Constructing a water channel [Day 02]

manuelhooks (72)Verifiedin Steem For Bangladesh • yesterday (edited)

Constructing A Water Channel

Today's task was supposed to start with the insertion of pegs, but when the width of the excavated trench was measured, it needed a 5-inch expansion for proper allowance. The five-inch was marked out and dug out.

The tough ground was a nightmare to those digging, but that is exactly what we want for a solid drain structure. The pickaxe was the hero who saved the day.

Next was the use of a long level instrument to confirm the slope and insert pegs. Each peg was 3 inches from the bottom of the trench and once they are covered by a mixture of cement, sand and aggregate, it will constitute the blinding layer for the drain.

While the 1:2:4 cement, sand and aggregate ratio was mixed, I was busy building a "ram stick" also known as a screed for ramping and levelling the blinding concrete. A few scavenged nails and wood with my hammer, tape and saw were all I needed to build it.

Once the concrete was ready, it was hurled into the trench, tapped and levelled with the screed I made, while ensuring it flows at the top of each peg lined up at the base of the trench.

The worker in the trench with the ram stick is ramming the concrete while observing the pegs to make sure the blinding slopes perfectly and the top level of the blinding maintains a roughly smooth surface.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, we succeeded in blinding the trench. We still have a lot of work cut out for us here. We will have to put some iron reinforcement, cast the base and run some formwork for the sides of the water channel. I beseech you to come around as I will bring you more updates on the progress of the water channel, hoping you may learn or benefit from reading the experience of my work diary.