American Water Works Association

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ANSl/AWWA C501-92
(Revision of ANSl/AWWA C501-87)

AWWA STANDARD
FOR

CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES

1...:.;

Effective date: Apr. 1, 1993.

First edition approved by A WWA Board of Directors June 26, 1941:
This edition approved June 18, 1992.
Approved by Amer-fcan National Standard Institute Inc., Jan. 22, 1993.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666' West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235
 A WWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually con-
tain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard
does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, ce.rtify, or
approve any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described ~ill
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal A WWA publi-
cation of the official notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved the standard or not, from manufactur-
ing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the stan-
dard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to
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obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National Stan-
dard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional materials
or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American National
Standard~;
••,,,.._.. t

,<~CAUTION Naric~: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front
· ·: cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National
Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken
to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the d;te of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writ:i'ng the American National Standards Institute Inc., 11 West 42nd St., New York, NY
10036 (212) 642-4900.

Copyright© 1993 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

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 • Committee Personnel
T he AWWA Standards Committee on Sluice Gates, which reviewed and
approved this standard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:
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Henry H. Benjes Jr., Chair

Consumer Members

R.J. Alberts, City of Edmonds, Edmonds, Wash. (AWWA)

Ronald Arrington, US Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colo. (BUREC)
B.K Kansteiner, Leavenworth Water Department,
Leavenworth, Kan. (AWWA)

General Interest Members

C.S. Barger, Rieke, Carroll, MuJler Associates, Minnetonka, Minn. (AWWAJ

E.E. Baruth,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
H.H. Benjes Jr., HDR Inc., Dallas, Texas (AWWA)
J.H. Cook, Alan Plummer and Associates, Fort Worth, Texas ·' (AWWA)
G.P. Westerhoff,* Standards Council Liaison, Malcolm Pirnie Inc.,
White Plains, N.Y. (AWWA)

Producer Members

David Burrell, Hydro Gate Corporation, Commerce City, Colo. (AWWA)

R.W. Henderson, Rodney Hunt Company, Orange, Mass. (AWWA)
W.C. Pierce, Waterman Industries Inc., Exeter, Calif. (AWWA)

*Liaison, nonvoting

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 Contents

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword 3.8 Wedging Devices................................ 6

I History of Standard........................... v 3.9 Assembly Bolts, Studs, N1.1ts,
II Acceptance .......................................... v and Anchor Bolts ... .... ... ..... .. ..... ... ... 6
III Use of This Standard ....................... vi 3.10 Wall Thimbles .........................., ......... 6
IV Modification to Standard ..... .. ...... .. V11 3.11 Stems and Stem Couplings ..... :......... 7
V Major Revisions ... .. .. ...... ....... .... ... ... vii 3.12 Stem Guides....................................... 7
3.13 Painting .............................................. 8
Standard 3.14 Manual Lifting Devices ..................... 8

1 General 4 Fabrication
1.1 Scope ................................................... 1 4.1 Workmanship ..................................... 9
1.2 Definitions.......................................... 1 4.2 Shop Testing...................................... 9
1.3 References ........ .. ..... ... .. .. .. ... .... ... ..... ... 1
1.4 Data to Be Furnished by the 5 Inspection and·Shipment
Supplier ........................................... 3 5.1 Inspection.... ....................................... 9
1.5 Data to Be Furnished by the 5.2 Shipment.......................................... 10
Manufacturer ..... ....... . .. ....... .. ..... ..... 3
1.6 Affidavit of Compliance..................... 3 6 Installation and Field Testing
6.1 Hole Protection ................................ 10
2 Materials 6.2 Surface Protection .................... ,...... lO
2.1 Physical and Chemical Properties ... 3 6.3 Thimble.... ........................................ 10
2.2 Tests ................................................... 3 6.4 Slide.................................................. 10
2.3 Materials........................ .................... 4 6.5 Switch Setting ........ ..... ....... ............. 10
6.6 Lift-Mechanism Storage .................. 11
3 General Design 6.7 Cylinder ............................................ 11.
3.1 Frames ................................................ 4 6.8. Field Leakage Test.......................... 11
3.2 Slides .................................................. 4
3.3 Seating Faces..................................... 5 Appendix
3.4 Seals ................................................... 5
3.5 Guides ................................................. 5 A Force Requiroo to Actuate
3.6 Yoke .................................................... 6 Cast-Iron Sluice Gate............... 12
3.7 Thrust Nut ......................................... 6

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 Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C501.
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L History of Standard. The original AWWA standard for sluice gates was
approved as tentative in June 1941. The tentative standard was revised and
approved in 1967 as AWWA Standard C501.
Revisions to AWWA C501 include the following:

Designation Date of Approval

AWWA C501-41T June 26, 1941
AWWA C501-67 June 4, 1967
AWWA C501-80 Jan.28, 1980
AWWA C501-87 June 14, 1987

IL Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency

(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF Inter-
national (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a certifica-
tion program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other members of
the consortium included the American Water Works Association Research Founda-
tion (AWWARF), the Conference of State Health and Environmental Managers
(COS HEM), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Association of
State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). The consortium is responsible for
the cooperative effort of manufacturers, regulators, product users, and other inter-
ested parties that develop and maintain the NSF standards.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact
with, drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to
impose requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate
the health effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state
and local agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, ANSit/NSF:j: 60,
Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals-Health Effects, ancl ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking
Water System Components-Health Effects.
4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food t:hemicals Codex,
Water Chemicals Codex,§ and other standards considered appropriate by the state or
local agency.

