater and sill bearing at the spillway crest.

Headwater is determined from reservoir regulation studies for the dam.

8.3.2.2 Hydrodynamic The hydrodynamic loads Hd shall be determined based on site-specific

conditions for vertical loads from water flowing over sections of spillway gates. The amount of

head flowing over the sections of the gate is determined from hydraulic studies and operational

criteria for the structure.

8.3.2.3 Gravity Loads resulting from deadweight D, ice C, and Mud M shall be based on site-

specific conditions. Mud loads shall include silt loads where applicable. Ice loads are considered

as gravity loads; lateral loads from ice are not considered in the load combinations.

8.3.2.4 Operational Equipment Q is the maximum inertial load that can be exerted by the

operating machinery. This shall consider the inertial effects of the deadweight, and in the case of

double- or multiple-section gates, the inertial effects of the hydrodynamic load Hd, ice C, and

mud M, while using the gate for passing ice and debris.

8.3.2.5 Impact Spillway crest gates are subject to debris or ice impact I of 75 kN/m along the

gate at the upstream water elevation. Impact loads need only be applied to main load-carrying

members. Skin plates and intercostals need not to be designed for impact loads.

8.3.2.6 Earthquake Section 8.2.2.5 above may be referred.

8.3.2.7 Downpull Downpull forces R shall be determined based on flow conditions and the shape

of the gate. These shall be determined by hydraulic studies or extrapolation of data from previous

testing.
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8.3.2.8 Wind loads Wind loads W shall be based on site-specific conditions and shall be applied

normal to the projected surface of the gate.

8.3.3 Load Cases Requirements for load combinations are similar to outlet gates described above

in Section 8.2.3.

8.3.4 Serviceability Requirements They are similar to outlet gates described above in Section

8.2.4.

8.3.5 Fatigue and Fracture Control Generally, spillway gates are operated infrequently; hence the

fatigue is not a contributing factor to the design of the gate. Where projected usage of the gate is

expected to place the members and connections into fatigue stress, then the fracture control

requirements shall be followed.

8.3.6 Welds All new gates use some form of welded fabrication. It is very important to select the

proper weld material and the proper welding procedures.

8.4 OPERATING EQUIPMENT The operating equipment for vertical gates is referenced here

for general description.

8.4.1 Types of Hoists Vertical lift gates use hydraulic or wire rope hoist systems. Wire rope

hoists are used for spillway crest and outlet gates. They are more suitable for gates that have

deep submergence requirements, applications that do not allow portions of hydraulic cylinders

above the deck (shallow settings), or when hoisting loads are too large and economics makes

hydraulic cylinders impractical.

8.4.1.1 Wire Rope Hoists Wire rope hoists consist of drums and a system of sheaves and blocks

that are driven through a motor and arrangement of shafts, speed reducers, and spur or helical

gears. Motors may be electric or hydraulic driven. It is common to provide two speeds to permit

lowering at approximately twice the raising rate. The hoisting equipment is normally located

next to the gate or slot with controls located in the control room, governor control cabinets

depending on the gate and its intended use. Bull Wheels Bull wheels are used in overhead lift

gates as a friction drive for hoisting the gate. The bull wheel, motor, and gearing system are

located in a tower, high enough to raise the gate to its full and open position. The wire ropes

wrap over the top of the bull wheel in grooves, with one side of the wire ropes connected to the

gate and the other end to a counterweight. The motor and gear system provide the mechanical

effort required to hoist the gate. This type of drum system is advantageous when the hoisting

loads are large. Counterweights These are used mainly in overhead type gates to offset the dead

load of the gate to minimize the hoisting effort. The weight of the vertical lift gate will determine

the mass of the counterweight required. It should be designed to compensate for adjustment of its

mass to calibrate it with the weight of the gate once the system is in place. It is normal to have

the gate/counterweight slightly unbalanced to allow the gate to close without power. Another

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method for reducing the lifting effort is with a series of drums and sheaves, which are selected to

give the mechanical advantage desired. Motors and Gear Boxes Motors and gear boxes are the

primary drives for wire rope hoist systems.

