Hydraulic Model Investigation of Miter Gate Operation

The miter gate is a commonly used type of closure for the chambers of navigation locks. It is a two-leaf arrangement, comparatively simple in design and adaptable to convenient means of operation. In the open position the two leaves are recessed in opposite lock walls with their faces parallel to the walls. For closure each leaf is swung about a vertical axis near its downstream (quoin) end so that the upstream (miter) ends of the leaves contact at the center line of the lock. The bottoms and the quoin ends of the leaves are equipped with sealing arrangements that contact floor and lock walls when the leaves reach their closed positions. In supporting a water load, the gate acts as a three-hinged arch, with the two quoin bearings and the miter bearing forming the hinges and the lock walls acting as abutments for the end thrust. The quoin end of each leaf is supported at the bottom by a pintle assembly and at the top by a gudgeon assembly. Frequently used types of operating machines are: Hydraulic cylinder and piston, cable and drum, and crank and strut.