Specifications RVNL

SECTION – 2700 : DRAINAGE

2701 REQUIREMENTS

2701.1 Design of a drainage system for buildings and structures shall aim to
provide self cleansing conduits for the conveyance of soil, waste,
surface or sub surface waters and for the removal of such wastes
speedily and efficiently to a sewer or other outlet, without risk of
nuisance and hazard to health.

2701.2 Discharge of water through a domestic drain is intermittent and limited

in quantity; small accumulations of solid matter are, therefore, liable to
form in the drains between the building / structure and the public
sewer. There is usually a gradual shifting of these deposits as
discharges take place. Gradients shall be sufficient to prevent these
temporary accumulations adding up and blocking the drains.

2701.3 Normally a sewer shall be designed for discharging three times the dry
weather flow, flowing half full with a minimum self cleansing velocity of
0.75 metres/sec. Approximate gradients which generate this velocity
for the sizes of pipes likely to be used in building drainage and
corresponding discharges when flowing half-full are given in Table
2700.1

2701.4 In cases, where it is practically not possible to conform to the minimum

gradients, a flatter gradient may be used; minimum velocity in such
cases shall, however, on no account be less than 0.61 metres per
second.

2701.5 On the other hand, it is undesirable to adopt gradients generating a

velocity of flow greater than 2.4 metres per second as it would damage
the pipe, where it is unavoidable, cast iron pipes shall be used.
Approximate gradients which produce a velocity of 2.4 metres per
second for various sizes of pipes and corresponding discharges when
flowing half-full are given in Table 2700.1.

2701.6 Work specifications for the works involved in various drainage works
such as earth excavation, brick work, cement concrete, plastering etc.
shall be followed as described under different sections of Part I of
Technical Specifications.

2702 LAYING AND JOINTING STONE WAWRE PIPES

2702.1 Stone ware pipes

Stone ware pipes and specials shall conform to Grade - A of I.S.

specifications IS:651. They shall be new and perfectly sound, free
from fine cracks and blowholes and imperfections of glazing,
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 1 of 17
Specifications RVNL
cylindrical; and straight. The glaze of the pipes shall be free from
crazing, there shall be no broken blisters. The pipes shall give a sharp
clear note when struck with a light hammer.

TABLE 2700.1

GRADIENTS FOR SEWERS

Diameter Minimum Gradient Maximum Gradient

mm
Gradients Discharge Gradients Discharge
Cum /min Cum/min
100 1 in 57 0.18 1 in 5.6 0.59
150 1 in 100 0.42 1 in 9.7 1.32
200 1 in 145 0.73 1 in 14 2.40
230 1 in 175 0.93 1 in 17 2.98
250 1 in 195 1.10 1 in 19 3.60
300 1 in 250 1.70 1 in 24.5 5.30

2702.1.1 For all sewers and drains, glazed stone ware pipes shall be used as far
as possible, in preference to other types of pipes. These are suitable
particularly where acid effluents or acidic sub soil conditions are likely
to be encountered.

2702.2 Trenches

Trenches shall be made, as described in Sub Clause 2504.4. Where

the pipes are to be bedded directly on the soil, the bed shall be suitably
rounded to fit the lower part of the pipe, cost for this operation being
included in the rate for laying the pipe itself.

2702.2.1 Trenches shall be so dug that the pipe can be laid to the requirement
alignment and at the required depth. Under a roadway or track
formation a minimum cover / cushion of 90 cm is recommended.
Trenches shall be shored and drained to ensure safety and efficiency
of workmen. Trench excavation shall precede pipe laying only to the
extent permitted by Engineer.

2702.2.2 The excavation shall be carried out manually or with suitable

mechanical equipment as approved by the engineer.

2702.3.3 Unless otherwise specified by Engineer, bottom width of trenches for

different diameters and different depths shall be as given below:

a) for all diameters, upto an average depth of 120 = dia of pipe in cm +

30 cm

b) for all diameters, for all depths above 120 cms. = dia of pipe in cm
+ 40 cm.
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 2 of 17
Specifications RVNL

c) notwithstanding (a) and (b), total width of trench shall not be less
than 75 cm for depths exceeding 90 cm.

d) When the laying is adjacent or across road, railway or pathway

work should be done expeditiously. Sufficient safety
precautions, temporary support arrangements and traffic
diversions / control measures should be taken. Quoted rate
should include cost of all such arrangements.

