1.

1 General

Water is one of the most abundantly available natural resource. But with the passage of time
the water resources are diminishing. Today only 2.5 per cent of the entire world’s water is fresh
and hence is fit for human consumption, agriculture and industrial uses. In several parts of the
world, however, fresh water is being used at a rate which is much faster than the rate at which
it’s being replenished by rainfall. In 2025, the per capita water availability in India will be
reduced to 1500 cubic meters from 5000 in 1950. The United Nations warns that this shortage
of freshwater could be the most serious obstacle for production of enough food for a growing
national population, reducing poverty and protecting the environment. Hence the water scarcity
is going to be a critical problem if it is not treated now in its initial stage, so naturally there is
need of conservation of water to maintain water ground level for present and future as well.
Many of us think about the need of rain water harvesting, this is perhaps one of the most
frequently asked question. Rainwater Harvesting is a simple technique of catching and holding
rainwater before it’s drained into polluted natural water bodies, for reuse on site. In this
technique water is collected from rooftops, land surfaces or catchment. Either, we can store it in
tanks or we can use it to recharge groundwater depending upon the situation.
There are several reasons so as to “why harvest rainwater”? To arrest ground water table and
augment water table, to conserve rainwater during monsoon and use it in other drier seasons
and to instigate culture of conservation of water for sustainable development. Because
rainwater is source of freshwater so it can be used as potable water or non-potable water. For
non potable uses water can be used for washing, gardening etc. This water can also be used for
drinking, obviously after treating it through several processes.
1.2 History of Rain Water Harvesting
In Baluchistan (parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan & Iran) and Kutch, circa 3rd B.C., evidence
suggests that Rain Water System was practiced. In ancient Tamil Nadu, rainwater harvesting
was done by Chola Kings. Rainwater from the Brihadeshwarar Temple was collected in
Shivaganga Tank. During the later Chola period, the Viranam Tank was built (1101 to 1037
CE) in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu to store water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Viranam is a 16 km (9.9 mi) long tank with a storage capacity of 1465000000 cubic feet
(41500000 m3).
Rainwater harvesting was done in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and
Chhattisgarh in olden days.

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Ratanpur, in the state of Chhattisgarh had around 150 ponds. Most of these tanks or ponds were
utilized for agricultural purposes.

1.3 Contemporary Rain Water Harvesting practices

Currently in China and Brazil, rooftop rainwater harvesting is being practiced for providing
drinking water, domestic water, water for livestock, water for small irrigation schemes and
recharging ground water. Gansu province in China and semi-arid portions of North-East Brazil,
have the largest rooftop rainwater harvesting projects ongoing.
In Bermuda, the law requires all new constructions to include rainwater harvesting, adequate
for the residents. The U.S. Virgin Islands have a similar law.
Interestingly, in Colorado, United States till 2009, water rights laws almost completely
restricted rainwater harvesting. A property owner who captured rainwater was deemed to be
stealing it from those who had rights to take water from the watershed. Now residential well
owners that meet certain criteria may obtain a permit to install a rooftop precipitation collection
system. The main factor which brought out this change was a 2007 study, whose conclusion
stated that a year on average 97% of the precipitation that felt on Douglas County, in the
southern suburbs of Denver, never reached a stream. This water was used by plants or
evaporated on the ground.
In Beijing, some housing societies are now adding rain water in their main water sources after
proper treatment.
1.4 Rainwater harvesting in India
Rainwater harvesting culture is not new to India, people used to collect rainwater in ponds and
talabs in ancient era. And also in present era some of the major cities in which rainwater
harvesting has already been implemented are Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. This is also
necessary from several points of view:
1) Variation in rainfall in India in different seasons.
2) For agricultural purposes.
Keeping in view scarcity of water at every level, rainwater harvesting is absolutely necessary.
As stated earlier that in India program of rain water harvesting has started in many cities as
Delhi, Tamil Nadu & Bengaluru. This scheme was started in Tamil Nadu in 2001 and it had a
tremendous impact in recharging the groundwater table all over the state. It has been included
in District Municipalities Act, 1920 and Building Rules 1973, to provide Rain Water
Harvesting structures in all new buildings. Total no. of buildings in Town Panchayats is
23,92,457 out of which 22,94,342 buildings are provided with Rain Water Harvesting facilities.

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1.5 Prospect of Rain Water Harvesting system for Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Engg. College
Sundernagar, HP
Although the college’s campus do not suffer from any conspicuous water scarcity issues, but
still the notion of sustainable development and Eco- Construction dictates that such a system
can be helpful in long run in cutting water bills and would also bring other advantages tagged
with such as system.
Moreover such a project can help in disseminating such practices and can instigate such
practices in surrounding areas.
1.6 Aim of project
To propose a Rain Water Harvesting system for Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Engg. College,
Sundernagar, HP.
1.7 Objectives of project
1) Procurement of rainfall data from meteorological department.
2) Obtaining drawings of college buildings for area calculation.
3) Collection of soil data for construction of water tank.
1.8 Features of Rainwater Harvesting
1) Reduces urban flooding.
2) System is easy to construct.
3) Economically cheaper in construction compared to other sources, i.e. dams, diversion, etc.
4) Rainwater harvesting is ideal for areas with inadequate groundwater or surface resources.
5) Helps in utilizing the primary source of water and prevents the runoff from going into sewer
or storm drains, thereby reducing the load on treatment plants.
6) Can be used for recharging the aquifers.

