Many regions of the world use ferrocement tanks for water storage.The technology is easy to use.A sturdy foundation is needed to build the walls and roof of the tank.The foundation should be level to allow for drainage.The wall frame needs to be securely attached to the foundation.The tank should be sized to account for the water flow rate into and out of the tank, the desired volume of water to be stored, and the user community.The calculations must be done on a project specific basis.These instructions are used for the construction of ferrocement tanks.Drawing from local knowledge and expertise is important in the field.
Step 1: Use the wire cutter to cut the chicken wire.
The mesh sizes will be dictated by the tank size.
Step 2: Bolts were used to cut the mesh.
The mesh sizes will be dictated by the tank size.
Step 3: Chicken wire and mesh can be laid flat to create layers.
2 layers of chicken wire should be followed by a layer of mesh.
Step 4: Attach the mesh with wire ties and pliers.
Step 5: Roll one end of the mesh to the other and attach the two ends using wire ties once the layers are securely fastened.
The circular body structure of the tank walls will be created by this.
Step 6: Attach the mesh frame to the tank foundation by standing it upright and using wire ties to hold the frame in place.
Step 7: The reinforcement wire needs to be tied near the top of the mesh frame.
The wire needs to be in tension.The walls will not be buckled during the construction and concrete curing stages.There are four reinforcement wires around the frame.
Step 8: The inflow, outflow, overflow, and drainage pipe locations can be found in the form of scrap pipes.
Step 9: The mesh frame has concrete mortar on it.
The holes in the mesh need to be filled with mortar.
Step 10: The mortar should be allowed to cure.
Step 11: Go back and forth with the inside of the mesh frame.
When climbing out of the tank structure, use a ladder.
Step 12: Allow the mortar to cure.
During the curing process, keep the walls wet.The walls will be about 2 inches thick once all the mortar has been applied.
Step 13: The wood boards should be cut so that one edge is not straight.
The tank walls are curing.The sizes of the forms will be dictated by the tank size.
Step 14: The wood beams should be positioned inside the tank once the walls are cured.
The center pole is sticking up vertically from the center of the foundation.The wooden roof forms will be supported by two logs near the top of the walls.The wooden roof forms should be supported by additional vertical logs along the inside of the walls.
Step 15: Attach the wood board forms to the poles.
A domed roof form will be created by the wood.
Step 16: The wood board forms should be nailed against the plywood sheets.
Step 17: The forms have one square space open.
This will open the tank lid.
Step 18: On top of the plywood sheets, lay a circle of rebar.
Step 19: Use wire ties to tie the wires.
The wires should go from the center to the base of the roof.
Step 20: Place chicken wire mesh on the wires.
Step 21: There is a concrete mortar mixture on the roof forms.
The concrete needs to get below the circles.
Step 22: Allow the concrete to cure.
The concrete should be wet during this process.
Step 23: The tank can be entered through the open square space once the concrete has cured.
Step 24: The wood beams, forms and plywood have to be removed.
Step 25: The inside of the tank needs to be painted.
Step 26: The square metal lid should be put on the roof.
Step 27: It's optional.
The walls and roof of the ferrocement tank can be painted.