*Persons in Canada, Me>cico, and non-North American countries should contact the
appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
tAmerican National Standards Institute Inc., 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
*NSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
§Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave.
N.W., Washington, DC 20418.
)
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 Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in
accordance with ANSI/NSF 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to -~
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. -
Appendix A, "Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures," to ANSI/NSF 61
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for sub-
stances not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The
MALs of an unspecified list of "unregulated contaminants" are based on toxicity
testing guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcino-
gens). Use of Appendix A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the
certifier.
AWWA C501-92 does not address additives requirements. Thus, users of this
standard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction ih
order to
1. Determine additives requirements including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify prod-
ucts for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
m. Use of This Standard. When placing orders for sluice gates to be manu-
factured in accordance with this standard, the following data should be included in
the purchaser's specifications:
1. Standard used-that is, AWWA C501-92, Standard for Cast-Iron Sluice
Gates.
2. Number of units required.
3. Size and type of closure-eonventional or flush-bottom.
4. If an actuator stand is needed (Sec. 3.14).
5. Operating media and pressure (refer to ANSI/AWWA C540, Standard for
Power-Actuating Devices for Valves and Sluice Gates).
6. Any drawings and material specifications required of the supplier or of the
manufacturer (Sec. 1.4 and Sec. 1.5).
7. Affidavit of compliance (Sec. 1.6) if required.
8. If test records must be viewed (Sec. 2.2).
9. Acceptable materials (Sec. 2.3).
10. Design head measured from surface of water to centerline of gate, in feet
(metres), for the following:
a. Seating head.
b. Unseating head.
11. Operating head measured from surface of water to centerline of gate, in
feet (metres).
12. Length and shape of wall thimble (Sec. 3.10).
13. Rising stem or nonrising stem (Sec. 3.11).
14. Type of lift mechanism-manual, electric-motor-driven, or hydraulic-
cylinder. If electric-motor-driven or hydraulic-cylinder, the purchaser should refer to
ANSI/AWWA C540.
15. Omission of stem covers (Sec. 3.14.5) if not required.
16. Leakage tests in the shop (Sec. 4.2.2) and in the field (Sec. 6.8) if required.
17. Inspection by purchaser if required (Sec. 5.1).
18. Definition of any special design and construction required for conditions
beyond the scope of this standard, such as throttling service or downward acting
gates, including intended operation frequency and duration.
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 19. Frequency of operation and special operating conditions, such as ice
formation.
20. An installation-requirement drawing showing clearances, wall thickness,
details of wall pipe and thimble installation, and location of operator.
IV. Modification to Standard. Any modification of the provisions,
definitions, or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser's
specifications.
V. Major Revisions. The following items are the principal changes in this
standard from the previous edition:
1. Definitions have been modified (Sec. 1.2).
2. Sections II and IV in the foreword to the standard have been added.
3. Style and format have been revised to conform with current practice.
4. A requirement for the thrust nut to be able to withstand the thrust devel-
oped when a 40-lb (178-N) effort is placed on the handwheel or crank (with a safety
factor of 5) has been added (Sec. 3. 7).
5. Painting requirements have been modified (Sec. 3.13 and Sec. 3.14.8).
6. An additional force, P3, has been added to Eq A2 in appendix A

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 American Water Works Association

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ANSI/ AWWA C501-92
(Revision of ANSl/AWWA C501 -87)

AWWA STANDARD FOR

CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES

SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard covers wall-thimble, vertically mounted, cast-iron sluice gates
designed for either seating head or unseating head, or both, in ordinary water-
supply service. The cast-iron sluice gates have machined metal faces and machined
adjustable wedging devices. The cast-iron sluice gates may be used for square,
rectangular, or round openings. They may be of the conventional-closure or the
flush-bottom-closure type. This standard also covers manual sluice-gate actuator
mechanisms together with standard accessories. Other actuator mechanisms, includ-
ing electric or hydraulic mechanisms, are covered in ANSI/AWWA C540.
Sec. 1.2 Definitions
In this standard, the following definitions shall apply:
1.2.1 Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
1.2.2 Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
1.2.3 Suppli,er: The party that supplies material or services. A supplier may or
may not be the manufacturer.
Sec. 1.3 References
This standard references the folio.wing documents. In their latest editions, they
form a part of this standard to the extent specified herein. In any case of conflict,
the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
AISI* 1018-Carbon Sheet Steel.
AISI 1020-Carbon Sheet Steel.

*American Iron a nd Steel Institute, 1000 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036.

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fr(. ·(I'
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2 AWWA C501-92

AISI 1117-Resulfured Carbon Steel.