8.4.1.2 Hydraulic Hoists Hydraulic hoists normally consist of a single acting cylinder, pumps,

reservoir, controls, and piping. Recent applications use telescoping cylinders to accommodate

deep submergence gates. One or two cylinders may be used, dependent on the hoisting

requirement and economics. The arrangement may include the cylinder to be supported above

the gate with the gate and cylinder rod hanging from the piston or the cylinder recessed within

the gate.

8.4.1.3 Roller Chain Hoists Roller chain hoists consist of the lifting chain, drive and idler

sprockets, drive machinery, and counterweight. The roller chains are located in recesses in the

lock wall. Roller chains are flexible about an axis parallel to the lock centerline and rigid about

an axis perpendicular to the lock centerline. Near the top of each recess the lifting chain is

redirected by an idler sprocket to the drive sprocket, which is located in a recess below the top of

the lock wall. From the drive sprocket the lifting chain continues to a second idler sprocket at the

top of a counterweight chase. From the second idler sprocket the lifting chain extends vertically

to the counterweight. The chain connection to the gate leaf is a three-dimensional gimbal, which

allows rotation about the axes both parallel and perpendicular to the lock centerline. Rotation of

the connection point is allowed to prevent the lifting chain from being bent about its rigid axis

when the gate leaf rotates. The connection points on the gate should be located at the end

portions, at the approximate center of gravity of the gate. The drive machinery, located in a

watertight recess at the top of the lock wall, consists of electric motor, open gear sets, and

reducers. An advantage of roller chains is the positive drive connection over the drive sprocket,

which does not require the space of a cable drum. Disadvantages include relative high cost of

chains, frequent maintenance for lubrication, corrosion, and critical alignment required between

sprockets.
8.4.2 Dogging Devices Dogging devices (dogs) are usually mounted on grillages in recesses in

the piers opposite the end posts of the gate. They pivot to permit retraction for clearance of the

gate and are operated with push rods. Two or more dogs at each end of the gate slot may be

required. The number and location of the dogs are determined by the operating requirements for

discharge regulation and gate storage. The gate sections require dogging seats fabricated with

structural or cast steel, welded or bolted on the end posts. The treads of cantilevered wheels may

be used as dogging seats. Another type of dogging device consists of a cantilevered mild steel H-

beam that retracts inside the gate at each end between the top and second girder web. The beam

is located at the center of gravity of the gate in the upstream/downstream direction and runs

through the end post to a reaction point at an interior diaphragm. The dogging beam is extended

and retracted by using a bar as a manual lever extending through a hole in the top web and into a

row of holes in the top of the dogging beam. The cantilevered end of the beam rests on bearing

pads recessed in the piers. Design should account for twice the calculated dead load to allow for

impact.

8.4.3 Lifting Beams Lifting beams are normally provided for outlet gates and maintenance

bulkheads. Because these gates are normally stored in a submerged condition, the lifting beam

provides a latching and unlatching mechanism to lift the gate from the slot.

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9. RADIAL GATES Radial gates are one of the simplest, most reliable and least expensive type

of crest gate for passage of large floods. They require no slots in the piers and have good

discharge characteristics. The conventional radial gate is not suited for the passage of floating
material unless fully open, which may involve waste of water. This drawback may be overcome

by altering the conventional gate by adding a flap to the top of the gate or by making the gate

submergible so that water may be passed over the top of the gate. Size of gate shall be specified

as the clear width of opening and the vertical height above the sill of the gate up to the Full

Supply Level or the top of the opening as applicable. Normally, the radial gate has an upstream

skin plate bent to an arc with convex surface of the arc on the upstream side (Figure 1 & Figure

