Vasthu shastra

Vastu for home: A gem or a sham?

1 Comment

Be yourself an atheist, believer or an agnostic. By the end of this blog, you are going to agree with me that vastu is something you can’t ignore in your life, because it is underpinned at science.

Before I begin to break down the points for you, let me be frank. I happened to stumble on the news that the Apollo Hospital Group, which is revolutionizing the standards of medical care in India with its chain of attractive private hospitals has incorporated vastu into its design. I thought it seems like a very interesting topic. Maybe I can provide some information about vastu to my readers. Let me go through some books and figure out if it’s worth sharing.

And you know what? I ended up searching for a vastu consultant for my own home near me before I started writing! Trust me, it was an eye opening week for me to enthral unknown pathway of vastu in home that literally changed the way of perceiving the influence of my home in vasthu on my well being.

Vastu, it seemed, went way beyond design, form, utility, durability concepts that define construction of a quintessential building.

So, what is Vasthu in simple words?

Vasthu, a traditional system of design and construction of buildings, is a mixture of strong spiritual philosophy and science which revolves around the concept that everything in the universe is interconnected and interdependent.

A successful Vastu of home also encourages optimum vibrations to thrive and flow within the individual. Sounds familiar anywhere?

Indeed. This is exactly what quantum mechanics stands for. The quantum theory researchers discovered that everything is energy and everything is interconnected through fields.

Vasthu looks carefully at the orientation of physical space so that it reinforces the ancient theories connected to the five primary elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth, which are present in our environment and within each of us. Hold on, are we going back to the superstitious beliefs?

Nope, but to the science behind the concepts.


Sun, for example is a significant factor that determines the orientation of a building. The vedha texts say that Surya is the sun god, who lords over the east and enlightenment.

When we match up this with the science, we come to understand that when natural sunlight hits the skin it triggers the body’s production of vitamin D which is a crucial ingredient for overall health, protects against inflammation, lowers high blood pressure, helps muscles, improves brain function and may even protect against cancer. Also, it helps to make your home energy efficient which is an integral part of a green building.

Diving on to vasthu tips for home,

The first lesson is understanding quadrants.

There are four quadrants.

1. North east

Vastu for house prescribes to situate water resource which can be a stream, pond or well in the east, north, or northeast of a territory, building, or room. This is to promote inspiration in that entire space. Because of the same reason, this quadrant is best for worship.

2. South east

The southeast quadrant of your home is the right area to establish the vasthu kitchen stove and electrical and electronic equipment such as computer and TV.

3. South west

Vastu says to encourage inactivity in the southwest, calling it the best direction in which to store items and information, to perform routine activities, to position heavy furniture. This quadrant is called kannimoola in vastu shastra, which is the best place to keep money and other valuable possessions of yours.

4. North west

Northwest is particularly good if your parties and gatherings tend to run late. This quadrant indicates movement, a characteristic that suits the function of the living room, where people come to visit but don’t stay too long.
Television would be good in the northwest if you can dip into it from time to time.
Communication devices like phone and computer modem often do well being situated in the north western region of a room or structure, for similar reasons.

If there is any disparity popped up in you that contradicted your logic and things I stated above, you are smart. You should read on to clear them out and start afresh. We are going to dive deep.

1. Orientation of the site and home

Vastu exhorts to face the entrance to your property in the north or the east of the northeast corner which creates an open space in the northeast quadrant. An east-facing house receives the benefit of the morning sun and its association with sun who brings us inspiration, enlightenment apart from the health benefits we scoped out earlier. This makes the eastern direction ideal for individuals with a propensity or preference for contemplative or scholarly activities.


2. Shape of the Site and Home

The ideal shape of piece of land and a house is a square or rectangle. The site is irregular in shape, just mark out a square and rectangle on the site and use that as your area for development. The circulation of wind and air can be the possible reason.


3. Flow of Energy


The ideal Vasthu plot would slope to the north and east and rise to the south and the west, since the east is the realm of the sun and enlightenment with an actual barrier (a fence, a rock garden, a cluster of trees, a dense hedge) in the southwest.
If there is a depression or a pool or a pond located in the northeast, which belongs to the element of water, so much the better. I know you want to know the logic, right?

 The presence of a north eastern receptacle draws in the sunlight, which then moves in an arc to the southwest and radiates to the southeast and northwest. A barrier in the southwest, which belongs to the element of earth, helps to hold in the light so that it keeps flowing around the property. A good barrier can be anything heavy and with height.


4. Location of the house on the site

The greatest amount of open land on your site should be left on the east and north, and the house should be set back in the south and west so that your vastu home will receive a greater amount of eastern sun and the positive energy that comes from the northeast.

Any doubt about the positive energy I’m talking about? Then you should definitely pause here and sneak into the concepts of Yoga and the paramount of influence it has had on people who practice Suryanamaskar, a Yogasana which the Yogis practice by paying tribute to Sun.

5. Welcoming door


Ancient Vastu guidelines say that an entrance on the north wall of the northeast quadrant of the building allows the positive energy, which comes from the northeast, to flow into your house. An entrance on the east wall fills your home with inspiration and enlightenment. A southern entrance reminds you of your responsibilities. And a western entrance speaks of the calm of night and is essentially neutral.

Really? How does the position of door matters in the wiring your brain? You asked it right. It’s simple. The interconnection of all elements we figured out in the beginning. Just like your favourite music can sooth your mind, the surrounding conditions such as the flow of air around you which influence your breathing and availability of oxygen to the neuron that involve in decision making. You are picking up the magic in it, right?

6. Interior Layout

Cool! I bet this is the dearest part where your juice of creativity flows seamlessly. Fueling it by vasthu,


I. Enhance positive energies

Because positive energy from Sun, which enters through the northeast, travels in an arc to the southwest of the home, try not to disturb this energy flow. If possible, keep the northeast corner in the home and the northeast corner of each room empty of furniture, at least heavy furniture that can stop the circulation of the energy.

Yup, let’s look into the arrangement of furniture in detail. (If you feel like frowning at the concept of the flow of energy again, first you may have to win over the debate with the scientists who discovered quantum mechanics.

Ii. Furniture Placement

The proper placement of furniture is extremely important to vastu living. First, keep all furniture, such as desks, beds, sofas, bureaus, and chairs, at least four inches from the wall. This gap prevents your own energies from being absorbed into the wall.

