Detailed Explanation of Circular Soakaway Pit Construction Specifications
This specification outlines the construction of a circular soakaway pit, which is an
underground structure designed to collect and gradually disperse surface water (stormwater
or greywater) into the surrounding soil. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of all components
and construction requirements.
1. Soakaway Pit Dimensions & Structure
Internal Dimensions
- Diameter: 3000mm (3 meters)
- Minimum Depth: 3000mm (3 meters)
- Purpose: Provides sufficient storage capacity for water infiltration.
Wall Construction
- Material: Double brick wall (dry-stacked, no mortar for most of the depth)
- Thickness: 500mm (0.5 meters)
- Mortar Jointing (Top Section Only):
- The top 1000mm (1 meter) of the brick wall must be mortared (to prevent collapse near
the surface).
- Mortar Mix Ratio: 1:3 (1 part cement to 3 parts sand) for durability.
2. Filtration & Infiltration Layers
The pit is filled with layers of filter media to allow water to percolate into the ground while
preventing clogging.
From Top to Bottom:
1. Top Layer (200–300mm Thick) – Dust-Free Sand
- Acts as a pre-filter to trap fine particles before water enters the soakaway.
2. Middle Layer – Red Ash (20–40mm Diameter)
- Made of porous, granular material (red ash/clinker) to aid infiltration.
- Depth: Extends 1500mm below the sand layer.
3. Bottom & Outer Surround (40–60mm Gravel)
- Inside the pit (below red ash): Filled with gravel for drainage.
- Outside the pit (around the brick wall): Backfilled with gravel to improve water dispersion
into the soil.
3. Inlet Pipe & Baffle
- Inlet Pipe: 150mm diameter UPVC pipe (corrosion-resistant).
- Elbow Position: 100mm above a baffle (to prevent direct water jetting into the pit).
- Baffle Material: 6mm thick wooden baffle (or equivalent)
- Helps reduce water velocity and prevents erosion of filter media.
4. Cover Slab & Manhole Access
Precast Reinforced Concrete (R.C.) Cover Slab
- Diameter: 3500mm (3.5 meters) (extends beyond pit walls for stability).
- Thickness: 140mm
- Reinforcement:
- Steel Bars: 8mm diameter spaced 200mm center-to-center (both ways – crisscross grid).
- Ensures structural strength to withstand loads (e.g., vehicles if installed under a
driveway).
Manhole Cover (Access Hatch)
- Size: 600mm x 600mm (square opening).
- Thickness: 80mm
- Reinforcement:
- 8mm steel bars (for strength).
- 14mm steel ring handle (for lifting) with support bars for durability.
5. Excavation & Disposal
- Excavation Depth: 3000mm (max) – Must be dug to the required depth.
- Soil Disposal: Cart away excavated soil (removal from the site).
- Included in Unit Price: The cost covers digging, material supply, and waste removal.
6. Compliance & Drawings
- All construction must follow:
- Given detail drawings (for exact dimensions and placement).
- Engineer’s specifications (for structural integrity).
Summary of Key Components
Component Specification
Pit Dimensions 3000mm diameter × 3000mm depth
Wall Construction 500mm thick dry double brick (top 1000mm mortared 1:3)
Filtration Layers 200–300mm sand → 20–40mm red ash → 40–60mm gravel
Inlet Pipe 150mm UPVC with elbow & baffle
Cover Slab 3500mm diameter, 140mm thick, 8mm steel @ 200mm c/c
Manhole Cover 600×600mm, 80mm thick, 14mm steel handle
Excavation 3000mm deep, soil removed
Purpose & Function
- Soakaway pits prevent flooding by storing and slowly releasing water into the ground.
- The layered filtration prevents soil clogging.
- The reinforced cover ensures safety and durability.
Here’s a detailed breakdown RC PAVEMENT of the specifications:
1. 10cm Thick C-20 RC Pavement (1.0m Wide)
Composition & Construction
- Concrete Grade: C-20 (20MPa compressive strength), suitable for light foot traffic or
light-duty paving.
- Thickness: 10cm (4 inches) – Standard for walkways or light vehicular paths.
- Width: 1.0 meter (typical for sidewalks or narrow service paths).
Reinforcement
- Steel Mesh: 4Ø8 deformed bars
- 4 bars of 8mm diameter (deformed for better grip in concrete).
- Arranged in a grid/mesh pattern to prevent cracking.
Expansion Joints
- Spacing: Every 1.2 meters
- Allows for thermal expansion/contraction to prevent cracks.
- Typically filled with flexible joint material (e.g., foam or rubber).
