2010

Lay Out of a Septic Tank

Construction Studies Portfolio

Exam no: 115909 2/21/2010

Foreword
This document has been compiled by Ciaran Henderson as part of his 6th year construction studies course, all rights reserved. If you would like to find out more about Ciaran;

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Contents
1. Project Planning Pg4

2. Research and Investigation

Pg6

3. Design Of Artefact

Pg11

4. Realisation-Manufacture of Artefact

Pg15

5. Evaluation

Pg21

6. Experimental Work

Pg23

7. Appendix

Pg29

Project Planning
Introduction to project I plan to do primary research by talking to my father as we had a septic tank installed in 2005 and i plan to investigate whether or not the plans he had would be satisfactory to base my project on. I plan to do secondary research on the internet to find out about different kinds of septic tanks & their different uses.

Aims & Objectives for project I aim to achieve an A1 in my project to go towards points for my Leaving Cert. I aim to have a greater understanding of how a septic tank works so then i can apply this to my exam if this area comes up. I aim to apply my skills of planning, organizing and controlling to achieve the best possible effect that my project makes.

Time Management Strategy SeptemeberOctober: Planning stage OctoberFebruary: Construction stage FebruaryApril: Write up stage

Time Management

Write Up Construction Planning

Budget & Material Constraints Wood- Woodwork room for large pieces & home for offcuts. Plexiglass- Construction room. Insulation- Left over offcuts from attic conversion at home. Gravel- Spare bags are in the shed at home. If required io have allocated 25 for additional materials.

Research & Investigation

Analysis of project Project Brief: My objective in this project is to create a 1:100 scale model of a septic tank, percualation area and my adjoining house. The purpose of the house is to show the septic tank and perculation area in perspective to it. Because of my project i hope people will learn from it and gain a greater understanding of septic tanks.

Information needed: -An understanding of how a septic tank works. -Information on how to install a septic tank. -Dimensions of the layout of the septic tank & perculation area. -Dimensions of a house to compare the septic tank with.

Theoretical Investigation of project area How a septic tank works:

1. Sewage enters via the inlet T pipe and discharges to the lower of the tank. 2. Gravity pulls the solids in the sewage to the base and via anaerobic biological action, a scum layer can form on the surface. 3. Effluent (with a very low solids content) leaves via the outlet T pipe. This can then enter a second or third chamber and then leads to a soakaway field drainage system(percolation area)

Types of Septic tank systems:

Gravity septic system This is the basic system septic system used. Wastewater enters the septic tank at the T-inlet, the sludge settles in the tank and the scum floats to the top. The effluent then flows out of the tank to the drainfield/Percolation area. Septic tanks may have one or two compartments . two compartments do a better job at settling solids and are required for new systems. Tanks need to be emptied every 3-5 years, depending on the tank size, the amount and type of soilids entering the tank.

Early warning levels inside the tank-The bottom of the scum layer is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or baffle -the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet fitting.

The percolation area is a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel filled trenches. Effluent trickles out these pipes, through the gravel & into the soil. The size and type of each depends on the daily wastewater flow & soil conditions.

Pressure distribution septic system This is used in areas where the conventional system cannot ensure safe water treatment. It allows for1) Resting cycles. 2) Equal distribution of effluent. 3) Shallow placement of drainfield. This system works essentially the same way as the Gravity system, other than it contains another chamber with a pump that electronically controls the flow of effluent to the drainfield. It does this using control floats when they reach a certain level specific amounts of effluent are released.

This system also has an alarm float that when levels get too high in the tank it alerts the household, this prevents a build up of dangerous gasses and stops overflowing saving costs on emergancy call outs.

Mound septic system These are essentially the same as a pressure distrubution system other than the percualtion area is rasied up on a mound of sand with a gravel filled bed. These are used in areas where the ground is not suitable enough for drainage and so is raised up. This gives the effluent a greater distance to travel before reaching groundwater.

Sand septic system These are essentially the same as a pressure distrubution system other than the extra sand filter which allows for a high level of wastewater treatment. The sand filter is filled with specific sand material, a network of pipes is placed in a gravel-filled bed ontop of the sand. The septic tank effluent is pumped under low pressure through the pipes in controlled doses to insure even distribution. The gravel underdrain then collects the effluent and it travels to either a second pump for discharge or to a gravity flow drainfield.

