Union Canal, Safety Gates – Turning Back the Clock

The Union Canal is approximately 52 km in length, was built as a contour canal, following the 240 feet (73 m) contour throughout its length, thereby avoiding the delay due to locks, at the expense of some prodigious civil engineering structures. It was originally 32 miles in length, running to Port Hopetoun basin in Edinburgh from the junction at Falkirk but was extended at the Falkirk end in 2001 as part of the Millennium Link project to reopen the Forth & Clyde and Union Canal.

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1. George H.McBurnie Union Canal, Safety Gates Turning Back the Clock www.wcc16.com #WCCSCOTLAND
2. www.wcc16.com #WCCSCOTLAND Union Canal • Constructed between 1818 and 1822 • Contour Canal approx. 52 km in length • Dimensions 30ft, 20ft, 5ft 6”, 1 to 1.5 side slopes • Links Edinburgh in the East with Falkirk in the West • Built to carry coal, lime, masonry and agricultural goods into Edinburgh • Edinburgh / Glasgow Railway opened 1842 • Canal closed to commercial traffic 1933 and closed to all navigation 1965 • Canal was scheduled as an ancient monument in 1979
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4. www.wcc16.com #WCCSCOTLAND Union Canal • Originally 62 masonry arch bridges over its length. • Originally 19 safety gates at bridge hole locations specially adapted for gates. • Gates constructed in timber and cast iron. • Canal lengths in-between gates have bed valves to drain the canal through gravity once the gates are closed. • Gates have timber sluices for re-watering the drained sections.
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18. www.wcc16.com #WCCSCOTLAND Union Canal- The Positives • Tested and proven design. • Gate is passive and remains insitu. • Can swing in both directions East and West • No lifting required mechanical or manual • Single leaf when closed forms instant dam. • Positive heritage statement
19. www.wcc16.com #WCCSCOTLAND Union Canal- The Negatives • Requires routine maintenance to keep bridge hole clean to allow gates to swing and close • May need mechanical assistance to close – tirfor / anchor point • May need additional works to seal leakage around gate at quoin locations.
20. www.wcc16.com #WCCSCOTLAND Union Canal- The Future • Tested and proven design. • Explore modern materials for the gates – Greater design life e.g. • Install at identified locations based on informed inspection process and risk level. • Encourage feedback from users. • Monitor use • Provide interpretation to inform on purpose and history of use.
21. www.wcc16.com #WCCSCOTLAND Fibre Reinforced Polymers FRP