WORKING MODEL OF BRIDGE

CAPSTONE PROJECT
Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the
Requirement for Award of the Degree
Of
BACHELORS OF TECHNOLOGY
In
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
By
Vijay Kumar Kalluri
Josyula Srikar
Sumit Kumar
Depak Modi

(11204629)
(11201277)
(11203438)
(11210470)

Under the Guidance

of
Mr. Vishal Kumar Rattan
(Assistant Professor)

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY

CERTIFICATE
We hereby certify that the work which is being presented in the Capstone entitled
Working Model of Bridge in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of degree
of Bachelors of Technology and submitted in Department of Civil Engineering, Lovely
Professional University, Punjab is an authentic record of our own work carried out during
period of the project under the supervision of Mr. Vishal Kumar Rattan, Assistant
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Punjab.
The matter presented in this project report has not been submitted by me anywhere
for the award of any other degree or to any other institute.

Date

Signature of Candidates

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to best of
my knowledge.
Date:

(Mr. Vishal Kumar Rattan)

Signature of Supervisor

Signature of Examiner

ii

DECLARATION

We, students of B.Tech under Department of Civil Engineering of Lovely

Professional University, Punjab, hereby declare that all the information furnished in this project
report is our own study and is genuine.
This project does not, to the best of my knowledge, contain part of my work
which has been submitted for the award of my degree either of this university or any other
university without proper citation.

Date:

Signature of Candidates

Vijay Kumar Kalluri

(11204629)

Josyula Srikar

(11201277)

Sumit Kumar

(11203438)

Depak Modi

(11210470)

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At this momentous occasion of completing our project we feel immense pleasure in
expressing my profound sense of gratitude to our project supervisor Mr. Vishal Kumar
Rattan (Assistant Professor), Department of Civil Engineering, Lovely professional
University Jalandhar, India, under whose supervision and inspiring guidance. We have
privilege to carry out my project work. We are indebted to him for his constant and ungrudging
encouragement, valuable suggestion and ingenious project. We would like to thanks Lovely
Professional University. Special regards are due to my beloved parents whose blessings helped
me reach this end. We would like to thanks my friends for their support and motivation that
kept confidence in me throughout the project work.

iv

Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Abstract
CHAPTER 1 .............................................................................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Movable Bridge ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Swing Bridge.................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Our Proposed Design and Modelling ............................................................................................ 3
CHAPTER 2 .............................................................................................................................................. 4
LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Research and Development .......................................................................................................... 4
2.2 References publications and projects ........................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 7
SCOPE OF STUDY AND OBJECTIVE .......................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2

Objectives................................................................................................................................ 8

CHAPTER 4 .............................................................................................................................................. 9
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Indian Standards for Construction of Small Bridges ..................................................................... 9
4.1.1 Cross-Sections ........................................................................................................................ 9
4.1.2 Highest Flood Level ................................................................................................................ 9
4.1.3 Number of Spans.................................................................................................................. 10
4.1.4 Vertical Clearance ................................................................................................................ 10
4.1.5 Broad Crested Weir Formulae ............................................................................................. 11
4.1.6 Afflux .................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 DC Motor..................................................................................................................................... 15
4.3 Shaft ............................................................................................................................................ 17
4.4 Controller .................................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.1 Arduino Controller ............................................................................................................... 18
4.5 Bearings....................................................................................................................................... 19
4.6 Electronic Equipment .................................................................................................................. 20

4.6.1 L293D Motor Driver ............................................................................................................. 20

4.6.2 Bluetooth Module ................................................................................................................ 20
CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................................................................ 21
WORK PLANNING .................................................................................................................................. 21
5.1 Planning and Processing ............................................................................................................. 21
5.2 Brainstorming Structure Design .................................................................................................. 21
5.3 Manufacturing Strategies and Materials .................................................................................... 22
5.4 Prototype and Design Approval .................................................................................................. 22
5.5 Purchase and Market Survey ...................................................................................................... 22
5.6 Testing and Checking Dimensions............................................................................................... 22
5.7 Assembly ..................................................................................................................................... 23
5.8 Tabulated Work Plan................................................................................................................... 24
5.9 Project Cost ................................................................................................................................. 24
CHAPTER 6 ............................................................................................................................................ 26
TECHNICAL DETAILS OF THE SETUP ...................................................................................................... 26
6.1 Basic Working.............................................................................................................................. 26
6.2 Basic Requirements..................................................................................................................... 26
6.2.1 Machines .............................................................................................................................. 27
6.3

Project Salient Features ........................................................................................................ 27

6.3.1

Weight and Dimensions ................................................................................................ 27

6.3.2

DC Motor ....................................................................................................................... 27

6.3.3

Batteries ........................................................................................................................ 27

CHAPTER 7 ............................................................................................................................................ 28
EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED .................................................................................................................. 28
7.1 Steps ............................................................................................................................................ 28
7.1.1 Design................................................................................................................................... 28
7.1.2 Market survey and purchase of material ............................................................................. 28
7.1.3 Cutting .................................................................................................................................. 29
7.1.4 Drilling .................................................................................................................................. 29
7.1.5 Grinding................................................................................................................................ 30
7.1.6 Mounting of DC Motor and Bearings ................................................................................... 30
7.1.7 Testing of Frame Clamping System ...................................................................................... 30
7.1.8 Mounting Frame Clamping System ...................................................................................... 30
7.1.9 Testing the Assembly ........................................................................................................... 31
7.1.10 Tweaking the Problems...................................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER 8 ............................................................................................................................................ 32

vi

RESULT AND DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................................... 32

