It improves the quality of and speeds construction:
In a typical sluice gate installation, the use of a wall
thimble is preferred for mounting the gate.
Construction costs may be reduced, installation time
is lessened, a rigid machined surface is provided, and
dependency upon the expertise of the installer is not as
crucial. Also, gates can be removed and installed
again without disturbing the concrete.
A thimble is a separate, cast (usually) piece positioned
into the wall structure before the concrete wall is
poured. It provides the fixed dimensional opening
through the wall, in addition to the accurate mounting
surface for the gate.
Holes are drilled and tapped in the thimble flange to
match exactly the gate frame mounting dimensions.
Correctly mounted, the gate should be plumb and
parallel, with the possibility of distortion minimized.
The use of thimbles offers considerable advantage to
the engineer, contractor, or owner. A thimble is more
rigid, and therefore more resistant to pressures during
concrete placement. Since most anchor bolts are
omitted, time is saved, accuracy is enhanced, and
form work is reduced.
Additionally thimbles can be shipped early for inclusion
in the construction forms, accelerating the job
progress and eliminating the need for extra jobsite
forming of the opening through the wall.