2702.3 Laying

2702.3.1 All pipes shall be laid on a 15 cm thick bed of cement concrete as

specified extending on each side of the pipe, to the specified width of
the trench, pipes with crown level at 1.2 m depth or less from ground /
formation level shall be covered with 15 cm thick concrete above the
crown of the pipe and sloped off to meet the outer edges of the
concrete, to allow a minimum thickness of 15 cm around the pipe.
Pipes laid at a depth greater than 1.20 m at crown shall be concreted
on the sides to the level of the centre of the pipe and sloped off from
the edges to meet the crown of pipe tangentially.

2702.4 Pipes shall be carefully laid to alignments, level and gradients shown
on plans and sections. Sand is to be prevented from entering into the
pipes. Pipes between two manholes shall be laid truly in a straight line
without vertical or horizontal undulation. Pipes shall be laid with socket
up the gradient. Pipes shall, for their entire length rests on an even bed
of concrete and recesses shall be formed in concrete by scooping to
receive socket of the pipe.

2702.5 Where the floor of the trench consists of rock or very hard ground that
cannot be easily excavated to smooth surface, the pipe shall be laid on
a levelling course of concrete.

2702.6 Where SW pipes are used for storm water drainage, no concrete will
normally be necessary. Cement mortar for jointing will be 1:3 (1
cement : 3 fine sand). Testing of joints will also not be done.

2702.7 Jointing

2702.7.1 Tarred gasket of hemp yard soaked in thick cement slurry shall first be
placed round the spigot of each pipe and the spigot shall then be
slipped home well into the socket of a previously laid pipe. The pipe
shall then be adjusted and fixed in the correct position and the gasket
should then be caulked tightly home so as to fill not more than ¼ of the
total depth of the socket.

2702.7.2 The remainder of the socket shall be filled with a stiff mixture of cement
mortar in the proportion of (1 cement: 1 fine sand). When the socket is
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 3 of 17
Specifications RVNL
filled, a fillet shall be formed round the joint with a trowel forming an
angle of 45 degree with the barrel of the pipe. While each pipe is fitted,
it should be seen that no extraneous material is left inside the pipe.

2702.7.3 After a day’s work any extraneous material left shall be removed from
inside of pipe and the end temporarily closed to prevent entry of any
such material or creature. Newly made joints shall be cured.

2702.8 Testing of joints

2702.8.1 Stoneware pipes used for sewers shall be subjected to a test pressure
of 2.5 m head of water at the highest point of the section under test.
The test shall be carried out suitably, plugging the lower end of the
drain and the ends of the connection, if any and filling the system with
water. A knuckle bend shall be temporarily joined in at the top end
and a sufficient length of vertical pipe joined to it , so as to provide the
required test head or the top may be plugged with a connection to a
hose ending in a funnel which could be raised or lowered till the
required head is obtained and fixed suitably for observation.

2702.8.2 If any leakage is visible, the defective part of the work shall be cut out
and made good. A slight amount of sweating which is uniform may be
overlooked, but excessive sweating from a particular pipe or joint shall
be watched for and taken as indicating a defect to be made good. Any
joint found leaking or sweating shall be rectified or embedded in 15 cm
layer of cement concrete (1:2:4), 30 cm in length and section re-tested.

2702.9 Refilling

Where pipes are not bedded on concrete, special care shall be taken in
refilling trenches to prevent displacement and subsequent settlement.
Backfill shall be packed by hand under and around the pipe, and
rammed with a shovel and light tamper. Refilling shall be done in
layers and should rise evenly on both sides of the pipe, continued upto
60-cm above the top of pipe, so as not to disturb the pipe. No tamping
should be done within 15 cm from top of pipe.

2702.10 Measurements for Payment

Lengths of pipes shall be measured in running metre nearest to a

centimetre as laid or fixed from inside of one manhole to inside of the
other manhole. Length shall be reckoned along centre line of the pipe
over all fittings such as bends, junctions, etc. which shall not be
measured separately.

Excavation, refilling, shoring and timbering in trenches, and cement

concrete wherever required shall be measured separately under
relevant items of work.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 4 of 17
Specifications RVNL
2702.11 Rate

Rate shall include cost of materials and labour involved in all the
operations described above excluding cost of trenches, refilling and
cement concrete wherever required which shall be paid for separately
under relevant items of work unless otherwise specified.