8.1 Outcomes .................................................................................................................................... 32
8.2 Advantages.................................................................................................................................. 32
8.3 Disadvantages ............................................................................................................................. 32
8.4 Applications................................................................................................................................. 32
8.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 32
Reference .............................................................................................................................................. 33

vii

List of Figures
Fig

Page

Figure 2.1 Swing Bridge Mechanism5

Figure 4.1 Energy Line.11
Figure 4.2 Afflux..13
Figure 4.3 12V DC Motor16
Figure 4.4 Solid Wooden Shaft17
Figure 4.5 Arduino Controller..18
Figure 4.6 Bearings...19
Figure 5.1 Gant Chart....21
Figure 5.2 Shaft and PVC Pipe Assembly23
Figure 7.1 Drilling Bits.29

viii

List of Tables
Table

Page

Table 4.1 Cross Sections.9

Table 4.2 Vertical Clearance...10
Table 5.1 Work plan24
Table 5.2 Cost Report..24
Table 6.1 Structural Details of the Setup.27
Table 6.2 DC Motor Specifications..27
Table 6.3 Battery Specification27

ix

Abstract
It is our immense pleasure to complete a project successfully as this shows our
dedication, discipline, hard work, team work, time management and planning skills. We were
also tested on our technical understanding of the subject, whenever there was a problem and
we are sure that we were up for this task, where ever we lacked we studied and made our selves
ready to successfully complete the project.
This project shoes the working model of a swing bridge, which is type of movable
bridge. The main advantage of a movable bridge is that it can move to create path for the water
borne traffic. To add to this, we have also incorporated a vacuum pipe suction dredging
mechanism to the bridge to solve the problem of soil sedimentation from under the bridge. This
method of dredging can also be used in various other situations.

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A Bridge is the civil structure connecting the two reclaimed islands without blocking
passage way underneath and facilitates a mode of transportation right above it and depending
upon the location, span, function, materials, mechanism and weather conditions. Time and
again the Technological advancements brought up many types of bridges making transportation
easier and embracing the better design, one such design is SWING bridge. This type of bridge
design is mainly employed in the areas where there is frequent water-borne traffic.
Most of the ports are above the water level, and hence there is a need for a mechanism
to haul the ship from beach to the port. And the adapted solution for this is construction of a
canal.
Canals are passage ways from water dams to irrigational fields and also from the shore
to the port. Construction of these canals is a sluggish and costly endeavour too. So, it is
necessary to take out the full potential out of them. But the sand form the shore and dams
always find its way to this canals through water. So over time, the depth of these canals keeps
reducing and the volume of water occupying these canals is reduced.
As we know that from continuity principle,
Q=AxV

as the depth decreases so does the area, hence decreasing the discharge so is their
potential. There has been no way to stop this soil deposition, and hence coming up with an
enduring safer, easy and quick method to excavate this soil deposition is inevitable.
The commonly used process for excavating this sediment sand deposit is called
dredging, which is a process of collecting their sediments and depositing them in other location.
A canal is a waterway in which at one end is at the water level and its height is slowly
increased to reach the port height at the other end. And over time this canal is vulnerable to the
sand deposits and to mitigate this conventionally dredging is done. At present swing bridges
are in use at Goa and Kolkata which are also facing the same problem of excavating the sand
underneath the bridge and it is also a tedious task to be dealt with. To confront this problem,

we are bringing the novelty in design incorporating the use of vacuum pipes which effectively
remove the sand that is being deposited underneath the bridge deck.
1.1 Movable Bridge
A movable bridge is constructed to provide passage for boats and barrages. As with any
construction there are pros and cons, speaking about the advantages of movable bridge are
multi-functional, and whilst the disadvantages accounting for this type of bridge is that the road
traffic is to be halted when the passage is being provided for the water-borne traffic. Classifying
the movable bridges, there are 14 types.
1. Drawbridge the bridge deck is hinged on one end
2. Bascule bridge a drawbridge hinged on pins with a counterweight to facilitate raising
road or rail
3. Rolling bascule bridge an unhinged drawbridge lifted by the rolling of a large gear
segment along a horizontal rack
4. Folding bridge a drawbridge with multiple sections that collapse together horizontally
5. Curling bridge a drawbridge with transverse divisions between multiple sections that
curl vertically
6. Fan Bridge - a drawbridge with longitudinal divisions between multiple bascule
sections that rise to various angles of elevation, forming a fan arrangement.
7. Vertical-lift bridge the bridge deck is lifted by counterweighted cables mounted on
towers; road or rail
8. Table bridge a lift bridge with the lifting mechanism mounted underneath it
9. Retractable bridge (Thrust bridge) the bridge deck is retracted to one side
10. Submersible bridge also called a ducking bridge, the bridge deck is lowered down
into the water
11. Tilt bridge the bridge deck, which is curved and pivoted at each end, is lifted at an
angle
12. Swing bridge the bridge deck rotates around a fixed point, usually at the centre, but
may resemble a gate in its operation; road or rail
13. Transporter bridge a structure high above carries a suspended, ferry-like structure
14. Jet bridge a passenger bridge to an airplane. One end is mobile with height, yaw, and
tilt adjustments on the outboard end.

