Ferro Cement Tanks

topic posted Mon, August 14, 2006 - 3:40 PM by  Jason
Share/Save/Bookmark
Advertisement
Greetings one and all.
I am making a trip to Beize later this year and will be looking into maybe building a little getaway in the next year.
First of all I will gratefully listen to any input you all may have and I have something to offer.
I have been into alternative building for a long time and am very familiar with ferro cement tanks for water catchment systems.
My understanding is that there are some medical issues down there from children drinking not so clean water.
So, I am more than willing to teach a few free seminars or share infromation with whomever can put it to good use particularlly if they are helping or empowering locals and Grandmas.
Any pointers, suggestions or takers?
Bliss
Jason
posted by:
Jason
Oregon
Advertisement
Advertisement
  • Re: Ferro Cement Tanks

    Mon, August 28, 2006 - 4:38 PM
    hi, i made some really great ones for an aquaculture project years ago:
    here is my technique:
    inner mold of corrugated iron overlapping- spring this cylinder out with the help of a friend and use a double row of tek screws to hold it.
    paint with veg oil or soap as a release agent.
    now you need to put some thin strips of wood standing vertically between the inner mold and your ferro material, i used chicken wire for the ferro sheet. these thin laths will be withdrawn as you pour, and used to consolidate the pour by wiggling them.
    wrap with ferro.
    another layer of laths.
    wrap the whole thing with a greased sheet of flat thin steel sheet, and screw fasten.
    now pour around and around with a rich mix- use plenty of fat sand, lime, and cement, NOT too much water! i always use a bit of detergent in the mix to reduce water.
    withdraw the laths carefully as you pour in order to keep your steel centralised.

    you will not believe how thin you can make the walls and how cheap and quick to build. a few ppl working on this can accomplish an almost magical amount of work.



    i like to pour a slab with a channel for the mold to stand in, then pour the actual tank.
    roof with steel and provide input filters, coarse sand and good charcoal. a dirty tank is a nasty health hazrad and mostly they are dirty when not properly isolated from pathogens.
    clean in equals clean out.
    cement is a beautiful storage media for water.

    give me a shout when you're ready and maybe i can give you a hand.
    • Re: Ferro Cement Tanks

      Mon, August 28, 2006 - 8:46 PM
      Thank You;
      I was looking more for pointers on Belize but sharing techniques is always good too.
      Bliss
      Jason
      • Re: Ferro Cement Tanks

        Sun, September 3, 2006 - 12:16 AM
        It may be nice to share some of your knowledge....perhaps contact belize's ministry of health? [coming from the perspective of the kids drinking un-clean water]....see if they're interested...good luck!
        • Re: Ferro Cement Tanks

          Sun, September 3, 2006 - 12:06 PM
          Thank You;
          yes, Will certainly seek ther counsel and blessing when possible.
          I am thinking a few little projects here and there might make at least some difference.
          Bliss
          Jason
          • Re: Ferro Cement Tanks

            Sun, September 3, 2006 - 5:10 PM
            I agree...so long as people aren't imposing their ideas on what a community "needs," then i think it is cool...you could also contact an organization like The Cornerstone Foundation or another non-profit and do this project through them...peace core and pro-belize are in belize as well...i think the best thing in this circumstance is to really train local people how to do it....especially training professors...like at galen university or the other university...good luck....and let us know if you do something like this!
            • Re: Ferro Cement Tanks

              Sun, September 3, 2006 - 7:08 PM
              Yep;
              Teaching is the way to go, then they can take away information that they can share and share if they feel it is useful.
              I know what you mean about folks cramming ideas down others throats. I think the best way is to ask lots of questions and observe and apply help when it can do the most good.
              Bliss
              Jason

Recent topics in "Belize"

Topic Author Replies Last Post
One Barrell nimdokk 19 March 3, 2009
Violence/Crime is On the Rise-- Please be careful! Dj 5 July 25, 2008
Belize or Costa Rica David 5 July 21, 2008
First trip to Belize and outside USA Robert 14 January 28, 2008