Proper Site Selection for Domestic Air-Cushioned Shield Sluices Can Reduce Costs

The selection of the site for a domestic air shield dam plays a vital role in the entire project. A well-chosen site directly affects the operational reliability and service life of the air shield gate in the later stage, as well as the cost of the pneumatic shield gate and the overall construction expenses.

It is recommended to select a site with stable bank revetments and relatively smooth water flow. This can reduce sediment scouring and deposition, keep the overflow over the dam crest steady, mitigate abrasion and extend the service life of the facility.

Based on past experience in constructing domestic air shield gate projects, unsteady flow over the dam crest will easily trigger vibration of dam bags, accelerating wear of airbags and shortening their service life. If the dam site is located on a river with unstable riverbeds and bank slopes, maintenance costs will rise.

Therefore, the dam should be built on river sections with gentle flow. Meanwhile, the conditions of bank protection works and the potential impacts after the completion of the air shield gate shall be taken into full consideration.

The air shield gate features simple operation and management. It enables continuous adjustment of water level and operating status, and boasts excellent sediment flushing and anti-silting performance. It is efficient in water impoundment and discharge with short opening time and long service life. Additionally, it delivers outstanding comprehensive economic benefits, good seismic resistance, strong adaptability to foundation conditions and favorable landscape effects.