1.2 Swing Bridge

Swing bridge is classified under the of movable bridges. It is a bridge where support
lies on a vertical locating pin on a movable ring. Which lies on the centre of gravity. This are
used mainly on canals.
This swing bridge pivot around the central structure, for an instance, even the small
swing bridge structure needs a large mechanical structure to provide the required motion.
Advantages of a swing bridge

Absence of counter weights makes it easier to handle and overall movable part in swing
around and is less compared to other movable bridge.

As the bridge can turn complete 90o providing an ample room for passage, so there is
no possibility of any Collision.

Disadvantages of swing bridge

The symmetrical swing bridge have a pier in the canal, which can cause problem for
the traffic below.

In small canals the central pier can occupy long space.

When the bridge Is open, it forms a double cantilever so a balanced structural double
design is required to form a stable structure.

1.3 Our Proposed Design and Modelling

As discussed above, soil sedimentation in canal is major problem to be confronted and
in case of a bridge over this canal it leads to even worse condition.
In our design, we are incorporating the concept of suction dredging along with the
swing bridge mechanism. So that dredging of soil can be done by the bridge mechanism on to
itself.
The use of suction pipe is not only limited to the bridge, it can also be mounted on a
rail and can be used to excavate the sediment sand throughout the span of the canal.
In this way, we can justify the time, effort put into the project and be satisfied to see
that it has scope for its use now and also in many ways in the foreseeable future.

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
It is very important and essential for having sufficient information to start a research
work and carry it in proper direction. Any further improvement and modification in a particular
field always needed its history, accurate data, result and their analysis.
2.1 Research and Development
Here are some of the important research document that have been published on swing
bridge.
2.2 References publications and projects
Swing bridge for the spanning of water covers, Giovanni Miglietti
Publication No.

US5263217

Publication type

Grant

Application No.

US 07/ 851, 741

Publication Date

Nov 23, 1993

The span of a swing bridge is defined by its two banks. There are two tracks at the ends
of each road. Their tracks provide a platform from the swinging column to set as well as to
provide trucks as the column moves around to allow from the water traffic.
This rotation is provided by a vertical axis which is around its central axis, that is
defined by a vertical hinge pivot.
The laid movement between the moving plane and the stationary plane is providing by
an organ of moving component that all together hold the connecting plan and the mobile plane
bearing inferiorly to a floating body to that of an adjustable trim which provide the raining of
nautical propulsion organs, which result in the mobile plane to rotate around the hinge of the
centre pier and then complete the rotation of swing bridge.
A swing bridge constitutes of a

A support body at the first end, which provides the platform for the swing arm
to rest and move at the first end.

A base close to the second tank, to provide the support for the second mobile
body.

A vertically hinged pivot, which provides as a interconnecting for the mobile

support and the base.

There is also a horizontal hinge which acts as a connection between the mobile
plane and the mobile support body

A floatable body in immersed inside the water body initially and is connected
to the mobile phone.

There is mechanism to adjacent the height of the floatable body.

And to enable the swing a means of propelling the floatable bodies out so that the first
end, would raise above the first embankment, enabling the free swinging action.

Figure 2.1 Swing Bridge Mechanism

Swing bridge, John N.King

Publication no

US 12952 A

Publication type

Grant

Publication

May 29, 1855

This is the earliest possible mention of a swing bridge in the united states patent
office.
The article gives a clear description of the idea, uses, implementation and construction
with simple step by step procedure along with a simple easily understandable diagram to go
with it.
The construction procedure involves

Laying of mud fills, where one has to build the abutments

Then the central pier on which we secure the axle will pivot
The construction of the down table around which is the spring is secured and hence

allow the free turning of the swing arm.

CHAPTER 3
SCOPE OF STUDY AND OBJECTIVE
Before starting a project, it is necessary to understand its uses, scope and outcomes.
Because of the time and effort, we put into our project, we have to ensure it is having some
fruitful outcomes. In this chapter we outline the scope and objectives of our project.
3.1 Scope
It is true that there is a growing issue of automobile traffic, but there are only few people
who realise that the problem is not limited only to roadways, but this is issue with water-borne
traffic as well. And with the rapid construction of bridges to overcome the road traffic, it
becomes a issue for water-borne traffic. This is where we the need of a movable bridge comes
in. But for its simplicity and efficiency compared to other movable bridge we look into the
uses, and improvement of swing bridge.
The stand out point of our project is the demonstration of suction dredging, along with
the swing bridge mechanism. This has one readily available benefit, it eliminates the
painstaking, cost consuming and time taking process of dredging from under the bridge. For
which without our design one hast to lower a crane into the water on some boat and carefully
remove the sediment soil settlements. So this will ensure that people will readily adopt to our
design for any new bridges that are being constructed.
Along with the above advantage, the dredging of settlements with the vacuum pipes can
be applied to many other situations like

In the canals the problem of soil deposition is a serious issue, hence there is a
constant need to check for the deposition levels and then the inevitable dredging
process, the whole canal has is not operational for the whole time. This is one
problem where we with our design can easily provide a solution. With the initial
cost of installing rails along the bottom of the canal, our vacuum pipe suction system
can be used to remove the sediment soil on a daily basis or whatever is the needed
frequency. As the mechanism is confined to inner depths, the suction process can
even be done when the canal is in operation saving time and money.

