1.

Abstract
This document focuses on the need and requirements of designing a water fountain. It aims to
propose and inquire the authorization and facilitation of the study. It in tells the vitality of the
project both as an academic study and an actual fixture in campus compound. Architectural and
structural design of a water fountain requires a broader knowledge of retaining structures,
open channel water flow, and foundation, piping system and aesthetic considerations. Below
are pictorial representations of previous water fountain designs from which the project will be
sampled.
 2. Introduction
Water fountains are structures that contain a water and soil pressure retaining structure to
outline the shape and area of coverage and also have a pipe system to transport the water
which is powered by a mechanical water pump. And the outlet that the water comes out of is
called nozzle.
In a more broad classification water fountains are divided into two which are indoor and
outdoor fountains. Even though our main focus is on the outdoor type it would help full to
know and recognize the considerations taken in to account for designing and constructing the
indoor types too. Another way of classifying fountains is from simple to complex, while the
once that only consider the source of water and its movement are called simple the that
consider factors such as wind, pump pressure and water cycle and filtration are known as
complex. In addition they could be classified by nozzle type there are types such as vertical,
dancing and flowering.
Fountains were first discovered in southern Mesopotamia, in modern Iraq, where a series of
basins were utilized in the ancient city of Lagash that likely tapped water from irrigation
networks and canals nearby. Gods, such as Ea, were associated with water, thus fountains were
made to represent water flowing out from the god. Fountains have been constructed and used
for recreational and aesthetic purposes since 3000B.C. During those early stages of the
development of such structure water was sourced from springs and instead of mechanical
pumps gravity was used to move the water. Water fountains are part of every human
settlement, historical and mythological stories. In many places, people visit fountains to
experience the freshness of running water.
In Ethiopia the use of water fountains was limited to parks, hotels and privately own residences,
but recently due to plans by the government to decorate urban areas such structures have seen
a boost in development. With such an expanding demand for this types of structures the basic
and innovative ventures are also growing.
The defense engineering college campus has also been undergoing a series of beautification
and modernization of the compound which could be exponentially improved by a water
fountain. Fountains due to their complex nature they require the implementation of studies
from several engineering disciplines such as civil engineering, electro mechanical engineering
and other related subjects. In addition to the provision of an attractive site and recreational
area fountains also tend to produce a cool breath of a running water.
3. Objectives
3.1 General objective
The main objective of the project is to design a water fountain.

3.2 Specific objectives

 To identify and select a suitable site for the project.
 To conduct a soil investigation related with soil type, bearing capacity and lateral
pressure.
 To design (architectural) the overall look of the structure as aesthetic and pleasing as
possible.
 To design (structural) the super and sub structures to be strong durable and functional.

4. Methodology
Selecting the site by considering the proper requirements of a water fountain.

 Site should be of a certain distance from any establishments that could disturbed
or damaged by the splash.
 Sited should be centered at a widely visible and graceful with comparison to other
surrounding structures.
 Site should not be surrounded by a wide plane area due to wind control
considerations.
Soil investigation is intended to be carried on by series of lab tests in order to figure out the soil
type, bearing capacity and lateral pressure. This helps to decide whether or not to use select
soil or rock types and to design the retaining and shear wall structure. A total of three tests will
be conducted named California bearing ratio test, compaction test and direct shear test.
Architectural design is carried out by software such as Auto cad, Archi cad and Civil FX.
The structural design is carried out by the guide lines of several codes from EBCS 2.