The Pivot Bridge by Leonardo da Vinci

UDC 624.83
Publication date: 26.05.2025
International Journal of Professional Science №5(2)-25

The Pivot Bridge by Leonardo da Vinci

Pokrovskaya Alina Vladislavovna
Scientific Advisor: Ageev Vladimir Alexandrovich


1. Student of the 10th Grade
General Education Autonomous Non-Profit Organization
Sukhanovo Gymnasium (AANO Sukhanovo Gymnasium),
Vidnoye, Moscow Region
2. Director of the General Education Autonomous Non-Profit Organization
Sukhanovo Gymnasium (AANO Sukhanovo Gymnasium),
Vidnoye, Moscow Region

Abstract: This study is dedicated to the investigation and analysis of the pivot bridge designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The paper explores Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution to the development of engineering structures, examines the types of loads acting on bridge constructions, and provides a detailed analysis of the pivot bridge conceived by the renowned inventor. Particular attention is given to the unique structural feature that enables the bridge to rotate rapidly around its axis, allowing for the swift establishment or removal of a crossing.
The practical section includes calculations of permissible loads, taking into account the weight of individuals and snow accumulation, as well as the identification of structural and material requirements necessary for the implementation of the project under near-real conditions. The study concludes with an assessment of the practical applicability of the proposed design and outlines the key elements that ensure its stability and reliability.
This research holds significance both in a historical-scientific context and as an educational example of engineering design.
Keywords: Leonardo da Vinci’s pivot bridge; load calculation for pivot bridges; Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions; structural analysis of the pivot bridge; Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution to science; model of da Vinci’s bridge; structural elements of the pivot bridge; practical application of the pivot bridge; construction of da Vinci’s bridge; pivot bridge project; research project; bridge stability and safety; da Vinci’s bridge in modern conditions; how to build da Vinci’s bridge; da Vinci; Leonardo da Vinci; Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering designs.


Relevance of the Study: The relevance of this research lies in the growing interest in historical engineering solutions and their potential application in contemporary contexts. The constructions designed by Leonardo da Vinci—such as the pivot bridge—represent a unique synthesis of art and science, showcasing an innovative approach to problem-solving during the Renaissance period [1]. The study of these projects not only deepens our understanding of the history of technology but also reveals principles that remain relevant for modern engineering systems [2].

Research Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this study is that Leonardo da Vinci’s pivot bridge, due to its self-supporting structure and efficient load distribution, can be adapted for modern use, provided that current requirements for stability and safety are taken into account.

Research Objective: The objective of this work is to analyze the structural design of Leonardo da Vinci’s pivot bridge, assess its technical characteristics, and evaluate the feasibility of its practical implementation.

Research Tasks:

  1. To examine Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution to the development of engineering structures, with particular attention to his inventions in the field of bridge construction [4].
  2. To analyze the types of loads acting on bridge structures and the conditions required for their equilibrium [5].
  3. To perform strength calculations for materials and determine the required foundation depth to ensure structural stability [8].
  4. To construct a functional model of the pivot bridge that demonstrates its operational viability.

Object of the Study: Leonardo da Vinci’s pivot bridge.

Subject of the Study: The investigation of the structural features, engineering principles, and practical applicability of Leonardo da Vinci’s pivot bridge, including the construction of a working model.

Research Methods:

  1. Historical-analytical method: Examination of Leonardo da Vinci’s contributions to science and engineering, with analysis of his inventions, including self-supporting and pivot bridge designs.
  2. Theoretical analysis: Study of the types of loads acting on bridge structures, conditions for structural equilibrium, and specific features of the pivot bridge design.
  3. Engineering and calculation method: Structural calculations of material strength, foundation depth, bridge length, permissible loads (such as human weight, snow, etc.), distribution of force moments, and other parameters to ensure structural stability, as well as determination of construction and material science requirements.
  4. Experimental method: Construction and testing of a model of the pivot bridge to confirm its functionality and structural stability.
  5. Modeling and design: Analysis of key structural elements that ensure the bridge’s stability and reliability.

 Final Product: A model of the pivot bridge constructed from wooden beams with a pulley system, demonstrating the ability to withstand combined loads (human weight, snow, wind) and to rotate around its axis.

The research is based on the works of contemporary authors [1, 4] as well as fundamental studies in the field of mechanics [5, 8].

 

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References

1. Thapa, B. (2021). The Da Vinci Bridge. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352029933_The_Da_Vinci_Bridge
2. Kaspirshin, A. (2022, April 15). Top 10 most progressive inventions of Leonardo da Vinci. Rossiyskaya Gazeta. https://rg.ru/2022/04/15/10-samyh-progressivnyh-izobretenij-leonardo-da-vinchi.html
3. Deutsch, A. (2025). Top 20 great inventions of Leonardo da Vinci and what really lies behind them. Arthive. https://artchive.ru/publications/4767~TOP20_velikikh_izobretenij_Leonardo_da_Vinchi_i_chto_za_nimi_skryvaetsja_na_samom_dele
4. Laurenzzi, D. (2007). The machines of Leonardo da Vinci: Secrets and inventions in the scientist’s manuscripts (M. Taddei & E. Zanon, Eds.). Niola-Press.
5. Chernoutsan, A. I. (2011). Physics: Problems with answers and solutions (8th ed.). KDU.
6. Saveliev, I. V. (2021). General physics course: Volume 1 – Mechanics (6th ed., reprinted). Lan’.
7. Feynman, R. (2019). The Feynman lectures on physics: Volume 2 – Space, time, motion. AST Publishing.
8. Standartinform. (2015). GOST R 56806-2015: Polymeric composites. Identification of polymeric composites in electronic databases. Moscow.