06-11-2012, 04:32 PM
FERROCEMENT WATER TANKS
1FERROCEMENT WATER.pdf (Size: 203.18 KB / Downloads: 95)
They are usually cheaper to build and require less
skilled labour.
They are able to withstand shock better, as
ferrocement is more flexible.
Smaller ferrocement tanks are portable.
Ferrocement tanks vary in capacity, size, and shape. They
are built by hand-trowelling layers of cement mortar onto a
wire frame which is either free-standing or held in place by
temporary or permanent structures known as 'formwork'.
Ferrocement is only needed for tanks of capacities greater
than 1000 litres. Below this size, cement mortar alone is
strong enough to withstand the applied loads.
Tanks used for storing drinking-water must always
be covered to avoid contamination and so maintain
drinking-water quality.
Fittings are usually built into the ferrocement during
construction. These include:
one or more taps for water collection;
a drainage tap (or wash-out) at the bottom of the
tank, to be used when cleaning;
an inlet pipe; and
an overflow pipe. This must be screened to prevent
insect entry.
Methods of construction
Building tanks without using formwork
This method requires a stiff wire frame around which
flexible mesh such as 'chicken wire' is wrapped. The first
layer of mortar is applied by a mason working on one side
of the tank, with an assistant on the other side holding a
plastering float in the right place to allow the mortar to be
compacted without it falling through the mesh.
Building tanks using temporary formwork
Temporary formwork, made of wood, flat or corrugated
sheets of steel, or coiled pipe is placed against one face
of the tank during the application of the initial layers of
mortar. The formwork is removed before plastering the
inside of the tank.