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2.1 Introduction
In order to study past of “Rain water harvesting” literature survey has been done. Journals,
Research papers, technical documents related to water harvesting etc. were studied for this
project. Some of reputed websites from internet were also used and relevant studies are
described below for the finalization of the present topic.
2.2 World’s largest rain water harvesting project in Karnataka
A. R. Shivakumar ,KarnatakaStateCouncil for Science and Technology, IndianInstitute of
Science, Bengaluru 560 012,India. E-mail: rwhkscst@vsnl.net
This document describes that The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology
(KSCST) has undertaken steps to promote, implement and create awareness on “sustainable
water harvesting” and “groundwater recharge concepts”.Rain Water Harvesting consists of
rooftop water harvesting, harvesting water from open areas such as paved ways, parks, roads,
fields using lakes and ponds. One among the three projects initiated by the council, namely
“Rainwater harvesting in rural Karnataka” funded by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj
Department (RDPR), Government of Karnataka is probably the largest rainwater harvesting
project in the world. All the schools of Karnataka were carefully studied for the water
availability, quality (fluoride contamination) and proximity to the secondary water source
.Under this program 23,683 schools were identified in the first phase to provide drinking water
through rooftop rainwater harvesting using a very simple but rugged system. The Rain Water
Harvesting systems for schools tames rooftop rainwater and which is channelized through PVC
pipes or gutters (PVC pipes slit into two halves) and stored in a fully enclosed surface tank. The
rainwater is filtered through a sand bed filter built over the surface tank before storing. A first
flush separator is part of the pipeline which allows the initial rainwater to be flushed out with
the contaminants on the roof and subsequent, relatively cleaner water is allowed to pass
through sand bed filter to be stored in the tank.
A systematic training and awareness programs was conducted for all the stake holders across
the state at various levels (From officers at the planning level in the government to plumbers
and masons in the field at remote villages). A series of training programs (June–August 2005)
were conducted at Divisional level and subsequently at District level during the beginning of
the programs. For effective monitoring and incorporating midcourse corrections at the
implementation stage, a second series of training programs was conducted (July–August 2006)
in all the 27 districts of Karnataka involving all the stake holders of the programs. Trained
engineers, planners, contractors, plumbers and officials are now involved in the installation of
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Rain Water Harvesting systems in the schools and monitoring the performance. By June 2006
around 9000 schools had the Rain Water Harvesting system installed to receive rainwater. A
Rain Water Harvesting manual called Amruthavarshini (A guide for rainwater harvesting) has
been published by KSCST with all the details for effective implementation of the program.
KSCST has taken Rain Water Harvesting projects from VidhanSabha to a rural village house.
Upon successful implementation of the planned activities, Karnataka State will be the first state
in the country to have Rain Water Harvesting system installed and working to harvest rainwater
for drinking water needs in every village in it.
2.3 Pilot project on rain water harvesting in manipur, report submitted to state science &
technology council on April 2004,mastec@nic.in.
This document stated that Community problems can be solved with the help of low cost Rain
Water Harvesting system. Manipur state (22,327 sq. km geographical area) is situated in the
North-Eastern corner of the country, 90% of the total geographical area of which is essentially
hilly terrain and the rest (10%) falls in plains category. The Valley of Manipur lies at an
altitude of about 780 m above mean sea level and occupies the central portion of the state and it
gradually slopes from north to south. The state falls in one of the rainiest regions in the country
and receives appreciable amount of unevenly distributed precipitation through out the year,
with peak rainfall during monsoon period. However, because of the hilly topography, water is
drained quickly after rainfall. Tap water from state Public Health Engineering Department is
not adequate to meet the increasing demands of the people even in the urban areas. Acute
shortage of drinking water has been a prominent problem being faced by the people during the
past few decades. In the hills, women have to make routine long distance walks to fetch water
from the rivers/ streams/ springs etc. Due to the fact that region is hilly, underground water
exploration as well as exploitation does not seem feasible and rooftop rain water harvesting
seems be the appropriate system to be adopted so as to mitigate shortage of water.
The region experiences sub tropical to temperate climate with appreciable special variation
showing highly contrasting meteorological conditions across the state. The annual precipitation
varies from 2194 mm to 4516 mm as recorded in the western region and 2943 mm in the south
and 1785 mm in the central part of the state. Among the existing houses in the state, about50%
of the houses, mostly in the rural areas, consists of galvanized corrugated iron slanted roofed
sheets and about 20% houses mostly in the towns are RCC buildings and the remaining are
thatched roofed houses in the village areas. Most of the community halls, churches, Schools,
temples etc. have CGI roofs. CGI sheets are suitable for rain water collection system. There is