AISI 4140---Alloy Steel.
AISI 8620-Alloy Steel. -
ANSl*/ASMEt Bl6.l-Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Class 25,
125, 250 and 800.
ANSI/ASME B36.10-Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe.
ANSI/ASME B46.1-Surface Texture (Surface Roughness, Waviness, and Lay).
ASTM+ A36-Standard Specification for Structural Steel.
ASTM A48-Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings.
ASTM A126-Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves,
Flanges, and Pipe Fittings.
ASTM A276-Standard Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel
Bars and Shapes.
ASTM A582-Standard Specification for Free-Machining Stainless and Heat-
Resisting Steel Bars, Hot-Rolled or Cold-Finished.
ASTM B21-Standard Specification for Naval Brass Rod, Bar, and Shapes.
ASTM B98-Standard Specification for Copper-Silicon Alloy Rod, Bar, and
Shapes.
ASTM Bll7-Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing.
ASTM 8124-Standard Specification for Copper and Copper-Alloy Forging
Rod, Bar, and Shapes. ·'
ASTM B138-Standard Specification for Manganese Bronze Rod, Bar, and
Shapes.
ASTM 8139-Standard Specification for Phosphor Bronze Rod, Bar, and

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Shapes.
ASTM B148-Standard Specification for Aluminum-Bronze Sand Castings.
ASTM 8150---Standard Specification for Aluminum-Bronze Rod, Bar, and
Shapes.
ASTM 8584-Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for Gen-
eral Applications.
ANSI/ASTM D471-Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Effect of
Liquids.
ASTM Dl125-Standard Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resis-
tivity of Water.
ASTM D 1149-Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Surface
Ozone Cracking in a Chamber.
ASTM 02000---Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Auto-
motive Applications.
ASTM EIS-Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell
Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials.
ASTM F593-Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap
Screws, and Studs.
ASTM F594-Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Nuts.

*American National Standards Institute Inc., 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
tAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th Ave., New York, NY 10017.
t.Arnerican Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.

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 CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES 3

ANSVAWWA C540-Standard for Power-Actuating Devices for Valves and

Sluice Gates.
CDA*-Copper Alloy Numbers. (NOTE: CA precedes alloy numbe7s defined by
CDA.)
SSPCt SPlO-Near-White Blast Cleaning.
Sec. 1.4 Data to Be Furnished by the Supplier
When required, the supplier shall provide certified drawings and material spec-
ifications of the equipment to be supplied under this standard. The drawings shall
be in sufficient detail for the purchaser to determine if the proposed equipment
meets the specifications. The drawings shall show the dimensions qf the gate
opening.
Sec. 1.5 Data to Be Furnished by the Manufacturer
When required, the manufacturer shall submit, for acceptance by the pur-
chaser, certified dr~wings showing the principal dimensions, general construction,
and materials used for all parts of the sluice gate and lift mechanism. All sluice
gates shall be manufactured and furnished in accordance with these drawings after
they have been accepted by the purchaser. The manufacturer shall also furnish
jllustrated catalog data and parts schedules in sufficient d~tail to serve as a guide
for assembly and disassembly of the gate and for ordering repair parts.
Sec. 1.6 Affidavit of Compliance
When required, the manufacturer shall provide an affidavit of compliance with
all applicable provisions of this standard and with the purchaser's specifications.
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SECTION 2: MATERIALS
All materials designated hereinafter, when used in sluice gates produced under
this standard, shall conform to the requirements of the standards designated for
each material listed. When reference is made to any AWWA, ANSI, ASTM, CDA, .or
other standard, the latest revision of t~e standard shall apply.
Sec. 2.1 Physical and Chemical Properties
The requirements of any AWWA, ANSI, ASTM, CDA, or other standards refer-
enced in this text shall govern the physical and chemical characteristics of the
sluice-gate components.
Sec. 2.2 Tests
Whenever sluice-gate components are to be made in conformance with industry
standards that ~nclude test requireme.nts or testing procedures, such requirements
or procedures shall be met by the manufacturer. The records of such tests shall be
made available if required by the purchaser.

*Copper Development Association, Greenwich Office Park 2, P.O. Box 1840, Greenwich, CT
06836-1840.
tSt.eel Structure's Painting Council, 4400 5th Ave., Pittsburgh,. PA 15213-2683.
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4 AWWA C501-92

