
Chitom
The Chitom School in the municipality of Joyabaj, Guatemala is a one-story confined masonry structure. The project includes a retaining wall structure consisting of masonry with tension ties and an on-site wastewater system consisting of a septic tank with field lines. Prior to the construction of the project, an existing school consisted of two teachers and 61 students meeting in a community salon divided into two rooms. The project provided the community with a more formal learning environment for the students in the community as well as improved sanitation.
We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the EWB-Wisconsin Professional Partners on this project. They provided funds, design mentorship, and travel mentorship, and this project would not have been possible without them.
Project Manager: Lauren Itzin
Faculty Advisor: Todd M. Davis, Ph.D.
Responsible Engineer in Charge: Max Schmiege, PE
Structural Design Mentor: Martin Aquino, PE
Water Resources Design Mentor: Doug Nelson
![]() Tying rebar for the retaining wall footing. | ![]() Rebar bent to account for the higher part that could not be excavated further for the retaining wall footing. |
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![]() Tying in column bases for the retaining wall. | ![]() Pouring concrete for retaining wall footing. |
![]() Completed footing. | ![]() Tying in column cages. |
![]() Tying back column cages. | ![]() Laying first layer of block. |
![]() Pouring the first beam. | ![]() Backfilling retaining wall. |
![]() Last stage of the retaining wall construction prior to EWB-MSOE departure. | ![]() Excavating septic field. |
![]() Backhoe used for excavation. | ![]() Laying pipe in the septic field. |
![]() Leveling pipe in the septic field. | ![]() Cutting pipe for the septic field. |
![]() Covering pipe in the septic field with gravel. | ![]() Covering the gravel layer with woven plastic bags. |
![]() Making a tool used to punch holes in the woven plastic bags to create filters. | ![]() Using the tool made on site to punch holes into the woven plastic bags. |
![]() Covering the septic field with soil. | ![]() Continuing to backfill the septic field. |
![]() Leveling the pipes connecting the septic field to the distribution box. | ![]() Constructing the walls of the distribution box. |
![]() Final construction stage of the distribution box prior to MSOE departure. | ![]() Pipe connecting the distribution box to the septic tank. |
![]() Preparing to pour the footing for the school. | ![]() Constructing the walls for the school. |
![]() Back view of the school during construction. | ![]() Front view the retaining wall and the school during construction. |
![]() Back view of the school displaying the roof structure during construction. | ![]() Bathrooms under construction. |
![]() Completed school. | ![]() Completed school. |