C-11- Building Rainwater harvesting tank pit at CRP

Engr. Aditya Dev

As part of sustainable water management initiatives at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), the C-11 project involved constructing a Rainwater Harvesting Tank Pit. The objective of this structure is to facilitate groundwater recharge and efficient rainwater storage management within the premises.

The tank pit construction required systematic groundwork to ensure long-term durability, proper load distribution, and structural stability.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the construction process.

Step 01: Cleaning the Site

The first and most critical step was proper site cleaning.

  • Removal of debris, vegetation, and loose soil

  • Clearing of unwanted materials

  • Marking the pit area as per the layout plan

A clean and obstruction-free surface ensures accurate measurement and prevents contamination of foundation layers.


Step 02: Leveling the Site by Local Sand Compacting

After cleaning, the ground surface was leveled using local sand filling.

  • Sand was spread evenly across the base area

  • Manual compaction was performed to achieve proper density

  • Level checked using leveling instruments

Compacted sand creates a stable working platform and helps in uniform load transfer.


Step 03: Brick Flat Soling Placement as Base

Next, a brick layer (brick flat soling) was placed over the compacted sand.

  • Bricks laid flat in uniform alignment

  • Gaps minimized to ensure stability

  • Proper edge alignment maintained

The brick base works as a firm sub-base layer, distributing load evenly and reducing direct soil contact with the upper structural components.


Step 04: Plastering the Base

Once brick placement was complete, the base surface was plastered with cement mortar.

  • Mortar evenly spread to seal joints

  • Surface finished smoothly

  • Proper slope ensured if required for drainage

Plastering strengthens the base, prevents water seepage, and enhances durability.



Step 05: Filling the Inner Diameter with Local Sand

After base preparation, the inner circular diameter of the tank pit was filled with local sand.

  • Sand filling is done in layers

  • Compaction ensured after each layer

  • Final surface leveled carefully

Layer-by-layer compaction ensures long-term settlement control and structural stability of the rainwater harvesting system.




Engineering Significance

This rainwater harvesting tank pit contributes to:

  • Sustainable water resource management

  • Reduction of surface runoff

  • Groundwater recharge support

  • Improved environmental resilience

Though seemingly simple, the strength and performance of the entire system depend heavily on proper base preparation and compaction.

Conclusion

The C-11 Rainwater Harvesting Tank Pit construction at CRP reflects the importance of groundwork precision in sustainable infrastructure projects. Each step—from cleaning to sand filling—was executed with attention to alignment, compaction, and durability.

Proper foundation preparation ensures that the structure will perform effectively for years, supporting CRP’s commitment to environmental responsibility and infrastructure development.










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