Study on application of fiber-reinforced concrete in sluice gates

Abstract

A sluice gate is a primary hydraulic structure in water discharge and storage facilities. Steel sluice gates are often stolen when global metal prices are high. Thus, this study proposed using fiber-reinforced concrete to fabricate sluice gates. The material mechanical properties and durability of the fiber-reinforced concrete sluice gates were tested, and field test and feasibility tests were subsequently performed. The compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus of the concrete used to construct the gates were respectively 99.3 MPa, 18.2 MPa, and 40.0 GPa. In the concrete, the depth of wear by hyperconcentrated flow was 0.5 mm h−1 mm−2; the chloride diffusion coefficient was 2.25 × 10−12 m2 s−1; and the weight loss in the soundness test was 1.02%.The results of the field testing suggested that the size and weight of the fiber-reinforced concrete sluice gates met operational needs and that the gates maintained their watertight seals and functioned normally during and after several tropical cyclones. Monthly observations revealed no noticeable cracks or rust stains on the gate surfaces. And the difference of properties of fiber-reinforced concrete before and after one year exposure is within ±6%. The fiber-reinforced concrete sluice gates were estimated to be one-tenth cheaper to produce than stainless steel gates and one-fifth cheaper than cast iron gates. The concrete sluice gates can be employed in low-head areas and drainage basins.