Aerobic Treatment Unit ATUs are similar to standard septic systems in that they use natural processes to treat wastewater. But unlike conventional systems, ATUs also use oxygen to break down organic matter. These units have a main compartment (aeration chamber) in which air is forced and mixed with the wastewater. This creates an environment where bacteria are free-floating in the liquid and grow as they digest the solids.

Many units include a second chamber where solids, that the bacteria are unable to digest, settle. The two chambers are connected, so these undigested solids can be returned to the aeration chamber, either by gravity or a pump. It is this process of return and mixing that is important for effective operation.

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AdvanTex-AX Wastewater Treatment System Instead of using sand or gravel for the filtering media, the AdvanTex product line uses an engineered textile. Textile is much more efficient than sand or gravel because it has about five times more surface area. That's why, with textile filters, you can treat the same amount of wastewater in a fraction of the space. Drip irrigation This is a shallow, pressure-dosed system that equally distributes pre-treated wastewater at a slow rate over the entire drainfield, preventing saturation of the soil. This is not so much a septic tank than a way to reuse wastewater from a source such as septic tank effluent. This is a very effective way to use wastewater as leveling the field is not nessesary, you have the ability to irrigate irregular shaped fields & there is a lower labour cost in maintaining this system.

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Design of Artefact
Design idea for artefactMy inspiration for this project came from my personal life experiences. In October of 2000 me and my family moved into a new house in newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. The house at first seemed fine, just in need of a few minor repairs and spruce ups, however we soon discovered that the toilet was backing up due to a horrible homemade septic tank that was installed when the house was built. Because of this the toilets kept backing up and there was a terrible stench both outside and inside the house. We had to replace this with a brand new septic tank system at a cost of about 10,000.

The construction of this new septic tank took over 3 months to complete and the contracters had to dig up our entire back garden to install it. The septic tank itself was about 10ft in height and had to be lifted into place with a crane. The first step in the construction process was to dig a test hole to determine the drainage ability of the garden. After this was completed they could begin to dig the trenches for the perculation area and the hole for the septic tank. They then laid gravel into the trenches for the pipes and in the excavation for the septic tank and around the tank. These trenches were then covered over and buried. The septic tank was then manovered into place in the ground, and buried other than the diffusion inspection chamber for the settlement chamber and the inspection chamber for the air compressor.

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My original idea was to do a cut-through section of a septic tank and show all the inner workings of it. However i decided against this as i could not visualise the end reslult or see what materials i would require to carry out this kind of project. I also thought it would end up being quite intricate and small.

My next idea was to do a 1:1 scale of a perculation pipe and surrounding area, show all the different aggregate layers and the different distances required to achieve good drainage and to meet regulations. However i didnt use this project idea as i thought thata) It would end up being far too big. b) It would not be very interesting to construct/examine. c) It would not be much of a challenge for me.

The idea i finally decided on was to do a model of the layout of a septic tank and perculation area as this would present more of a challenge for me, would be interesting to look at and would aid me in my exam if a scale drawing happened to come up. I decided to do this model at a 1:100 scale.

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Working Drawings and design drawings for artefact Plan of septic tank & perculation area aquired from Architecht-

Cutting List Baseboard: 297 420 (size of an A3 sheet) Plexiglass-2x 420mm x200mm -2x650mm x20mm

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Template This will be used to measure the length & position of the wires when cutting them to represent the pipework of the perculation area. This will also be used to mark out the location of the trenches to be dug for this pipework. This will also be used for the location of the septic tank relevant to the perculation area.

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Manufacture of Artefact
Preparation of Materials Measuring the base board to the correct size (x) Measuring the plexiglass to the correct sizes (650x200) x2 and (420x200) x2. Aquiring of 3 different grades of aggregates -Large From my garden. -Medium From my Driveway. -Small From my dads work. Aquiring sand from my garden. Aquiring soil from the school grounds.

Marking out Used a set square & pencil to mark out the measurements on the baseboard. Used a red whiteboard marker to mark out the different levels of aggregates stone/sand/soil. Marked out the position for the screws with a gel pen 5mm up from the bottom of the baseboard and at equal intervals apart.

Processing of parts I pre-drilled holes through the bottom of each of the pieces of plexiglass so as the screws would fit into them smoothly & tightly. I then counter sunk each of these holes so as the screws would sit flush with the rest of the plexiglass & would not be unsightly. Got the teacher to cut the baseboard on the bandsaw for me so it would be perfect.

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AssemblyStep 1 Glued the edges of the baseboard & got a fellow student to help me. While he held the plexiglass against the baseboard one-by-one i drilled the screws through the pre-drilled holes in the plexiglass into the baseboard. Glued each of the corners of the box up to the top so the corners would stay together. Clamped it so it would dry in place.

