Civil

Oilgear Towlers’s highly experienced engineering staff provides hydraulic and electronic control solutions for civil engineering systems such as bridges, locks & dams and other specialized machinery.  These highly demanding applications require solutions, systems and components that can withstand challenging environments and provide long term reliable performance.

Bridges and Moveable Structures

Since the early 1940’s improved manufacturing methods and advanced design technology have lead to lighter bridge structures, less counterweight and thus, lower loads on the civils. As an example, comparable bridges, dated 1945 and 1990 had main girder masses of approximately 450kg/m ² and 200kg/m², respectively. 

In line with the improved structural designs, operating mechanisms have been developed which, not only drive the bridge in a smoother manner, but also offer many features over those of the electro-mechanical designs. 

These include: 

• Simplified mechanical layouts, operating mechanisms and power sources
• Transmittal of high forces
• Variety of control methods with the sophistication of computer control
• Essential standby features, which ensure continuity of operation during mechanical or electrical failure
• Reliability of the hydraulic system with its inbuilt ability to protect against induced shock generated during emergency stop conditions
• Lower initial and maintenance costs 

Locks and Dams

Oilgear works closely with the U.S. Corp of Engineers, local municipalities and Civil Engineering firms throughout the world to provide hydraulic equipment and control systems for the operation of Locks, Dams and river control projects.  These systems provide years of dependable, low maintenance operation.