Sec. 2.3 Materials

Materials shall conform to the following specifications:
-
2.3.1 Thimble, frame, guides, slide, stem guides, and gear housing: Cast
iron-ASTM A126, class B; or ASTM A48, class 30.
2.3.2 Yoke and pedestal: Cast iron-ASTM A126, class B; or ASTM A48, class
30; or steel-ASTM A36.
2.3.3 Gears: Bronze-ASTM B148 (CA 952, CA 954, or CA 958), ASTM B584
(CA 865 or CA 867); steel-AISI 8620, AISI 4140, or AISI 1117.
2.3.4 Bearings: Bronze-ASTM B148 (CA 954). .
2.3.5 Wedges, thrust nut, stem couplings, and gate-actuator lift nut: Bronze-
ASTM B584 (CA 865, * CA 863,* or CA 873). ;
2.3.6. Seating faces and stem guide: Bronze-ASTM B21 (CA 464 or CA 482),*
ASTM B138 (CA 675),* ASTM B98 (CA 651 or CA 655), or ASTM B139 (CA 510);
stainless steel-ASTM A276, type 302 or 304.
2.3.7 Stem guide bushings: Bronze-ASTM B584 (CA 932), ASTM B98 (CA
651 or CA 655), or ASTM B139 (CA 510).
2.3.8 Stems: Bronze-ASTM B138 (CA 675)* or ASTM B98 (CA 651 or CA
655); stainless steel- ASTM A582, type 303; or ASTM A276, type 302 or 304.
2.3.9 Anchor bolts and fasteners: Bronze-ASTM B98 (CA 651 or CA 655); or
stainless steel-ASTM F593 or ASTM F594, alloy group 1 or group 2.
2.3.10 Flush-bottom seal: Elastomeric materials-ASTM 02000.
2.3.11 Flush-bottom retainer bar: Cast iron-ASTM A126, class B; stainless
steel-ASTM A276, type 302 or 304; ASTM A582, type 303; bronze-ASTM B98 (CA
651 or CA 655); or ASTM B138 (CA 675).*

SECTION 3: GENERAL DESIGN

Sec. 3.1 Frames
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3.1.1 Material. The frame shall be made of cast iron. It shall be of ample sec-
tion and cast in one piece.
3.1.2 Design. The frame shall be designed for the maximum head indicated
with a minimum safety factor of 5 with regard to tensile, compressive, and shear
strength. All surfaces forming joints or bearings shall be machined. The frame shall
be machined on the rear face to bolt _directly to the machined face of the wall
thimble.
Sec. 3.2 Slides
3.2.1 Material. The slide shall be made of cast iron, with strengthening ribs
where required and a reinforced section to receive the seating faces.

*Some materials described in the cited documents are subject to dealuminization or

dezincification in some waters. In the absence of specific provisions by the purchaser, any
material listed above shall be acceptable. However, it is recommended that the purchaser
prohibit the use of the materials identified as being subject to dezincification or
dealuminization unless experience has shown that dezincification or dealuminization has not
been a problem. ·
 CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES 5

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3.2.2 Design. The slide shall be designed for the maximum head indicated
with a minimum safety factor of 5 with regard to tensile, compressive, and shear
strength. -
3.2.3 Fabrication. The slide shall have tongues on each side extending the full
length of the slide. The tongues shall be machined accurately on contact surfaces.
Surfaces of the slide that come into contact with the seat facings and wedges shall
be machined accurately. The maximum allowable clearance between the slide and
the slide guide shall be 1/ia in. (1.6 mm).
3.2.4 Thrust-nut pocket. A thrust-nut pocket shall be provided above the hori-
zontal centerline of the slide. The thrust-nut pocket shall be reinforced by ribs and
drained.
Sec. 3.3 Seating Faces
3.3.1 Material. Seating faces shall be made of strips of rolled or extruded
bronze or stainless steel. They shall be secured firmly in finished grooves in the
frame and slide faces so as to ensure that they will remain in place, free from
distortion and loosening, during the life of the sluice gate.
3.-3.2 Clearance. The seating faces shall be of ample section and finished so
that the maximum clearance between the seating surfaces, with the slide in the
closed position, shall be 0.004 in. (0.102 mm).
Sec. 3.4 Seals
3.4.1 Material. Resilient seals for flush-bottom gates shall be extrude~ or
molded natural or synthetic rubber.

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3.4.1.1 Reclaimed rubber shall not be used.
3.4.2 Design. The design of the seal shall be such as to provide for the mini-
mum leakage as specified in Sec. 6.8.
3.4.3 Fabrication. Seals shall be mounted on the slide or the frame and shall
be held securely in place with a retainer bar bolted to the frame or slide, leaving an
.!..:.r.o..~qtru~t~d flush invert.
3.4.4 Material tests.
3.4.4. l Rubber compounds shall be capable of withstanding an ozone-resis-
tance test when tested in accordance with ASTM D1149. The tests shall be
conducted on unstressed samples for. 70 h at 104°F (40°C) without visible cracking
in the surfaces of the test samples after the tests.
3.4.4.2 Rubber compounds shall have less than 2 percent volume increas~
when tested in accordance with ANSI/ASTM D471, after being immersed in distilled
water at 73.4°F ± 2°F (23°C ± l°C) for 70 h.
Sec. 3.5 Guides
3.5.1 Material. Guides shall be made of cast iron and bolted to the frame or
cast integrally with it. Guides shall be machined on all bearing and contact faces.
3.5.2 Des.ign. Guides shall be designed for the maximum head indicated with
a safety factor of 5 for shear, compressive, and tensile strength. The guides shall be
of such length as to support at least one half the vertical height of the slide when
the slide is in the open position. ·
3.5.3 Fabrication. Provision shall be made to prevent lateral movement of
bolted-on guides. They shall be capable of taking the entire thrust produced by
water pressure· and wedging action with a safety factor of 5. Wedges or wedge
 6 AWWA CS-01-92

