By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
These skills will help you build reliable water storage solutions that are essential for successful civil engineering projects and community water management.
Constructing water storage tanks is a critical task within civil engineering works for quantity surveyors, as accurate estimation and cost control are essential for project success. Water tanks serve as vital infrastructure in Kenya, supporting domestic, agricultural, and commercial water supply needs. Quantity surveyors must understand the different types of water tanks, their material requirements, and construction methods to prepare precise bills of quantities and manage project budgets effectively. This chapter focuses on the classification of water tanks and the materials used in their construction, providing a foundation for professional quantity surveying in civil engineering projects.
Water tanks vary widely in design and application, influencing their cost, structural requirements, and construction methods. For quantity surveyors in Kenya, distinguishing between tank types is crucial for preparing accurate cost estimates and understanding material quantities. Two primary categories dominate the sector: elevated water tanks and underground water tanks, each serving distinct operational and site-specific needs.
Elevated water tanks are structures raised above ground level, typically supported by columns or a tower. These tanks provide water storage with the advantage of gravitational pressure, enabling water distribution without the need for continuous pumping. In urban centres such as Nairobi or Mombasa, elevated tanks are common in commercial buildings and county water supply systems, where space constraints and pressure requirements dictate their use.
Underground water tanks are constructed below ground level, offering discreet water storage that conserves space and protects water from contamination and temperature fluctuations. These tanks are commonly used in institutions such as hospitals and schools or in residential estates where land use optimization is necessary.
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Create a free accountThis chapter explored the various types of water storage tanks, focusing on elevated and underground tanks and their specific applications. It examined the different materials commonly used in tank construction, highlighting their suitability for durability and water retention. The importance of proper earthworks was emphasized as a foundation for stable tank installation. Detailed procedures for constructing water tanks were outlined, ensuring structural integrity and functionality. Techniques for waterproofing tanks were discussed to prevent leakage and contamination. The chapter also covered essential water tank accessories such as inlets, controls, outlets, cleanouts, and overflows, which are vital for operational efficiency. Finally, it addressed protection works necessary to safeguard the tank from environmental damage and ensure long-term performance.
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Measuring Tape (5m) | Reference Manual on Water Tanks |
| Notebook and Pen | Sample Water Tank Catalogues/Brochures |
| Calculator |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measuring Tape (5m) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Notebook and Pen | 1 Set per Candidate |
| 3 | Reference Manual on Water Tanks | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 4 | Sample Water Tank Catalogues/Brochures | 1 Set per Candidate |
| 5 | Calculator | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF WATER TANKS | |||
| Used appropriate PPE including helmet, safety boots, and reflective jacket (Award 1 mark for each correct PPE used) | 3 | ||
| Assembled all necessary tools and reference materials before starting (Award 2 marks for assembling at least four required items) | 2 | ||
| Identified at least five different types of water tanks (e.g., concrete, plastic, galvanized steel, ferrocement, and elevated tanks) (Award 1 mark per correct tank type identified) | 5 | ||
| Measured and recorded dimensions of a concrete water tank approximately 2000mm diameter and 1800mm height (Award 3 marks for accurate measurement and recording within ±50mm tolerance) | 3 | ||
| Classified each tank type correctly based on design and purpose (e.g., underground, above ground, elevated, portable) (Award 1 mark per correct classification for four tank types) | 4 | ||
| Presented findings clearly and logically in the notebook (Award 3 marks for clear, logical, and complete documentation) | 3 | ||
| Cleaned and stored tools and materials properly after completion (Award 2 marks for proper cleaning and storage) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 22 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| Correct identification and classification of at least five water tank types (Award 2 marks for each correctly identified and classified tank type) | 10 | ||
| Accurate measurement and recording of the concrete tank dimensions within ±50mm tolerance (2000mm diameter x 1800mm height) (Award 5 marks for measurement accuracy) | 5 | ||
| Clear and organized presentation of all information in the candidate’s notebook (Award 5 marks for neatness, completeness, and clarity) | 5 | ||