2703 LAYING AND JOINTING CEMENTE CONCRETE PIPES AND

SPECIALS

2703.1 Cement Concrete pipes (with and without reinforcement)

The pipes shall conform to IS:458, be of the specified class and be with
or without reinforcement. Reinforced cement concrete pipes shall be
manufactured by Centrifugal (or spun) process; un-reinforced cement
concrete pipes shall be manufactured by spun or pressure process. All
pipes shall be true to shape, straight, perfectly sound and free from
cracks and flaws. External and internal surfaces of the pipes shall be
smooth and hard. Pipes shall be free from defects arising from
imperfect grading of aggregate mixing or moulding.

2703.1.1 Concrete for manufacture of un-reinforced and reinforced concrete

pipes and collars shall not be leaner than 1:2:4 ( 1 cement : 2 coarse
sand : 4 graded stone aggregate). Maximum size of aggregate shall
not exceed one third of pipe thickness or 20 mm whichever is smaller.
Reinforcement in reinforced concrete pipe shall extend throughout the
length of the pipe. Circumferential and longitudinal reinforcements
shall be adequate to withstand specified hydrostatic pressure and
further bending stresses due to weight of water when running full
across a span equal to the length of pipe plus three times its own
weight. It should also withstand external pressure due to over-burden
and any superimposed load above.

2703.2 Trenches

Trenches shall be dug, as described in Sub-Clause 2504.4. Where

pipes are to be bedded directly on soil, the bed shall be suitably
rounded to fit the lower part of the pipe, the cost for this operation
being included in the rate for pipe laying.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 5 of 17
Specifications RVNL
TABLE 2700.2

CONCRETE PIPES

Class Description Test pressure Conditions where normally

(Hydrostatic) used
NP1 Unreinforced 0.7 kg/ sqcm For drainage and irrigation
concrete non- (7 m head) above ground or in shallow
pressure pipes trenches
NP 2 Reinforced -do- For drainage and irrigation,
concrete, light for culverts carrying light
duty, non-pressure traffic
pipes
NP 3 Reinforced -do- For drainage and irrigation,
concrete, heavy for culverts carrying heavy
duty, non pressure traffic
pipes
NP 4 -do- -do- For drainage and irrigation,
for culverts carrying very
heavy traffic such as
railway- loading
P1 Reinforced 2 kg/ sq cm For use on gravity mains,
concrete pressure (20 m head) design pressure not
pipes exceeding two-third of the
test pressure
P2 -do- 4 kg/sq cm For use on pumping mains,
(40 m head) designs pressure not to
exceed half of the test
pressure
P3 -do- 6 kg/sqcm -do-
(60 m head)

2703.3 Laying

Care shall be exercised in loading, transporting and unloading of

concrete pipes. Gradual unloading by inclined plane or by chain block
is recommended. All pipe sections and connections shall be inspected
carefully before being laid. Broken or defective pipes or connections
shall not be used. Pipes shall be lowered into trenches carefully and
mechanical appliances may be used. Pipes shall be laid true to line
and grade as specified. Laying of pipes shall proceed up-grade of a
slope.

2703.3.1 If pipes have spigot and socket joints, socket ends shall face upstream.
In case of pipes with collar joints, the collars shall be slipped on before
the next pipe is laid. Laying shall preferably be from lower end.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 6 of 17
Specifications RVNL
2703.3.2 At locations where natural foundation is inadequate, the pipes shall be
laid either in concrete cradle, supported on proper foundations or any
other suitably designed structure. If concrete cradle bedding is used,
the depth of concrete below the bottom of the pipe shall be at least
1/4th of the internal diameter of the pipe subject to a minimum of 10 cm
and maximum of 30 cm. Concrete shall extend upto the sides of the
pipe at least to a distance of 1/4 th outside diameter of pipes 300 mm
and over in diameter. The pipe shall be laid in this concrete bedding
before the concrete has set. In other cases, also the base shall be well
compacted preferably by spreading a layer of gravel or coarse sand
and base formed to receive the pipes.

2703.3.3 When a pipe is laid in a trench in rock, hard clay, shale or other hard
material, the space below the pipe shall be excavated and replaced
with an equalising bed of concrete, sand or compacted earth of 15 cm
thickness or as decided by the engineer. In no place shall the pipe be
laid directly on such hard material .

