Downloadables

Wall Segments

The 4” (100mm) ABS drain pipe we used for the tank wall segments contained significant residual stresses. As a result, it deformed considerably when cuts were made into one of its ends. We had better success if we milled or otherwise made axial slots in the pipe while both ends were still intact. The supporting ends could then be cut off by making a transverse cut with a table saw. When this procedure was not followed, the axial cuts were not straight, and it was frustrating if not impossible to hold trios of the resulting segments together to form a tank.

Quantity: 3

Circular Disk

This simple addition to the kit makes it much easier to align the base of the silo wall segments during initial assembly. It is cut slightly smaller in diameter than the inside of the silo wall segments, in part because the silo wall circumference is reduced by three saw or milling tool kerfs.

Quantity: 1

Box

The box serves to catch the marbles when the tank wall segments are released. The same box was used for the Culverts, Dams and Retaining Wall Activities, and some of its features relate to those Activities.

Quantity: 1

Marbles

The marbles provide the loading on the tank. We used mostly 17mm diameter small marbles, with a few 24mm diameter larger ones (boulders) thrown in for variety and to avoid “crystallization” of the otherwise uniform smaller marbles. The marbles were also used for the Culvert, Dams and Retaining Wall Activities. One could, presumably use pea gravel (preferably non-crushed so that it had a strong convex profile) or grain instead of marbles.

Quantity: 780 small marbles, 50 large marbles

Rubber Bands

During some of the steps in the Activity, the rubber bands are used to hold the Wall Segments together.

Quantity: 6