Design and simulation of autonomous anti-rain construction site cover system

Abstract

Water distribution systems mostly involve laying of pipes with the digging of trenches to lay down water pipes as a significant activity. During rainy seasons, trenches tend to fill-up with rainwater before the said pipes could be laid. This poses a danger to workers and residents due to potential landslides. This paper presents the design and simulation of an autonomous anti-rain construction site cover system (AARCSCS), which automates the process of covering a trench or excavation site when it rains. The system was designed for a water distribution system constructor in BIUST, who experienced flooding of a trench due to heavy rainfall before pipes could be laid. As a result, the project was delayed, and more costs were incurred in dealing with the flooding. The focus was to design a circuit that could interface with a trenchcover mechanism able to extend and retract to cover or uncover dug trenches, hence preventing flooding of the trenches. The designed system is based on a rain-sensor module, a bidirectional 12V DC motor, and a 12V DC dual power supply to achieve complementary motor control. The system was simulated and tested on Proteus and performed well according to the design requirements.