Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Institute of Technology
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering
Department
Four Month Internship Report
Abdirashid Mohamed Dahir
ID: ENGR/952/04
2015 GC
2007 EC
DECLARATION
Mentor:_________________________________________ Signature__________
Supervisor:______________________________________ Signature__________
Student:_________________________________________ Signature__________
List of Tables
Table-1 Major Activities and Stretch objectives of the Bureau..Page 11
Table-2 Customers and Expectations of the Bureau.....Page 12
Table-3 Design Team.Page 12
Table-4 Contracts and Construction Administration Team...Page 14
Table-5 Process Owner.Page 17
Table-6 Concrete CoverPage 35
Table-7 Concrete Classes.Page 35
Table-8 Reinforcing Bars and Their Applications.Page 36
Table-9 Recommended Slumps for Various Types of Construction.Page 49
Table of Contents
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................................... 2
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... 7
ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Background of the Bureau ............................................................................................................................ 9
1.1 Brief Details ......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Main products and services of Bureau ............................................................................................... 9
1.3 Main Customers and End Users of the Products and Services ......................................................... 12
1.4 Overall Organization and Work Flow ................................................................................................ 12
2- Overall Internship Experience................................................................................................................. 18
2.1 How I got into the company ............................................................................................................. 18
2.2 The sections that I had been working in ........................................................................................... 19
2.3 Introduction to the Sites ................................................................................................................... 20
2.3.1 Introduction to Palace and Staff Residence ............................................................................... 20
2.3.1.1 Construction Materials, Quality Assurances and Tests........................................................... 20
2.3.1.2 Storage Process and Construction Equipment ....................................................................... 21
2.3.1.3 Concrete Mixing ...................................................................................................................... 24
2.3.1.4 Engineering Problems at Presidential Palace Site................................................................... 26
2.3.1.5 Substructure and Foundation Works ...................................................................................... 28
2.3.1.6 Solid Slab and Grade Beams [Staff Residence] ....................................................................... 35
2.3.1.7 Floor System [Presidential Palace] .......................................................................................... 38
2.3.1.8 Roofing System [Presidential Palace]...................................................................................... 42
2.3.1.9 Tests on the Site ...................................................................................................................... 48
2.3.1.10 Total Station Operation ........................................................................................................ 50
3-Overal Internship Benefits ....................................................................................................................... 54
3.1 Improvement of Practical Skills......................................................................................................... 54
3.2 Theoretical Knowledge Upgrading .................................................................................................... 54
3.3 Interpersonal Communication .......................................................................................................... 55
3.4 Team Playing Skills ............................................................................................................................ 55
4|PageInternship Report by Abdirashid Mohamed Dahir -4th
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Acknowledgement
Firstly, all praise due to almighty GOD for the generation of ideas solely expressed in this
report, in depth analysis of engineering problems and possible solution, at last the
publishing and above all the everlasting mercy.
I would like to express my profound gratitude for the excellent guidance, hearty
acceptance, constant cooperation and warm welcome of Eng. Asad Omar Hussein, the
Deputy Chief of Ethiopian Somali Urban Development, Construction and Industry Bureau.
Special thanks also go to Eng. Bashir Mohamed and Eng. Mohamed Omar who tirelessly
helped me cope with different engineering problems during my stay with Urban
Development Bureau in Jigjiga. Both worked with me as supervisors and I was able to share
my ideas on engineering problems with them.
I am grateful to my advisor Alemu Diribse who really showed off greater willingness in
helping me remain updated and for his corrective measures in the course of the internship
program.
Lastly, I should not forget to thank Ato Abraham and Highway Engineer Samson Kibret of
Best Consulting Engineers P.L.C, the company that undertook the design project of Jigjiga
asphalt roads for their encouraging feedbacks and invaluable contribution.
Executive Summary
In summary this report sheds light on my internship practice program at Ethiopian Somali
Urban Development, Construction and Industry Bureau in Jigjiga, the capital of Zone 5
where I have maintained four-month presence. Primarily, although I was assigned to
Roads Construction Enterprise, the delay in the projects forced me to strike contract with
the governmental Bureau which welcomed me with open arms upon my application.