With the rapid grown in demand for the need of food, there has been a large use of
pesticides which deteriorates the nutritional values of the soil over time, so it is
advisable to save as much of soil that we can. In the canals connected from dams
7

there are large amount of fertile sand which eventually ends up in oceans, to no use
of anyone hence if we employ this method we can save large amount of soil annually
and put into use where needed and replenish the nutritional values of the soil.

Also there is a large demand for construction sand, and there are lorries that stand
in line for up to 15 days for their turn to come. This delay is mainly due to the time
taken for the filling process, when we implement our design we can get a continuous
supply of sand, rapidly decreasing the time taken for the filling the sand in the
lorries. Hence saving the time and money for everyone involved in this business.

3.2 Objectives

Operation time for moving the bridge is less, hence saving time for both modes of
traffic involved.

Energy used for this type for movable bridge is less when compared to other
movable bridges.

To come up with a feasible solution to overcome the problem of sedimentation

beneath the bridge.

CHAPTER 4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In this chapter we detail the technical details of the equipment used for the project. And
everything we studied, calculated, conceptualized and designed to understand the project. As
this just a model replica of a swing bridge, we also wrote about equipment and machinery used
in the actual swing bridge.
4.1 Indian Standards for Construction of Small Bridges
For uniformity and safety Indian government has established a set of constants, material
requirements, safety procedures and many more highly controlled standards that one has to
follow to construct a bridge in India. In this section we detail all these standards in detail.
4.1.1 Cross-Sections
For the construction of a bridge over a sizable stream we have to calculate at least three
cross-sections, one cross-section over the site that has been selected for constriction, the other
two are one at the downstream and one cross-section is taken at the upstream at the selected
sites. The prescribed scales should be no less than 1 cm = 10 m in the horizontal axis and the
scale for the vertical axis is 1 cm = 1 m. The average approximate cross-sections of an
upstream, downstream are given below.
Table 4.1 Cross Sections

Sl.No
1
2
3

Catchment Area
Upto 3 sq. km
Between 3 to 15 sq. km
Over 15 sq. km

Average Cross-Section Distances

100m
300m
500m

In case of very small streams, those with catchments less than 50 hectors, one cross
section would be enough, but if that is done the said cross-section should be accurately plotted
so that it would exactly show the correct shape and length of the channel in question on a
straight reach. And in cases where there is a road or a cart track already crossing the said stream
then the cross section should not be taken with centre line of that existing path, it should be
taken at a certain distance towards the downstream.
4.1.2 Highest Flood Level
This is a very important safety hazard scenario, hence the flood level should decide
with careful location survey, and also looking through all the previous weather data collected
9

from the locality, at the same time a safety factor is provided and then the same conclusion is
marked on to the cross-sections.
4.1.3 Number of Spans
As we know that piers abstract the natural flow, it is advisable to have less number of
spans as possible. And economically also the construction of piers is costly. This can be most
easily seen mountainous areas where there are torrential velocities, so they often span from one
bank to other without any piers.
If the required water way length is less than that of the economical length is advisable
that the bridge be constructed with a single span.
For those conditions where the waterway is longer than the economical length, then the
number of spans can be found with the following tentative equation
L = NS
Where N is whole number, preferably odd. And S has to be modified accordingly. By doing
this we can ensure that we can keep the cost under the provided budget and at the same time
we can adopt to different span lengths in such a way that we get least obstructions to the natural
flow of water.
4.1.4 Vertical Clearance
Once the depth of the foundation is fixed, a clearance height is added as per the
government guidelines as given in the table below.
Table 4.2 Vertical Clearance

Discharge in m3/s
Upto .30
Above .3 and upto 3.0
Above 3.0 and upto 30.0
Above 30.0 and upto 300.0
Above 300.0 and upto 3000.0
Above 3000

Minimum vertical clearance in mm

150
450
600
900
1200
1500

There is also a requirement that the free board of approach shouldnt be less than
1750mm, and so accordingly the vertical clearance of the slab may be adjusted to suite the
specific needs.

10

If the openings of culverts has an arched decking, then the clearance of the crown should
not be less than 1/10 of the maximum depth of the water stream added with that of 1/3 of the
rise in arch intrados.
If one is constructing a bridge, and in designing the culverts for the road, if it is over a
stream which is wide and shallow, and where the natural velocities are low, the clearance values
have no meaningful use. So it is better if we design the culverts with the assumption that to a
predetermined exiting the water at the inlet end will submerge the inlet.
4.1.5 Broad Crested Weir Formulae
It is very important to calculate the discharge passing over broad crested weirs and
drowned orifices, in this section we will discuss the formulae used for calculating these results.
Using these formulae, we can calculate the amount from of flood discharge, by studying the
flood marks on the piers and the abutments of an erect bridge and also when we are in the
designing process. So it is important to be familiar with these formulae and carefully study and
understand them so that we can use them whenever necessary.