Because built-ins, such as cupboards and bookshelves, are incorporated into the wall, consider them part of the wall and just be certain that your desk or chair or any furniture is placed four inches away. More than likely, this gap is already there, so that you can get to these storage areas.

Keep lightweight furniture in the north and the east of the home and in the north and the east of each room or wall-less space that serves a specific function in a one-room studio or loft.

To trap this positive energy inside the home, put your heavy furniture in the south and the west of the home and in the south and west of each room or wall-less space. And, if you can afford it, why not consider elevating the floor in the southwest quadrant of the house or living room?


So, how do you feel now? Even if you can’t incorporate all the factors, do not get discouraged. Aim for Fifty Percent or Better. After all, having it all is an illusion in the universe, right?

Must read: Vastu for home plan- all design tips backed by logic

Let me know your thoughts and doubts in the comments.

Credit: All of the shared information is adopted from two books, mainly from “Vastu Living: Creating a home for the soul” of Kathleen M. Cox, the founder of vastuliving.com and a renowned vasthu consultant for over 20 years in America and “Vastu: Breathing life into space” by Dr. Robert E. Svoboda, (http://www.drsvoboda.com/) another foremost proponent of vastu. Some information was referred from the book Maha Vastu by India vastu shastri Kushdeep Bansal.

how to get leed certified

LEED certification India- a comprehensive guide

6 Comments

LEED certification India is a hot topic these days. After engaging in different activities that harmed nature, its time we give our time to take care of mother earth from our busy schedule. Building certification is the testimony of that. LEED certification India is becoming essential for builders and developers aiming for green and sustainable buildings. Understanding the LEED India rating system helps projects meet environmental standards efficiently. This checklist offers a comprehensive guide. It walks you through the certification process in India step-by-step. This ensures you meet all the LEED certification requirements. This guide covers everything. It tells you the benefits of LEED certification and cost India.

Many projects aim for LEED Silver certification checklist standards to achieve recognized green building status. By following this guide, you can navigate the LEED certification process India smoothly and enjoy reduced costs, improved building performance, and positive environmental impact. Start your path to sustainable building success today with LEED certification India.

Okay, so what’s the big deal about LEED certification india?  Is it different from other countries. For that let me quickly walk you through,

What’s leed certification india?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED) is a building rating system established by US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998. The rating system awards points to a building in certain categories, with the leap towards eco- friendliness. V4.1, is the latest version of leed certification. It has universal standards, but some changes in countrywise. We are going to see how leed certification india works.

Now you know the leed cerfication India definition. Here’s the next question.

Is it worth being leed certified?

  1. It will certainly take your building into the mountain of fame and the brand value skyrockets
  2. It grows your business tremendously because customers will have a connect with you every time they approach your building for a service
  3. It helps you to avoid the rat race with competitors, because you will have the unique advantage of the established benchmark of your responsibility to society.
  4. The productivity of the employees or occupants will improve exponentially due to the features of the building.
  5. The operation costs will downfall

After all, who doesn’t want to build a personal brand and be someone others want to replicate?

Now, I’m going to guide you through the simple steps to achieve this untold secrets of LEED.

Wait. Let me make the journey interesting for you. Imagine LEED as the favourite exam you have written in your life now.

Deal? Cool! Here we go.

How to get LEED certification India?

Outside the United States, many countries use the LEED certification India and local versions of LEED adapted by working with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Countries like Brazil, China, Canada, India, the Philippines, and Spain have their own LEED India rating system adapted to local codes. Under this option, certification completes through the local system.

Alternatively, projects can pursue certification under the U.S. version of LEED, following U.S. codes and submitting documentation through the LEED online system.

To apply, begin by choosing the appropriate certification path—local adapted system or U.S. system—then submit project documentation through the LEED certification process India portal or the USGBC website, following the detailed LEED certification checklist relevant to your choice. This ensures compliance with either local or U.S. standards, unlocking the full benefits of LEED certification.

Now how do we apply for this?

LEED Certificaion India process comprises of 4 stages.

i. Register the building with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). Although the U.S. Green Building Council develops and manages the LEED rating systems, the GBCI is responsible for all certification applications

ii. USGBC provides checklists for each rating system that cover the prerequisites and credits.

iii. USGBC’s LEED online system provides online templates that must be completed for each prerequisite and credit, and is used to upload supporting documentation.

iv. Submit the documents to the GBCI for review and certification

See, isn’t it easy to give it a shot?

We will look into the LEED certification india levels now.

leed Certified: 40 to 49 points

        leed silver certification : 50 to 59 points

        leed  gold certification: 60 to 79 points

        leed platinum certification: 80 + points

All good. You are one step away from being the owner or resident of the best of best buildings in the world. I will break out the whole pointing system and the step by step activities to achieve them henceforth.

There are different categories in the rating system with the type of the building such as new constructions, existing buildings, hospitals, schools etc. I will be explaining the rating system of an existing building which contains common fields among all the systems.

The table given below shows the leed certification checklist and requirements that determine the total scores.

Leed certification check list
Leed certification check list

                                             

At the end of every upcoming section, make a clear mental picture of how you would actually feel when you gain the points in real life. Trust me, that’s a very good feeling.

Location and transportation

LEED Certification - Transportation
LEED Certification – Transportation

According to the Study by world bank, transport currently accounts for a quarter of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Ouch! You and I must have put in a lot of effort to push transportation so hard that, it has reached at the coveted position (pun intended). Whatsoever, the latest version v4.1 of LEED rating system has placed transportation in the forefront to measure the eco friendliness of your building. The pointing structure is given below.

Transportation Performance ScoreLEED Points
40 (Required)6 (Required)
47       7
548
619
6810
7511
8312
9013
9714

So how you can crack this?

