Design Alternatives

Gutter Collection Selection

There are differnt materials that a gutter collection system can be made of. The materials that were considered by the team were vinyl, aluminum, steel, and copper. In order to figure out which material would be the best option for the gutters, the staff decided to make a decision matrix. The criteria that the cistern material was based off of was cost, durability, maintenence, and corrosion. The cost refers to the price of the material, including start-up costs and part repair. The durability refers to the physical properties of the material, such as strength. Maintenance refers to how frequently the gutter system must be replaced due to material failure. Corrosion refers to the resistance to weathering for each material. The matrix is based off of a scale from 1-10 with 1 being the worst option and 10 being the best option. The team decided to go with aluminum gutters which can be purchased from Home Depot. The decison matrix is shown below.

Cistern Material Selection

There are different materials that a subteranian cistern can be made of. The materials that the team considered were concrete, fiberglass, polythylene, and steel. In order to figure out which material would be the best option for the cistern, the staff decided to make a decision matrix. The critera that the cistern material was based off of was cost, lifespan, load bearing capacity and durability. Cost refers to the price of the cistern including shipping and construction. Life span included how long the tank will last. Load bearing capactiy refers to how much weight the tank can withstand before failing. Durability refers to if the tank is prone to cracking. The matrix is based off of a scale from 1-10 with 1 being the worst option and 10 being the best option. The best option for the cistern material is concrete. The team decided to go with a pre-cast concrete cistern provided by Jensen Concrete. The decison matrix is shown below.