State assessment of stop gates of hydroelectric power plants

In the paper are described basic procedures that are necessary for analysis of deformation, strength, reliability and residual lifespan of stop gate (floodgate) equipment used in hydroelectric power stations. The structural analysis is realized by numerical and experimental methods of mechanics. Stop gate structures are very important parts of water power stations and their appropriate operation and reliability is crucial for whole power station. The analysis is at the beginning based on the finite element method and this computation serves for finding potentially critical locations in the structure. Those are then checked by experimental measurements. Further refinement of analysis is based on these basic steps. At the end of assessment, the recommendations for modification of structures in order to improve actual state are given.