  1. Introduce telecommuting and compressed workweeks (Yes, what’s impossible with the technology you have.)
  2. Commute in mass transit and make use of navel options such as rideshare.
  3. Leverage human-powered conveyances, carpools, vanpools in the round trips.
  4. Use low-emitting, fuel-efficient or alternative-fuel vehicles, walking or bicycling

Hey, we have confronted a major here. You have 14 points in handy now. Moving on,

2. Sustainable sites

We saw how to choose the most suitable site for your building in another blog on green building GREEN BUILDING: HOW TO MAKE A BUILDING GREEN AND BENEFITS OF A GREEN BUILDING. In this section, As the LEED full form says, they want you to be a leader and shower the wisdom of not disturbing nature. The section is subdivided into 6 categories.

i. Site management

You can grab the point by,

a. Monitor and eradicate invasive and exotic plant species from natural habitat areas.

b. Manage snow and ice in ways that limit degradation of water quality, surrounding plants and soil health from chemical deicer applications.

c. Prevent erosion by maintaining vegetative cover, and restore any eroded soils.

d. Reduce noise and air pollution resulting from gasoline powered equipment.

e. Divert from landfills 100% of plant material waste for composting reuse.

f. Reduce fertilizer use to only as needed for plant health applications based on soil testing. Eliminate preventive applications of herbicides, pesticides and fungicides applying only as needed for occurrences.

g. Prepare an Integrated Pest Management plan.

h. Add one or more inches of organic matter mulch, such as compost, to soil surfaces in planting areas annually.

i. Irrigate vegetation, other than planted containers, only with automatic controlled systems utilizing either rain shutoff, moisture sensing or weather based controls.

j. Monitor irrigation systems at least bi-weekly during the operating season and correct any leaks, breaks, inappropriate water usage, or incorrect timing.

k. Store materials and equipment to prevent air and site contamination

ii. Light pollution reduction

This is introduced to make sure that your building provides necessary features to improve the visibility of night sky.

To conquer this, you need to,

a. Shield all exterior fixtures such that the installed fixtures do not directly emit any light at a vertical angle more than 90 degrees from straight down

b. Measure the night illumination levels at regularly spaced points on the project boundary, taking the measurements with the building’s exterior and site lights both on and off.

iii. Heat island

Well, there are islands at different places around the globe. But the dangerous among them is the heat island, which is the increase in heat due to human (not humane) activities.

Not a good thing, right?

Hmm. How to score the point here?

For non-roofs,

  1. Grow plants that provide shade over paving areas on the site
  2. Vegetated planters.
  3. Shade with structures covered by energy generation systems, such as solar thermal collectors, photovoltaics, and wind turbines.
  4. Shade with architectural devices or structures Shade with vegetated structures.
  5. Paving materials with a three-year aged solar reflectance (SR) value of at least 0.28.
  6. Open-grid pavement system
  7. If newly installed, plant material must be in place to provide full vegetative cover within 3-years.
  8. Have in place a maintenance program that ensures all high-reflectance surfaces are cleaned at least annually to maintain good reflectance

iv. Rainwater management

If there is a lesson you were taught extensively from a very young age and still you have not embraced in your life, I bet that’s managing rain water. This is the wakeup call for you. Rise up and bring yourself to adopt those wonderful techniques. Make sure you do it right with the article RAINWATER HARVESTING; EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

 3. Water efficiency

LEED Certification - Water Efficiency
LEED Certification – Water Efficiency

This section tests whether you adopt measures to reduce wastage of water and actually care for the universal liquid. The chart below shows the points for water performance score. If you adopt ways to conserve water, by presuming a life in every drop of water that gets wasted due to your water management practices, you can score full marks here.

The water performance score is calculated from the data shown by the energy meters in 12 months. Reboot yourself to get there.

Water Performance ScoreLEED Points
40 (Required)6 (Required)
447
508
579
6410
7011
7712
8413
9014
9715

4. Energy and atmosphere

Energy efficiency is a sister topic of every cost effective building. Well, buzz words are not always a good signage.

i. Energy efficiency best management practices

Take a tight grip on your energy management practices as follows.

a. Choose energy efficient appliances and electronics

b. Switch to energy efficient lighting sources

c. Reduce the energy consumption by sustainable construction practices

ii. Fundamental refrigerant management

This subsection takes into consideration the remedial measures to reduce ozone depletion. The best way is not use chlorofluorocarbon- based refrigerants in heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. But if you have already had them, you really need to be cautious about this.

iii. Energy performance

In energy performance, the total score of 33 splitted as 16.5 leed points for green gas emissions and the remaining for source energy. Reduce the total building energy consumption arising from electricity, natural gas, chilled water, steam, fuel oil, etc. 

iv. Enhanced refrigerant management

To gain the scores, do not use refrigerants, or use only refrigerants (naturally occurring or synthetic) that have an ozone depletion potential of zero and a lower global warming potential as I said before.

v. Grid harmonisation

Let’s go straight into how to manage this sticky spot.

a. Implement techniques to make energy generation and distribution systems more efficient, increase grid reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

b. Participate in demand response techniques that provide an opportunity for consumers to shift their electricity usage during peak periods in response to time-based rates or other forms of financial incentives.

c. Have infrastructure in place to take advantage of future demand response programs or dynamic, real-time pricing programs.

d. Develop a comprehensive plan for shedding at least 10% of the annual on-peak electricity demand.

You know, you have earned 63 scores so far. Good.

5. Materials and resources

LEED Certification - Materials and Resources
LEED Certification – Materials and Resources

There are  4 subsections to this.

i. Purchasing policy

You need to initiate activities to reduce the environmental impacts of materials and products purchased during operations and maintenance of building. Have in place an environmentally preferable purchasing policy for materials and products purchased for the project during regular operations including ongoing consumables such as the five most purchased product categories based on total annual purchases, batteries, food and beverage and electronic equipment such as lamps, office equipment and appliances.

ii. Facility maintenance and renovations policy

Here, take action to reduce harming environment during purchase of items while renovating which can be,

a. Adopting a policy for waste management for safe storage, recycling and diversion of waste and also for furniture waste management during renovations.

b. Protecting stored on-site and installed absorptive materials from moisture damage.

c. Developing a plan to determine whether a flush-out or air quality testing is needed after construction ends and all interior finishes are installed but before occupancy.

iii. Waste performance

Track and reduce the waste generated aiding proper disposal or incineration.

iv. Purchasing

The points to keep in mind while purchasing products are,

a. Opt for recycled and reusable materials and products, those having extended use, bio- based products especially during construction and paper and wood products

b. Choose electronic components with energy star rating

c. Have locally sourced, promoting sustainable agriculture and organic food

d. And never mind about wine, beer, and liquor purchases in the point calculations.