Step 2 Placed a block of styrofoam in the center of the box toA) Take up room so i would not need as much stone. B) Make my project lighter. I then filled the bottom of the box with my first large stone aggregate up to the first red marking.

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Step 3 Firstly placed the 2nd layer of aggregates into the box(small stones) up to the red line & ensured it was even all the way around. Ontop of this I placed the 3rd layer of aggregates into the box(small gravel) up to the next red line.

Step 5 I then placed the next layer of aggregates into the box (sand) I used a broad flat piece of wood to scrape across the top of the sand to ensure it was flat and even.

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Step 6 For the final layer of aggregates i used a shoval to collect soil from the field beside my school. I then distubuted this soil evenly on the top of the previous layer of aggregates.

Step 7 Cut up and glued together wiring to the scale and size of the pipes. Cut out a template & used it to dig scale trenches in the correct location. Used a kinder egg as a scale septic tank as it happened to be the right size, painted it green and put it in place.

<-Template

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Step 8 Cut pieces of wood to scale to the size of my house. Nailed/glued the pieces together. Painted the house grey. Using a pencil and a ruler drew scale bricks onto the house. Using a hammer, tacked felt to the top of the house and trimmed it with a stanley knife. Cut scale batons and super-glued them onto the top of the roof. Using a chisel and mallet I cut up a large piece of slate into scale slates. I then superglued these slates in place in 3 rows.

Finishing To finish off the project i made small signs to be placed around my project to highlight important sections, such as the septic tank, perculation area and the location of the house. I also wiped off any of the red marker that was left on my project, earlier used to find the height each of the aggregates were going to come to.

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ModificationsTook place after step 3 I noticed that the glue i placed on the corners of the perspex in step 1 was not holding all the weight in the box together and it was starting to come apart. I therefore cut 4 small pieces of wood to fit into the corners. I then pre drilled holes in the perspex and counter-sunk them. Then I drilled 2 screws into each of these wooden pieces to tighten the box up.

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Evaluation of Project
Critical Appraisal of Project The original plan was good, and if i had of followed it more strictly my project may have turned out better. I should have had more foresight to recognise in the manufacturing of the project in step 1 that the glue I placed on each corner would not be enough to hold both the perspex box and its contents in. The step I took to attempt to rectify the problem, i see now, was not sufficient enough to keep the box satisfactorily together, as each of the walls of the perspex box began to split and come apart. If i was to do the project again, i would have placed a piece of wood all the way from the bottom to the top in each corner, glued and screwed this to the perspex so it would not come apart.

I now realise that the scale of 1:100 I manufactured the project to is far too small and if i was to repeat this project i would make the scale 25% larger and increase it to 1:75 so i could put more detail into the septic tank & perculation area. As it is the scale was too small to include things like Gravel around the perculation pipes. Detail in the septic tank(chambers, vents) The perferations in the perculation pipes.

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Personal Reflection I enjoyed working on my project overall and especially enjoyed being able to use my hands to create something that could be used to aid someone educationally. I also managed to learn How to layout a percualation area and septic tank. How to use many tools, including- chisel, mallet, hammer, drill and a stanley knife. How to manage my time and keep to a schedule. How to use many different substances such as- superglue, woodglue & paint.

I really enjoyed doing the experiments too as i got to see how things worked in a more practical way and really improved my understanding of aggregates, how they behave and how they may be used. Although i enjoyed doing the project and am happy with the end result i dont think that the amount of effort I put into my project is reflective of the amount of marks being awarded for it. The fact that the manufacture of the artefact is only worth 8% of the total marks awarded for construction studies is not really a fair reflection of the work put in. Completed Artefact

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Experimental work-To Test DPC

Introduction
In this experiment i will be determining the ability of DPC and proving that it functions and prevents rising dampness and eventual damage to a structure. This experiment was carried out between the 22nd of march & the 23rd of march 2010.

Preparation & Planning

Ensured that i had permission from Mr. Bergin the construction studies teacher to carry out this experiment in the construction room and leave it there overnight.

Materials Needed 1 large breeze block. 2 standard bricks. Equipment Needed Basin Scales I plan to-Place 1 large breeze block into a basin and fill up the basin to cover of the block. -Place block A straight ontop of the large block to use as a comparison. -Place block B ontop of the breeze block with DPC between the surfaces to prevent contact. -Weigh the blocks at the start, at 12hours and at 24 hours to compare.

