Abstract: As hydraulic engineering technology is developing in China, increasingly more large-size radial gates come into use and the technologies of radial gate prototype tests must meet higher requirements. At present stage, no specialized norms for the prototype test technologies of hydraulic metal structures are available yet in China or overseas. This paper presents a comprehensive technical solution to the prototype experiment of radial gates based on analysis of their characteristics. In a case study of radial gate No.2 at the Shuhe hydropower station, we have adopted advanced technologies of instrumentation and data analysis and conducted a comprehensive evaluation and analysis on its characteristic parameters of working conditions, such as stress in main structures, deformation, dynamic characteristics, vibration responses, and operation forces. The results reveal incipient faults in gate operation ? gate arms laterally subjected to a large bending moment, unfavorable interaction of dynamic water load with low-frequency zones behind the gate and piers, and an instantaneous initial lifting force beyond the hydraulic hoist capacity. The findings are useful to ensure engineering safety and improve designs of radial gates.