2). The centre of the arc is at the centre of the trunnion pins, about which the gate rotates. The

skin plate is supported by suitably spaced stiffeners either horizontal or vertical or both. If

horizontal stiffeners are used, these are supported by suitably spaced vertical diaphragms, which

are connected together by horizontal girders transferring the load to the two end vertical

diaphragms. The end beams are supported by radial arms, emanating from the trunnion hubs

located at the axis of the skin plate cylinder. If vertical stiffeners are used, these are supported by

suitably spaced horizontal girders, which are supported by radial arms. The arms transmit the

water load to the trunnion/yoke girder. Suitable seals are provided along the curved ends of the

gate and along the bottom. The upstream face of the gate rubs against the top seal as the gate is

raised or lowered (Figure 3). Guide rollers are also provided to limit the sway of the gate during

raising or lowering.

of pin

Anchor

Yoke girderPin

Radial ram

Face of pier
Compression diagram

Yoke girder

Face of pier

Load carrying anchors

Face of pier

of Trunnion

Stiffener Skin plate Rubber seal

Wall plate Face of pier

Force diagram

Enlarged section X-X

Enlarged section Y-Y

End arm

Braces

Gusset plate

Skin plate Lifting bracket

Horizontal girder

? of trunnion
X

xl

fc

CL

CL

Figure 1: Radial gates with parallel Arm

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The trunnion anchorage comprises essentially of a trunnion/yoke girder, held to the concrete of

the spillway piers or the abutments by anchor rods or plate sections designed to resist the total

water thrust on the gate. The trunnion or yoke girder is usually a built-up section to which the

anchors are fixed. i. The thrust may be distributed in the concrete either as bond stress along the

length of the anchors (Figure 1) or as a bearing stress through the medium of an embedded
anchor girder at the up stream end of the anchors. In the latter case the anchors are insulated

from the surrounding concrete (Figure 2).

Arm (inclined)

Stiffener plate

Load carrying insulated anchors

Anchor girder

Face of pier

Thrust block

Yoke Girder

Trunnion tie bem (where thrust block is not employed)

Through bolts

Clamp plate

Skin plate Clamp

20 minimum clearance

3-Compression

10

10 R

Assembly details with angle shaped seal

Symmetrical about of gate

Wearing plate Side seal

Wall plate

Sill elevation

I - Beams

I - Beams

Vertical rib

Face of pier

Section X X

of Trunnion

LC

LC

Figure 2: Radial gates with inclined arms ii. Alternatively, anchorages of radial gates could also

comprise pre-stressed anchorage arrangement. This system is especially advantageous in the case

of large sized gates where very high loads are required to be transferred to the piers and the

system of
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anchorages mentioned in (i) above is cumbersome and tedious. In this case prestressed

anchorages post tensioned steel cables or rods are used which when subjected to water thrust will

release pressure from concrete due to higher tensile stresses carried by anchorages. A typical

arrangement is indicated in Figure 4. The actual final stress developed in the cables/rods after

allowing for all losses should not exceed 60 percent of the UTS or 80 percent of the YP of the

material.

CL

Bottom seal

Sill plate

Flow

Skin plate

Block out

Welded steel studs

Sill beam

Detail of bottom seal Sectional plan X-X

CL

Flow
of trunnion C L

Sill plate See side seal detail

Block out

Detail side seal and guide roller

C.R.S. side seal wall Guide roller Skin plate

Pin

See top seal detail

Horizontal girder Skin plate Flow

See bottom seal detail

Gate in maximum raised position

of trunnion C L

Seal clamp Seal Base

Seal Base

Pressurizing holes

Lintel beam mounted seal with fluro carbon cladding

Gate mounted seal with flurocarbon cladding

Arm

Arm

Stainless steel

Seal clamp

of trunnion C LR to Clearance

Detail of top seal

Figure 3: Sectional views of radial gates iii. The grade of concrete as per concrete code around

the anchorage system shall be: • Conventional anchorage system M-25

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• Pre-stressed anchorages system M-35 When the thrust is distributed in the concrete in bond, the

anchorage girder itself is used to support the trunnion bracket. In the other case, another

anchorage or support girder, in addition to the yoke girder supporting the load carrying anchors,

is used to support the trunnion bracket. If inclined radial arms are used instead of parallel arms, a

side thrust block is provided to resist the side thrust. Alternatively a trunnion tie is also used for

the same purpose (Figure 2) or the lateral thrust may be directly transferred to the concrete pier

through bearing from plate embedded in the concrete. Whenever occasional overtopping of gate

is expected provision of hood, shield and flow breakers may be considered. Hydraulic hoist
operated flap gates may be provided at the top of large size radial gates for passing floating

debris.