Procedure
1. Place large breeze block into the basin. 2. Fill the basin until it covers of the large breeze block

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At start
3. Place block A directly ontop of the large breeze block to use as a comparison 4. Place DPC ontop of the large breeze block to the right of block A 5. Place block B ontop of the DPC ensuring that none of the block comes into contact with either the breeze block or block A. 6. Record the weight of both blocks after 12 hours and after After 24-hours 24 hours

Health and Safety Ensure the test is carried out in a isolated location to prevent tripping or spillage. Follow all safery rules in the Construction room.

Results
Origonal Weight After 12 hours 2537gms 2569 gms 2894gms 2894gms After 24 hours 2579gms 2891gms Weight change +42gms -3gms

Block A Block B(DPC)

Conclusion & Evaluation Of Results

The results of my experiment showed that block A(without DPC) gained 42grams in weight in a 24 hour period, while block B actually lost weight-i have determined this was because the block still retained moisture from being outside & dried out while inside. This proves that DPC not only works but is essential to all buildings as over time this rising dampness would severly damage the structural integrity of a building.

Comments

If i was repeating this experiment again i would have allowed the bricks to dry out properly before carrying out the test and i would have tested a few different materials (wood, cement, metal) to see which material carries the water fastest.

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Experimental work-Silt Test

Introduction
In this experiment i will be determining the percentage of silt in a sample of sand using a formula.

Preparation & Planning

Talked to Mr. Black the physics teacher and organised to do the experiment in the physics lab on the 25th Jan 2010 at 1pm.

Materials Needed 100ml Water. 50gms of sand. Equipment Needed Graduated cylinder. Trowel. I plan toShow that over time silt will form ontop of sand when left to settle. I will also show the percentage of silt in the sand.

Procedure
1. Fill the graduated cylinder with 50ml of water. 2.Fill the Cylinder until the level reaches 100ml.

3. Place 50ml of water in cylinder so it reaches 150ml altogther.

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4.Shake the Cylinder vigourously and leave to settle. 5.Take measurements after 1hour and 2hours.

Health and Safety Ensure the test is carried out in a place where no-one will spill the contents.

After 1 hour

Results
Height of silt layer X100 = % of silt Height of sand layer 5 X100 = 6.6 % Silt 75

Conclusion & Evaluation Of Results

The results of my experiment showed that when left to settle silt does indeed form ontop of sand. Although the level of silt may be very small it is significant enough to measure easily enough.
After 2 hours

Comments

If i was to do this experiment again i would use a larger graduated cylinder and i would double the amounts of sand and water so as to get a more accurate result and i would also record the heights every half hour instead of every hour- this should also ensure a more accurate result

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Experimental Work-The Moisture Content Of Aggregates

Introduction
In this experiment i will be showing the moisture content of aggregates(sand) by heating it up in a cylinder using a bunsun burner.

Preparation & Planning

I carried out this experiment on the same day as the previous experiment of the 25th January 2010 at 3pm.

Materials Needed 1kg of sand Equipment Needed Bunsen burner Cylinder Stand Timer Weighing scales

I plan toShow the moisture content in the sample of sand i have for this experiment.

Procedure
1. Place 1 kg of sand into the graduated cylinder(it weighs 261g)

2. Heat up the sample of sand and stir it. 3. Measure the weight of the sand every 30min until the weight doesnt drop anymore.

After 30 min

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After 1 hour

4.Place results in a table.

Health and Safety Ensure safety glasses, overalls and gloves are worn. Ensure the utmost care is taken when heating the cylinder. Ensure gas is switched off at the mains once finished.

Results
Time Start 30min 60min 90min Weight 1261grms 1251 grms 1240 grms 1225 grms Change 10 grms 11 grms 15 grms

Conclusion & Evaluation Of Results

Wet weight-dry weight X100 = % of moisture content Dry weight After 1 hours

1261-1225 1225

X100 = 2.9% moisture content

Comments

The test did indeed show the moisture content of the sand but at a very low level. If i was to do the experiment again i would use less sand to speed up the process of drying as i think i did not dry the sand in this experiment quite long enough. I would also try different types of aggreagates such as soil, gravel and pebbles.

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Appendix
All the following photos were taken by me or my fatherPg 6- Trench. Pg10- The septic tank. Pg13- The template. Pg13 The manufacturing of my project. 19 Pg20 Photos of my experiments. 25 Pg26 Evaluation photos. 27

All other images throughout the portfolio are thanks to http://www.google.ie/images