The application of the reliability theory to design of hydraulic steel gates in China is summarized and evaluated systemically from aspects of statistical analysis of loads and resistances,reliability calculation,calibration of the hydraulic steel gate design specification,determination of the expression for reliability design and the partical coefficient,etc.

The technology of intelligent flaw detection is adopted in the system, realizes functions of on-line testing, probe tracking, gate locating etc.

Further discussion is made regarding the key issues in pier design, such as bearing structure, expression method and criterion of the degree of pre-stress forces, location of anchor strings, percentage of pre-stressed and non-prestressed reinforcement, causes for cracks and crack control, and so on and on.