facings shall be attached securely to the guides at points where, in the closed posi-
tion, they will make full contact with the wedging surfaces on the slide.
3.5.4 Pads. The guides of self-contained gates shall be provided \Orth pads for
mounting the yoke. The pads shall be machined to a plane perpendicular to the
movement of the gate slide.
Sec. 3.6 Yoke
Self-contained gates shall be provided with a cast-iron or structural-steel yoke
designed to withstand the thrust of the floorstand or hoist when a 40-lb (178-N)
effort is placed on the handwheel or crank with a safety factor of 5 based on the
ultimate strength of the material used. The top of the yoke shall be machi ned to
receive the operating mechanism. The pads on the yoke that contact thbse on the
top of the guides shall be machined on contact faces and bolted to the guides.
Sec. 3.7 Thrust Nut
Each gate shall be provided with a thrust nut for connecting the stem to the
slide. It shall be of ample design to withstand the thrust developed when a 40-lb
(178-N) effort is placed on the handwheel or crank with a safety factor of 5 ba sed on
the ultimate strength of the material used. The thrust nut and slide shall be con-
structed so as prevent turning of the thrust nut in the thrust-nut pocket in the slide.
On rising-stem gates, the thrust nut shall be threaded and"'keyed or threaded and
pinned to the stem. On nonrising-stem gates, the thrust nu't shall be threaded but
not keyed or pinned to the stem, so that the nut and slide can move up and do~n
th e stem as the stem turns.
Sec. 3.8 Wedging Devices
All sluice gates shall be equipped with adjustable side-wedging devices to pro-
vide contact between the slide and frame facings when the gate is in the closed
position. All faces shall be machined accurately to give maximum contact and wedg-
ing action. Wedges shall be fully adjustable and designed so that they will remain in
the fixed position after adjustment. On all gates larger than 24 in. (600 mm) that
will be subjected to unseating heads, top and bottom wedging devices shall be pro-
vided. Flush-bottom closure gates shall be provided with top wedges only.
Sec. 3.9 Assembly Bolt s, Studs, Nuts, and Anchor Bolts
All assembly bolts, studs, nuts, and anchor bolts shall be of such size and .
spacing as required to provide for the design forces With a safety factor of 5. Bolting
on circular flanged-back gates mounting to pipe flanges shall mate with class 25-lb
(172-kPa) or class 125-lb (861-kPa) drilling as specified in ANSI/ASME B16.l. For
gates mounting to thimbles, an adequate number of holes shall be provided in the
flange on the back of the gate to prevent leakage under the design heads and to
resist the shearing action caused by closing and opening forces.
Sec. 3.10 Wall Thimbles
3.10.1 Material. The wall thimble shall be made of cast iron and shall be fur-
n ished by the gate manufacturer. The wall t himble shall provide a rigid mounting
designed to prevent warping of the gate frame during installation.
3.10.2 Fabri<;ation. The cross section of the thimble shall be a pipe flange or
shall be F-shaped or E-shaped with a suitable end for attaching to the connect ing

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pipe. The front, .or mounting flange, shall be machined and shall be dnlled and
 CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES 7

tapped to the same template used for its particular gate frame. A ring shall be cast
on the periphery of the wall thimble to form a water st-Op and anchor ring in the
concrete. The gate shall be attached to the wall thimble with bolts or stflds as speci-
fied in Sec. 3.9.
3.10.3 Release of air. To permit entrapped air to escape as the thimble is
being encased in concrete, holes shall be cast or drilled in each entrapment zone
formed by the reinforcing ribs, flanges, and water stops. The holes sha11 be 11/i in.
(38 mm) in diameter and no more than 2 ft (600 mm) apart.
Sec. 3.11 Stems and Stem Couplings
3.11.1 Design. The operating stem shall be designed with tensile strength t-0
withstand the application of a 200-lb (890-N) effort on the crank or hand.wheel or a
250-ft·lb (334 N·m) effort on a wrench nut. The operating stem shall be designed for
a critical buckling compressive load assuming an 80-lb (356-N) effort on the crank or
handwheel or a 100-ft·lb (135-N·m) torque on a wrench nut. The critical buckling
load shall be determined by using the Euler Column formula,* where C = 2. Where
hydraulic-cylinder lifts are used, the stem design force shall not be less than 1.25
times the output thrust of the bydraulic cylinder with a pressure equal t-0 the maxi-
mum working pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply. Where electric-mot-Or-driven
lifts are used, the stem design force shall not be less tha_p 1.25 times the output
thrust of the unit in the stalled-mot-Or condition.
3.11.2 Threads. Stem thr eads shall be machine cut or rolled and of the square
or acme type. The number of threads per inch (millimetre) shall be such as t-0 work
most effectively with the lift mechanism used. On rising-stem gates with manual
hoists, the top of the stem shall be provided with a st-Op collar.
3.11.3 Coupling. Where stems are furnished in more than one piece, the dif-
ferent sections shall be joined t ogether by solid couplings. The couplings shall be
threaded and keyed or threaded and bolted and shall be of greater strength than the
stem.
3.11.4 Inverted gates. For all inverted-gate applications where the gate is low-
ered to open, a stop collar or other positive means shall be provided to prevent the
loss of the disk from the guides.
Sec. 3.12 Stem Guides
Bracket- and floor-mounted stem guides (including both the guide housing and
the bracket) shall be constructed so that when properly spaced they will hold the
stem in alignment and yet a11ow it enough play t-0 permit easy operation. The inside
diameter of the guide shall not be greater than l,.-8 in. (3 mm) larger than the outside
diameter of the stem. The guides shall be spaced according to the manufacturer's
recommendations for each stem size. The length/radius of gyration ratio (l/r) shall
not be greater than 200. The guides shall be adjustable with regard t-0 the bracket to
provide proper concentric alignment with the stem and sha11 be designed so that
alignment will be maintained after adjustment. The guides shall be lined, and pro-
visions shall be made to hold the lining in place. Brackets shall be attached to the
wall by anchor bolts s.ufficient to prevent twisting or sagging under load.