Excavation & Base Preparation
1. Bulk Excavation: 50cm deep (removal of existing soil to stable substrate).
2. Selected Fill: 55cm thick (compacted granular material for stable sub-base).
3. Basaltic Hardcore: 20cm thick (crushed volcanic rock for drainage and load distribution).
4. Cart Away: Removal of excess excavated material from the site.
2. 1m Height, 1" Galvanized Steel Pipe Ramp Protection Grill
Design & Installation
- Material: 1-inch (25mm) galvanized steel pipe (rust-resistant).
- Height: 1 meter (standard safety barrier height).
- Spacing:
- Vertical Pipes: 30cm apart (prevents climbing/falling through).
- Horizontal Rails: Welded to verticals for rigidity.
Purpose
- Acts as a safety railing for ramps (e.g., wheelchair access, pedestrian pathways).
- Welded construction ensures durability and stability.
- Must follow detail drawings for exact dimensions and welding specs.
Summary Table
Component Specification Purpose
RC Pavement 10cm C-20 concrete, 1m wide Light-duty paved surface
Reinforcement 4Ø8 deformed bar mesh Prevents cracking
Expansion Joints Every 1.2m Accommodates thermal movement
Subgrade Prep 50cm excavation + 55cm fill + 20cm hardcore Stable foundation
Ramp Protection Grill 1m high, 1" galvanized pipes @30cm spacing Safety barrier for
ramps
Key Considerations
- Pavement: Must be cured properly (7+ days) to achieve full strength.
- Steel Grill: Hot-dip galvanizing preferred for corrosion resistance.
- Compliance: Must match detail drawings for exact tolerances and welds.
📋 5m³ Fiberglass Groundwater Tank – Specification Table
Component Description Specifications Notes
Tank Material Water storage 5 mm thick fiberglass Corrosion-resistant,
tank body reinforced plastic (FRP) durable for underground
use
Tank Capacity Volume 5 cubic meters (5000 For potable or
liters) non-potable water, based
on site plan
Placement Installation As shown on the sanitary Must be level and
location site plan structurally prepared
Outlet Pipe Water exit point 32 mm diameter, PN16 PN16 = 16 bar max
pipe with bronze gate pressure [[1]]
valve
Inlet Pipe Water supply Size and specs similar to Positioned for float valve
entry outlet control
Drain Pipe Emptying the 50 mm diameter, 16 bar Full drainage capacity
tank pressure, with gate valve
Overflow Pipe Prevent 40 mm diameter Discharges to drain or
overfilling soak pit
Vent Pipe Air ventilation 50 mm diameter uPVC, Prevents vacuum and
with mesh cover and cap allows air exchange
Manhole Access hatch 70 cm x 70 cm, lockable, Positioned above the
Cover for inspection strong, easy to open inlet
Float Valve Automatic level Space provided for free Controls water input
(Ball Valve) control operation automatically
Freeboard Top zone in tank Space left above water Allows air cushion and
Zone level pressure balance
Sludge Zone Bottom zone in Designated area for Prevents outlet clogging;
tank sediment easy cleaning
Support Legs Structural base Strong, solid legs No water retention
of tank between or below legs
🧱 Civil Works & Foundation Details
Element Specification Notes
Concrete Pad C-25 grade reinforced concrete Dimensions: 3m x 5m, 50cm
thick
Reinforcement Ø14 mm rebars Spacing: 200 mm c/c, both
directions
Elevation Base 40 cm below, slab 50 cm Ensures partial exposure and
above ground drainage
Hardcore Layer 25 cm thick compacted hardcore Base layer before pouring
concrete
Backfill Borrowed fill, well compacted Stabilizes surrounding soil
Masonry Wall Cement-sand mortar bedded Surrounds and supports
block work above-ground part
Excavation & Included Excavation for tank + removal
Carting of debris
🔧 Warranty & Maintenance
Aspect Detail
Warranty Period 10 years
Coverage All material defects and workmanship issues
Responsibility Contractor must repair/replace at no extra
cost
Response Time Repairs must be handled expediently
✅ Summary of Key Features
● ✔️ 5 mm thick durable FRP tank
● ✔️ Complete with inlet, outlet, drain, overflow, and vent
● ✔️ Lockable 70x70 cm manhole for inspection
● ✔️ 10-year supplier warranty
● ✔️ Reinforced C-25 concrete base with proper rebar
● ✔️ Sufficient freeboard and sludge zone for tank hygiene and function
● ✔️ Civil works included: excavation, backfill, pad, wall, drainage
This is a technical specification for a Water Pump system designed for domestic water
supply, typically used in buildings to pump water from a ground reservoir (like an
underground tank) to an elevated water tank (like an overhead tank). Here's a breakdown of
the key components and requirements:
1. Pump Type & Configuration
- Type: Electrical-driven centrifugal pump (standard-approved).
- Material Specifications:
- Pump Body: Cast iron (durable and corrosion-resistant).
- Motor Shaft: Stainless steel (to prevent rust).
- Impeller: Brass (resistant to wear and corrosion).
