The document proposes a solution to the problem of ice falling from cables on the Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver, Canada. It suggests installing cheap heat tapes on the cables to melt ice, but recognizes this would increase electricity usage. An alternative solution proposed is to install speed bumps at the bridge entrances to generate electricity from kinetic energy of braking vehicles. This electricity could then power the heat tapes and any excess could be sold to the community, reducing toll prices.

1. Port Mann Bridge
Modification
By Jacob Kwack
And
Jason Verlarde

2. Problem
Ice falling off the cables on the Port Mann
Bridge has caused a lot of problems, mainly the
windshield shattering event. Not only that, this
created the risk of getting vehicle damage, as
well as getting caught in a traffic during winter.

3. Solution
The solution we came up is to take use
of the heat tapes. They are
approximately 1 to 2 dollars for several
hundred meters, which is pretty cheap
compared to how much money they
poured into making the new bridge.

4. Economically speaking…
Although using the heat tape is a good idea, the
source of electricity will come from the
mainland, and will use up more electricty.
To solve this, we have come up with the
idea of using speed bumpers to create the
electricity. By converting the kinetic
energy used during breaks, the energy can
be reused for the purposes of heating up
the tapes.

5. The Bridge
The Speed Bumpers can be
implemented in the
beginning and the end of
the bridge, and since the
bump is not that great it
will be ok after putting up
a warning sign.

6. Benefits
Before: Tolls: $3 per crossing, overdue charges pay interest of 19% annually.
Twice everyday? Means $6, Per Month(approx. 30 days): $180,
Every Year? Approx. $2160
After: Tolls: $1 per crossing Per Month(approx. 30 days): $60
Every Year? Approx. $720
Saves $1440!
The energy created through the
bumpers will then be sold out to the
community. Which will create money
that can be used during winter to heat
up the cables to prevent ice falls. This
would mean the people will be making
the energy that would be used to heat
the cable, so the price for crossing the
bridge can be cut down.

7. Bibliography
 Images.Google.ca
 Wikipedia.org
 http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/11/drivers-generate-
electricity-by-going-over-speed-
bumps/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Mann_Bridge
 http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/239312392/sale_roof_and
_gutter_snow_melting_heating.jpg
 http://ak6.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/3001579/preview/s
tock-footage-a-starry-night-looking-at-downtown-vancouver-
bc-canada-boats-floating-on-the-ocean-as-stars.jpg