I translated theories at class into practice not only as intern but also I played consulting
role in the construction of Presidential palace in the outskirts of Jigjiga, three storey staff
residence in Jigjiga University and the design of four lane-one way urban roads in Jigjiga.
In the first part of this report, I have discussed the background of hosting Agency- Urban
Development, Construction and Industry Bureau which is among the regional
implementing bureaus with the aim of enhancing infrastructure and integrated housing
development in the Somali region of Ethiopia. Consulting services and role by the Bureau
as client in some construction projects are also part of the first section of this report.
Second part of the report divulges my overall internship experience, for instance how got
into the company, the section of the company I have worked in, the workflow of the section,
tasks being executed, challenges I faced and the possible solutions to the problems
encountered during the internship practice program.
Third, the detailed report exposes overall benefits I have gained during the internship
when it comes to the improvement in practical skills, upgrade of theoretical knowledge,
interpersonal communication skills, team playing skills, understanding of ethics and
organizational and entrepreneurship skills.
Finally, I have given recommendations to the hosting Bureau and concluded my report with
paragraphs summarizing practical skills on the sites over the last four months.
ACRONYMS
AUTOCAD-Automated Computer Aided Design
BSc-Bachelor of Science
DBU-Debre Berhan University
DPC-Damp Proof Coarse
EBS-Easting Back Sight
EBCS-Ethiopian Building Code Standard
ENG-Engineer
ESUDCIB-Ethiopian Somali Urban Development, Construction and Industry Bureau
-Yield Strength of Steel bars
GC-Gregorian Calendar
GPS-Global Positioning System
NBS-Northing Back Sight
OPC-Ordinary Portland Cement
PLC-Private Limited Company
PPC-Pozzoloni Portland Cement
PVC-Polymerized Vinyl Chloride
SAP-Structural Analysis Program
UTM-Universal Transverse Mercator
Major
S/No activities
Design
1.
preparation
Stretch Objectives
Preparing a new design within
High level building 7-20 Mill in 90 days.
Quality of 90%
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year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
2.
Design
approval
3.
Bidding
process
4.
Supervision
and
inspection
process
5.
Payment
process
6.
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year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
1.3 Main Customers and End Users of the Products and Services
Table 2-Customers and Expectations
S/No Customers
1.
Regional
sector
Bureau
and
Woredas
2.
Contractors
and
consultant
3.
Investors
Minimum
requirement
Surveyor
Adv. Diploma in
surveying
Architect
Bsc In Architecture
Respective role
remark
Preparation
architectural design
Check architectural
design
Prepare design contra
document
12 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Architect
Bsc In Architecture
Architect
Bsc In Architecture
10
11
Structural
Engineer
Structural
Engineer
Structural
Engineer
Electrical
Engineer
Bsc Electrical
Engineer
Electrical
Engineer
Bsc Electrical
Engineer
Electrical
Engineer
Bsc Electrical
Engineer
Drafts Man
Bsc In Drafting Or
Advance Diploma With
Preparation
architectural design
Check architectural
design
Prepare design contra
document
Preparation
architectural design
Check architectural
design
Prepare design contra
document
Preparation of
structural design
Prepare project TOR
Checking structural
design
Preparation of
structural design
Prepare project TOR
Checking structural
design
Preparation of
structural design
Prepare project TOR
Checking structural
Preparation of
electrical design
Checking electrical of
design
Preparation of
electrical design
Checking electrical of
design
Preparation of
electrical design
Checking electrical of
design
13 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
3 Year Experience
12
Drafts Man
Bsc In Drafting Or
Advance Diploma With
3 Year Experience
13
Drafts Man
Bsc In Drafting Or
Advance Diploma With
3 Year Experience
14
Sanitary Engineer
BSC In Sanitary
Engineer
Preparation of
sanitary design
Checking sanitary
design
15
Sanitary Engineer
BSC In Sanitary
Engineer
Preparation of
sanitary design
Checking sanitary
design
BSC In Sanitary
Engineer
16
Sanitary Engineer
Preparation of
sanitary design
Checking of sanitary
design
17
Quantity Surveyor
Preparation of BOQ
Checking BOQ
18
Quantity Surveyor
Preparation of BOQ
Checking BOQ
19
Quantity Surveyor
Preparation of BOQ
Checking BOQ
Minimum requirement
Respective role
remark
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year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
construction
engineer
construction
engineer
construction
engineer
construction
engineer
Evaluation of
contracts
Supervising
construction
Checking & approve
variation
Solving disagreement
Checking & approve
time extension
Performing temporary
& final acceptance
Registration of
construction.
