Ms. Shweta Kannan will present her APS as per the details below:
Date: 28th February 2025 (Friday)
Time: 1400 - 1500 hrs.
Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No. 1
Title: Investigation of Ferrocement Water Tank for Rural Areas
Guide: Prof. Chaaruchandra Korde
RPC Members: Prof. Satish Agnihotri, Prof. Swathy Manohar
Abstract :
With the government's ambitious goals, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission aimed at providing tapped water access for every household, the need for sustainable and cost-effective water storage solutions is becoming very crucial.
Ferrocement has various applications due to its unique mechanical properties, including eco-friendliness, high tensile strength, fire and water resistance, crack resistance, and durability. This research will investigate the feasibility of using bamboo as an alternative reinforcement material in ferrocement water tanks in rural India. Bamboo, due to its abundance, low cost, and sustainability, will offer a promising alternative to steel reinforcements, which are expensive and has a high embodied energy.
The research includes a comprehensive review of ferrocement technology, structural properties, construction methods, and durability with multi-faceted approach such as theoretical design calculations, analytical modelling using ANSYS, and test protocol development for material characterization, material testing to evaluate the mechanical properties of bamboo-reinforced ferrocement tanks. Field studies with construction of demonstration tanks using locally sourced bamboo and theoretical design calculations, including crack width assessments, will be performed to validate the serviceability and performance of bamboo-reinforced ferrocement structures along with surveys and user feedbacks about usability of ferrocement tanks in rural settings.
Key findings expected are the potential of bamboo-reinforced ferrocement technology in terms of structural integrity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Future research will focus on challenges such as enhancing material performance through durability testing, optimization of crack control strategies, and refinement of construction techniques. The outcome will provide a viable alternative for low-cost, sustainable water storage infrastructure, contributing to rural water security and sustainable development initiatives.