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an attempt to introduce ferro-cement tank for storage of roof top rain water and install it in
some select places as part of rain water harvesting system in the region.
2.4 Youth red cross circle and rainwater harvesting campaign, Trichandra multiple
campus Kathmandu2005
The main objectives of this project were to disseminate Rain Water Harvesting knowledge to
the student visitors and trainees, Promotions of values based water education and to attract
institution to sustain the Rain center. Reviving the past glory of Rani Pokri, NGO forum in
association with Youth Red Cross Circle Tri Chandra Campus and Kathmandu metropolitan
city installed Rain Water Harvesting system with support of UN Habitat water for Asians cities
Program 2006. The system serves three main purposes, major portion of harvested water refills
ponds and some portion of it’s stored in 500 liters tanks, over flow of storage is recharged into
ground through pits. The stored water serves as drinking water for college treated through bio-
sand filter at rain center.
2.5 Rainwater harvesting J.R. Julius, Dr. R. Angeline Prabhavathy, Dr.G.Ravikumar
Research Scholar, Hindustan University, Chennai, India; International Journal of Scientific &
Engineering Research, Volume 4, Issue 8, August-2013 276 ISSN 2229-5518.
With the increase in world population, the demand for quality drinking water is increasing.
Surface and groundwater resources are being utilized at a rate much faster than the rate with
which they are being recharged. Rainwater harvesting is an old practice that is being adopted
by many nations as a viable decentralized water resource. This paper reviews the methods,
design of rainwater harvesting systems and its impacts adopted in all parts of the world.
2.6 Evaluating the impacts of rainwater harvesting (Rain Water Harvesting) in a case
study catchment: The Arvari river, Rajasthan, India a thesis submitted to Faculty of
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources the University of Sydney 2009.
The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the impacts of Rain Water. Harvesting,
specifically designed to increase groundwater recharge, as this is important for effective
implementation of Watershed development programs in India. The major contribution from this
study is a methodology to systematically examine the impact of Rain Water Harvesting
development in a catchment. In many areas of India, increasing groundwater use has led to
depleted aquifers. Rainwater harvesting, the small scale collection and storage of runoff to
augment Groundwater stores, is seen as a solution to the deepening groundwater crisis in India.
The thesis here will endeavor to address this research gap through a case study of the
476sq.km un-gauged semi-arid Arvari River catchment in the state of Rajasthan. Over 366 Rain
Water Harvesting structures have been built in this catchment since1985 by the community and
the local non-government organization (NGO), Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS).
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2.7 Examining the social acceptability of cisterns in rainwater harvesting for residential
use, a thesis presented to the University Of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2010.
As water infrastructure in urban Ontario strains to meet the demands of a growing population,
alternatives to the conventional water supply approach that complement demand management
strategies are important to enable more sustainable water use at the household level. The
adoption of rainwater harvesting, for indoor and outdoor uses by single-family households can
reduce a household’s withdrawals on municipal water by 30% if rainwater is used for toilet
flushing, laundry and outdoor uses .The amount of potable water savings because of Rain
Water Harvesting is influenced by the rate of adoption and the allowed uses of rainwater at the
individual household scale. The adoption of Rain Water Harvesting systems would lead to
reductions in potable water demand, which, in turn would lead to reduced demands on
municipal water sources (e.g., groundwater or surface water), and storm water infrastructure
resulting in overall reduced ecosystem stress and increased resiliency for climate change.
2.8 Department Of Civil Engineering National Institute Of Technology Rourkela, 2010
The paper pertaining to this department dealt with all aspects of improving the water scarcity
problem in the NIT Rourkela campus by implementing ancient techniques of rainwater
Harvesting. Two alternatives have been suggested for tank design, which takes separate
approaches towards the consumption of harvested rainwater.
2.9 Amruthavarshini a guide for rainwater harvesting published by Karnataka state Council
for Science and Technology, September 2010.
Amruthavarshini a guide for rain water harvesting was published in March 2005 by KSCST.
The objective of this program is to inspire people to participate in Rain Water Harvesting
program and create awareness about the need for conservation of water. Mr. A.R Shiva Kumar
wrote this book. His innovative ideas and practical illustration in this book help policy makers
and those who are contemplating to adopt ecofriendly practice.
2.10 Aaj Bhi Kharey Hain Talab, Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boondein by Anupam Mishra,
Indian Water Portal.
In Aaj Bhi Kharey Hain Talab, author documents the life and work of several individuals and
communities, across the country, whilst setting up water harvesting and management systems
through talabs. And in Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boondein, author discusses explicitly the various
manners in which the locals of Rajasthan have harvested water over the ages.

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3.1 General
Rainwater, which is easily available and is the purest form of water, would be an immediate
source to augment the existing water supply by “catching water wherever it falls”. Rainwater
harvesting has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional perennial source of water in the
hilly areas, in places where the level of the fluoride and arsenic is above permissible limits and
in urban areas facing water shortage and flooding during monsoons.
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater in scientific and
controlled manner for future use. Rainwater harvesting in urban areas include roof top rain
water harvesting, harvesting water from paved and unpaved areas (open field, parks and
landscapes) and storing water in open ponds, lakes, tanks etc.
3.2 Advantages of rain water harvesting system
• Provides self-sufficiency to water supply.

• Reduces the cost of water supply system as pumping of ground water isn’t required.

• Provides high quality water which is chemically soft and devoid of minerals.

• Improves the quality of ground water through dilution when it’s recharged.

• Reduces soil erosion & flooding in urban areas.

• The rooftop rain water harvesting is cheap& easy to construct, operate and maintain.

• In deserts, Rain Water Harvesting is perhaps the only option.

• In saline or coastal areas & Islands, rain water provides good quality water.

3.3 Components of Rainwater Harvesting System.

A rainwater harvesting system comprises various components –
 Transporting rainwater through pipes or drains: It includes system of gutters and
downpipes which takes water to filtration chamber/ tank.

 Filtration: It includes filtering water so that it’s fit for consumption in intended way.

 Storage: Water collected is stored in a designed water tank. And from this tank, water is
supplied to desired locations or for ground water recharge.

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Above mentioned components are shown on the next page.

Fig. 3.1 Components of rain water harvesting system.

The common components of a rainwater harvesting system involved in these stages are
illustrated above.
3.3.1 Catchments
The catchment of a water harvesting system is the surface which directly receives the rainfall
and provides water to the system. It can be a paved area like a terrace or courtyard of a
building, or an unpaved area like a lawn or open ground. A roof made of reinforced cement
concrete (RCC), galvanized iron or corrugated sheets can also be used for water harvesting.

Fig. 3.2 Catchment of rain water harvesting system

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This figure shows catchment area made of galvanized iron or corrugated sheets
3.3.2. Coarse Mesh
Coarse mesh is provided at the roof to prevent the passage of debris.

Fig. 3.3 Coarse mesh of rain water harvesting system.

This figure shows the coarse mesh provided at the roof.
3.3.3. Gutters
These are the channels all around the edge of a sloping roof to collect and transport rainwater to
the storage tank. Gutters can be semi-circular or rectangular and could be made using:
• Locally available material such as plain galvanized iron sheet (20 to 22 gauge), folded
to required shapes.
• Semi-circular gutters of PVC material can be readily prepared by cutting those pipes
into two equal semi-circular channels.
• Bamboo or betel trunks cut vertically in half.
The size of the gutter should be according to the flow during the highest intensity rain. It is
advisable to make them oversized by a factor of 10 to 15 percent.
Gutters need to be supported so they do not sag or fall off when loaded with water. The way in
which gutters are fixed depends on the construction of the house; it is possible to fix iron or
timber brackets into the walls, but for houses having wider eaves some method of attachment to
the rafters is necessary.

