In Situ Structural Dynamic Behavior of Gate in Ship Lock

The structural dynamic behavior is becoming increasingly important in order to determine the structural optimization design. Maintaining safety and integrity of the structures require a better understanding of structural dynamic properties and response. In this study, in situ test is conducted to inspect the structural dynamic behavior of gate in ship lock. The real ship is used to crash against the gate to make structural vibration. Using the free vibration response to obtain structural dynamic properties provides the foundation of structural optimization design. The special fender is used as collision protection system of the gate. The test results show that the vibration amplitude changes greatly between gates with and without the fender. The vibration amplitudes of gate with fender are less than the one without fender. Based on the in situ vibration test conducted, it is concluded that the installation of fender as collision protection device is an effective method to make the gate in ship lock safer.