of pierC L

of C L Trunnion

Radial gate

of armC L

Post. tensioned cables to be encased in rigid steel conduits

of trunnion anchorage

CL

Ancorage block

High strength concrete

Normal strength concrete

Gate guide block out

Concrete cover for cable anchor heads not shown of trunnion anchorageC L

of trunnion C L

High strength concrete

Normal strength concreteof armC L

Skin plate
C.J.

Button seal block out Post tensioned trunnion anchorage cables

Flow

Flow

Reinforcements not shown

Post tensioned trunnion anchorage cables

of trunnion C L

Post tensioned trunnion anchorage cables

C.J.

Typical plan of piers showing anchorage Detail at A

Elevation showing trunnion anchorage of spillway radial gate

Section C-C

of pierC L

Figure 4: Elevation of trunnion anchorage of spillway radial gates

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9.1 Design Considerations The design of the radial gate involves the following parameters: a.

Location of the trunnions, b. Radius of the gate, c. Location of the sill, and d. Location and type

of hoists. The design of the radial gate involves the following components. Those common are

already explained and specific to the radial gates are briefly described in following pages. a. Skin

plate and stiffeners, b. Horizontal girders, c. Arms, d. Trunnion hub, e. Trunnion pin, f. Trunnion

bush or bearing, g. Trunnion brackets, h. Trunnion girder or yoker girder, i. Load carrying

anchors, j. Anchorage girder, k. Thrust block (if inclined arms are used), l. Thrust tie(if inclined

arms are used), m. Seals, n. Seal seat, seal base and sill beam, o. Guide roller, and p. Anchor

bolts.

9.1.1 Location of the Trunnions a. The trunnions of the gate shall be so located that under

conditions of maximum discharge over the spillway, these should remain at least 1.5 m clear of

the water profile and should in no case be allowed to submerge in the flowing water. b. The

trunnions shall be so located that the resultant hydraulic thrust through the gate in the closed

position for reservoir full condition lies as close to the horizontal as possible. This will reduce

the upward or downward force that will otherwise be imposed on the anchorage system. c. The

location of the trunnions shall be such as to allow the gate to be fully raised or lowered without

interfering with the spillway or hoist bridge or any other part of the civil structure housing the

gate.

9.1.2 Radius of the Gate The radius of the gate, that is, the distance from the centres of the

trunnion pins to the inside face of the skin plate shall, as far as possible, vary from H to 1.25 H
consistent with the requirements of the trunnion location, where H is the vertical distance

between the top of the gate and the horizontal line through the sill.

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9.1.3 Location of the Sill a. The sill of the gate shall preferably be located slightly downstream of

the crest, to avoid cavitation of the downstream glacis. b. The sill shall, as far as possible, be

located so that a vertical plane tangent to the upstream face of the skin plate will intersect the

spillway at or downstream from the crest. This requirement would place the sill downstream of

the crest. Operating clearances from the bridge and the location of the hoist may require the sill

to be shifted further downstream. c. The requirement of Section 9.1.3(a) and (b) shall not apply

and sill may be fixed as per the individual conditions. d. The distance from the centre line of

crest to the centre line of the sill shall be as small as possible in order to economize on the height

of gate and pier size.