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 Fig.3.4 Gutters of rain water harvesting system.
This figure shows the gutter arrangement for Rain Water Harvesting.
3.3.4. Conduits
Conduits are pipelines or drains that carry rainwater from the catchment or rooftop area to the
harvesting system. Conduits can be of any material like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or
Galvanized Iron (GI) materials that are commonly available.

Fig. 3.5 Conduits of rain water harvesting system.

This figure shows the conduits which are used in rain water harvesting system.
3.3.5. First-Flushing
A first flush device is a valve that ensures that runoff from the first spell of rain is flushed out
and does not enter the system. This needs to be done since the first spell of rain carries a
relatively larger amount of pollutants from the air and catchment surface.

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 Fig. 3.6 First flush system of rain water harvesting system.
This figure shows the arrangement of first flushing system of rain water harvesting system.
3.3.6. Filter
The filter is used to remove suspended pollutants from rainwater collected over roof. A filter
unit is a chamber filled with filtering media such as fibers, coarse sand and gravel layers to
remove debris and dirt from water, before it enters the storage tank or the recharge structure.
Charcoal can be added for additional filtration
3.3.6.1. Charcoal water filter
A simple charcoal filter can be made in a drum or an earthen pot. The filter is made of gravel,
sand and charcoal, all of which are easily available.

Fig 3.7 Charcoal water filter for Rain Water Harvesting system.
This figure shows different layers of charcoal water filter of rain water harvesting system.
3.3.6.2. Sand filters
Sand filters use commonly available sand as filter media. Sand filters are easy and inexpensive
to construct. These filters can be employed for treatment of water to effectively remove
turbidity (caused by suspended particles like silt and clay), color and some microorganisms.

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 Fig.3.8 Sand filter of rain water harvesting system.
This figure shows different layers of Sand filter of rain water harvesting system.
3.3.7. Storage tanks
Rain water can be stored in tanks for harvesting the roof top rain water. These tanks may be
constructed on the surfaces as well as underground by utilizing local material. The size of the
tank depends upon the availability of runoff and water demand. After proper chlorination, the
stored water may be used for drinking purpose.

Fig. 3.9 Storage tank of rain water harvesting system

This figure shows arrangement of storage tank used in rain water harvesting system.Other
components like catchment, gutters,downpipes, first flushing system &filter are also shown.
3.3.8. Recharge pits.
Rain water can also be infiltrated into the ground water. Recharge pits are constructed for
recharging the shallow aquifers. These are constructed 1 to 2 m wide and 2 to 3 m deep which
are back filled with boulders, gravels and coarse sands. The size of filter material is generally
taken as below:
Coarse sand: 1.5 – 2 mm
Gravels: 5 – 10 mm

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 Fig3. 10 Recharge pits of rain water harvesting system.
This figure shows arrangement of recharge pits used in rain water harvesting system
3.3.10.Trenches
These are constructed when the permeable stratum is available at shallow depth. Trench may be
0.5 to 1 m wide, 1 to 1.5m deep and 10 to 20 m long depending upon availability of water.
These are back filled with filter materials.

Fig. 3.11 Trench of rain water harvesting system.

This figure shows the trench used in rain water harvesting system.
3.3.11.Recharge wells
Recharge wells of 100 to 300 mm diameter are generally constructed for recharging the deeper
aquifers and water is passed through filter media to avoid choking of recharge wells.

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 Fig.3.12 Recharge well of rain water harvesting system.
This figure shows arrangement of recharge well used in rain water harvesting system .Other
components like catchment, gutters, downpipes, first flushing system & filter are also shown.
3.3.13.Conveyance
Conveyance system can be the catchment itself acting as a sheet runoff. For rooftops, rainwater
gutter and rainwater down pipes are conveyance systems, which are needed to be designed
appropriately so as to manage the severest intensity of rain and so as to prevent any loss of
water during the conveyance process. Storm water drains, French drains with pebbles are also
used as conveyance system.

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4.1 Rationing method (RM)
The Rationing method distributes stored rainwater to target public in such a way that the
rainwater tank is able to provide water required for maximum period of time.
This can be done by limiting the water demand per person.
Suppose in this method amount of water supplied to students is limited which is equal to, say,
100 L/ day/ capita.
Again, Number of students at hostel hall = 300
Then Total amount of water consumption /day =300X 0.1=30 m3/day
Total number of days preserved water can be utilized = stored water/ water demand
For hostel hall (sample hall), volume of water stored in tank was taken =3600 m3(approx.).
Hence finally, no. of days = 3600/30=120 days (4 months)
4.2 Rapid depletion method (RDM)
In RDM, there is no restriction on the use of harvested rainwater by consumer. Consumer is
allowed to use the preserved water as per there requirement, resulting in less no. of days for
which preserved water serves. The rain water tank in this method is considered to be source of
water for consumer &alternate source of water has to be used till next rain, if it runs dry.
For example if we assume per capita water demand =150 L /day =0.15 m3/day
Total amount of water consumption /day =300x0.15=45 m3/day
Total no. of days, preserved water can be utilized =stored water/water demand = 3600/45=80
days (2.67 months).
Hence, finally it is observed that, if the amount of water stored is equal to 3600 m 3, then
applying
1. RDM , consumer can only utilize the preserved stored water for about 80 days(2.67 months).
2. RM, preserved stored water can be utilized for a period of 120 days (4 months).
4.3 Volume calculation
The roof area of the following buildings have been taken under consideration
• Block A (Administration block)
• Block B,C
• Block D
• Block E (Workshop)
• Hostel (Boys & girls)
• Residence colony(Principal & staff)