*Euler Column formula: P = Cn2 EA (rll) 2 , where P = axial load on stem, C defines end
restraint conditions, E = modulus of elasticity, l = length or span between supports, r =
radius of gyration, and A = area of stem.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . _ _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..,. _ _ - ,1. ~~ • I' • • -··~- > ...

' ·.~: b<. .·

8 AWWA C50 1-92

Sec. 3.13 Painting

3.13.1 Cleaning and preparation. Surfaces shall be cleaned to .SSPC SPlO,
dry, and free from grease before painting in conformance with the paint
manufacturers instructions. After cleaning, the surfaces shall be primed and finish-
coated in the manufacturer's shop with a high-solids epoxy coating or equivalent
suitable for use in potable water. After painted surfaces are dry, the machined or
bearing surfaces and the holes, both plain and threaded, shall be coated with a
protective grease until time of installation.
3.13.2 Thimble. The wall thimble shall have the same treatmept described in
Sec. 3.13.1, except for those surfaces in contact with concrete, which shall remain
uncoated.
Sec. 3.14 Manual Lifting Devices
The manual lift mechanism shall have either a handwheel without a gear ratio
or be crank-operated with either a single- or double-gear type. It shall have a lift
nut threaded to fit the operating stem. Ball or roller bearings shall be provided
above and below the flange on the lift nut to take the thrust developed in opening
and closing the gate with a force of 100 ft: lb (135 N·m) on the crank or handwheel.
3.14.l Gears. Gears shall be machined accurately with cut teeth to provide
smooth, proper operation for the lifting mechanism. Suitable shafts shall be
installed with sleeve, ball, or roller bearings of appropriate size. All gears and bear-
ings shall be enclosed in a housing. Fittings shall be provided so that all gears and
bearings can be lubricated periodically.
3.14.2 Lift mechanism. The lift mechanism shall be supplied with a pedestal,
machined and drilled to receive the gear housing, and drilled for bolting to the oper-
ating floor. The mechanism shall be geared so as to permit slide operation with an
effort of not more than 50 ft·lb (68 N·m) on the lifting device after the slide is 1
unseated from its wedges, based on the operating head specified. All geared lifts
shall be suitable for operation by use of a portable-motor apparatus.
3.14.3 Crank. The crank shall be removable and fitted with a corrosion-
resistant rotating handle. The maximum crank radius shall be 15 in. (380 mm), and
the maximum handwheel diameter shall be 30 in. (760 mm).
3.14.4 Opening directi.on. The direction of wheel or crank rotation to open the
gate shall be indicated on the lift mechanism. Single-speed operators shall open
counterclockwise. Two-speed operators shall open counterclockwise for low mechani-
cal-advantage gear ratio and open cloc~wise at the high mechanical-advantage gear
ratio.
3.14.5 Stem cover. Each · rising-stem unit shall be pro~ided with a stem cover
unless otherwise specified by the purchaser. The cover shall be made of schedule 40
(ANSI/ASME B36.10) galvanized pipe or of clear butyrate plastic that will not dis-
color or become opaque for at least five years after installation. The cover shall be of
sufficient diameter and length to permit full travel of the threaded stem without
obstruction. The top of the stem cover· shall be closed. The bottom end of the stem
cover sha11 be vented, drained, and mounted in a housing or adaptor plate for easy
field mounting insta1lation.
3.14.6 Indicator. Each actuator for rising-stem gates with a galvanized pipe
cover and all actuators for nonrising-stem gates shall be provided with a position
indicator to show the position of the gate at all times. The indicator shall be

•
attached to the mechanism.
 CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES 9

• 3.14.7 Dual operators. All gates having widths greater than twice their height

neous operation. . -
shall be provided with two lifting devices connected by a tandem shaft for simulta-

3.14.8 Surface preparation. Surfaces shall be prepared in accordance with

Sec. 3.13.1 and shall have a high-solids epoxy protective coating or equivalent
applied. Coating does not have to be suitable for potable water unless the act uator is
immersed.