9.1.4 Location of Hoist a. The radial gates are generally operated either by rope drum/chain

hoists or by hydraulic hoist. For crest gates either of the two may be suitable. b. In case of crest

gates, the hoists may be installed on the roadway or on the piers or on an under-deck below the

roadway. c. The hoist shall be so located, that, as far as possible, the hoisting force is applied to

the gate at the largest possible radius and the hoisting angle does not change much during the

travel of the gate. d. In the case of hydraulic hoist the connection to the gate is on the

downstream of the skin plate while in the case of rope drum hoist the same is generally preferred

on the upstream of the skin plate. In case of the rope drum hoist the hoisting connection can also
be located on the downstream side of the gate depending on the site requirements. However, in

such a case a minimum of two ropes shall be connected to each drum.

9.1.5 Horizontal Girders a. The number of girders used shall depend on the total height of the

gate but shall be kept minimum to simplify fabrication and erection and to facilitate

maintenance. As a general thumb rule the number of horizontal girders and correspondingly

number of arms may be adopted as follows: • For height of gate up to 8.5 m 2 no. • For height

between 8.5 m and 12 m 3 no. • For heights above 12 m 4 or more b. In the case of the vertical

stiffeners designed as a continuous beam the girders may be so spaced that bending moment in

the vertical stiffeners at the horizontal girders are about equal. c. When more than three girders

are used, it may become necessary to allow the bending moment in the vertical stiffener at the

top most girder, of a value higher than at the other girders, so as to adequately stress the skin

plate. d. The girders shall be designed taking into consideration the fixity at arms support. Where

inclined arms are used, the girders should also be designed for the compressive stress induced. e.

The girders shall also be checked for shear at the points where they are supported by the arms.

The shear stress shall not exceed the permissible value.

9.1.5.1 Stiffeners and Bracings for Horizontal Girders a. The horizontal girder should also be

suitably braced to ensure rigidity.

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b. The spacing and design of the bearing and intermediate stiffeners shall be governed by

relevant portions of code of practice for general construction in steel.

9.1.6 Arms a. As many pairs of arms as the number of horizontal girders, shall be used, unless

vertical end girders are provided. b. The arms may be straight or parallel. Inclined arms may

conveniently be used to economise on the horizontal girders where other conditions permit. c.

The arms shall be designed as columns for the axial load and bending moment transmitted by the

horizontal girders taking into consideration the type of fixity to the girder. d. The total

compressive stress shall be in accordance with relevant code of practice for general construction

in steel for various values of l /r where l is the effective length, and r is the least radius of

gyration. These stresses shall be further reduced by an appropriate factor depending upon the

permissible stresses since the stresses are based on permissible stresses of 0.66 YP. For bending

stresses, the stresses specified in relevant codes shall apply. e. The arms if inclined may be fixed

to the horizontal girders at about one-fifth of the width of the gate span from each end of the

girder consistent with the design requirements. f. The joints between the arms and the horizontal

girders shall be designed against the side thrust due to the inclination of the arms, if inclined

arms are used. g. The arms shall be suitably braced by bracings in between the arms. The

bracings connecting the arms that shall be so spaced, that the l /r ratio of the arms in both the

longitudinal and transverse directions is nearly equal. h. In case of gates likely to be overtopped,

the end arms and other components should suitably be protected by means of side shields to

prevent direct impact of water on arms. A hood may also be provided to protect the horizontal

girders and other downstream parts.

9.1.7 Trunnion Hubs a. The trunnion hubs shall rotate about the trunnion pins. The arms of the

gate shall be rigidly connected to the hubs to ensure full transfer of loads. b. The hubs shall be

sufficiently long so as to allow the arms of the gate to be fixed to the respective limbs of the

hubs, without having to cut and shape the flanges of the arms. c. The thickness of the webs and
flanges of each of the limbs of the hub shall be greater than that of arms to the extent possible so

as to provide adequate space for the weld. d. To ensure rigidity of the trunnion hub, sufficient

number of ribs and stiffeners shall be provided in between its webs and flanges. e. Minimum

thickness of steel hub to be provided may be calculated from the following relationship: • For

shaft up to 450 mm diameter t=0.3 d • For shafts above 450 mm diameter t=0.25 d subject to a

minimum of 135 mm where, t is hub thickness, and d is diameter of the pin. However, in the

case of large size gates the hub may be designed as thick cylinder.

