Numerical Investigation of Miter Gates

Abstract

This report presents results of a three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis of a generic miter gate with multiple cracks used to calculate the stress intensity factor using the J-integral approach. The model was also used to determine the optimum diagonals prestressing. Stress intensity factors and J-integral approach were validated numerically against closed-form solutions of semi-infinite plates with throughthickness cracks, double-edged cracks, single-edged crack, and cracks growing from round holes. Only a 2 percent difference between the closedform solution and the numerical calculated values was obtained. Additionally, the report shows meshing techniques that facilitated the construction of the complex 3-D model. Finally, results and graphical methods of the parametric analysis to calculate the optimum diagonal prestresses are illustrated.

Automated damage detection in miter gates of navigation locks

“…Most important is that gaps have been found to be one of the primary causes for increased stress in fatigue-prone regions. [11] The higher stresses can be problematic, especially in the pintle region, which provides a nonredundant boundary condition for the gate. Increasing the stress range in fatigueprone components will reduce the fatigue life of the component, which could result in a shortened useful life of the gate if the component is not repaired or replaced in a timely manner.…”

“…The gap seen in Figure is suspected to have been caused by an impact. Most important is that gaps have been found to be one of the primary causes for increased stress in fatigue‐prone regions . The higher stresses can be problematic, especially in the pintle region, which provides a nonredundant boundary condition for the gate.…”

Predicting Future Deterioration of Hydraulic Steel Structures with Markov Chain and Multivariate Samples of Statistical Distributions

“…Quoin block deterioration analysis conducted by [10] demonstrated that deterioration in the quoin block ( Figure 3) could drastically affect the state of stresses on the element transferring loads to the pintle and the pintle connection.…”

Classical and innovative methods of fatigue and fracture repairs in navigation steel structures

“…Most of the failures of HSS are due to fatigue cracking. Welded connections with low fatigue resistance (Markland Lock, and Greenup), poor weld quality, unanticipated structural behavior, or unexpected loading due to the deterioration of the design boundary conditions (Riveros 2009) are the causes of fatigue cracking. The poor performance has led to miter gate investigations and repairs.…”