Calculation and Analysis of the Weight Increase of the Ship Chamber of the Three Gorges Ship Lift

<div class="section abstract"> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Since the trial operation of the Three Gorges ship lift, in order to improve its functions, some equipment and structures have been modified, mainly including the modification of the filling and emptying system for docking, the modification of the bollard, and the modification of the operation platform and so on. This has led to an increase in the weight of the ship chamber, which may have adverse effects on the structure of the ship chamber, steel wire ropes, drive system motors, and safety mechanisms. Based on the compilation and analysis of relevant data including technical documentation modifications, on-site investigations, and drive system tests, this study determines the actual loads and boundary conditions of key components such as the ship chamber structure and wire ropes at the current stage. Combined with finite element analysis methods, it calculates the strength and stiffness of the existing ship chamber structure, verifies the safety factors of the wire ropes and the strength of safety mechanisms, and determines the margin in the drive capability of the motors. Through comprehensive analysis, a counterweight balancing scheme is proposed, along with follow-up active maintenance recommendations based on advanced materials, data-driven approaches, and digital twins. These findings serve as references for subsequent retrofitting work of the ship lift.</div> </div>