O&M of Gates/Bulkheads

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“Steel-on-steel bearings require lubrication at regular intervals. Lubricants that contain rust-inhibiting compounds are desirable. Lubrication should be considered for some maintenance-free bearings because friction is reduced, the lubrication acts as a seal to prevent dirt from entering the bearing, and corrosion protection is increased. Certain types of lubricants are detrimental to some maintenance-free bearings and other types of maintenance-free bearings should not be lubricated at all”.

Examples

Gates and other mechanical systems at dams need to be inspected and maintained. Learn more at DamFailures.org

Learn about the need for maintenance and inspection of gated structures from the incident at Folsom Dam (DamFailures.org)

Best Practices Resources

Design Standards No. 6: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment (Ch. 6: Bulkhead Gates and Stoplogs), USBR, 2018

Citations:

Revision ID: 5472
Revision Date: 12/13/2022