Not always this big; Xayaburi mitre gates. Each pair weighs 320 tonnes and stands almost
30m tall.

Mitre Gates

This type of gate is used mainly to allow passage between levels in canals and entrances to marina basins.

Advantages

  • Simple well proven design.
  • Less complex civil works.
  • Economical.
  • Can include bouyancy chambers to reduce pivot loads and allow floating in or out.
  • Can include balancing sluices.

Disadvantages

  • Operates only under balanced head conditions.
  • Withstands water load in one direction only.
  • Vulnerable to debris on sill.
  • Confined space for bouyancy chamber maintenance.

Project

Xayaburi hydroelectric power project: navigational lock gates