Welcome to our updated version of the blog on the Dragon Spine Water-Lift project at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden! The past two weeks has given the team the time to work on constructing the water lift, and make an idea on paper into a reality. The following blog provides a detailed description of the implementation process, current evaluations of the project, and project outcomes.

Working in the Shop: Implementation Progress

Finding a location and tools to construct the water lift was the one of the main challenges part because a lot of finer and precise tools are needed to build the chain links and gears. Fortunately, we were able to get help from Dr. Nesbit which introduced us to Dr. Johnson of the architecture department. Dr. Johnson is able to contact the workshop director at SALA. After brief dialogue and a safety orientation, the team was given permission to assemble the water lift at the SALA workshop.

Earlier in the week, the wood required for the construction was purchased from Windsor Plywood. Chris took the materials back to White Rock, where a family acquaintance was able to lend various power tools, and sized the wood to create all of the individual components of the design. After many hours in the shop and countless wood cuts later, the raw materials were transformed into crafted components ready to be assembled into a final product.  At present, the team is assembling the water lift and the platform, with the storage box already completed. Today, the team met together and worked in the SALA workshop to begin assembling and fitting individual components – the complex and highly finicky mechanism was starting to take shape. Current progress on the water lift assembly can be seen below in the figure.

The remainder of the weekend will be dedicated towards completing the assembly phase of the water lift. Several hours of work are still required to complete the task ahead, but the team is committed to ensure project success.

The Good, the Changed, and the to be Improved: The Evaluation

Previously we mentioned our indecision in selecting an ideal wood type. Between teak and mahogany, the later was selected and implemented into the construction of the water lift. Although teak is considered a superior crafting wood, the reduced cost, and more importantly, the increased availability and variability of mahogany gave it the upper hand. With the wood type selected, construction began with earnest and is currently approaching the final stages of completion.

From our previous concept design of the water lift, the chain links have undergone a slight modification. Inspection of the plan and a 3D print of the chain links revealed that the spacing of the paddles as well as the shape of the notches allowed for interference with the gear, sharply decreasing the efficiency of the lift. Amendments were made, including the notches taking a larger more rounded shape and an alteration of the overall chain size. Construction of the wooden chain link was recently completed and the changes between the current design and the previous concept art can be noticed in the picture below.

Although no current problems have arisen during construction of the water lift, we are well aware that a perfect project is rare and difficulties may arise in later stages of construction. In response, several accommodations were made to the water lift to account for any future errors. Gear teeth were made longer than necessary to account for sources of error and will be trimmed to appropriate length when required. Several extra chain links and paddles were also constructed in case of damage or a slight change of length in the water lift. These extras, if not required later in the construction phase, will also be provided to the client in case a replacement component is required.

What is to be Expected: Project Outcomes

The main purpose of this model water lift design and construction project is to provide an effective educational tool. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden wishes to promote the learning of classical Chinese inventions, history, and culture through concretely illustrating the tools and methods used hundreds of years ago.Furthermore, the project team believes this project will serve to spark an interest to further understand how the water lift operates, and encourage youth to explore the possibilities for a future of engineering and design. The project outcomes are set to reflect and contribute towards this end goal. Other contributing factors were taken into account for the project outcomes such as aesthetics and storability to enhance the quality and protect the longevity of the project. Listed below is a detailed set of project outcomes to be completed in order to ensure the project is fully successful in achieving its purpose:

– Functional scale model of a Chinese Dragon Spine Water Lift

• Able to elevate water effectively through a hand crank

• Aesthetical and effective demonstration tool

– Platform to display the water lift that contains a reservoir of water

– Storage container to provide proper storage capabilities for the design

Welcome to our updated version of the blog on the Dragon Spine Water-Lift project at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden! The past three weeks has given the team the time to finalize the design specifications, and further develop the scheduling and implementation plan of the project. The following blog provides further insight to the implementation plan with the scheduling of each team member’s role to achieve the plan, a description of construction activities, and indicators of the project’s success.

A Plan to the Finish: Implementation Plan and Team Member Responsibilities

In order to ensure the water lift is constructed and operational before the show date, with a respectable amount of reserve time to manage the unexpected, the overall requirements of the project were established and a detailed scheduling of tasks was deviced. The following is a list of the expected tasks required to achieve project completion in a timely manner; accompanied the name(s) of the individual or members set to complete the task with their respective due date.

Task 1: Research and Design Analysis of Full Scale Water Lift
Assigned to: All Members
To be completed by: February 8 (completed)

Task 2: Water Lift Design Drawings and Schematics
Assigned to: Chris Logan
To be completed by: February 20 (completed)

Task 3: Material Calculations for Construction
Assigned to: Jennifer Fu
To be completed by: March 1 (completed)

Task 4: Sourcing of a Work Location
Assigned to: Jack Hu and Chris Logan
To be completed by: March 8 (completed)

Task 5: Sourcing of Where to Buy Materials
Assigned to: Jeremy Scott and Chris Logan
To be completed by: March 8 (completed)

Task 6: Organizing a Safety Plan
Assigned to: Asad Ijaz and Bob Shi
To be completed by: March 8 (completed)

Task 7: Cost Analysis of Required Materials
Assigned to: Jennifer Fu
To be completed by: March 8 (completed)

Task 8: Purchasing and Obtaining Materials
Assigned to: Asad Ijaz and Bob Shi
To be completed by: March 13

Task 9: Construction of the Water Lift
Assigned to: All Members
To be completed by: March 25

Task 10: Showcase Final Product!
Assigned to: All Members
To be completed by: TBD

Working at SALA: Description of On-site Construction Activities

A major component of this project is the construction of the water lift, which requires scoping out the necessary tools and a suitable location to complete the construction. Recent communications with Susan Nesbit and Greg Johnson, a senior instructor of Architecture and Civil Engineering, has led to the possibility of using the SALA architecture workshop. This workshop has all of the necessary tools and space required to build the water lift. Furthermore, the workshop is under constant supervision by trained and knowledgeable staff which may be able to provide valuable advice on construction methods and safety.