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9.1.8 Trunnion Pins a. The trunnion pin shall normally be supported at both ends on the trunnion

bracket, which is fixed to the anchorage or support girder. Where convenient the trunnion pin

may be cantilever from the anchorage box, embedded in the piers or abutments. b. The trunnion

pin may be solid or hollow and shall be designed against bending for the total load transferred

through the trunnion hub. The load shall be taken to be uniformly distributed over the length of

the pin bearing against the hub. c. The trunnion pin shall also be checked against shear and

bearing due to the same load. d. The bending, bearing and shear stress in the trunnion pin shall

not exceed 0.33 YP, 0.35 UTS and 0.25 YP respectively. e. Provision shall be made for a grease

hole on the outer surface of the trunnion so as to allow the trunnion bearing and connected

grooves to be greased periodically. f. The trunnion pin shall be medium fit in the bearing lugs of

the support and shall be suitably locked against rotation. g. The trunnion pin should be subjected

to ultrasonic/radiographic tests to ensure soundness against manufacturing defects. h. Trunnion

pins should be hard chromium plated to a minimum thickness of 50 microns if the same is not

made of corrosion resistant steel.

9.1.9 Trunnion Bush/Bearing a. Depending upon the requirements of design and factors like

accessibility after erection design, load, size, cost effectiveness, simplicity, dependability and

other considerations any of the following may be used. • Slide type bronze bushing or self-

lubricating bush bearings. • Antifriction roller bearings. • Other special type of bearings like

spherical plain bearings. b. The fits and tolerances to be adopted between the bushings/bearings,

pin and trunnion hub shall be as follows.

Type of Bearing Type of Fit Machine Tolerance Bronze Bushing a) with hub Interference fit

H7r6 b) with pin Clearance fit H7f7 Antifriction Bearing a) hub Interference fit H7 b) Pin

Interference fit r6 Spherical Plain Bearing a) hub Interference fit H7 b) pin Interference fit r6

or p6 c. d. Minimum thickness of the bronze bushing to be provided can be determined by the

following formula: Minimum thickness of bushing in mm = 0.08 d + 3 where, d is the pin

diameter in mm. However thickness of bushing shall not be less than 12 mm. Other bearings may

be selected as per manufacturers rating catalogues.

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9.1.10 Trunnion Bracket a. The bracket shall be rigidly fixed to the anchorage or support yoke

girder by bolts or welding. It shall transfer the total load from the trunnion to the anchorage. b.

The bearing stress shall not exceed the permissible value. c. The arms of the bracket shall also be

designed to any bending, which may come on them due to the component of the load parallel to
the base of the trunnion bracket. d. Ribs and stiffeners shall be provided on the trunnion bracket,

particularly on the sides of the bracket arms to ensure sufficient structural rigidity.

9.1.11 Anchorage System a. The anchorage system shall be designed to withstand the total water

load on the gate and transfer it to the piers and the abutments. Alternatively the trunnions may be

located on an in-situ cast concrete beam/mass concrete in between the piers or concrete

cantilever brackets transferring the loads directly in bearing. b. The load may be transferred to

the civil structure either in bond as a bond stress between the anchors and the concrete (Figure 1)

or in bearing as a bearing stress between the concrete and the embedded girder at the upstream

end of the anchors, which in this case are insulated from the concrete (Figure 2) or through a pre-

stressed anchorage system using either steel rounds or steel cables. c. Where the load is

transferred by bond stress, rods are generally used as load carrying anchors. For insulated load

carrying anchors, any convenient structural shape may be used although flats placed vertically or

rods are generally preferred depending on the quantum of load. In the case of pre-stressed

anchorages these can be either rods or cable. d. For determining the force to be borne by the

load-carrying anchors, the procedure as outlined in (i) and (ii), and (iii) and (iv) below may be

adopted. i. The maximum horizontal and vertical force on the trunnion pin shall be determined.