- Pump Setup:
- Two Pumps: One duty (operational) pump and one standby pump (backup in case the
primary fails).
- Common Suction & Delivery Lines: Both pumps share the same inlet (suction) and outlet
(delivery) pipes.
2. Automatic Operation
- The pump system starts and stops automatically based on water levels in:
- Elevated Water Tank (overhead tank) – Starts when water is low (minimum level) and
stops when full (maximum level).
- Ground Reservoir (underground tank) – Stops if the water level is too low to prevent dry
running.
- Control Mechanism: Uses automatic float switches (or equivalent sensors) to detect water
levels and trigger the pump.
3. Accessories & Components Included
- Valves:
- Non-return (check) valve – Prevents backflow of water.
- Gate valves – For manual isolation of pumps/pipes.
- Piping & Fittings: All necessary pipes, connectors, and supports.
- Electrical Control Panel: Houses switches, relays, and automation controls.
- Water Hammer Arrester: Prevents pressure surges (water hammer) that can damage
pipes.
- Concrete Pedestal: A sturdy base for mounting the pump.
- Float Valve: Regulates water flow into the tank.
- Cables & Wiring: For connecting float switches and control systems.
4. Cold Water Booster Pumps (Additional System)
- Purpose: Boosts water pressure for distribution from basement to roof tanks.
- Setup:
- One duty pump + one standby pump.
- Includes check valves, gate valves, piping, and electrical controls.
5. Cold Water Feeder Pump Specifications
- Flow Rate (Q): 1 liter per second (~3.6 m³/hour).
- Head (H): 10 meters (pressure to lift water vertically, adjustable based on site conditions).
6. Compliance & Installation
- Must follow approved standards (e.g., ISO, ANSI, or local regulations).
- Installation must match the layout in the pumping station drawings.
- Unit Price Includes: All devices, fittings, labor, and commissioning.
Summary
This specification describes a fully automated dual-pump system (main + backup) for
domestic water supply, ensuring continuous water flow from a ground tank to an overhead
tank. It includes automatic level control, corrosion-resistant materials, safety valves, and
anti-water hammer protection, along with a booster pump system for high-rise buildings. The
price covers everything from pumps to electrical controls and installation.
Explanation of "Ditto but Semi-Dressed Stone Masonry Above Natural Ground Level, Steps
and Ramp Externally Left for Pointing"
This specification builds on a previous description (referred to as "Ditto"—meaning the same
requirements apply unless modified) but introduces semi-dressed stone masonry for visible
above-ground structures, with additional details about steps, ramps, and pointing. Here’s a
detailed breakdown:
Semi-Dressed Stone Masonry Above Natural Ground Level"
- "Ditto" (Same as Prior Specs):
- Likely refers to foundation/substructure materials (e.g., excavated fill, hardcore, or
concrete footings) that remain unchanged below ground.
- Semi-Dressed Stone Masonry:
- Material: Natural stone, partially shaped ("semi-dressed") for a rustic but uniform
appearance.
- Compared to rough rubble masonry (unshaped) or ashlar masonry (fully precision-cut).
- Placement: Used only above natural ground level (for aesthetic/structural purposes).
- Typical Applications:
- Retaining walls, garden walls, or decorative façades.
2. "Steps and Ramp Which is Externally Left for Pointing"
- Steps & Ramp Construction:
- Made of the same semi-dressed stone masonry.
- Designed for pedestrian access (e.g., entrance stairs, wheelchair ramps).
- "Externally Left for Pointing":
- Pointing: The process of filling gaps (joints) between stones with mortar.
- "Externally Left" means:
- Mortar joints are intentionally recessed or left unfinished initially.
- Final pointing is done after construction for:
- Better adhesion (avoids mortar stains on stone faces).
- Neater aesthetics (clean, controlled joint lines).
Key Requirements Summary
Component Specification Purpose
--
Masonry Type Semi-dressed stone Balances natural look and structural stability
Application Above ground only (steps, ramp, walls) Visible surfaces demand better
finish
Pointing Method Joints filled externally post-construction Ensures durability and clean
appearance
3. Construction Sequence
1. Substructure (Below Ground):
- Built as per prior specs (e.g., compacted fill, hardcore, or footings).
2. Stone Masonry (Above Ground):
- Semi-dressed stones laid in courses (rows) with temporary spacers.
3. Pointing:
- After masonry sets, joints are raked out and filled with:
- Cement mortar (e.g., 1:3 mix) or lime mortar (for historic compatibility).
- Joint Finish Options:
- Recessed (durable, traditional).
- Flush (smooth, modern).
4. Why These Specifications?
- Semi-Dressed Stone:
- More affordable than fully dressed stone but tidier than rubble.
- Provides a natural yet structured appearance.
- Delayed Pointing:
- Prevents mortar smears on stone faces.
- Allows for precise joint finishing (critical for waterproofing).
