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RACO Bridge Actuators for lock bar systems on movable bridges
Discover how RACO electric actuators are utilized for lock bar systems for bridge construction.
Overview
RACO Heavy Duty Electric actuators have been an integral component to lock bar systems on movable bridges for many years. The actuator’s robust design allows it to withstand the harsh conditions of coastal maritime environments. Our actuators can be found on all different types of movable bridges (Bascule, Lift, Swing, etc.) and are commonly used to operate Tail Locks, End Seats, Span Locks, Rear Locks, Wedge Locks, etc.
RACO actuators are designed with special features to protect them against the most severe weather conditions: Exterior Marine Grade Epoxy Coating, Chrome Plated Thrust Tubes, Internal Anti-Corrosion Coating, Sealed joints, Flexible Rod Cover, Long-Life Lubrication, and Heavy Duty Front Seal with Ice Wiper.
Our virtually maintenance free electric actuators are also environmentally friendly as they only consume power when in operation. And since there is no hydraulic fluid inside of them, there is never any chance of anything leaking out and polluting the waterways below.
About the project:
A good example of a typical bridge that utilizes RACO Actuators can be found in Vermont on the North Hero Grand Isle Bascule Bridge. This historic double-leaf bascule bridge carries US Route 2 over Lake Champlain connecting the towns of North Hero and Grand Isle Vermont. The original bridge was built in 1953 but was recently replaced due to its aging infrastructure. This is the only vehicular movable bridge in the state of Vermont and is a vital connection between the two towns.
For this project RACO supplied a total of 8 actuators. Four Type T7M7-EC750 actuators were used to operate the span locks. These actuators have a 23.6 inch stroke and can produce a thrust of 7,800lbs each. Each actuator is powered by a motor / in-line gear combination. This allows the actuator to utilize a smaller, more efficient motor to produce the thrust required.
The other four actuators supplied for this project are used to operate the tail locks. RACO type T7N7-EC750 actuators also have a 23.6 inch stroke, but are designed to produce a thrust of 3,500 lbs each. We used our N-Type actuator configuration for the tail locks due to the limited space available on the bridge. This design allows for the motor to be “parallel” with the thrust tube. Power is transferred from the motor shaft to the internal ACME screw via two pulleys and a steel reinforced timing belt designed to withstand more than twice the rated thrust capacity of the actuator.
All eight actuators utilized brake motors with integrated manual operation capabilities. Additionally, they were painted with Marine Grade Epoxy, as well as the other “Bridge Specific” features previously mentioned that set our products apart from the competition. These actuators have been designed to not only withstand the humid, salty air of being located over water, but also to stand up to the cold, snowy winters and road salt brine that comes with being located in the northeast.