2703.4 Jointing of pipes

Joints are generally of rigid type. Where specified flexible type joints
may also be provided as per IS:783.

2703.4.1 Spigot and Socket Joint (Rigid)

The spigot of each pipe shall be slipped home well into the socket of
the pipe previously laid and adjusted in the correct position. The
opening of the joint shall be filled with a stiff mixture of cement mortar
1:2 (1 cement : 2 ordinary sand) which shall be rammed with caulking
tool.

2703.4.2 Collar Joint (Rigid)

The collar shall be slipped on pre-laid pipe before the next pipe is laid.
The two adjoining pipes shall then be butted against each other and
adjusted in the correct position; the collar is brought over the joint
covering both pipes equally. The caulking space between the collar
and pipes, shall be uniform all round. The annular space shall be filled
with stiff mixture of cement mortar 1:2 (1 cement : 2 ordinary sand)
which shall be rammed with caulking tool.

2703.4.3 After a joint is made, any surplus material shall be removed from inside
of pipe and the newly made joint shall be cured for at least 10 days.

2703.5 Testing

For pressure pipes, the completed pipe line shall be tested for pressure
(site test pressure) which shall not be less than the maximum pipe line
operating pressure plus the calculated surge pressure, but in no case
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 7 of 17
Specifications RVNL
shall it exceed the hydrostatic test pressure. For non-pressure pipes
the joints shall be tested as per procedure laid down in Sub Clause
2702.8.

2703.6 Refilling of Trenches

The specification described under Sub Clause 2504.7 shall apply. In

cases where pipes are not bedded on concrete, special care shall be
taken in refilling trenches. Back filling materials shall be packed by
hand under and around the pipe, and rammed with a shovel and light
tamper. This method of filing will be continued upto the top of the pipe.
Refilling shall rise evenly on both side of the pipe continued upto 40 cm
above the top of pipe so as not to disturb the pipe. No tamping shall be
progressively heavier as the depth of backfill increases.

2703.7 Measurements for Payment

Stipulations made in Sub Clause 2702.10 shall hold good here also.

2703.8 Rate

Rate shall include cost of all labour and materials involved in all the
operations described above.

2704 MANHOLES

2704.1 General

At every change of alignment, gradient or diameter of a pipe / drain,

there shall be a manhole or inspection chamber. Bends and junctions
in the drains shall be grouped together in manhole as far as possible.
Maximum distance between manholes shall be 30 m.

Manholes of specified types and sizes shall be constructed in sewer

lines at specified places and to such levels and dimensions as shown
in drawings or as directed by engineer. The size specified shall refer
inside dimensions between brick faces of manholes. When the
standard drawings are not supplied, contractor will prepare one to suit
the ground and obtain engineer’s approval.

Sewers of unequal sectional area shall not be joined at the same invert
in a manhole. The invert of the smaller sewer at its junction with main
shall be at least 2/3 diameter of main above invert of main. The branch
sewers shall deliver sewage in the manhole in the direction of main
flow and the junction must be made with care so that flow in main is not
impeded.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 8 of 17
Specifications RVNL
No drain from house fittings, e.g. gully trap or soil pipe etc. to manhole
shall normally exceed a length of 6 m, unless unavoidable and
approved by engineer.

2704.2 Size and Design

Manholes are normally of the following sizes:

a) 90 cm x 80 cm Within compound and near buildings for

house drainage

b) 120 cm x 90 cm * Main drainage work for depth less than

1.5 m

c) 140 cm x 90 cm * Of the arched type, for main drainage

works where depth is 1.5 m or more

d) 140 cm dia Alternative to arch type, for main

internal ** drainage work with depth 2.25 m or more

 The width of manholes shall be increased more than 90 cm on

bends or junctions or pipes with diameter greater than 450 mm
and such that the benching width on either side of the channel is
minimum 20 cm.

** Diameter shall be increased suitably for pipes with diameter

greater than 450 mm in the same manner as in case of
rectangular manholes.

Before deciding on size of manholes local Municipal byelaws shall be

consulted. Manholes on footpath shall have cover of medium-duty
casting; those on roads shall have heavy-duty casting.

2704.3 Construction

2704.3.1 Excavation – The man hole shall be excavated true to dimensions and
levels shown in the drawings or as directed by engineer.