For this, the horizontal and vertical forces on the trunnion pin shall first be determined for the

following two conditions: • Gate resting on sill and head on the gate varying from zero to

maximum; • Water level constant at the maximum level for which the gate has to be designed

and the gate position varying from fully closed to fully open. The worst combination of

horizontal and vertical forces shall then be chosen; and • For combined anchorage the loading

shall also be determined with one gate closed and adjacent gate fully opened. ii. If anchors used

are inclined to the horizontal by an angle m the horizontal force so determined shall be
multiplied by sec m. iii. For anchorages, where the anchors are not in a vertical plane through the

trunnions but are in a vertical plane at a distance from the trunnions, the force F in the anchors

shall be:

x py F = where, p is the force and x and y is the distance of the centre of gravity of the area in

compression in concrete from the centre line of the load carrying anchors and the centre line of

the trunnion respectively (Figure 1).

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iv. For anchorages where the anchors are in a plane passing through the centre line of the

trunnion and the thrust is transferred from the trunnions to these anchors through the yoke girder

(Figure 2) the force in the anchors shall be P, where, P is the force determined in 9.1.11 (d) ( ii)

above. v. The total stress in the anchors shall be the sum of the direct stress and the stress caused

by the turning moment of the vertical force determined in 9.1.11 (d) (i) wherever applicable. vi.

The stresses in anchors made of structural steel shall not exceed the permissible values. vii. If the

load-carrying anchors are not welded to the trunnion girder but are fixed by nuts and locknuts,

the ends of the anchors where considered economical may be forged to a larger diameter to

provide at least the clear cross-sectional area of the anchors, at the root of the threaded portion.

viii. The length of embedment of anchors for bonded type anchorages shall be such that the bond

stress shall not exceed the permissible values for the concrete used subject to a minimum of two-

thirds of radius of gate leaf. Anchors may be hooked at the end, or alternatively provided with

anchor plates. Dimensions of the hook shall conform to specification for bending and fixing of

bars for concrete reinforcement. • In case of bonded anchors to avoid cracking of face concrete,
they should be insulated to a minimum of 500 mm length from the concrete face. • The length

excluding anchor girder of insulated anchors, which have an upstream embedded girder and

where the load is transferred in bearing shall be such as to limit the shear stress in the 45° planes

at the embedded girder to a safe permissible value subject to a minimum of 0.6 of radius of gate.

ix. All load carrying anchors whether bonded or insulated shall be suitably pretensioned on the

trunnions to ensure proportionate load sharing by the anchor rods. In case of these anchors the

pre-stresses shall be of a magnitude to introduce a stress of 5 percent of the permissible tensile

stress in anchors.

9.1.12 Trunnion Girder or Yoke Girder a. The trunnion girder may or may not be embedded in

concrete. However, if embedded in concrete in the case of unloaded anchorage it shall also be

wrapped in cork mastic or thermocole or such other material to provide space for displacement

due to the loading. It shall support the trunnion bracket and be held in place by the load-carrying

anchors (Figure 1 & Figure 2). b. The girder shall be designed so as to be safe in bending, shear,

and torsion if any caused by the forces. c. The maximum shear stresses shall be calculated from

the following considerations: i. That caused by horizontal and vertical forces respectively

determined in Section 9.1.11(d) (i) and (ii), and ii. That caused by the torque at the centre line of

the trunnion girder due to the vertical force at the trunnion for case stated under Section 9.1.11(d)

(i), The total shear shall be the sum of values determined in Section 9.1.12 (c) (i) and (ii). d. The

maximum bending stress shall be calculated owing to the bending moment caused by the

horizontal and vertical forces respectively. e. The total shear stress calculated in Section 9.1.12

(c) shall be combined to the bending stress calculated in Section 9.1.12 (d) in accordance with

code of practice for general construction in steel.

