Stop Logs
Stop Logs
Stop logs are used for level control in open channels. Logs are beams inserted in grooves cast in
a channel wall. Aluminum is now the material of choice for stop log and slot construction.
Typical nominal height of a stop log is in 6 inch increments, i.e., the log can be 6, 12, 18 inches
in height, etc. Hydro Gate aluminum stop logs have rubber lip type seals one each side (end) to
seal at the wall and across the bottom to seal at the sill or with the next log. The preferred sill is
an embedded metal sill. Aluminum is a strong lightweight material allowing some logs to be
“manhandled”. The typical aluminum stop log is equipped with lifting lugs for use with a stop-
lifting beam. The beam is a self-engaging log handling device for underwater retrieval and
manual lanyard release of the log. The lifting beam is wheel guided by the stop log slot. An
overhead crane, davit crane, or mobile crane is needed to lift and install/remove most stop logs.
Stop logs cannot be installed in high flowing water. They can be removed against low flowing
water and against very low heads (some over flow). Stop logs can be stacked and used for
equipment isolation; however, there may be considerable leakage due to the greater amount of
sealing perimeter compared to a single bulk head type arrangement. Stop logs are directional
sealing. The log should be installed with the rubber seal downstream.
General
Aluminum stop logs including lifting beams shall be of the size and mounting type shown on the
drawings and specified herein. Log and lifting beam design shall be such that the flexural
stresses do not exceed 1/5 of ultimate strength or 1/3 of yield strength. Design flexural stress of
Lifting Beam
Seals
Guide Bars
Guide Wheels
Phenolic or polyolefin
Stop log panels shall be of height shown on the drawings and in height increments of 6 in. Panels
made of two or more extrusions shall be securely welded together to form a unit and joints shall
be made watertight with neoprene seals or seal welding. Each panel shall have two stainless steel
hooks to engage the lifting beam. Panel surface shall be mill finish. Adequate drainage shall be
provided for each log. Stop log panels shall be furnished with UHMW guide bars to eliminate
Seals
Seals shall be permanently attached to sides and bottom of each panel. Seal shall be formed all
around the waterway channel and between each stop log panel.
Sill
Sill constructed from stainless steel plate shall be provided. It shall be adjustable-mounted to
provide flat level seal surface prior to grouting. Finish will be mill finish. Alternatively, flat level
concrete invert surface may be provided. Flatness shall be within 1/8 in. in 10 ft of length.
Slots
Slots shall be one-piece extrusion suitable for embedment or mounting on channel wall surfaces.
Lifting Beam
Lifting beam shall be gravity-engage and lanyard-release type suitable for inserting, retrieving
and handling stop log panels. The beam shall be furnished with non-metallic wheels to guide the
beam in the stop log slot. The lifting beam may, at the manufacturer’s option, be adjustable in
widths to accommodate several widths of stop log openings. Beam shall be complete with large