SECTION 4 : FABRICATION
Sec. 4.1 Wo rkmanship
All parts in the sluice gate and accessories shall be machined accurately on
mating and bearing surfaces. All like parts, except for the bronze seating surfaces,
shall be interchangeable so that replacement parts can be furnished at any time and
attached in the field with a minimum of fitting, chipping, or remachining. All parts
shall conform to the design dimensions and shall be free from defects in material
and workmanship. All attaching bolt holes shall be drilled accurately to layout indi-
cated on the drawings. J

4.1.1 Castings. All castings sha1l be clean, sound, ~d without defects that
could impair their function.
4.1.2 Seating finish. The seating facings sha11 be machined to a finish. of
63 µin. (0.0016 mm) in conformance with ANSI/ASME B46.l. All mating surfaces,
such as guides-to-frame and frame-to-wall thimble, sha11 be machined flat.
D Sec. 4 .J3 Sli.up Teetin.g
4.2.1 Seat clearance check. Before final assembly, all seating and wedging sur-
faces shall be cleaned thoroughly of all foreign materials and final adjustments
made. With the gate fully closed, the clearance between seating faces shall be
checked with a 0.004-in. (0.102-mm) thickness gauge. If the thickness gauge can be
inserted between seating faces, the wedging devices shall be readjusted, or the gate
slide or gate frame, or both, shall be remachined until insertion is no longer possi-
ble. In the event of remachining, clearances sha1l be checked again as stated above.
4.2.2 Performance tests. After completion, all seating and wedging surfaces
shall be cleaned thoroughly of all foreign materials and final adjustments shall be
made. The sluice gate shall then be shop operated from the fully closed to the fully
open positions to verify that the assembly is workable. A sliop leakage test, meeting
the requirements of Sec. 6.8, shall be made when specified in the purchaser's
specifications.
NOTE: Shop leakage tests cannot be carried out for all types and sizes of gates.
Purchasers should consult the manufacturers involved before specifying such tests.

SECTION 5: INSPECTION -AND SHIPMENf

Sec. 5.1 Inspection
All work performed under this standard shall be subject to inspection and
approval by the purchaser or the purchaser's agent. The purchaser or purchaser's
10 AWWA C50 1-92

agent shall have access to all places of manufacture where materials are being pro-
duced or fabricated or where tests are being conducted, and they shall be accorded
full facilities for inspection and observation. Any sluice gate or part tllat does not
conform to the requirements of this standard shall be made satisfactory or shall be
rejected and replaced.
Sec. 5.2 Shipment
Sluice gates shall be complete when shipped. The manufacturer shall use all
due and customary care in preparing them for shipment to avoid damage in
handling or in transit. Particular care shall be taken to make certain that the parts
are completely closed and locked in position before shipment. Parts that are to be
embedded in concrete may be shipped separately if requested by the! purchaser.
Sluice gates 24 in. (600 mm) and larger shall be bolted securely or otherwise
fastened to skids in such a manner that they may be safely handled.

SECTION 6: INSTALLATION AND FIELD TESTING

It shall be the purchaser's responsibility to handle, store, and install the wall
thimble, gate, actuator mechanism, stem, stem guides, and accessories in accordance
with the manufacturer's drawings and recommendations. ·Care shall be taken to
avoid warping the gate frame and to maintain tolerances between seating faces. All
gates, thimbles, stems, and actuators shall be plumbed, shimmed, and aligned
accurately.
Sec. 6.1 Hole Protection
Tapped holes in thimbles shall be plugged for protection.
Sec. 6.2 Surface Protection
During construction, the surfaces of the thimble and gate shall be covered or
otherwise protected from concrete spillage, paint, oil, and debris. Any damage that
occurs to the thimble or gate in storage or handling shall be corrected prior to
installation of the gate or operating and testing of the gate. ·
Sec. 6.3 Thimble
Thimbles shall be positioned accurately and supported to prevent shifting dur- ·
ing the pouring of the surrounding concrete. Thimbles sha]J. be carefully braced both
horizontally and vertically to prevent distortion. Concrete shall be poured carefully
to provide a good bond to the thimble without voids. Grout shall be forced into the
air-vent holes.
Sec. 6.4 Slide
After the entire assembly of manually actuated gates has been installed,
adjusted, and properly lubricated, each slide shall be operated for one complete
cycle, open-close-open·or close-open-close.
Sec. 6.5 Switch Setting
After installation of gates with motor-actuated lift mechanisms, torque
switches shall ~e adjusted and limit switches set according to the manufacturer's