Figure 4.1 Energy Line

From the figure above X-X profile is the water surface, and Z-Z is the total energy line.

u2
Du
2g

At Section 2, let the velocity head AB be a fraction n of H

11

AB

v2
nH
2g

Equating total energies at Section 1 and 2 ignoring the loss of head due to the entry and friction
H = AC = AB + BC = nH + BC
Therefore BC = (1-n)H

The area of flow at Section 2,

a = BC Linear waterway = (1-n)HL
Where L is the linear waterway. And velocity at Section 2 is

v (2 gnH )

1
2

Therefore, the discharge through the bridge

Q = av
1

= (1 n) HL(2 gnH ) 2
To, account for the losses in friction, a coefficient Cw may be introduced. Thus,

Q Cw (1 n) HL(2 gnH )
3

1
2

Cw 2 g LH 2 (n 2 n 2 )
The depth BC adjusts itself so that the discharge passing through the section is maximum.
Therefore, differentiating
dQ
0
dn
1

1 2 3 2
n n 0
2
2
Therefore n =

12

1
3

Putting the value of n in the above equation we get

3

Q 1.706Cw LH 2
Substituting H from H

u2
Du we get
2g
Q 1.706Cw L(

Since AB is

3
u2
Du ) 2
2g

1
2
H, therefore, BC is H or 66.7 % of H.
3
3

From the above relation we can easily understand that a part pf the available velocity
head is reconverted into potential head, this is because of the expansion of the water surface
raised. This is equal to 66.7 % of the total velocity head. In some cases it has been observed to
be as much as 80%. This gives us the condition
For all conditions where (Du-Dd) is greater than .25 Dd, which is q depends on Du and
independent of Dd
4.1.6 Afflux
An Afflux is the increase in the head of the water surface caused by pier. This is measured by
calculating the difference in the water levels upstream and downstream of the bridge.

Figure 4.2 Afflux

13

Example for calculation of afflux,

A bridge, having a linear waterway of 25 m, spans a channel 33 m wide carrying a discharge
of 70 m 3/s. Estimate the afflux when the downstream depth is 1 m.
Given
Dd = 1m
W= 33m
L= 25m
Discharge from the bridge using the Orifice Formula

u2
Q Co 2 g LDd h 1 e

2g

L 25

0.757
W 33

Afflux corresponding to this Co= 0.867 , e = .85, g= 9.8 m/sec2

70 .867 4.43 25 1 h

1.85u 2
2g

Therefore, h + .0944u2 = .53

Also, just upstream of the bridge
Q = W ( Dd + h ) u
70 = 33(1 + h) u
h

70
1
33u

Substituting and rearranging we get

u = 0.0617u3 + 1.386
u = 1.68 m/sec
Substituting u in the above equation will give
h = 0.263 m
14

Approximately, assume that h is more than .25 Dd

Now apply Weir Formula
Q = 1.706 CwLH3/2
70 = 1.706 .94 25 H3/2
H = 1.45 m

u2
H
Du = Du
2g
Implies Du = 1.45 m
Now,
Q = W Duu
Therefore 70 = 33 1.45u
Which gives u = 1.46 ;

u2
= 0.1086m
2g

u2
Du
2g

Substituting the above results

Du = 1.3414 m
h = Du-Dd = 1.3414 - 1.0 = .3414 m
Adopt h = 0.3414 m. Since h is actually more than .25 Dd, therefore, the value of afflux arrived
by the Weir Formula is to be adopted.
4.2 DC Motor
Most electro-mechanical movement in an equipment are cause by, ether DC Motor or
AC Motor. A DC Motor works on Direct Current, which the form of current that can be stored
in batteries. So this makes DC motors, the only choice for automobiles as they are always on
the go, and can only carry DC Current.
DC motor works on the principle of motoring action, this is a phenomenon that a
conductor placed in a magnetic field has a tendency to move when current is passed through
15

them, hence generating torque. People have found many uses for the torque generated, like in
Motor Pumps, Electric Vehicles, Drills, Fans, Toys and the list just goes on.
The internal of a DC motor is exactly same as that of a DC generator, but electrically it
is exact opposite. In a DC generator mechanical energy is provided to produce electric current,
but in a DC motor electric current is provided to produce mechanical energy.
Mechanical energy produced by a DC motor is in the form of rotatory motion. This
with the help of a chain and sprocket is transferred to a shaft. Wheels attached to the shaft move
along with it. In this way a DC motor can be used in automobile industry. And this is exactly
how we have in this project.

Figure 4.3 12V DC Motor

The torque and rpm generated from a DC motor depended on the type of winding done
inside the motor thick wires with few turning will give high rpm and thin wires with dense
windings will give better torque.

16

4.3 Shaft
A shaft is mechanical component used to transfer torque to other components, when
there is no possibility for direct transfer and in the case there is need for relative motion, with
the help of a gear system.
As they transfer large amounts of energy, they are subject to torsion and shear stress,
which will be equal to the difference between the supplied torque and the load applied on the
shaft. So, the material of the shaft has to be decided in such a way that it will be able to
withstand such forces. And the designer should also allow for some safety factor, in case excess
load is applied.
The forces applied on the shaft include, shear stress, from the torque applied. And
bending stress caused from the interaction with other mechanical components such as gears.
And the final is the stress caused due to the interaction shear and bending stress.

Figure 4.4 Solid Wooden Shaft

4.4 Controller
Controller is a crucial part of any automobile operating on an electric motor, as it
controls the RPM of the motor, a controller has the ability to change the current levels in a
motor such that the output from the motor can be controlled according to the need of the
operator.