| Sub-Total | 20 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 42 | ||
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Measuring Tape | Nails 2 inch |
| Spirit Level | Lime/Cement |
| Mason's Hammer | Reinforcement Bars (R6) |
| Shovel | Binding Wire |
| Builder's Square | Sand |
| Plumb Bob | Ballast |
| Cutting Tool / Pliers | Timber Boards 25mm thick |
| Bending Tool | Water |
| Trowel and Float | |
| Wheelbarrow | |
| Compaction Rod |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measuring Tape (5m) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Spirit Level | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 3 | Mason's Hammer | 1 Pc per 4 Candidates |
| 4 | Shovel | 1 Pc per 4 Candidates |
| 5 | Builder's Square | 1 Pc per 4 Candidates |
| 6 | Plumb Bob | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 7 | Cutting Tool / Pliers | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 8 | Bending Tool | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 9 | Trowel and Float Set | 1 Set per 4 Candidates |
| 10 | Wheelbarrow | 1 Pc per 4 Candidates |
| 11 | Compaction Rod | 1 Pc per 4 Candidates |
| 12 | Nails 2 inch | Sufficient per Candidate |
| 13 | Lime/Cement | 1 Bag per Candidate |
| 14 | Reinforcement Bars (R6) | 1 Full length piece (6m) per Candidate |
| 15 | Binding Wire | 1 Kg per Candidate |
| 16 | Sand | Sufficient per Candidate |
| 17 | Ballast | Sufficient per Candidate |
| 18 | Timber Boards 25mm thick | 8m length per Candidate |
| 19 | Water | Sufficient per Candidate |
| 20 | Pens | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: SITE PREPARATION AND SETTING OUT | |||
| Identified and used appropriate PPE including helmet, safety boots, gloves, and reflective jacket (Award 1 mark each for any four correct PPEs) | 4 | ||
| Assembled required tools and materials before commencement (Award 1 mark each for assembling any three correct tools/materials) | 3 | ||
| Prepared the site area by clearing and leveling sufficiently for the base (Award 3 marks for correct clearing and leveling) | 3 | ||
| Set out the base layout correctly to the specified 1200mm x 1200mm dimensions using measuring tape and builder's square (Award 1 mark each for correct length, width, squareness, pegging, and marking) | 5 | ||
| Transferred layout dimensions accurately to profile boards and marked with lime (Award 1 mark each for correct transfer and marking of four corners and lines) | 5 | ||
| Cleaned the working area after setting out (Award 2 marks for complete cleaning) | 2 | ||
| Cleaned and stored tools properly after use (Award 2 marks for proper cleaning and storage) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 24 | ||
| TASK 2: CONSTRUCTION OF BASE AND SUPPORT COLUMNS | |||
| Mixed concrete to correct ratio (1:2:4) for base and columns (Award 3 marks for uniform mix without segregation) | 3 | ||
| Constructed formwork for base with internal dimensions 1200mm x 1200mm x 150mm depth (+50 mm tolerance) (Award 1 mark each for correct length, width, depth, and vertical alignment) | 4 | ||
| Constructed formwork for support columns 1500mm high with 200mm x 200mm cross-section (+50 mm tolerance) (Award 1 mark each for correct height, cross-section, vertical alignment, and stability) | 4 | ||
| Placed reinforcement bars (R6) for base and columns correctly and tied securely with binding wire (Award 2 marks for correct base reinforcement placement, 3 marks for columns including stirrups and ties) | 5 | ||
| Cast concrete properly into base and columns ensuring uniform compaction using compaction rod or vibrator (Award 2 marks for proper casting of base, 2 marks for columns) | 4 | ||
| Finished surface of base and column tops is level and smooth (Award 3 marks for smooth and level surface finish) | 3 | ||
| Avoided spillage and segregation during casting (Award 2 marks for no visible defects or spillage) | 2 | ||
| Cleaned working area and stored tools and materials after completion (Award 2 marks for proper cleaning and storage) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 27 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| Base dimensions match specified 1200mm x 1200mm with +50 mm tolerance (Award 3 marks for correct dimensions) | 3 | ||
| Base depth is 150mm (+50 mm tolerance) (Award 2 marks for correct depth) | 2 | ||
| Support columns have cross-section 200mm x 200mm and height 1500mm (+50 mm tolerance) (Award 2 marks for correct cross-section, 2 marks for correct height) | 4 | ||
| Base and columns are square and plumb with tolerances of +/- 10mm and +/- 10mm respectively (Award 2 marks for squareness, 2 marks for plumbness) | 4 | ||
| Reinforcement bars are correctly positioned and tied without displacement (Award 3 marks for proper reinforcement placement and binding) | 3 | ||
| Concrete surfaces are intact, free from cracks and damage after demolding (Award 3 marks for undamaged finish) | 3 | ||
| Final product is neat and shows workmanship care (Award 3 marks for overall neatness and presentation) | 3 | ||
| Sub-Total | 22 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 73 | ||
At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:
Tick each one you can genuinely do.
So, are you there yet?
You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.
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