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Area calculation
Block A + Block B+ Block C + Block D + Block E+ Hostel+ Residence = X m2
Precipitation calculation
Average precipitation of 10 years for a particular month = P mm/ month
Runoff Coefficient
Runoff coefficient for roof area = k
Discharge calculation
Let Q be the discharge of collected rainfall of one month
Q= k*X*P l/month
Water demand
W.D= Y lpcd
Inflow rate of storage tank = (Q/30 - Y) l/day
Volume of the storage tank = Inflow rate * Time period
Dimensions of the tank
Let H be the height of the storage tank
Surface area = V/H
Length = breadth= (A )1/2
Where V = Volume of the tank
A = Area of tank
4.4 Design of the underground rectangular water tank
Step 1
Design of the roof slab
Size = L*B
L/B > 2 (Designed as one way slab)
Where , L = Length of slab
B = breadth of slab
Steps for the design of one way slab
• Find the depth of the slab .Let it be d & overall depth=D.
• Calculate the total load on the slab(W)
• Calculate the moment
M = 1.5WL2 /8
MU,lim = 1.38fckbd2
MU,lim > M
Where M =Factored moment

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 • Calculation for area of steel
M = 0.87fyAstd(1-Ast*fy/bd*fck)
Where, Ast = area of steel
fy= permissible stress of steel
fck = characteristics strength
b = width of beam
Using mm φ dia bars
• Spacing of bars
S =area of one bar *1000/area of steel
Where, S =Spacing b/w the bars
Step 2
Design of walls
These are designed with working stress method to avoid the leakage problems.
Design of long wall
a)When tank is empty
Active earth pressure exerted on the wall is given by
ph = KHβs+ βw H
Where, K = Rankine coefficient of earth pressure
Βs = unit wt. of Submerged soil =βs -βw
H =Total depth of tank
βw= Unit wt. of water
K =1 –Sinφ/1+Sinφ
Where, Φ is angle of repose
Moment calculation
M = ½ phH *H/3
Depth of balanced section
d = ( M/k*b)1/2
Where , k = ½σcbcn j
σcbc= Permissible stresses in concrete
n = mσcbc/mσcbc+σst
m = 280 /3σcbc
j = ( 1-n/3)
Let D be overall depth

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Area of reinforcement
Ast =M/0.87 fy d
Provide φ mm bars at S mm c/c near outer face of wall
Spacing of bars
S = Area of one bar *1000/Ast
Alternate bars may be curtailed
(b) When tank is full & no earth pressure
ph= βw H
Moment calculation
M =1/2 PhH*H/3
Area calculation
Ast = M/0.87 fy d
Using φ mm bars & provide S mm c/c spacing on inner face in vertical direction
S = Area of one bar *1000/Ast
Horizontal bars in long walls
since long wall is predominantly acting as a cantilever, distribution steel is provided & checked
for axial tension when tank is full without earth pressure from outside.
If thickness of wall > 225 then
Ast= 0.3 b D /100
If thickness of wall < 225 then
Ast = 0.2 b D/100
Using φ mm bars & provide S mm c/c spacing .these bars hold the vertical steel provided for
cantilever action.
Check for direct tension
TL = βw(H –h)B/2
Area of steel required = TL/ σst < Area of steel provided
Design of short wall
(a)Design of lower portion for cantilever action (Vertical reinforcement)
H = H /4 or 1 m whichever is more
When tank is empty & soil is saturated
ph. is pressure exerted by saturated soil
M = 1/2 PhH *H /3
Ast = M /σstjd

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When tank is full & no earth fill
Ph is pressure exerted by water
M = 1/2 PhH *H /3
Ast = M /σstjd
Provide minimum reinforcement in vertical direction near the both faces.
(b)Design of top
Ph = K(H-h)βs’ + βw( H-h)
Moment at support
M = Ph L2/12
Where, L = Effective span length
Area calculation
Ast = M/0.87 fy d
Moment at mid span = half of the support moment
Hence,Ast at center =1/2 Ast of the support
At support, Using φ mm bars & provide S mm c/c spacing (near the outer face)
At middle portion alternate bars may be bent inside.
Step 3
Design of bottom slab: –
Assuming thickness of bottom slab(t)
H = Height of tank + t
Upward pressure when soil is saturated
ph= βw H
The bottom slab is to be projected beyond walls of tank so that soil over it helps in avoiding
floatation of tank .let it be x meters.
Downward loads
• Wt. of top slab (w1)
• Wt. of long walls (w2)
• Wt. of short walls (w3)
• Wt. of bottom slab (w4)
Moment at center of slab
Let M be cantilever moment at the face of slab
Thickness of slab required for balanced section = (M /kb )1/2
Area of reinforcement
Ast = M/0.87 fy d

20
Using φ mm bars & provide S mm c/c spacing.
Similarly, calculate area of reinforcement required in middle portion & bottom of slab .
Distribution steel
Ast = 0.3 b D /100
Ast on each face = Ast /2
Using φ mm bars & provide S mm c/c spacing in longitudinal direction near both faces .

21
5.1 The roof area of various buildings
• Block A (Administration block) =1378m2
• Block B = 1006.6205m2
• Block C = 737.901m2
• Block D = 1034.38 m2
• Block E (Workshop) = 937m2
• Hostel (Boys & girls) = 718.75m2
• Residence colony(Principal & staff) =1500m2
• Paved surface area =3881.665m2
• Unpaved surface area = 1157.05m2
• Grassland area = 3700m 2
• Block A + Block B+ Block C + Block D + Block E+ Hostel+ Residence = 7313.256
m2
5.2 Precipitation calculation
Table 5.1 Monthly Rainfall Variation
MONTH PRECIPITATION PER MONTH (mm)
JANUARY 40.8
FEBRUARY 60.648
MARCH 41.014
APRIL 46.2
MAY 42.48
JUNE 150
JULY 282.48
AUGUST 336.24
SEPTEMBER 160.8
OCTOBER 8.64
NOVEMBER 9.84
DECEMBER 20.832
This table shows the average monthly rainfall (based on data for past 10 years).