Earlier in the week, Chris and Jack met with Greg Johnson and were introduced to the SALA Workshop Manager, Nick Scott. After discussing the project specifications, the team was granted access to the shop given that the entire team attends a workshop safety orientation and are limited to hand tools – with the possibility of the shop supervisor doing any cuts necessary on the power tools. These specifications will be easy to meet considering the scope and scale of the project. The team aims to conduct most of the construction within the workshop with some assembly and remedial sanding tasks off site.

In order to ensure proper construction methods and safety standards are maintained throughout the construction phase of the project, a safety plan was established which can be found at the end of this blog post. This safety plan is based on the team’s previous construction and woodworking experience, and will be further detailed upon receiving a safety orientation from Nick Scott sometime next week.

Where the Project Stands: Indicators of Project Success

It is important that the current standing of the project is assessed to ensure the timely progression and completion of the scheduled tasks. Upon revision of the implementation plan, it is evident that the project is currently on schedule. In order to put the completion of the scheduled tasks into a concrete and specific form, the following list of indicators of the project’s path to success has been created.

– After the chain links and gears of the project were designed, the functionality and quality   of the design would best be determined by making a 3D print of our design. With the help of our mentor Malek Charif who made a CAD drawing for the 3D print, we were able to print the design in the Engineering Physics laboratory located under Hennings building. The link functions flawlessly, it is very flexible and sturdy.

– With the help of Susan Nesbit, we are able to reach Greg Johnson who contacted the lab director of SALA architecture shop to allow us to use the laboratory to construct our project.

– After a visit to Windsor Plywood in Vancouver, it was found that they carry all of the necessary wood sizings and other miscellaneous materials required for the construction phase. Two ideal options are teak and mahogany, they provide different look and have their advantage and disadvantages, we are planning to meet our client tomorrow to finalize the material and see if there is any particular request that would require us to change our design.

– The cost analysis indicates the project is well under budget, with the total estimated cost ranging from $100 to $150, varying based on the type of wood decided upon and whether or not we have to buy larger than necessary quantities.

3D print of initial chain link design

Safety Plan

CBEL Group: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens Water Lift Design Project

CIVL 202

Asad Ijaz
Chris Logan
Jeremy Scott
Jack Hu
Jennifer Fu
Lin (Bob) Shi

1.0 Introduction and Objectives

This Safety Plan is meant to provide construction safety context for the students participating in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens Water Lift design project. This guide is not meant to replace a safety orientation, but in turn to be used in reference to a formal safety orientation provided by a certified worker. Each student is expected to be familiar with all issues covered in this guide and be responsible for his/her own personal safety as well as the safety of his/her teammates. The Department of Civil Engineering at UBC is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all participants involved in this CBEL project.

2.0 Student Responsibilities

Every civil engineering undergraduate student involved with this CBEL project is responsible for participating in practicing safe construction methods and techniques. Each student is expected to be aware of all risks associated with the project and the well being of himself/herself and their group members. All students are expected to fully participate in a safety orientation conducted by a certified individual and abide by all workshop rules when constructing. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that each and every member of  the team is working in a safe manner and are taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves as well as their team. Each student must ensure that he/she wears appropriate clothing and safety gear depending on the type of work being done. In addition, any student under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to work on the manufacturing or construction of the project and should be expecting further discipline. All students should be as alert as possible to mitigate hazards at the construction site.

3.0 General Project Site Safety

The construction and manufacturing site must remain clean and safe at all times. All emergency exits, hallways, staircases and doors must remain clear of any obstructions and any cords and hoses must not be left in walkways. All hazardous materials should be designated with proper markings, and all students participating should have knowledge of where all the emergency equipment and nearest first-aid kit are located. Any safety concerns or problems should immediately be reported to the site supervisor or manager.

4.0 Specific Hazards

4.1 Equipment and Materials

The participants involved with this project must ensure that all equipment and materials are in working condition, and are returned in the same condition. Only the students who have been trained in a orientation to use machines are given permission to operate the machines. All machines, equipment and materials must be operated in safe manner with no tolerance for horseplay or any behaviour that puts his/her or their team members safety at risk. All used materials should be disposed of properly in designated areas, and should not be left at the site after work is completed.

4.2 Fire Prevention Methods

With the bulk of material used being lumber, no attempt to spark or attempt to burn wood should be made. If any combustible material is involved, it must not be placed near heaters, and effort should be made to ensure sparks are not falling on the combustible material from nearby machines. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all workshops and construction sites as well.

5.0 Emergencies

All participants involved must provide an emergency contact, who must be listed on a contact sheet which has to be present on the workshop during construction and manufacturing. Each student must know how to evacuate the site/shop safely in the case of an emergency and make effort to provide support to team members. All members will be familiar with escape routes and all emergency exits located in the premises. As well, all members are expected to act in a safe and responsible manner in the case of an emergency, and contact the site supervisor or proper authorities as soon as possible.

6.0 Conclusion

UBC is committed to safety of all students. As such, participants of this CBEL project are expected to act in a safe and responsible manner when working in a workshop, making sure to assess all hazards associated with themselves or team members.