Consultants as well as
providing professional
license
Evaluation of
contracts
Supervising
construction
Checking & approve
variation
Solving disagreement
Checking & approve
time extension
Performing temporary
& final acceptance
Registration of
construction.
Consultants as well as
providing professional
license
Evaluation of
contracts
Supervising
construction
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year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Engineering Or Related
Field
construction
engineer
construction
engineer
Evaluation of
contracts
Supervising
construction
Checking & approve
variation
Solving disagreement
Checking & approve
time extension
Performing temporary
& final acceptance
Registration of
construction.
Consultants as well as
providing professional
license
Evaluation of
contracts
Supervising
construction
Checking & approve
variation
Solving disagreement
Checking & approve
time extension
Performing temporary
& final acceptance
Registration of
construction.
Consultants as well as
providing professional
license
16 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Position name
Minimum requirement
Secretary
Diploma In Secretarial
Science
Respective role
17 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
remark
P.L.C. I drafted a seven page evaluation report on the engineering designs and
reports of the consultancy.
Condition of plastering
Visible cracks due to the self-weight and live loads imposed on the structure by
construction workers
Severe failures in the structure
The condition of Portland cement
Concrete mix
Whether foreman assigns workers to their respective tasks
19 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Presidential place and staff residence are found in Jigjiga, the capital city of Somali region of
Ethiopia. Presidential palace is now 80% completed and substructure works were
completed before my arrival while 3 storey 18 blocks staff residence is under construction
and nearly 20% completed.
2.3.1.1 Construction Materials, Quality Assurances and Tests
-Cement
-Selected Materials
-Fine Aggregates
-Coarse Aggregates
-Reinforcement Bars
-Nails
-Tying Wires
-Form Works
-Timber Scaffolds
As I worked on two different sites, construction materials were similar to each other but
the most important issue, regarding the tests for quality assurance was matter under
spotlight. On Site one where presidential palace is being built tests were either preconducted or suspended due to physical observations being made by engineers. But on Site
Two, where staff residence is being built, I found that Addis Ababa-based Engineering
Consultancy employed two empirical tests:
1-Slump Test
2-Compressive Strength Test
For every concrete mix, the consultancy PLC staffers used to test the compressive strength
of the concrete. If the concrete fails to satisfy the required compressive strength,
demolition will come into being for the sake of quality assurance. All compressive strength
tests were conducted in Dire Dawa.
Six test cubes of each (15cm*15cm*15cm) are taken for each test. At least one test is
taken whenever the concrete mix is less than 50m3, and at least two tests are taken to
test for a concrete mix greater than50m3. Out of the six cubes, three will be tested for 7
days strength which should be greater than 70% of the compressive strength of the 28th
day strength, and the rest will be tested for the 28days compressive strength which should
fulfil the required strength.
20 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Function- the structure should give any of the services it was intended for. It should
be possible to have unrestricted and unhindered use of the structure for the
purpose for which it is built. Crack, deflection and vibration of the structure should
be within the service limits.
Safety- the structure should be safe against any possible failure during its intended
time of use. It should fulfill requirements set by building codes. It should follow the
codes of practice for loading, materials, design and construction.
Durability- the structure should be able to stand for a time it is intended to serve
for.
Economy-The design work should take into account not only the cost of materials
but also the applicability, the time required to build, the cost of temporary
structures, the cost of maintenance.
Appearance (aesthetic value) - it should have a satisfying appearance/ look. The
design should consider the effect of cracking, leaking, staining, flaking, etc.
Upon my arrival at the site, I decided to learn a lot about the construction materials and
equipment since engineers are required to be acquainted with the knowledge of equipment
and store keeping on the site. Various materials such as cement, PVC, metallic pipes and
paints have varying shelf lives and different ways are employed while keeping them in halls
mainly constructed of Galvanized Corrugated Steel Sheet [BWG 34], the low-quality sheets
for economic reasons.