22
 400
350
300
250
200
150
PRECIPITAION(mm/mont
100
h)
50
0

Fig.5.2 Monthly rainfall variation

The bar chart explains the variation of precipitation graphically. The precipitation is as large as
in the month of July and August while as least as October and November.
5.3 Volume calculation
Table 5.2 Volume of approximate rooftop rainfall
MONTH PRECIPITA VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME
TION PER (BLOCK- BLOCK- (BLOCK- (BLOCK- (BLOCK (HOSTEL (RESISDE
MONTH A) in mm B) in mm C)in mm D)in mm -E) ) (m3) NCE)(m3)
(mm)
JANUARY 40.8 56.224 41.07 30.106 42.202 38.299 29.32 61.2
FEBUARY 60.648 83.572 61.049 44.752 62.733 56.827 43.592 90.972
MARCH 41.014 56.553 41.311 30.283 42.424 38.479 29.498 61.56
APRIL 46.2 63.663 46.505 34.091 47.788 43.317 33.207 69.3
MAY 42.48 58.537 42.761 31.346 43.94 39.823 30.533 63.72
JUNE 150 206.7 150.99 110.685 155.157 140.64 107.817 225
JULY 282.48 389.25 284.35 208.442 292.191 264.85 203.04 423.72
AUGUST 336.24 463.33 338.46 248.111 347.799 315.25 241.797 504.36
SEPTEMBER 160.8 221.58 161.84 118.654 166.328 150.76 115.579 241.2
OCTOBER 8.64 11.905 8.697 6.375 8.937 8.100 6.210 12.96
NOVEMBER 9.84 13.559 9.905 7.26 10.178 9.225 7.072 14.76
DECEMBER 20.832 28.706 20.969 15.371 21.548 19.532 14.973 31.248
TOTAL 1597 907.87 854.128 1209.495 1125.1 862.634 1800

23
 600

500

400 V(BLOCK-A)m3

300 V(BLOCK-B)m3
V(BLOCK-C)m3
200
V(BLOCK-E)m3

100 v(HOSTEL)m3
V(RESIDENCE)m3
0

Fig.5.3 Volume of rainwater collected over rooftops per month

5.4Runoff Coefficient Values
Runoff coefficient for roof area = 0.825
Runoff coefficient for unpaved surface area =0.2
Runoff coefficient for paved surface area =0.625
Runoff coefficient for grass land = 0.15
Table5. Volume of approximate rooftop rainfall
MONTH PRECIPITATITION VOLUME OF VOLUME OF VOLUME OF
PER MONTH(mm) UNPAVED PAVED GRASS LAND
SURFACE SURFACE AREA(m3)
AREA(m3) AREA(m3)
JANURARY 40.8 47.207 158.371 150.960
FEBURARY 60.648 70.172 235.415 224.397
MARCH 41.04 47.484 159.303 151.848
APRIL 46.2 53.455 179.332 170.940
MAY 42.48 49.151 164.893 157.176
JUNE 150 173.557 582.249 555
JULY 282.48 326.843 1096.492 1045.176
AUGUST 336.24 389.046 1305.171 1244.044
SEPTEMBER 160.8 186.053 624.171 594.960
OCTOBER 8.64 9.996 33.537 31.968
NOVEMBER 9.84 11.385 38.195 36.408
DECEMBER 20.834 24.105 80.870 77.085
TOTAL 1388.454 4656.99 4439.96

This table shows the volume collected from different surface areas and it’s evident that
maximum runoff is contributed by paved surface area.
24
 1400

1200

1000

800
V(Unpaved surface area) in m3
600
V(Paved surface area)in m3
400 V(Grassland area)in m3

200

0
FEBRUARY
JANUARY

APRIL

JUNE
MARCH

SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
JULY
MAY

NOVEMBER
OCTOBER

DECEMBER
Fig.5.4 Volume collected from different surface areas.
This figure shows the volume collected from different surface areas.
5.5 Discharge calculations
Let Q be the discharge of collected volume V
Q = k*X*P m3/month
Where, X = Average total volume of 12 months
Total discharge (surface volume + roof volume)
Discharge of roof water =0.825*8356.2 = 6893.9m3/year
Discharge of unpaved surface water = 0.2*1388.454 =277.694 m3/year
Discharge of paved water=0.625*4656.99 = 2910.661 m3/year
Discharge of grassland area= 0.15*4439.96 =665.994 m3/year
Total discharge (Q) = 10748.249m3/12= 895.66m3 /month

25
5.6. Water demand
Table 5.4.Monthly water demand (Based on the data provided by IPH Deptt. Sundernagar.)
POPULATION DESCRIPTION RATE OF MONTHLY WATER
SUPPLY(excluding DEMAND
drinking water) in (in m3/month)
lpcd
1640 STUDENTS 30 14476
600 FACULY 185 3330
RESIDENCE
150 FACULY 35 157.5
6 PRINCIPAL 185 33.33
RESIDENCE
120 BOYS HOSTEL 165 594
120 GIRLS HOSTEL 165 594
This table shows water demand for various purposes.

Monthly water demand(m3/month)

STUDENTS
FACULTY RESIDENCE
FACUTY
PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE
BOYS HOSTEL
GIRLS HOSTEL

Fig. 5.5 Monthly water demand.