2704.3.2 Bed concrete – This shall be of cement concrete mix 1:4:8 (1 cement :
4 coarse sand : 8 graded stone aggregate 40 mm nominal size).
Thickness of bed concrete shall be :

a) Upto 4.25 m depth of manhole : 20 cm

b) more than 4.25 m depth : 30 cm

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 9 of 17
Specifications RVNL
2704.3.3 Brick Work – This shall be with class designation bricks in cement
mortar 1:5 ( 1 cement : 5 fine sand).

a) Wall thickness for depths :

i) Upto 4.25 m : one brick thickness

ii) From 4.25 m to 9.75 m : 1-1/2 brick thickness

iii) More than 9.75 m : 2 brick thickness

b) Plaster on the inside : 12 mm thick 1:3*

face including floor.

*Cement mortar (1 cement : 3 coarse sand). With water proofing

compound added in a quantity as per manufacturer’s specifications.

The external joints of brick masonry shall be finished smooth, and the
joints of the pipe with the masonry shall be made perfectly leak proof.

For arched type and circular manholes, brick masonry in arches and
arching over the pipes shall be in cement mortar 1:3 (1 cement : 3
sand).

The specifications described above regarding mix ratio and thickness

of bedding, brickwork, wall thickness, plaster etc. shall hold good
unless otherwise specified, shown in drawing, or as directed by
engineer.
In case local authorities / byelaws specify richer specification, the same
shall be adopted.

Work specifications for excavation work, bed concrete, brickwork,

plaster and pointing, RCC work, refilling of earth described under
different sections of part I shall be followed.

2704.4 Foot Rests

All manholes deeper than 0.8 m shall be provided with M.S. foot-rests.
These shall be embedded 20 cm deep in 20x20x10 cm block of cement
concrete 1:3:6 (1 cement: 3 coarse sand: 6 graded stone aggregate 20
mm nominal size). Foot rests which shall be of 20x20 mm square
M.S. bars shall be fixed 30 cm apart vertically and staggered laterally;
they shall project 10 cm beyond surface of wall. The top footrest shall
be 45 cm below the manhole cover.

Foot rests shall be painted with coal tar and, the portion embedded in
masonry to be painted with cement slurry before fixing.

2704.5 Man Hole Covers and Frames

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 10 of 17
Specifications RVNL

CI manhole covers shall conform to IS: 1726. The covers shall be

heavy duty, medium duty and light duty type as specified.

The covers and frames shall be cleanly cast and they shall be free from
air and sand holes and from cold shuts. All castings shall be free from
voids due to any cause.

The covers shall be capable of easy opening and closing and shall be
fitted in the frames in workman-like manner. The covers shall be gas-
tight and water-tight.

The frame of manhole shall be firmly embedded to correct alignment

and levels in RCC slab or plain concrete, as the case may be, on top of
masonry.

The sizes of covers specified shall be taken as the clean internal

dimensions of the frame. After completion of work, covers shall be
sealed by means of thick grease.

2704.6 Measurement for Payment

Manholes shall be enumerated under relevant item as a unit. Depth to

be reckoned from top of CI cover to invert level of channel; depth to be
measured correct to a cm. Extra depth shall be measured and paid as
extra over specified depth.

2704.7 Rate

Rate shall include cost of labour and materials for all the operations
described above but shall exclude the cost of

i) Excavation

ii) M.S. foot rests

iii) 12 mm thick plaster with water proofing material on the outer

surface of manhole. If required these items shall be paid for
separately under relevant items of work.

Payment for extra depths of manholes shall be made separately under

relevant items of work.

2705 INSTALLATION OF S.W. GULLY TRAP

2705.1 Materials

Gully traps shall conform to IS:651. They shall be sound, free from
visible defects such as fire cracks or hair cracks. The glaze of the
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 11 of 17
Specifications RVNL
traps shall be free from crazing. They shall give a sharp clear note
when struck with light hammer. There shall be no broken blisters.

Each gully trap shall have one CI grating of square size corresponding
to dimensions of inlet gully trap. It will also have a water-tight CI cover
with frame, inside dimensions 300 mm x 300 mm, the cover weighing
not less than 4.5 kg and frame not less than 2.70 kg. The grating cover
and frame shall be of sound and good casting and shall have truly
square machined seating faces.

2705.2 Fixing

Gully traps shall be fixed on cement concrete 1:5:10 (1 cement: 5

coarse sand: 10 graded stone aggregate 40 mm nominal size)
foundations of size 65 cm square and not less than 10 cm thick.
Jointing of gully outlet to branch drain shall be done as per Sub Clause
2702.7.

