Protecting your underground water tank involves crucial steps during its construction and immediately after casting the structural elements. Following a detailed process ensures the tank's durability and watertight integrity.
Protecting an underground water tank primarily relies on diligent preparation and treatment phases during its construction. This includes preparing surfaces correctly before pouring concrete and applying specific treatments after the main structural components are in place.
Key Steps for Protecting Your Underground Water Tank
Based on standard construction practices and the provided reference, the protection of an underground RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) water tank is integrated into the building process itself. Here are the essential stages and treatments:
1. Treatment Before Construction of RCC Base Slab
Before the main Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) base slab of the tank is cast, proper preparation of the underlying surface, typically Plain Cement Concrete (PCC), is vital.
- Surface Preparation: The surface of the PCC should be repaired and smoothed using a 1:4 Cement Sand mortar mix. This creates a consistent and prepared base for the subsequent RCC layer, contributing to proper adhesion and potentially serving as a base for waterproofing layers.
2. Concreting
This stage involves the casting of the structural elements, such as the base slab and walls, using reinforced concrete. While the reference simply lists "CONCRETING," the quality and mix of the concrete are fundamental to the tank's strength and impermeability. Proper concreting practices, including compaction and curing, are inherent to protecting the tank's structure.
3. Surface Preparation (Post-Casting)
After the structural concrete elements are cast and cured, further surface preparation is often required before protective treatments are applied. The reference mentions "SURFACE PREPARATION" as a distinct step after concreting. This typically involves:
- Cleaning the concrete surfaces.
- Repairing any defects, honeycombing, or cold joints.
- Creating a suitable profile for the application of protective coatings or membranes.
4. Treatment After Casting Retaining Wall & Base Slab
Once the retaining walls and the base slab have been cast and completed, a crucial protective treatment is applied. The reference highlights this step: "TREATMENT AFTER CASTING RETAINING WALL & BASE SLAB."
- This post-casting treatment is essential for ensuring the tank is watertight. While the reference does not specify the type of treatment, it commonly involves applying waterproofing membranes, cementitious coatings, or other barrier materials to the interior and potentially the exterior surfaces to prevent water leakage or ingress from the surrounding soil.
By meticulously executing these steps during the construction phase, from pre-slab surface smoothing to post-casting treatments, you build in the necessary protection for your underground water tank against water loss and external environmental factors.
Protecting an underground water tank is a process integrated with its construction, focusing on preparing surfaces and applying treatments at critical junctures.