This figure shows water demand for various purposes.
5.7 Utilization of harnessed water
The requirement of only one hostel has been fulfilled from the stored water.
Water demand for hostel = 594 m3
5.8 Volume of storage tank
Volume per month= (895.66-594) = 301.66 m3
26
5.9 Dimensions of the storage tank
Surface area = Volume /depth
Assume depth = 6m
So surface area = 301.66/6 = 50.27 m2
Provide tank of size (12*6*4.5) m3

27
6.1Design steps
In the design of tank it consists of various parts
1. Design of roof slab.
2. Design of long wall.
3. Design of short wall.
4. Design of bottom slab.
6.1.1Design of roof slab
Roof slab will be designed as one way slab because of l/b>2.
According to IS 456-2007
d = l/25 = 240 mm
Taking cover= 30mm, D= 270 mm
Hence self-weight of slab considering it as unit width beam= 0.270*1*1*25=
Live Load + Finishing Load = 3 (assume)
Total load= 9.75

Hence M= = 43.87 k Nm

Now (lim.) =.138 b =89.42kNm

Hence it’s a under-reinforced section, therefore safe.

= .87 d(1- )

Using given values, = 5277 mm2

Min, area of steel to be provided= =288 mm2

Using 20mm bars, s= *1000= 50 mm

Hence using 20 mm bars @ 50mm c/c spacing.

Distribution bars can be provided equal to min. steel area = 288 mm2
Hence provide 8mm bars @ 230mmm c/c spacing.
6.1.2 Design of walls
6.1.2.1Design of long wall
To design wall, first of all various constants to be used in Working stress design are
= 8.5 KN/m2, = 1.50 N/mm2
Then m =280/ (3* ) = 11, n = 0.384
And j=.872, k=1/2

28
When L/B > 2, then Long Wall is designed as a cantilever wall.
Now we are taking condition when soil is dry,
= 16 KN/ m3, =
When tank is empty:
Ph= *H*k+ *H = [1/3(16-9.8)*4.5+9.8*4.5] = 53.4 KN/m2
Now Cantilever moment
P = *Ph *H

M= *Ph *H* = = 180.225 KNm

Now depth of section d=√ = 355 mm

Provide d = 350mm
Taking 30mm cover, then D= 350+30 = 380 mm

A st = = = 3936.7 mm2

Using 22 mm bars, provide spacing equal to 79.76 mm

Hence provide 22 mm bar @ 75 mm spacing c/c at outer face of walls.
Curtailment of Bars:
Bars may be curtailed when B.M. decrease towards upside
(h/H)3 = 1/2
Hence h = 3.572 m from upside, hence 4.5-3.572= 0.928 m from base
According to IS 3370 (Part 2): Add 12 to this value = 0.928 + 0.240 = 1.168m
Hence curtail bar at 1.168m from base.
When tank is full and there is no Earth Pressure
Design of Reinforcement for inner face
Ph= *H= 44.1 KN/m2
Hence cantilever M = 1/2*44.1*4.5*4.5/3
=148.83 KNm

Then A s t = = 3251 mm2

Now using same bars: 20 mm dia bars 95 mm c/c (In inner face in vertical direction)
Horizontal bars in long walls:
We have to check it for axial tension, when tank is full and there is no earth fill.

29
Because t = 380mm
Hence a minimum percentage of steel
= 0.3 – 0.1* =0.22%

Using, A s t = .22%*380*1000 = 836

Spacing = *1000 = 93.8mm

Hence, provide 10mm bars @ 94mm c/c spacing in horizontal direction.

Providing half reinforcement on both the faces = 418
Check for direct tension:
Tension in long wall, = γw*(H-h) = 9.81*(4.5-1.12)

= 99.372KN
Area of steel required = = 662

This is more than minimum area of steel required.

6.1.2.2Design of short wall
Short wall is designed as cantilever up to one fourth of total height or 1 m, whichever is more.
And the upper portion is designed as slab supported on long wall.
H = 6/4 = 1.12m
When tank is empty and outside soil is saturated, then

P h = 53.4

Hence cantilever moment, M = 0.5*53.4*1.12*1.12/3 = 12 KN m

Then, = 243.77

When tank is full and there is no earth fill, then

10 mm dia bars@ 300 mm c/c spacing.
Ph = 9.81*4.5 = 44.1
M = 0.5*44.1*1.2*1.2/3 =10.58
Min Reinforcement in this case = .12% of gross area
= *1000*380

= 420
Hence provide bars of 8mm diameter in vertical direction at bottom faces.

30
Hence provide bars of 8mm diameter in vertical direction at bottom faces.

Spacing between bars = *1000 = 119 mm

Hence provide 10mm bars @ 94mm c/c spacing.

Design of top slab
H-h = (4.5-1.12) = 3.38 m portion
P h = K γ s*(H-h)+ γ w(H-h) = *(16 -9.8)*3.38 + 9.8*3.38 = 40.143

Moment at supports = = 120.42

A st = = 2630

At mid-span moment gets almost half and thus, half area may be provided on mid-span
=1315
At supports using 20mm bars:

Spacing =

= 115 mm
Hence provide 20 mm dia. bars @ 115 mm c/c spacing at outer faces.
Bottom slab
Assuming thickness of slab = 0.2 m
Total height = 4.7 m
Now, Upward pressure = 9.8*4.7
= 46.06
Hence projection at bottom slab, to prevent
Downward loads
 Weight of top slab = (12+2*0.38)(6+2*0.38)*25= 582.23 KN
 Weight of long walls = 2*0.38*(12+2*0.38)*4.5*0.25= 1090.98 KN
 Weight of short walls = 2*0.38*4.5*6.76*25= 577.98 KN
 Weight of bottom slab = (12.76+2x)*(6.76+2x)*0.200*25
= (12.38+2x) (6.38+2x)*5
= 4 +37.52x+178.98
 Weight of soil of projection of bottom slab = ((12.76+2x)(6.76+2x)-12.76*6.76)*3*16
= 192 +1873.92x
Equating both upward and downward loads we obtain value of x = 0.5 m

31
Since, self-weight of slab is transferred to soil, net upward pressure =
= 41.06KN/m2.
Weight of soil on projection =16*4.5 = 72KN/m2
Reaction on wall = = 120.15KN, which will act at 1.7m from base.
Now cantilever moment at face of wall = - +120.15*1.7
= 200.38 KNm
In case of bottom slab, moment at center is almost half the corner moment.
Using corner moment, we can find value of d i.e., d = 375mm
Hence provide cover equal to 35mm.
Provide D = 410mm.
Then to find of area of steel req. = = 4085.3mm2.