6. Indoor environmental quality

LEED Certification - Environmental quality
LEED Certification – Environmental quality

The quality of air comes next.

i. Minimum indoor air quality

For spaces with mechanical exhaust, test and confirm proper operation of the exhaust systems

ii. Environmental tobacco smoke control

This can be tamed with the following considerations.

a. Prohibit smoking in the building.

b. Prohibit smoking outside the building except in designated smoking areas from all entries, Also prohibit smoking outside the property line in spaces used for business purposes.

c. Communicate the no-smoking policy to occupants of the building and have in place provisions for enforcement.

iii. Green cleaning policy

Yes, again another policy. You need to promote the following in the policy.

a. Standard operating procedures for effective cleaning of hard floors and carpets that will be consistently used, managed, and audited.

b. Provisions for addressing protection of building occupants during cleaning, including vulnerable populations.

c. Guidelines for selection and appropriate use of disinfectants and sanitizers.

d. Guidelines for safe handling and storage of cleaning chemicals used in the building, including a plan for managing hazardous spills and mishandling incidents.

e. Strategies for reducing the toxicity of the chemicals used for laundry, ware washing, and other cleaning activities.

f. Strategies for conserving energy, water, and chemicals during cleaning.

iv. Indoor environmental quality performance

Points for indoor environment quality are awarded based on the results from the CO2 and TVOC measurements. You have no worries here since you have prepared well for the test.

v. Green cleaning

USGBC wants to check your performance in cleaning the building through this step.

a. Perform routine inspection and monitoring of the facility’s green cleaning policy to verify that the specified strategies are being used and to identify areas in need of improvement.

b. Conduct an annual audit to evaluate yourself

c. Have in place permanent entryway systems in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates entering the building at regularly used exterior entrances.

vi. Integrated pest management

This is to minimize pest problems and exposure to pesticide. You can use integrated pest management services for the building and grounds within the project boundary that is certified and in good standing with GreenPro, EcoWise, GreenShield, or local equivalent.

6. Innovation

LEED Certification - Innovation
LEED Certification – Innovation

This is to encourage projects to achieve exceptional or innovative performance. To encourage integration of LEED expertise and collaboration toward project priorities.

That’s it about the LEED. For any further information you may check https://www.usgbc.org/leed/v41

Hearty congratulations on your achievement!

So, have you decided to test the relationship between your bulding and nature through leed?

WHAT’S TRENDING

  1. Welcomhotel Amritsar, the hospitality chain’s leisure upper-upscale property becomes Punjab’s first LEED platinum certified hotel
  2. USGBC released Annual LEED-Certified Ranking list of buildings for 2019 and Colorado topped the list with 102 certified projects.
  3. GBCI released the list of top 10 states for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in India today and Maharashtra topped in the project with 307 projects as of December 2019.

Vincivil FAQ Corner

A. Lead certification course             

These are courses done to become a green associate who can build up a career on consultancies exploiting the current green building principles and practices. There are plenty of courses out there like the online courses offered by Udemy.

B. Leed certification India

GBCI manages the certification process for all LEED rating systems in India, including the LEED India rating system.

C. Leed certification India cost

The leed certification fee varies with the category. Check out the complete details here. https://www.usgbc.org/tools/leed-certification/fees

D. Leed certification India exam

Leed green association exam is the required exam. See the complete details in https://www.usgbc.org

Buildings with leed certification

There are a lot of leed certification buildings around the world and list grows at a good pace every year. Salt Lake City Library, Salt Lake City, Soldier Field in Chicago, One Bryant Park in New York City, Shanghai Tower in China are famous among them.

Credits: The technical specifications annotated in the blog post is taken from the website of USGBC (https://www.usgbc.org)

Disclaimer: The blog is intended to assist those who wish to get their building LEED Certified and the shared knowledge other than the technical specifications is strictly upon the knowledge of the author. We can’t take the responsibility of any sort of discrepancy pertaining to this in future.

water conservation

Innovative Water Conservation Methods Unlocked.

17 Comments

Water conservation methods- What is the need of selecting suitable one?

paani, thanni, vellam, mool, naam plao, neu- uhck… whatever the world calls it by, the necessity and utility of water remains fixed.

Let’s ask the inevitable before diving in to methods for water conservation

What are water conservation methods?

Water conservation methods are techniques to use water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water use.

“Save water, dave the world.” Remember the number of slogans and posters you used to have fun with, when you were a kid? Let’s give a quick look at why we had to do all that (except for scores)

Importance of water conservation methods

The figure shows a girl holding a poster that highlights the importance of water conservation

Regardless of the method of conservation of water, every method stands by the following points;

1) To ensure availability for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate.

2) To save the significant amount of energy needed for water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment facilities

3) To preserve fresh water habitats for local wildlife and migrating water flow, as well as reducing the need to build new dams and other water diversion infrastructure.

4) To save money on the utility bills

5) To extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil saturation and reducing pollution due to leaks

You got an idea on why is water conservation necessary. So let’s get our hands into each method for water conservation.

Major water conservation methods

There is a variety of methods of water conservation. We are going to meet some majors here.

The figure shows a method of water conservation in a field

1. Make effective use of soil water reserves

How many times did you have goozebumps looking at nature?

True. Be smart like nature. Soil and water conservation methods include planting deeper rooting crops, such as grasses or cereals that will leverage soil water reserves more effectively than shallower rooting crops such as vegetable crops and therefore can be grown in drier period.

2. Take measures to avoid run off

An important part of conserving anything is avoiding spilling out. When it comes to water, the part played is runoff. This is equally important as the conservation methods of water resources.   The various types of run-off management are those increase water intake and storage and so reduce runoff, control water movement over the soil surface, dispose safely of the excess rainfall as runoff or concentrate inadequate rainfall runoff. Remedial measures such as incorporating plantings especially in areas where runoff collects protecting trees that help absorb and filter runoff, choosing permeable materials for pathways etc. can potentially contribute to reduce run off.