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f. The total combined stress in the trunnion girder for either the web or the flange shall not

exceed the permissible values. g. The maximum vertical force calculated in Section 9.1.11(d)

shall be distributed by the trunnion girder to the concrete below the girder. h. The total

compressive stress in the concrete shall be determined by combining the direct compressive

stress with the compressive or tensile stress caused due to the eccentricity of the vertical force.

The concrete immediately in contact with the trunnion girder which takes the thrust in bearing

from it should be of non-shrinkage quality for a minimum thickness of 300 mm. i. The maximum

compressive stress in bearing at any point in the concrete in contact with anchor plate/girder

shall not exceed 0.25 fck where fck is compressive strength, at 28 days, of the concrete used. j.

Where the horizontal force from the trunnion pin is directly transferred to a yoke or trunnion

girder immediately behind the trunnion pin (Fig. 2) the yoke or anchorage girder shall be

designed against bending and shear caused by this force. k. The girder shall be treated as a

simply supported beam loaded at the centre and supported at the junction of the girder and the

load carrying anchors. l. The bending and shear stress in the girder shall not exceed the

permissible values. m. To allow for the elongation of the insulated load-carrying anchors and

trunnion tie if used, the trunnion bracket shall be so fixed as to be able to slide on the rest chair.

Bronze or stainless steel pads shall be used for this purpose both on the top of the rest chair and

at the bottom of the trunnion bracket: n. The bearing stress on the bronze or stainless steel pad

shall not exceed 0.3 YP. o. Invariably all welded girders should be stress relieved unless the

maximum thickness of plate used is less than 36 mm.

9.1.13 Thrust Block and Trunnion Tie a. The thrust block or trunnion tie is required only if

inclined arms are used with the gate for resisting the horizontal forces. Alternatively, this lateral
thrust can be directly transferred to the concrete pier through bearing from a plate embedded in

concrete. b. The thrust block shall be used when the horizontal force from the trunnion is directly

transferred to a yoke girder immediately behind the trunnion Section 9.1.12 (j). c. The thrust

block is fixed to the trunnion/yoke girder and is designed to withstand the bending and shear

force caused by the side thrust on the trunnion due to the inclined arms. A thrust washer should

be used between the trunnion hub and trunnion bracket to transfer the thrust. d. The effect of the

thrust block shall also be considered while computing the total compressive stress as given in

Section 9.1.12 (h). e. To allow for the elongation of the insulated load-carrying anchors, bronze

to bronze sliding surfaces or bronze to stainless steel sliding surfaces shall be provided on the

face of the thrust block and the mating face of the trunnion bracket. f. The bearing stress on the

bronze or stainless steel pads shall not exceed 0.3 YP. g. Alternatively the trunnion tie can be

used to withstand the side thrust caused by use of inclined arms. h. The tensile stress in the tie

beam shall not exceed the permissible values. i. The trunnion tie shall span from one trunnion

hub to the other and shall be fixed securely to the trunnion hub either by welding or by long bolts

passing through holes in the trunnion hub.

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j. For the trunnion tie beam standard rolled/fabricated section or a steel pipe with flanges at the

ends for bolting may be used. k. The deflection or the trunnion tie beam due to self-weight shall

be in the permissible range.

10. FLAP GATES This type of gate is a leaf hinged at bearings along its lower edge. The leaf

may be flat or curved to give better discharge characteristics when rotated to its open position.
The position of the leaf may be controlled by hoisting attachments that pull or push at one or

both ends or by hydraulic or screw-stem hoists that push at selected locations under the gate.

This type of gate can be built to great lengths and is well suited for passing floating material and

for close regulation. Counterweights and/or floats may be incorporated in the hoisting

mechanism of relatively small flap gates to provide automatic operation with little or no other

source of power. The flap gates normally operate at partially open conditions and shall be

designed for the hydrodynamic effects of the overflowing sheet of water. If not properly

designed and vented, destructive vibrating forces may occur. It is recommended that hydraulic-

model studies simulating all expected opening conditions of the prototype gate be carried out

before proceeding with the fabrication of flap gates of any importance.