Book Description

Tests to determine the force required to move miter-type lock gates throughout the opening and closing cycles were conducted in a flume with a single set of miter gates located approximately in its center. Three linkages, with different kinematics of the operating machinery, were studied (modified Ohio River, Panama, and Ohio River). Other variables investigated were: submergence of gate; operating time; lock chamber length; bottom clearance of gate; barges in lock chamber; nonsychronous operation of gate leaves. Peak hydraulic resistance to operation occurred as the leaves entered and left the closed position. The modified Ohio River and Panama linkages resulted in peak resistances in terms of torque at the pintles about equal and 40 percent less than those of the Ohio River linkage. Increased submergence of the leaves or speed of operation increased hydraulic resistance, as did decreases in gate bottom clearance. (Author).