17

If the need of motor control is very simple, like switching it or off, there is no need of
a controller, but in real life most situations have the requirement to control acceleration, speed,
motor positioning and some controllers even have the ability to sense load and change the
torque accordingly.
4.4.1 Arduino Controller
Arduino controller is in simpler terms a mini computer whose main task is to help us
interact with electronics such as motors, sensors, lights, and many other electronic gadgets.
One important thing about an Arduino is that it is completely open source, everyone can
contribute to its development so for this reason Arduino keeps improving and evolving and is
constantly adding new electronics to its already wide array of compatible devices.
Arduino can be used in as a standalone device, like when making a robot, or like in our
project and it can also be connected to a computer, so with the help of this Arduino the
computer can have access to the data collected by Arduino, like from the sensors connected to
it. It can also be used along with other Arduino. If one has an idea of how to use an Arduino,
there is a possibility that Arduino can do that.

Figure 4.5 Arduino Controller

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The price of Arduino is very less at about RS 800, when compared to other micro
controllers. So it come in hand for any hobbyist as well as educational institutions especially
students working on tight budgets to complete their projects. And also the programing involved
in controlling the Arduino is simple to understand.
4.5 Bearings
A bearing is a mechanical component use to constrain the relative motion to a specific
required direction. At the same time, they also at the same time they provide free motion in a
particular direction by decreasing the friction between the specific moving parts.
All bearing are high precision components, carefully engineered to provide the
machinery to move at very high speeds, and help them carry huge loads with great efficiency
and ease. Bearings are found in many places airplanes, automobiles, construction equipment,
electronics, refrigerators, and many more.
Due to the high precision and careful engineering they are very reliable and durable and
can provide high speed and load carrying capacity with less noise and vibration. It is in the

Figure 4.6 Bearings

industrial era that the bearing was used in to improve the machinery efficiency, which started
research on bearings. Now bearings can be seen almost everywhere, if an object twists and
turns, there is a great possibility that there is some form of bearing in it.

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4.6 Electronic Equipment

For the controlling of motor direction, voltage, speed we need some electronic devices,
in this section we make list of all the instruments used, and explain them briefly.
4.6.1 L293D Motor Driver
L293D is a Motor Control driver, which can control up to 2 motors simultaneously. It
need a 5V power supply to run and a separate power supply for the motors. It can work with
Arduino micro controller, and as it has low voltage requirements it is mostly used on robotics
projects for controlling DC Motors.
Basic functionality of a L293D includes, control of rpm, motor direction. It works on
the concept of H-Bridge, a circuit that allows the flow of high voltage current in either direction.
To control two motors, a L293D motor driver has two H-Bridge circuits.
Logic Table
For control of motor on the left pane:
Pin 2 = Logic 1 and Pin 7 = Logic 0, to move the motor in clockwise direction.
Pin 2 = Logic 0 and Pin 7 = Logic 1, to move the motor in anticlockwise direction.
Pin 2 = Logic 1 and Pin 7 = Logic 1, Brake.
Pin 2 = Logic 0 and Pin 7 = Logic 0, Brake.
4.6.2 Bluetooth Module
Bluetooth is a wireless data transfer solution, to transfer data over small distance
typically 10m but some work for up to 100m. This technology was invented by Ericsson in
1994. This was originally considered as an alternative to RS-232 cables. One main advantage
of this technology is that it has no problem with synchronization.
Bluetooth is now a day a basic definite feature on any electronic. It is mostly used to
transfer data with low bit rate, like songs that play over wireless headphones. For a device to
be certified as a Bluetooth device it has to be approved by Bluetooth SIG, and hence has to be
met by their standards. Bluetooth operated between frequencies. 2402 and 2480 MHz.
Bluetooth converts the data being transfer into pockets, these are into 79 designated Bluetooth
channels. The maximum capacity of Bluetooth is to handle 7 devices, but most do not meet
this standard as connecting to 7 devises simultaneously is an unnecessary redundant feature.

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CHAPTER 5
WORK PLANNING
5.1 Planning and Processing
The figure given below gives us the understanding of the work, timeline on the project.

Figure 5.1 Gant Chart

5.2 Brainstorming Structure Design

This can be considered as one of the most important phase of the project, in this stage
we tried to come up with a suitable design, a feasible and reliable way to properly attain the
required motion of the bridge, and correspond with ECE students to come up with ways to
control the direction and speed of the motors involved in the process and project and control
each of them in a required manner.
We also looked ahead the different materials that would be available for the
manufacturing such as the bridge dimensions and the dimension of the motors etc. And also
studied various study papers to understand the advantages of a swing motor, how it works and
various ways its working can be shown on a scaled replica we were looking forward to
manufacture. At this stage we were suggested by our mentor to speak out each and every, even