3. Use rainwater effectively

Well, here you need to be very systematic. Check out the full article on rain water conservation methods here: RAINWATER HARVESTING; EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

4. Rational Use of Groundwater

We should always bear in mind that groundwater is a candy that should not be consumed uncontrollably. Because it takes time to recharge it back to its initial level. Only by conscientious exploitation of groundwater can it be proportionately conserved. For this to happen, ground water conservation methods such as crops requiring less water given priority over crops requiring more water need to be considered. Less water should be used by industries. The necessary drainage area should also be made available for recharging ground water.

5. Redistribution of Water

Two boys carrying water in a can which represents the significance of redistribution of water

Sharing is a great habit that benefits all who are involved in it. Whether it’s knowledge, love, physical goods, anything, right? That’s exactly what it takes to turn the cries of people around the world for water into a smile of gratification. Extensive re-wiring of the supply of water in water conservation system from areas with lower demand to areas with higher demand is needed.

How do you do that?

This can be accomplished through the development of water reservoirs and a network of canals. Excess rainwater that flows away from rivers without being used can be stored by the construction of water reservoirs from which it can be supplied for agriculture, industry, urban areas, etc. These reservoirs are also designed to protect against flooding and, apart from flood protection, they can also be used for a variety of purposes. Water distribution is also possible through the canal system. The canal system transfers water from excess rainwater to scarce rainwater areas and conserves water for various purposes.

Now we have seen 5 methods of water conservation. But we are yet to hit some more wonderful ways to save on water. Moving on…

6. Protection of Water from Pollution

A water body is seen polluted by industrial waste

Pollution is a taboo that has disturbed our ears since the day we can remember. Activities such as disposing of different wastes without treatment in rivers, pollution caused by tourism on lakes and sea coasts, bathing and other similar activities in the vicinity of drinking water sources and Weeds produced in water are the main causes of water pollution.

So how to reduce water pollution?

There is a need for a cooperative policy at international level for conservation of water bodies by regulating oil and nuclear waste in the oceans. Water should become reusable after physical, chemical, mechanical and organic processing processes, and lakes should not be used as outlets for the transport of products.

7. Traditional Water Conservation Methods

Water flow from a pipe made of bamboo below which is a plant, that represents a traditional water conservation method

One of the fascinating practices in every culture is that they have developed innovative techniques for all necessary human needs. Water conservation is no exception to this. If so, then can you think about how would it be in India, the land of diversities.

Traditional water conservation methods in India are,

a) Bamboo Drip Irrigation System

Bamboo is too expensive to use for a low- cost building, but is a boon for people of Meghalaya. Because, they have been leveraging it for water conservation methods in India. This system of water conservation is a brilliant drip irrigation system. It uses bamboo of various sizes and reduces the output to 20-80 drops per minute, which is excellent for betel leaf and black pepper crops.

b) Johads

Johad is a crescent shaped small check dam built from earth and rock to intercept and conserve rainwater in Rajasthan. This helps to improve percolation and increases groundwater recharge.

c) Kul

Kuls are diversion channels that carry water from a glacier to village. Often spanning long distances, with some over 10 km long, kuls have been around for centuries. They are the lifeline of people of Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh and in Jammu too.

d) Eri

One of the oldest water conservation systems in India of Tamil Nadu is still widely used around the State. With over a third of irrigation in the State being made possible due to Eri, the traditional water harvesting system plays an important part in the agriculture. They also have other advantages such as prevention of soil erosion, recharge of groundwater, and flood control.

e) Zabo

This method of conservation of water in India is a unique combination with animal care, forests and agriculture. Mostly practised in Nagaland, Zabo is used to deal with a lack of drinking water supply. During monsoon, rainwater that falls on the hilltops is collected into the pond like structures that are carved out on the hillsides. The water is then passed onto cattle yards below from where the water enters the paddy fields rich in manure.

See, such still in use water conservation model that tells the beautiful story of water use and conservation doesn’t have copyright and patent problems. It’s open to the whole world. So why can’t we be inspired by them and use suitable conservation method of water in our own lives?

8. Use of Modern Irrigation Methods

On average, 80 percent of the fresh water withdrawn from rivers and groundwater is used to produce food and other agricultural products. Therefore, we need to pay attention to improved methods of irrigation such as sprinkler and drip irrigation that save 50 per cent water.

In the drip irrigation method, the hole pipes are spread over the surface of the soil so that the crop receives water directly. There is no loss due to evaporation and approximately 95% water is used. This process therefore uses maximum water.

9. Increasing Forest Cover

According to recent reports, forests cover 31 percent of the world’s land surface, just over 4 billion hectares which is down from the pre-industrial area of 5.9 billion hectare. This needs to be addressed since trees bear drought conditions for a long duration as compared to crops and they are helpful in reducing the demand for water along with recharging water sources.

10. Flood Management

A family isolated in a building due to flood which shows why flood management is important

Floods carry with it harmful contaminants such as soil, animal waste, salt, pesticides, and oil which can potentially impact drinking water wells and water quality. By construction of embankments and canals a large part of land can be conserved besides minimizing flood losses. Intensive afforestation can also provide security from floods which will be helpful in absorption of water in the soil.

After such disasters, construction of green buildings aided by eco- friendly materials are preferred. Because they are built with all necessary measures for water conservation.

11. Conserving Water in Industries

Water has to be re-used after processing. Recycling of water should be developed because normally industrial units dispose off water on the ground surface after using it only once. Because of not re-using it after processing, it also pollutes other water sources. Water demand can also be reduced by recycling used water in industries.

12. Reuse of Urban Waste

Demand for water has increased in cities due to increasing urbanization. There is no provision for waste water treatment in many cities of various countries of the world. After use of water in urban areas, disposed waste water can be treated and conserved for use in agriculture in the peripheral areas of cities. Such policies should be incorporated while planning urban development.

13. Population Control

The world’s population is growing by approximately 80 million people every year. Changes in lifestyles and eating habits in recent years require more per- capita water consumption. Biofuel production has also increased sharply in recent years, with a significant impact on the demand for water. It’s obvious that a controlled population can avoid a tug of war for water by reducing the demand as well as the quali­tative deterioration of water.

14. Water conservation by Municipal bodies

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2015 Global Risk report, around one third of the global population is currently water stressed, with about one billion people not getting safe drinking water. the water crisis is perceived as a top-order threat. In this nerve wracking situation, a governing body is indeed and they should exhort awareness on how to conserve water and capacity building among people.