2705.3 Masonry Chamber

After fixing and testing the gully and branch drain, a brick masonry
chamber shall be built round the gully trap from the top of the bed
concrete upto ground level. The chamber works will be in brick
masonry in cement mortar 1: 5 (1 cement: 5 fine sand). The space
between the chamber walls and the trap shall be filled with cement
concrete of the same mix as for the bed concrete. The upper portion of
the chamber i.e. above the top level of the trap shall be plastered
inside with cement sand mortar 1:3 (1 cement: 3 coarse sand) with
water proofing compound added finished with a floating coat of neat
cement. The corners and bottom of the chamber shall be rounded off
so as to slope towards the grating.

2705.4 CI Cover

CI cover with frame 300 x 300 mm (inside) shall then be fixed on top of
the brick masonry with cement concrete 1:2:4 (1 cement: 2 coarse
sand : 4 stone aggregate 20 mm nominal size) and rendered smooth.
The finished top of cover shall be left about 4 cm above the adjoining
ground level so as to exclude surface water from entering the gully
trap.

2705.5 The structural details such as chambers size, thickness of bedding, mix
of concrete and mortars in plastering and brick work, C.I. cover frame
size shall hold good unless otherwise specified under the item of work,
indicated in drawings or as directed by engineer.

2705.6 Measurements for Payment

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 12 of 17
Specifications RVNL
The work shall be enumerated as a unit. Excavation shall be
measured separately under relevant item of earthwork.

2705.7 Rate

Rate shall include cost of all labour, fixture and material involved in all
the operations described above except earthwork, which shall be paid
for separately.

2706. CONSTRUCTING ROAD GULLY CHAMBER WITH GRATING

2706.1 Road gully chambers shall be built at locations as ordered by engineer.

The spacing of chambers, which are generally of brick masonry, shall
be generally 18 to 36 metres depending upon the grading of the road
and the area of drainage. Gratings provided to these chambers could
be

i) Horizontal

ii) Vertical

iii) Horizontal and vertical

The structural details i.e. size, thickness of bed concrete, concrete mix,
brick work, finishing of walls, grating details etc. shall be as shown in
approved drawings or as directed by engineer. All works shall be
carried out to the requirements of specifications stipulated for the
individual item.

2706.2 Measurements for Payment

Road gully chambers shall be designated under specified internal

dimensions and enumerated as units under relevant items.

2706.3 Rate

Rate shall include cost of all labour, and material involved in all the
operations except cost of excavation and connection pipes, which shall
be paid for under separate items of works.

2707 FIXING RCC VENT SHAFT

2707.1 The vent shaft shall be made of reinforced cement concrete,

manufactured by centrifugal spun process. Overall length of vent shaft
shall be 9-10 m and shall be provided at the top with an iron cowl
painted with anticorrosive paint.

2707.2 Vent shaft shall be provided at the starting point of the main sewer and
at such points where the flow of sewage is disturbed, i.e. at falls,
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 13 of 17
Specifications RVNL
siphons etc. As far as possible, the location shall be such that the
place receives sunrays for the maximum period of the day.

2707.3 Fixing

A pit of size 90 x 90 x 150 cm shall be dug true to dimensions at a

location fixed by engineer. Distance between vent shafts shall be as
detailed in Table 2700.3

TABLE 2700.3

DISTANCE BETWEEN VENT SHAFTS

Dia of main sewer Internal dia of Shaft Distance between shaft

(Mm) at top (mm)
Upto 900 140 120
900 – 1800 250 240
More than 1800 300 300

Local Municipal bylaws shall be kept in view while deciding upon

diameter of vent shafts and their spacing.

2707.3.1 Cement concrete 1:4:8 (1 cement: 4 fine sand: 8 graded stone

aggregate 40 mm nominal size) shall first be laid on the bed of the pit
to form a 25 cm thick concrete foundation, which shall be allowed to set
for 24 hours.

The vent shaft shall then be erected at the centre of the pit, true to
plumb, with the help of sheer legs, pulleys, tackles, ropes etc.