21

the smallest of ideas, so has to have a constructive discussion and better the design and at the
same time learn from this process.
5.3 Manufacturing Strategies and Materials
During the second phase of our project, we with the guidance of our mentor discussed
varies manufacturing strategies and schemes and the selection of various materials and the
equipments needed which will fulfil the objective of the project.
We decided on materials that will fulfil the requirement and is easily available within
our budget. For this project we required a material which is stable and can take the load without
any problem.
5.4 Prototype and Design Approval
In this stage we made the design in Solidworks and tested its feasibility, for more
accurate results we made a replica of the scaled model of a bridge we procured and took that
as the reference. And then checked the feasibility of our design, keeping all the constraints such
as dimensions of various instruments into consideration.
In this stage we also made the simulation in Solidworks, so check if the design will
work as per the design or not. For this we added the details of all the all the 5 motors that are
being used and gave the servo command to find the required results.
5.5 Purchase and Market Survey
As a student project there was need to constrain the amount of money we spend, so we
performed extensive market survey so as to find as the best product as possible these include
wooden shaft, soft wooden pieces, PVC pipe, bearings, teak wood, L clam 2 inch, L clamp 1
inch, controller, electing motor, beading wood, sun board, Arduino, motor drive, jumper wires
and also all the tools required for the manufacturing process such as melding machine, cutter
etc.
5.6 Testing and Checking Dimensions
Before the manufacturing process starts, it was very important to verify that the design
would be able to perform the desired objectives. For this we rechecked all the dimensions in
the design add cross checked with the material we bought so that there wont be any problem
in the next stage.

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5.7 Assembly
The first step was to fix the shaft normal to the rectangular soft wood piece, using 2inch
L clamp and half inch screws. Then we mounted bearings to both the ends of the shaft. Then
with the help of a power saw we cut the teak wood into clamps which has inner diameter as the
outer diameter of the bearings, and the outer diameter as the inner diameter of the PVC pipe.
Now we mounted the motor to the other end of the shaft.

Figure 5.2 Shaft and PVC Pipe Assembly

Now to provide the stability we enclosed this whole structure inside a PVC pipe. With
the help of beading wood, we made the frame and attached it to the motor assembly. Then we
made the trusses and stacked then on to a sun board which will act as pavement. This whole
sun board structure is attached to the beading wood frame that was made previously to complete
the whole setup.

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5.8 Tabulated Work Plan

Table 5.1 Work plan

Time Period

Month

Work Done

20-29

January

Selection of Mechanism

1-7

February

Designing

8-18

February

19-28

February

1-10

March

Purchasing

11-20

March

Manufacturing

21-31

March

Testing and Stability

1-10

April

Checking for Functional Defects

16-20

April

Compilation of Report

20-23

April

Submission of Soft Copy

23-29

April

Submission of Hard Copy

Manufacturing
Analysis
Market Survey

Strategies,

5.9 Project Cost

Table 5.2 Cost Report

S.No

Description

Quantity

Cost(Rs)

Soft Wood

400

Wooden Shaft

100

Teak wood

500

Motors

375

Bearings

460

Sun Board

240

Arduino

900

PVC Pipe

100

L clamp

30

120

10

PVC Pipe 2 inch

35

24

Cost

11

Paint

160

12

Motor Controller

50

13

Batteries

120

14

Bluetooth Module

150

15

Miscellaneous

300

Total Cost

4010.

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CHAPTER 6
TECHNICAL DETAILS OF THE SETUP

In this chapter we discuss the working setup of the swing bridge and also shed some
light on the selection of the design, criteria of material selection, and mechanism.
6.1 Basic Working
We need a better way to handle the traffic on both road and water based traffic, without
compromising any of them. This is where a movable bridge comes in. But considering its
benefits and simplicity we are working on Swing Bridge. A Swing Bridge lies on a central pier
over which it pivots around it. Swing Bridge is used mostly over short canals or streams, like
over the ports etc.
Along with it we have induced a vacuum pipe suction dredging into the swing bridges
central pier, with this we can avoid the stressful process of dredging under the current bridges,
which usually involves lowering a crane, and consumes lot of time. On the other hand, in our
design, the whole process can be completed with push of a button.
This suction dredging process can also be applied to many other situations, like to span
throughout the area of the canal, in canals that link the shore to the port. The construction
process involved to complete the whole setup is. The first step was to fix the shaft normal to
the rectangular soft wood piece, using 2inch L clamp and half inch screws. Then we mounted
bearings to both the ends of the shaft. Then with the help of a power saw we cut the teak wood
into clamps which has inner diameter as the outer diameter of the bearings, and the outer
diameter as the inner diameter of the PVC pipe. Now we mounted the motor to the other end
of the shaft.
6.2 Basic Requirements

Plastic Pipes

DC Motors

Wood

Bearings

Propeller

Nuts and Bolts

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L Clamps

Sun Board

Beading Wood

Paint

Electric Wires

Battery

Various Electronic Control Equipment

6.2.1 Machines

Power Cutter

Drilling Machine

Grinder

Air Pump

6.3 Project Salient Features

6.3.1 Weight and Dimensions
Table 6.1 Structural Details of the Setup

Height
Width
Length
Weight

40cm
30cm
90cm
2.5kg

6.3.2 DC Motor
Table 6.2 DC Motor Specifications

Rpm
Voltage
Ampere
Weight
Dimensions
6.3.3 Batteries

20
12
2
25 g
Standard

200
6
2
20 g
Standard

Table 6.3 Battery Specification

Voltage
Weight
Dimensions
Ampere

12
Standard
Standard
5

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CHAPTER 7
EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED
This chapter outlines all the steps that were involved in completing the project from
start to finish.
7.1 Steps