15. Use of water from hot waterfalls

Figure shows a water fall that are used as a water source

Scientifically, there are hypotheses that negative ions that are present in waterfalls increase serotonin levels, which ultimately enhances our mood. Wah! That’s great. And this geothermal water serves as a source too in the battle against water scarcity.

Now let’s sneak into the fun and exciting section which introduces the brand new updates on the topic.

WHAT’S TRENDING:

  • Geographic Information System (GIS), a computer system capable of holding and using data describing places on earth surface has been found to be applicable to monitor ground water resources as well as to ensure water availability in remote and rural villages.
  • Artificial intelligence(AI) can be leveraged for optimal usage of ground water which prevents over depletion of water table. Government has linked port with IBM India for undertaking pilot study to utilise AI and weather technology for developing navel features like soil sensor to avoid over irrigation
  • Biotechnology, a significant branch that contributes to COVID-19, has been successful to develop drought tolerant crops and salt tolerant crops that saves water for irrigation
  • Space technology helps through advent of hydrological mapping via satellite, weather forecasting that reduce uses of water in agriculture
  • Electrostatic precipitates, ionic filter and pipe that precipitates organic and inorganic pollutants at the discharge and groundwater recharging technology helps to save water at home

Now let me give you a water conservation tip. If you still feel like lazing out to adopt any conservation method of water, try to imagine a day without water!

Vincivil FAQ Corner:

1. Define water conservation

Water conservation refers to the preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution. The extent to which conservation is possible depends on the types of water conservation methods.

2. Water conservation methods at home

Use of water-saving dishwashers and clothes washers, installation of water saving shower heads or flow restrictors, taking shorter showers, checking your toilet for leaks are best solutions on how to save water at home.

3. Water conservation methods in agriculture

Making sure of the quality of soil, crop rotation practices, installation of better watering systems, storing of rain water and optimal usage are robust water conservation methods for agriculture.

4. 10 ways to conserve water

Conservation awareness, using less water when doing laundry, planting native plant species in your yard, turning off water when brushing your teeth, tracking cooling tower water, repairing leaks, having a home energy audit, installing faucet aerators, wait until you have a full dishwasher to operate the unit and reducing overuse of water are 10 recommended strategies for water conservation.

BALANCING RAFT, RAFT FOUNDATION

Balancing Raft or Floating Raft Foundation

5 Comments
<p value="Balancing rafts or floating rafts are used when the bearing capacity of the soil is very low. This <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://vincivilworld.com/2020/05/25/foundation-types-shallow-and-deep-foundations/&quot; target="_blank">foundationBalancing rafts or floating rafts are used when the bearing capacity of the soil is very low. This foundation protects against soil settlements and works on the principle that the total weight of the soil and water excavated for the foundation equals to the total load of the proposed structure. They are called zero settlement structures and are used for high rise towers with multiple basements. This type of foundation is preferred only when the soil is very compressive and soft and even friction piles are not able to support the loads.

Also Read : Types Of Raft Foundations

Also Read : Pile Foundations – Types and Advantages

How Floating Raft Works?

Balancing Raft /Floating Raft Methodology
Balancing Raft /Floating Raft Methodology

The basic concept of a floating raft is countering the weight of excavated soil and water with the total load of the structure resting over it. ie. The same weight of excavated materials is replaced by a structure with the same weight. Because of these balancing floating rafts are also known as balancing raft foundations or compensated foundation. The vertical pressure at the foundation depth remains same before and after excavation.
Advertisements

Concerns of Floating Raft/Balancing Raft

Execution of a floating foundation demands massive earthwork excavation in high water table areas. Open dewatering may not be sufficient to control a large amount of water flowing in the excavated areas. Wellpoint dewatering systems have to be run simultaneously with the excavation to lower the water table.

Excavation of floating foundations can trigger soil collapse and soil scoring from the bottom of existing foundations. Sheet piles have to be erected to protect the building against any possible damage during excavation.

Materials required for temporary retaining walls like sandbags, PCC blocks, etc has to be organised and mobilised before starting excavation. Temporary retaining walls have to be constructed in tandem with excavation works.

Heave formation in Floating Raft Foundation
Heave formation in Floating Raft Foundation

Heave formation can always happen while doing deep excavations because of the weight of soil on both sides of the excavation pit. Heaves formations cannot be avoided in any case but have to be controlled or else it may initiate foundation settlements. Heave formation can be minimised by further lowering the water table to a depth below the founding level of the structure. Installation of friction piles or micro piles on partially completed excavation surfaces can also control heave formation to an extent. Concrete bands are provided at the bottom level to control heave formation.

Balancing raft foundations are adopted for high rise buildings with multiple basements. Execution of these foundations requires highly skilled professionals and micro-level supervision supported by an experienced and skilled workforce. All safety precautions have to be done to protect the nearby structures from any damage.

VIDEO : RAFT FOUNDATION – TYPES AND ADVANTAGES

Advertisements
water conservation

RAINWATER HARVESTING METHODS-EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

13 Comments

Rainwater harvesting methods are the processes in which precipitation that falls on a site is diverted, captured, and stored for use on-site, as opposed to allowing it to run off, evaporate, or infiltrate into the soil. Let’s get to know it in the best way through the course of journey in the blog.

 “Slanting silver ropes slammed into loose earth, plowing it up like gunfire”- When Arundhati Roy described the rain as beautifully like this, how many of us thought we are taking the boon of no cost from nature. It’s high time that we understood the worth of various rainwater harvesting methods in our lives.                     

Let’s start from scratch.

How rainwater harvesting methods are important?

This is a sad story of ground water. It all started with the over population. water supply agencies became unable to cope up demand from surface sources like dams, reservoirs, rivers etc. They resorted to ground water sources by digging tube-wells in order to augment the water supply. Indiscriminate exploitation of ground water resulted in lowering of water table rendering many bore-wells dry. To overcome this, we started to drill bore wells to greater depths. The exploitation of ground water in brutal unscientific methods by soft drinks, mineral water and similar industries further declined ground water table. The solution to all these problems is to replenish ground water bodies with water conservation like leveraging rain water by man made means.

That’s it. And we are here to know the hero of the story, Rain water to solve all these issues.

Let’s look at its components now.

Components of rainwater harvesting methods

Rainwater conservation is a must need element of every green building. Let’s see the components below.

