Architectural Design for an On-Site Water Reservoir: Pebble (R III. 5 – SE)

Municipality of Sernancelhe

Introduction

This article details the architectural design for the construction of a 50m³ surface water reservoir, located in Seixo, municipality of Sernancelhe. The infrastructure was designed to integrate a single storage cell and a technical control chamber, ensuring operational efficiency and preserving the quality of the water intended for public supply.

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Context and Need

The intervention arises from the need to reinforce the storage capacity in the local water supply system, specifically in the plot of land known as reservoir R III.5 – SE. The technical challenge consisted of designing an infrastructure that would connect with the existing reservoir on the site, respecting the topographic survey and allowing for optimized future hydraulic integration between the two storage units.

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Summary of the Project Completed

The project focused on structural durability and rigorous maintenance of watertightness and thermal insulation conditions.

• Storage Cell: Cylindrical unit in reinforced concrete with a 4.60 m internal radius and a 3.00 m useful water height. The total free height of 3.30 m ensures an air cushion between the maximum level and the roof.
• Roof and Waterproofing: Flat slab of 0.15 m protected by a parapet. The waterproofing system includes lightweight expanded clay concrete, flintkote paint, and asphaltic membrane with a slate finish. A 0.20 m thick heat-fill earth layer was also applied for thermal stability.
• Waste Management and Cleaning: The cell has a 1% slope towards a bottom boiler, allowing for complete drainage and easy disposal of wash water through bottom and surface PVC drains.
• Maneuvering Chamber: Adjacent technical structure in reinforced concrete and brick masonry, dimensioned to facilitate the assembly and maintenance of piping and valves. Includes lightweight slab, natural ventilation, and pneumatic or electric level indicators.
• Materials and Finishes: Use of AISI 316 stainless steel in internal staircases to prevent corrosion. Surfaces in contact with water were treated with cement-rich mortars and waterproofing additive. The exterior finish was executed with water-based plastic paint in white.
• External Arrangements: Leveling of the terrain with compacted gravel, construction of cyclopean concrete stairs to overcome unevenness, and installation of a 2.00 m high perimeter fence and access gates.

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