Design

Market survey and purchase of material

Cutting

Drilling

Grinding

Joining of frame

Mounting of DC motor and Bearings

Testing the frame clamping system

Mounting the clamping system

Testing the assembly

Tweaking the problems

7.1.1 Design
This is the first and foremost step of the project. In this step we designed the frame and
motor assembly in Solidworks. For this we took a scaled model of a bridge and made the frame
to match with its height. In this way we were able to get all the dimensions and angles required
for cutting in further stages of the project.
7.1.2 Market survey and purchase of material
In this stage we first did a market survey to find where the best quality product is
available. Then we purchase the required materials and equipment to start the project.
Materials Purchase

Plastic Pipe

DC Motor

Different types of Wood

Arduino

Motor controller
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Battery

Electric Wire

Paint

Sun Board

7.1.3 Cutting
Cutting is a phenomenon where a compressive and shearing force is used to cutting.
But the actual cutting is possible only when the total stress generated is greater than the ultimate
strength of the material the cut object is made of.
From the equation
Stress = Force / Area
It can be seen that stress being applied on the body is directly proportional to the force
applied on the body, and inversely proportional to the area in contact.
We needed a strong wood to withstand the tensions and forces from the central pier, for
this we selected teak wood, as it is very strong we had to go to carpenter shop and use their
equipment to make the process more accurate and feasible.
7.1.4 Drilling
Drilling is the method of making holes on a material using a multi-point cutting tool,
twist drill bits. It is attached to motor which rotates it at high speeds which is used to make

Figure 7.1 Drilling Bits

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holes. When the drill bit is pressed against the material, the force caused due to the rotation of
the bit which ca range from a hundred to thousands depending up on the strength of the
material. Drilling can also be used to enlarge an existing hole.
We used this process to drill holes for the drilling holes in beading wood and join using
nut and bolts to make a frame.
7.1.5 Grinding
For getting the accurate finish, we used grinding on teak wood, so that it can exactly fit
into the PVC pipe housing and rotate it without slipping. In other areas we used it to get better
finish as it is wood we needed to have a smooth surface in order to handle it safely.
7.1.6 Mounting of DC Motor and Bearings
To each end of the shaft we attached two bearings, which will rotate along with the
whole PVC mounting to provide better control and smooth operation. To lock them we made
specific housings for them on the shaft where they sit tightly. And we looked them using simple
soft wood and screwed them in position.
There are three motors for the whole setup, one motor with 20 rpm and high torque is
used to turn the whole frame, this motor is mounted on the shaft. The two other motors are used
in the suction dredging setup to create vacuum, these are high rpm motors and are mounted on
the sides of the PVC pipe.
7.1.7 Testing of Frame Clamping System
After fixing of the frame on to the shaft, it was necessary to check if the whole structure
of the frame is flat. To do this we laid the whole frame upside down and check if it sits perfectly
without moving. And then we did the required modifications to get the required flatness with
in the allowable tolerance.
For the frames edges we checked it aligns itself perfectly, and check if is sides form a
perfect rectangle. Because we need to attach the sun board on to this setup and cannot leave
any loose ends.
7.1.8 Mounting Frame Clamping System
After testing and making the required adjustments we attached the frame to the PVC
pipe and shaft securely. Now we made the trusses structure from a sun board, to do this we
drew the trusses structure on to the board and cut it patiently.

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Then we attached these two trusses on to a rectangular sun board which has been
painted to look like road. Then we attached this whole structure to the frame to complete setup.
7.1.9 Testing the Assembly
As the whole manufacturing process is completed, it was necessary to see that
everything was working as per the design. As there are many parts that move relate to each
other it, we tested them individually. Once this was done we powered the motors to check the
frames rotation, this helped us see how the motors were working and we could also assess how
much load it was able to rotate.
7.1.10 Tweaking the Problems
After the initial test, at this stage we did all small changes and adjustments in places
where it was necessary. By doing this we could ensure that everything was operating smoothly.

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CHAPTER 8
RESULT AND DISCUSSION

8.1 Outcomes
These are the main outcomes we expected to attain from the project

To better understand the working of the swing bridge.

To solve the problem of dredging under the bridge.

To study various other possibility where our design can be used.

Get a better idea of uses and location setup of a swing bridge.

8.2 Advantages

Solve the problem of dredging from under the bridge.

Also easy to implement this mechanism on other areas.

Show the benefits of Swing Bridge to the students we have less knowledge on
the topic.

8.3 Disadvantages

Design in early stage of implementation.

Hard to find investors for further research.

8.4 Applications

Working model shows required info on the working of the Swing Bridge.

Demonstrate the vacuum suction dredging.

8.5 Conclusion
In the world where there is growing population, it is necessary to design better models
to handle traffic. One such design is movable bridge, and especially swing bridge. Swing
bridges are simple to design and quick to finish construction. To better this result, we arranged
a suction dredging mechanism so that we can make our design readily acceptable from further
construction. We also modified the deck to have better stability to the swing arm.

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Reference

Guidelines for the design of small bridges and culverts, IRC:SP:13-2004

http://www.solarglide.com/blog/the-worlds-first-swing-bridge

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/dredging.html

http://www.goldgold.com/gold-prospectingsuction-dredging.html

https://www.arduino.cc/

http://www.robotshop.com/en/motor-controllers.html

Swing bridge for the spanning of water covers, Giovanni Miglietti

Swing bridge, John N.King

Design of Machine Elements, V B Bhandari, Third Edition

https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/manifest.irc.html

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