1. Catchment area

The catchment area is the surface on which the rain water falls. This may be a roof top or open area around the building.

2. Coarse mesh / leaf screen

To prevent the entry of leaves and other debris in the system, the coarse mesh should be provided at the mouth of inflow pipe for flat roofs

3. Gutter

Gutter is required to be used for collecting rainwater from sloping roof and to divert it to downspout. These are the channels all around the edge of a sloping roof to collect and transport rain water to the storage tank.

4. Down spout or conduit

The rain water collected on the roof top is transported down to storage facility through down spouts / conduits. Conduits can be of any material like PVC, GI or cast iron.

5. First flushing device

A first flush system is incorporated in the rooftop to harvest rainwater by avoiding all the debris, dirt, and other contaminants especially bird dropping, etc. accumulated on the roof during the dry season. The first flushing device, dispose of the first spell of rainwater so that it does not enter the system.

6. Filter

The filter unit is basically a chamber filled with filtering media such as fiber, coarse sand and gravel layers to remove debris and dirt from water before it enters the storage tank.

7. Settlement tank

The settlement tank facilitates the settling down of suspended materials like silt and other floating impurities before the water recharge the aquifer.

8. Storage tank

Storage tanks are used when the water from the rain water harvesting is used directly for various purposes.

Okay. That’s done. Now we are getting into the important part which is how to make rainwater harvesting.

RAINWATER HARVESTING METHODS- DETAILED

1. Storing rain water for direct use

Fig. Storing rainwater for direct use

In place where the rains occur throughout the year, rain water can be stored in tanks However, at places where rains are for 2 to 3 months, huge volume of storage tanks would have to be provided. In such places, it will be more appropriate to use rain water to recharge ground water aquifers rather than to go for storage. If the strata is impermeable, then storing rain water in storage tanks for direct use is a better method. Similarly, if the ground water is saline/unfit for human consumption or ground water table is very deep, this is one of the best rain water harvesting methods that can be applied.

2. Recharging groundwater aquifers, from rooftop runoff

Fig. Recharging ground water aquifers from roof top run off

In this groundwater harvesting, rain water that is collected on the roof top of the building may be diverted by drain pipes to a filtration tank from which it flows into the recharge well. The recharge well should preferably be shallower than the water table. This method of rain water harvesting is preferable in the areas where the rainfall occurs only for a short period in a year and water table is at a shallow depth.

Alright. That’s it about second in the list of rainwater harvesting methods. How to increase groundwater level further?

3. Recharging groundwater aquifers with runoff from the ground area

Fig. Recharging ground water aquifers with runoff from ground areas

The rain water that is collected from the open areas may be diverted by drain pipes to a recharge dug well / bore well through filter tanks. The abandoned bore well/dug well can be used cost effectively for this purpose.

Now you have become a savvy in rain water harvesting methods. But this is not all. Even if you have completed all the procedures with at most care, precautions should be taken to ensure quality of water. Let’s see them.

1. Roof over which water falls, should be cleaned before rain fall.

2. The suitable type of first flushing device to be installed and initial 10 to 15 minutes of runoff should be diverted.

3. The water collected from roof top only, should be stored in storage tank for direct use.

4. The runoff from surface/ground should be preferably be used for recharging ground water aquifers after proper filtration.

5. The rain water collected from roof top should pass through suitable type of filter and only then it should be stored in storage tank / used for recharging ground water aquifers.

We are almost near of completion. its time to look at the results of your efforts.

Advantages of rain water harvesting methods are,

 (a) Promotes adequacy of underground water

 (b) Mitigates the effect of drought

(c) Reduces soil erosion as surface run-off is reduced

(d) Decreases load on storm water disposal system

(e) Reduces flood hazards

(f) Improves ground water quality / decreases salinity (by dilution)

(g) Prevents ingress of sea water in subsurface aquifers in coastal areas 6

(h) Saving rainwater improves ground water table, thus saving energy (to lift water)

(i) The cost of recharging subsurface aquifer is lower than surface reservoirs

(j) The subsurface aquifer also serves as storage and distribution system

(k) No land is wasted for storage purpose and no population displacement is involved

(l) Storing water underground is environment friendly

But all these doesn’t earn you a penny. Below are the points that illustrates how rain water harvesting methods can add to your pockets.

Energy savings

  • Rainwater collector systems are typically designed to be gravity fed.
  • Storage areas are typically lower elevation, so a pumping system is generally required for intended reuse.
  • Since collected rainwater is generally used close to its capture, the energy needed to convey the water tends to be minimal.
  • Compared to conveyance from other supplied sources of water rainwater harvesting methods would likely have lower energy costs.
  • Systems are simple and tend to be robust. Monitoring and maintenance require additional effort. This includes maintenance of roofs used as collection areas, cleaning of gutters, maintenance of storage tanks and vaults, puumps and maintenance of water treatment systems

Water savings

  • A reasonable goal for an aggressive rooftop collection for a custom building could be to reduce domestic water supply by 40 to 50% for that building; this would then allow the building to meet LEED goals for sewage reduction.

Well… limitations too are important to see if it’s worth trying.

Happy to see the cost savings? Then you should definitely check out A BUILDING AT ZERO COST!!

Disadvantages of rain water harvesting methods are,

  • Unpredictable Rainfall
  • Initial High Cost
  • Regular Maintenance
  • Certain Roof Types may Seep Chemicals or Animal Droppings
  • Storage Limits

Now, it’s up to your decision on which of the above rainwater harvesting methods you want to adopt. But I would say this is an offer you can’t refuse.

Vincivil FAQ CORNER

What is the main purpose of rainwater harvesting methods?

The main aim of rainwater harvesting methods is to use locally available rainwater to meet water needs during the year without the need for major capital expenditure.

How to catch rainwater?

The rain would accumulate in the gutters that would funnel the water into the downpours and then into some kind of storage vessel. Rainwater collection systems can be as easy as gathering rain in a rain barrel or as complex as storing rainwater in large cisterns to supply your entire household demand.

How rainwater harvesting methods are done?

Rainwater harvesting methods extract the run-off from a building or other impervious surface to be preserved for later use . The rain would accumulate in the gutters that would funnel the water into the downpours and then into some kind of storage vessel.

How rainwater harvesting methods work?