Figure 1: Photo 1: Indicates cement bags resting on the ground & Photo 2: Cement
Bags placed above the ground at nearly 30cm
21 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
The site engineer told me that the shelf life of cement is 6 months and if it surpasses
duration of six months, it cant be used for the concrete and mortar mixes.
The following factors are taken into account while storing concrete in the temporary camps
of contractors.
Figure 2: Photo 1 [Presidential Palace] Factors like flooding should be considered and
the height depends on the amount of precipitation Photo 2: Like cement, PVC and
electrical conduits are not laid on the ground
22 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 3: Orange-branded Back Hoe excavates the ground to minimize labour cost and
throws excavated soil into the Damp Truck.R: Electric vibrators help construction
workers expand concrete in plastic state, more importantly in this case for the concrete
cover of footing reinforcement
Figure 4: Fixed Concrete mixer has the capacity of holding 2 bags of cement, 6 boxes of
course aggregates and 4 boxes of fine aggregates at a time for C25 concrete while R:
Concrete hauler transports fresh concrete from the fixed mixer to the intended
destination
Compactors
23 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 5: Simple compactors reduce the volume of backfill soil by compaction while R:
similarly rollers or caterpillars are compactors and a machine that is mainly used for
increasing the bearing capacity of soil on roads and sometimes the site of buildings
I took a look back at concrete work on the construction site to see if the procedure
complies with university lessons, particularly lessons pertaining to construction materials.
On the site that I visited [Presidential Palace] the concrete mix was important part since the
building was Reinforced Concrete structure [Residential Building plus assembly building].
Figure 6: Crew members await workers collecting fine and course aggregates in
estimating boxR: The photographic image presents everybody with 50 x 40 x 18
measuring box that was used during volume batching of concrete mix
Batching
Al though two types of batching are used: 1) Weight Batching 2) Volume Batching, the
most important one, Weight Batching has never been used on my site but Volume
Batching was predominant and workers were employing measuring box with dimensions:
24 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Ratio Proportioning
Typical concrete sets in about 6 hours and develops a compressive strength of 8 MPa in 24
hours. The strength rises to 15 MPa at 3 days, 23 MPa at 1 week, 35 MPa at 4 weeks and 41
25 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
MPa at 3 months. In principle, the strength continues to rise slowly as long as water is
available for continued hydration
On the site of the construction, I saw problems emanating from segregation and
bleeding
No test was performed on the concrete, e.g slump test for workability
The project lacked mix design and perhaps, it could have affected quality control of
concrete
Vibrators were not used effectively for the compaction of concrete, thus the chance
for segregation was high but it also led to slab defects as concrete cover of the upper
floor slab became non-existence according to the below photo.
26 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 8: Honey comb [Mortar fails to fill voids between Coarse Aggregate particles]
and Voids [Concrete fails to fill areas in the form work] Defects
2.3.1.4.1 Causes
On the site, engineer feels that Coarse Aggregate is the most important ingredient in the
concrete since it is different from Mortars due the presence of course aggregate. One thing
that I can draw from my experience falls into the strength of course aggregate which is
required to match the strength of concrete itself.
As I have worked with the consulting firm side, I found a course aggregate with low
crushing strength due to the following reasons.
-It simply crushed when pressed between thumb and a finger
-Appearances such as the surface cracks and sieve-like characteristics proved weaknesses
27 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Since I understood a lot about the superstructure, I asked Urban Development Bureau to let
me work with K2N Architecture and Engineering Consultancy plc which was undertaking
the construction of G+3 Staff residence buildings inside Jigjiga University.
I started observing site clearance operation, including Setting out, excavations for footing
pads, Placement of lean concrete and formwork of footings, placement of concrete in
formwork, attaching columns to footing re-bars, Backfilling, Profile Floor Levelling and
Grade Beams.
To meet the exact Profile Floor Level [+/-0+00], you need to fix profile boards at a distance
of 2m from the outside edge of the masonry wall where the excavation will take place.
Perpendicularity is given much attention to avoid disturbances and improper centerlines
during the excavation of ground for shallow foundations.