2707.3.2 Connection with sewer manhole shall be made using 150 mm dia
cement concrete pipe. After the connection is completed and approved
by engineer, the pit shall be filled with cement concrete 1:4:8 (1
cement: 4 fine sand: 8 graded stone aggregate 40 mm nominal size)
round the vent shaft upto ground level, except top 15 cm which shall be
filled with cement concrete 1:2:4 (1 cement: 2 coarse sand: 4 graded
stone aggregate 20 mm nominal size) and rendered smooth. The
junction of vent shaft with cement concrete shall be grouted with
cement mortar 1:1 (1 cement: 1 fine sand). Concrete work shall be
cured for at least 7 days.

2707.4 Measurements for payment

Vent shafts shall be enumerated.

2707.5 Rate

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 14 of 17
Specifications RVNL
Rate shall include cost of all labour and materials involved in all
operations excluding the cost of excavation and refilling around the
vent shaft, which shall be paid for under relevant items of work.

2708 CONSTRUCTION OF OPEN SURFACE DRAIN

2708.1 the open drains shall be of the size, as specified in the schedule item
and laid to such gradients and at such locations as may be shown in
the relevant drawing or as directed by Engineer. They shall be built in
conformity with standard drawings. Where drawings are not supplied
the contractor will submit drawings for proposed sections and obtain
Engineer’s prior approval.

The size of drain as specified shall be the width of the drain at the top,
measured between the masonry walls. Depth will depend upon local
ground levels drain invert levels and required self-cleansing gradient.
The drain shall be given, as far as possible, uniform slope from the
starting point to the discharge point.

2708.2 Measurements for payment

The drain shall be measured in running meters, correct to a cm, for

different depth and width ranges.

2708.3 Rate

Rate shall include cost of all labour and materials required for all the
operations described above, suitable deduction or extra payment per
cm basis shall be made in case there is a variation in average depth as
given in the item of work (including excavation and filling).

2709 CONSTRUCTION OF SEPTIC TANK

2709.1 Septic tank shall be constructed to dimensions mentioned in drawings

or given in item of work as directed by Engineer.

2709.2 Every septic tank shall be providing with C.I. cover of adequate
strength. The cover shall be 500 mm dia (medium duty) or 610 mm x
455 mm (L.D) or as indicated in drawings. The specification for C.I.
cover and frame shall be as described under sub clause 2704.9.

2709.3 The tank shall be provided with cast iron or asbestos cement
ventilating pipe as specified of at least 50 mm diameter. The top of the
pipe shall be provided with a cowl or suitable cage of mosquito proof
wire mesh. The height of pipe shall be as given in drawing (2 meter
normally) in case when the septic tank is at least 15 m away from the
nearest building.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 15 of 17
Specifications RVNL
2709.4 All individual items to be carried out for construction of tank shall
conform to relevant clauses of these specifications described under
relevant sections of part I and part II of technical specifications.

2709.5 Testing

Before the tank is commissioned for use, it shall be tested for water-
tightness by filling it with water and allowing water to stand for 24
hours. It shall then be topped up, if necessary, and allowed to stand for
a further period of 24 hours, during which time the fall in the level of the
water shall not be more then 1:5 cm.

2709.6 Measurements for payment

Septic tank shall be enumerated as units in term of sizes or capacities.

2709.7 Rate

The rate shall include the cost of materials and labour involved in all
the operations for carrying out construction work of tank as per item of
work including excavation refill, disposal of surplus earth and
preparation of detail design and drawings, is necessary.

2710 SOAK PIT

2710.1 Soak pit of given size shall be constructed as per approved drawings or
as directed by Engineer.

Work involves excavation of pit, construction of shaft and filling of brick

bats and brick ballast inside the shaft up to given depth. Covering of
shaft with stone or RCC slab of given thickness and brick edging with
bricks of class designation 75 shall be provided round the pit. Pit shall
be adequately protected against caving in.

The brickbats shall be well-burnt ones and of nominal size as indicated

in drawings. The packing of bat shall be carried out in layers.

During the construction of pit, the construction of shaft and filling of the
bats and the brick ballast shall progress simultaneously.

2710.2 Materials

All materials to be used in construction of pit shall be of approved

quality free from organic matter and shall conform to relevant clauses
of this document.

2710.3 Measurements for payment

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 16 of 17
Specifications RVNL
Soak pit shall be enumerated as units under appropriate sizes
capacities.

2710.4 Rate

Rate shall include the cost of labour and materials involved in all the
operations including the earth work.

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________
Part B - Buildings - Drainage Page 17 of 17