Engineering Marvels: The Mechanics of Radial Gates

A radial gate, in its simplest form, comprises a curved steel plate shaped like a segment of a cylinder. The gate leaf's are supported by arms that transfer the water pressure to fixed bearings. The gate rotates around a horizontal axis that passes through the center of the bearings, typically coinciding with the center of curvature of the skin plate.
Basic Parts of a Radial Gate:
Skin Plate: The curved steel plate that forms the water-facing surface of the gate.
Radial Arms: Structural members that support the skin plate and transfer loads to the trunnions.
Trunnions: The pivot points where the radial arms connect to the gate structure.
Sill Beam: The structural member on which radial gate rest when in closed position.
Lintel Beam: The structural member embedded in concrete at the top of the gate opening. It houses the seals to prevent water leakage from the top of the gate.
Seals: Watertight seals between the gate and the dam or lock wall to prevent leakage.
Hoisting Mechanism: The system used to raise and lower the gate, often hydraulic or mechanical.
How spillway radial gate works.