Rainwater collection systems collect rainwater by transferring it from large surfaces to underground or overground storage tanks. The rainwater harvested is filtered and then pumped directly to the appliances or header tank.

What are the rainwater harvesting methods at home?

There are several techniques such as Storage of direct use, recharging groundwater aquifers, recharging of bore wells, recharge pits, soakway or recharge shafts, recharging of dug wells etc.

How do you make a rainwater harvesting pit?

Excavation is to be performed before soft dirt, weathered rock or fracture is reached.   You need jelly of different sizes and sand at the top of the pit. The big jelly at the bottom creates large gaps for the water to pass through.

What are the two important rainwater harvesting methods?

Surface runoff harvesting and rooftop rainwater harvesting are the main two methods of rain water harvesting.

What are the main uses of rainwater harvesting methods?

  • Non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing, irrigation, dust control, and vehicle washing. Some of these applications may require specialized plumbing.
  • Potable water uses including drinking water, food preparation, showering, and washing.

CEMENT

Manufacturing process of cement.

16 Comments
Advertisements

Cement is considered as the most significant substance used in construction which acts as a binder which can adheres the materials together. Cement is a hydraulic binder when mixed with water and sand transforms into mortar and when mixed with water and aggregates converts to concrete which can be used for a number of applications. As per World cement association concrete comes second only to water as the most used resource. China is the largest producer of cement with 53% and India follows with 8% with this production likely to be doubled in next ten years.

The basic raw materials used for cement manufacturing is lime stone or chalk and shale or clay. Cement clinkerisation plants are normally located near the raw materials areas and most of the the times the plants are equipped with conveyors which can directly feed the raw materials from the mines

MUST READ : WHAT IS CEMENT ? WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF CEMENT

MANUFACTURING PROCESS BASED ON MIXING TECHNICS

Based on the technic adopted for mixing raw materials the manufacturing process is divided into wet process and dry process. Wet process is normally used now a days. But dry process is also gaining popularity due to their energy efficiency and when the ingredients are hard.

WET PROCESS OF CEMENT MANUFACTURING

The wet process of cement manufacturing is divided into a number of stages

a) Raw material extraction

b) Grinding

c) Proportioning and mixing and preparing composition based on the raw material purity.

e) Preheating the composition

f) Burning the composition in a kiln to form clinkers

g) Clinker cooling with gypsum addition and grounding to fine powder.

h) Storing in silos and packing and loading for conveying.

The raw materials needed for cement manufacturing are

a) CALCAREOUS (i.e. chalk consists of limestone.)
b) ARGILLACEOUS (i.e. clay consists of silicates of alumina.)

a) RAW MATERIAL EXTRACTION

Major raw material involved in the cement manufacturing process is limestone. Cement manufacturing plants are located near the limestone sources for easy access to the raw materials or else it turnout to be expensive to transport the materials from outside. The next major ingredient is clay which have to be located around 25-30 km within the plant premises to minimise the cost incurred in transportation.

Lime stone obtained from open cast mines are transported and feeded to a limestone crusher and clay is placed in a clay crushers. Other raw material like sand which controls the kiln temperature and iron ore etc can be transported or supplied from outside sources.

b) RAW MATERIAL GRINDING

The raw materials calcareous (lime)  extracted are crushed to make a size of 6 inch and further crushed to make it 3 inch in secondary crushers. The argillaceous materials (clay) are washed to remove the organic contents and stored in basins and limestone is stored in silos.

c) PROPORTIONING MIXING AND PREPARATION OF COMPOSITION

The washed Clay and crushed lime stone are conveyed and mixed in desired proportion and further grinded in a wet grinding mill where both the materials are closely mixed in the presence of water to form a slurry .The slurry is stored in storage tanks where minor corrections in the compositions are carried out. The slurry which constitutes around 35-40% water is constantly kept in agitation to prevent the settling of limestone and clay.

d) PREHEATING THE COMPOSITION

The preheaters are used to heat the raw mix and drive off carbon dioxide and water before it is fed into the kiln.The raw meal passes down the preheater tower while hot gases rise up, heating the raw meal. At the entry point of kiln the raw meal largely decarbonates .

e) BURNING OF COMPOSITION IN KILNS

The decarbonated slurry is fed directly to an inclined steel cylinder which is called rotary kiln .In the rotary kiln through a series of reactions clinker is produced. The kiln is made of a steel casing lined with refractory bricks which have to withstand the reactions happening inside the kiln. The kiln is divided into three zones depending on the process happening in each zone and the temperature at each zone. The kiln is heated from the bottom using coal, oil or gases.

In the first zone water and moisture from the decarbonated slurry is evaporated at a temperature of 400C and the process is known as drying zone.

In the second part which is the calcination zone temperature is around 1000 degree and carbon dioxide is removed and is  immediately converted into flakes after loosing the moisture. These flakes or modules are taken into the third stage with the help of rotary movement of the kiln.

In the third stage which is called the burning zone or clinkering zone and the temperature their will be around 1300-1500 degree . In this zone the lime and clay reacts to produce calcium aluminates and calcium silicates. Immediately on entering the burning zone aluminates and calcium silicates get fused and  the modules are converted into a dark greenish balls and is called clinker. The size of the clinker ranges from 5 mm to 20 mm. These are the chemical reactions happening in the kiln.

2CaO + SiO2 = Ca2SiO4 (declaim silicate (C2S))

3CaO + SiO2 = Ca3SiO5 (tricalcium silicate (C3S))

3CaO + Al2O3 = Ca3Al2O6 (dicalcium aluminate (C2A))

4CaO + Al2O3 + Fe2O3 = Ca4Al2Fe2O10 (tetracalcium aluminoferrite(C4AF))

F) CLINKER COOLING WITH GYPSUM ADDITION AND GROUNDING TO FINE POWDER

The cooled clinkers are finally grinded in ball mills. At this stage gypsum(2-4%) is added which functions to reduce the setting time of cement. The grinded powder is take to the cement silos for storage. The particle distribution is also done in a graded manner. The stored grinded powder is taken to the packing plant and packed for distribution

ALSO READ : DRY PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING OF CEMENT

ALSO READ : DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY PROCESS AND WET PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING.

Advertisements

Updates in civil engineering, architecture finishes, building construction, Environmental Engineering