Gate AB in Fig. P2.55 is 5 ft wide
into the paper, hinged at A, and restrained
by a stop at B. Compute (a) the force on
stop B; and (b) the reactions at A if h = 9.5 ft.
Solution: The centroid of AB is 2.0 ft
below A, hence the centroidal depth is
h + 2 − 4 = 7.5 ft. Then the total hydrostatic
force on the gate is
The C.P. is below the centroid by the amount
This is shown on the freebody of the gate
at right. We find force Bx with moments
The reaction forces at A then follow from equilibrium of forces (with zero gate weight):