Computer-Aided, Field-Verified Structural Evaluation. Report 4. Field Test and Analysis Correlation at Red River Lock and Dam Number 1

The project entitled 'Computer-Aided, Field-Verified Structural Evaluation' is an effort in which analytical and experimental methods are combined to form a unique structural evaluation system. As part of this project, this technical report describes experimental and analytical studies that were conducted for a horizontally framed miter gate leaf at Red River Lock and Dam No. 1 located in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Strain was measured at various locations on the leaf while the leaf was subjected to two loading conditions consisting of hydrostatic head differential and gate leaf operation. Due to a low level of head differential at the time of testing, the miter ends of some girders were not supported by corresponding girders on the opposite leaf throughout the range of loading. This resulted in a boundary condition at the miter end that was not consistent with design assumptions, and an accurate model to represent behavior for the low range of loading was not achieved. However, the value of systematically comparing experimental and analytical data was demonstrated. Through examination of the experimental data and comparison with analytical data, the inconsistent boundary condition was identified and its effect on structural behavior was determined. In addition to discussion of the head differential loading, operating forces measured during the gate leaf operation tests are compared with predictions based on scale model studies conducted at the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station in 1964. Analytical model, Miter gate leaf, Eccentricity, Strain, Grid, Stress. See also Report no. 1, ADA260625. Prepared in collaboration with US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Information Technology Lab., Vicksburg, MS