DIY Ferrocement Water Storage Tank¶
Atmospheric & Fog Harvesting • Est. CapEx: $34 USD • Lifespan: 20 Years (Standardized)
Technical Overview¶
A low-cost, durable rainwater and potable water storage vessel built by hand-applying cement mortar over a layered wire-mesh armature. It is designed for off-grid homesteaders, rural households, and emergency/resilience planners seeking long-term water security using locally sourced materials.
Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters¶
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Category | Atmospheric & Fog Harvesting |
| Capital Cost (CapEx) | $34 USD |
| Power / Energy | 100% Gravity / Zero Power |
| Target Scale | Household (5–10 people) |
| Standard Lifespan | 20 Years (Standardized) |
| Technology Maturity | Field Tested |
| Primary Mechanism | The tank is formed around an armature of rebar and multiple layers of galvanized chicken wire and electro-welded mesh (typically 2 layers chicken wire, 1 welded mesh, 2 layers chicken wire). Portland cement mortar is slapped onto both sides of the mesh and cured under tension—often with perimeter tie wires to prevent buckling—creating a thin-shell (~2 in / 5 cm), crack-resistant composite. A domed roof can be added using wooden forms to create a fully enclosed cistern. |
Engineering Trade-Offs¶
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- Requires periodic community maintenance
- Site-specific hydrogeological constraints
Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools¶
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