~ ...
~1'i_.i ;.·~?-.~ ~~-- ~-- .. --
·- •.· ..... J>~p>.-.·: .
 CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES 11

recommendations. The gate shall then be operated through one complete cycle, open-
close-open or close-open-close.
Sec. 6.6 Lift-Mechanism Storage -
If hydraulic-cylinder lift mechanisms are to be stored at the jobsite for one
month or longer, the cylinders shall be filled with oil by the purchaser at the storage
site. If oil-filled cylinders are stored horizontally, they shall be rotated at least once
per month. If electric lifting mechanisms are to be stored at the jobsite for one
month or longer, provisions shall be made by the purchaser to energize the elect rical
enclosur e strip heaters.
Sec. 6.7 Cylinder
After installation of gates with hydraulic-cylinder lift mechanisms, the align-
ment of the cylinder with the gate shall be checked by opening the gate before water
is turned into the gate chamber. Binding or side thrust on the cylinder rod shall be
eliminated to ensure proper cylinder operation and long life of seals. All connections
shall be carefully checked for leaks. After proper alignment has been obtained and
absence of leaks assured, the gate, submerged or subjected to normal operating
heads, shall be checked through another complete cycle of operation, open-close-open
or close-open-close.
·'
Sec. 6.8 Field Leakage Test
A field leakage test may be performed by the purchaser after installation of the
sluice gate. The manufacturer shall be notified of the test so as to allow sufficient
time to enable a representative of the manufacturer to be present at the test site.
After all adjustments have been made and the mechanisms properly lubricated, each
gate slide shall be operated through one complete cycle as a final check on proper
operation before starting the leakage test. Seating and unseating heads shall be
u1easured from the top surface of the water to the center of the gate.
6.8.1 Seating head. Under the design seating head, the leakage shall not
exceed 0.1 gpm per foot (2.07 x 10-5 m 3/s per metre) of seating perimeter.
6.8.2 Unseating head. Under the design unseating head, the leakage for heads
of 20 ft (6 m) or less shall not exceed 0.2 gpm per foot (4.14 x 10-5 m 3/s per metFe)
of seating perimeter. For unseating h eads greater than 20 ft (6 m), t he allowable
leakage shall not exceed the rate per foot (metre) of seating perimeter specified by
the following equations:

maximum allowable leakage

(gallons per minute per foot of seating perimeter) (Eq 1)
= 0.10 + 0.005 (unseating head in feet)

maximum allowable leakage ·

(cubic metres per second per metre of seating perimeter) (Eq 2)
7
= 2.07 x 10-5 + 3.15 x 10- (unseating head in metres)
 APPENDIX A
Force Required to Actuate Cast-Iron Sluice Gate

This appendix is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C501.

The maximum force r equired to actuate a sluice gate occurs during the unseat-
ing and raising of the wei~ht of the slide. In the closing, or normally the. downward
motion of the gate, the weight of the stem and slide act in the directiori of motion
and reduce the force required.
The force required to actuate the slide is, in part, empirically determined. The
weight of the slide and stem, the head of water on the gate at the centerline of the
opening, and the friction of the slide against the seats and wedges are required to
calculate the force to open the gate. These factors are normally presented in the
following manner:

F = 62.4 x f x A x H + 1.5 x Pi + P2 (Eq Al)

([metric] F = 1000 x f x A x H + 1.5 x P1 + P2)

Where:
F = total maximum force required to open slide, in pounds (kilograms)
f = friction factor of slide against seat
A = area of gate opening, in square feet (square metres)
H = head of water at gate centerline, in feet (metres)
P1 = weight of slide, in pounds (kilograms)
P2 = weight of stem, in pounds (kilograms)

The friction factor f between th e slide and th e seats may be taken as--0.35. The
weight of the stem and slide should be obtained from the manufacturer of the gate.
It has not been general practice to reduce the weight of the slide or stem because of
the buoyant effect of the water.
The force required to overcome the frictional effect of the wedges is accounted .
for by empirically assigning one half of the weight of' the slide.
Once released from the wedges, the force becomes

F1 = 62.4 x f xA x H + Pi + P2 + P3 (Eq A2)

([metric] Fi = 1000 x f x A x H + P1 + P2 + Pa)

Where:
Fi = total maximum force required for sustained effort .on the actuator,
in pounds (kilograms)
Pa = 62.4 x H x a x c, in pounds
([t;netric] Pa = 1000 x H x a x c, in kilograms)

12
•
i ~·
 CAST-IRON SLUICE GATES 13

Where:
a = cross-sectional area of gate disk (gate width x bott.om rib plan
dimension), square feet (square metres)
c = coefficient

P3 accounts for the aspiration downward force when the gate is slightly open.
It is significant only on large gates and higher heads. The coefficient varies with the
shape of the gate lip. Downward pull may be greater than the weight of the gate
and under some conditions it may be negative, indicating an uplift. The c coefficient
can range from less than 0 to more than 1.0. One manufacturer suggests a coeffi-
cient of 0.5 for bullnose shapes and 1.0 for standard bottoms.
The above forces are based on the use of a handwheel, crank, or electric-motor-
actuated gate where the lift nut turns around a threaded rising stem or where the
threaded stem turns inside a thrust nut on nonrising stem applications.
When cylinder actuators are employed, it is suggested that the total forces
calculated above are to be multiplied by a 1.3 safety factor when starting the gate
from closed to open .

)
.

_)