radial gate

engineering

Also known as: tainter gate

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A radial gate, also known as a tainter gate, is a device used in hydraulic engineering to control water flow. It is characterized by an upstream face curved in the shape of an arc, with the center of this curve located at the gate's hinge. This design helps it effectively resist water pressure.12

Radial gates are a type of floodgate, which are crucial safety features for dams. They are typically positioned at the top of a spillway crest and are designed to lift entirely clear of the water, allowing for controlled release of excess water to prevent erosion and potential dam failure.32

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dam
Gates
Radial, or tainter, gates are similar in principle but are curved in vertical section to better resist water pressure. Tilting gates consist of flaps held by hinges along their lower edges that permit water to flow over the top when they are lowered.
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Radial, or tainter, gates are similar in principle but are curved in vertical section to better resist water pressure. Tilting gates consist of flaps held by hinges along their lower edges that permit water to flow over the top when they are lowered.
Read More

gate
Radial gates are segments of cylinders that lift entirely clear of the water. The rolling gate, often used on the crest of a dam, is raised by rolling it up the inclined face of a pier.
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Radial gates are segments of cylinders that lift entirely clear of the water. The rolling gate, often used on the crest of a dam, is raised by rolling it up the inclined face of a pier.
Read More