The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in Scotland that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. It can lift boats to a height of 24 meters. Initially designed as a Ferris wheel, it was later inspired by the design of a double headed axe and ship propeller. The wheel has a diameter of 35 meters and uses water filled caissons that hold up to 250,000 liters of water to rotate and lift the boats between the canals. The Falkirk Wheel saves energy and water compared to traditional lock gates.

1. FALKIRK WHEEL
P.SANTAN
13131A0391
MECH 2
Seminar

2. FALKIRK WHEEL
• It is a rotating boat lift in Scotland
• It connects Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal
• It can lift a boat to 24m height

3. DESIGN
• Initially designed as Ferris wheel
• Later it is inspired from double headed axe
and propeller of ship
• Used 14000- 45000 bolt holes to avoid fatigue
• Designed to last for 120 years

4. • Diameter of wheel is 35m
• Axle diameter is 3.8m and
length 28m
• Water filled Caisson capacity
250000 litres
FINAL DESIGN

5. WORKING
ROTATION
• Weight of caisson helps to
rotate them.
• Three large Ring gears with
two small ones to ensure
that they turn at correct
speed and remain balanced

6. Mechanism at Caissons
Archimedes Principle for
balancing two caissons
• DOOR MECHANISM
• WATER SEAL
• HYDRAULIC CLAMP

7. CONCLUSION
Advantage of Falkirk wheel over Lock gate
• Low energy
consumption
• Avoids loss of water
• One Falkirk wheel has
replaced 11 lock gates
• It even saves time
Falkirk wheel is an engineering masterpiece designed to replace
traditional lock gates and it is only rotating boat lift in world.