Now using 16mm bars @75mm c/c spacing, half of reinforcement can be provided for central
portion at more spacing.
Now providing distribution steel:
% of steel= 0.3- *0.1= 0.1%

Hence A s t = 866.85 mm2

As t on each face is 433.42 mm2.
Using 8mm bars @100mm c/c spacing, hence providing bars @100mm spacing in longitudinal
direction near both faces.
Hence, Tank will be suitable for saturated soil conditions.

32
6.1.2.3 Sections of Underground Rectangular Tank with Reinforcement Detailing

33
34
7.1 Conclusion
Being the students of engineering it is our responsibility to aware the society about the
importance of rain water harvesting system. Various incentives have been provided by
government to the people adopting rain water harvesting system in their home.
In the project it has been shown that the Rain Water Harvesting System in J.N Govt. Engg.
College Sundernagar Campus. The rainfall data has been taken of previous ten years and
proceed further step by step, so that one can understand the procedure easily who wish to install
rain water harvesting system.
The reinforcement provided in different parts of the storage tank:
For roof slab
Main reinforcement
= 5277 mm2 (20 mm dia bars @50 mm c/c)
Distribution reinforcement
=288 mm2 (8 mm dia bars 230 c/c)
For long wall
Main reinforcement
Outer face = 3936 mm2 (22 mm dia bars @ 75 c/c)
Inner face = 3251 mm2 (20 mm dia bars 95 mm c/c)

Distribution reinforcement
On both faces = 836 mm2 (10 mm bars @ 94 mm c/c)
For short wall
Main reinforcement
Bottom portion = 243.77 (10 mm dia bars@ 300 mm c/c)
Top slab =1315 mm2 (20mm dia. bars @ 115 mm c/c
Distribution reinforcement
On both faces = 420 mm2 (10 mm dia bars @ 94 mm c/c)
For bottom slab
Main reinforcement
= 4085.3 mm2 (16 mm dia bars @ 75 mm c/c)
Distribution reinforcement
On both faces = 433.42mm2(8 mm dia bars @ 100 mm c/c)

35
In the end, it’s safe to establish that the notion of Rain Water Harvesting isn’t just an option
anymore and has become indispensable in the contemporary realm.
Being the students of engineering it is our responsibility to aware the society about the
importance of rain water harvesting system and to instigate such practices as well. Various
incentives have been provided by government to the people adopting rain water harvesting
system in their home.
Rain Water Harvesting system proposed by us consists of an underground rectangular R.C.C.
tank with 12 m length, 4.5m width, 6m height.
7.2 Limitations
After introspection following limitations were found:
 Rainfall data used has been approximated as per data acquired from internet, but more
precise data can be acquired from IMD.
 Surface areas used for calculating the respective surface runoff is subjected to future
modifications, which can be made to the college’s landscape as it hasn’t been
ascertained yet.
 The roof top area of staff quarters has been based on most accurate data available at the
time, and it is also prone to any future modifications
7.3 Future scope
Naturally, in future there are many ways in which our research and endeavors can be
improvised and can be augmented as well. A few amongst the possible have been discussed
below.
 The First Flush system can be designed so that a person who follows this research has
more precise constructional details about such a system at his disposal.
 The rainfall data has been worked up from data for past 10 years and per se some
sophisticated assumptions and approximations have been made. If one wishes to
augment this, more precise data can be obtained from IMD, Sundernagar.
 Distribution system can be designed for the campus, which not only will help in
construction of such a system but also will also help in ensuring efficient distribution
and hence use of collected water.
 One can also do some analysis about possible location of tanks and further scope of
bifurcating tank into smaller and suitable units.
 And to end with, we will like to draw reader’s attention towards the fact that Faculty
residential colony hasn’t been built yet, hence we again utilized sophisticated system of
assumptions to solve this conundrum.

36
REFERENCES
Following sources of information and references following sources were used
 National seminar on rainwater harvesting and rainwater management, 11-12 Nov, 2006;
portal.unesco.org/geography.en/files6192/11690988831Accepted_Paper_-
_1.pdf/Accepted+Papers+-+1.pdf.
 Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment And Forest,
www.envfor.nic.in/cpcb.
 Manipur Science and Technology Council, Central Jail Road, Imphal; mastec@nic.in.
 Technical document “Water Harvesting and Artificial Recharge”, Rajeev Gandhi
National Drinking Water Mission; www.phed.bih.nic.in/Docs/NRDWP.pdf.
 Indian Meteorological Department, Shimla.
 Ministry of Drinking Water And Sanitation, Govt. of India; www.sbm.gov.in.
 Rainwater harvesting at NIT, Rourkela;
www.ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/1912/1/Rainwater_Harvesting_@NITRKL_Completed.pdf
 Aaj Bhi Kharey Hain Talab, Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boondein by Anupam Mishra, Indian
Water Portal.
 Amruthavarshini a guide for rain water harvesting; www.kscst.iisc.ernet.in/rwh.html.
 Tri-Chandra Rain Centre;
www.ngoforum.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=15.
 UN- Habitat water for Asian cities, Nepal; www.unwac.org/pdf/brochure/rh_broc.pdf.
 RCC Design By S.S Bhavikatti has been referred for design of tank
 IS-456 : 2000 & IS-3370 (part 2) has been referred to for designing storage tank.

37