Main function of the lean concrete is to provide the uniform surface to the foundation
concrete and to prevent the direct contact of foundation concrete from the soil. Lean
concrete is used under the foundations.
28 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
29 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 10:From physical observation, I understood that the relative density of soil
was small [Low Dense Soil], Depth of Foundation could have been increased [Photo
2] & Photo 3 shows lean concrete poured into the excavated holes
Development Length Check
To achieve higher bond between the concrete and steel, you need to bend the re-bars for
bond strength. Why for development Length? In the tension zone, Concrete-Steel
interface form Bond Stress, if not achieved bars pull out of concrete and tension drops to
Zero.
The sufficient length into which bars extend concrete is known as Development Length.
We usually apply this principle when designing Footing re-bars. I have checked the bars of
the foundation for development length, which is unavoidable at all costs during the
construction of foundation footings.
30 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
On my site:
Rebar Size=Grade 60 14mm Diameter
For Concrete C-25
2 X Fctd(Design Stress of Concrete in Tension) =Fbd
31 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 11: Footing Re-bars are bent up for bond strength to create strong bond
between Concrete and Steel
In Ethiopia, the most commonly used steel bars are S-300 with Fyd=260.87MPa
32 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
The amount of soil dug up from the site during the excavation is not almost important and
to make sure that future backfill soil is good at compaction, Cart Away concept is
introduced during the preparation of Quantity Take-off material. Over 80% of backfill
constitutes selected materials and expenses are in turn incurred.
Figure 12: Materials are selected for better compaction, strength and good texture
Columns are fixed to the footing bars by transferring lines from string lines to the ground
through plumb-bob and nails are also attached to wooden form work. It is noteworthy to
mention that Verandas Footing Pads carry smaller load than other footings of the G+3
building.
33 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 13: Columns are directly attached to footing re-bares [Photo 1], Concrete is
poured into the footing only [Photo 2] & without casting the column concrete forms
the footing pad only [Photo 3]
Footings remain 24 hours in the form work, to continue hydration process in order to
attain high strength curing lasts seven days and followed by backfilling.
Figure 14: Photos show curing techniques for footing pad and columns
34 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Solid Slabs
For any structural element, the following guidelines are important and it should be applied
to the structure while designing and constructing.
Concrete Cover
Beam
25mm Moderate
Slab
15mm Mild
Footing
50mm Severe
One-way slab: Reinforcement in one direction [Transverse for Bending Moment] but
practically it is non-existent due to architectural reasons.
Two-way slab: Reinforcement in two directions
Main Mesh Reinforcement
Secondary Mesh Reinforcement
Table-7 Concrete Classes
35 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Except for 6 mm diameter bars, reinforcing bars have ribs that create strong bond with
concrete.
Slabs transfer floor loads to the support by flexure and of the three types of slabs namelySolid Slab, Ribbed Slab and flat slabs-I saw Solid slabs which are divided into strips, say
middle strip and edge strips and reinforcement is provided in both directions.
Maximum bending moment is found in the middle strip where positive reinforcement and
T sections are found while 50% of the strips are extended into the support. I learned that
negative bars are terminated at a distance of L/3 from the respective centerline of the
supports.
Engineers prefer yielding steel at first to collapse in concrete.
Grade Beams
There is a direct relationship between ground floor slabs and grade beams. Grade beams
are similar to other beams supporting slabs but needs some structural considerations and
important concepts are introduced while on site and also in office.
36 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 15 the Ground is levelled up to Profile Floor Level [PFL] before grade beam is
being laid
Once footings and columns are completed, foundation masonry wall constructed of stone
and cement mortar is erected. Grade beams directly rest on the masonry wall and now the
concrete.
Isolation of Ground floor Slab: During my stay on the site, I came across the concept of
isolating ground floor slab from the grade beam. Unlike first floor and second floor slabs,
ground floor slabs dont carry flexural stress but since concrete is weak in tension, you
need to avoid severe cracking that would result from tension above the concrete capacity
and Expansion joint materials are placed between grade beam and ground floor slab.
Grade beams are not doubly reinforced structures but hanger bars run longitudinally in the
nominal compression zone for vertical stirrups to be fixed and allocated properly. In fact
Negative bars are provided in the tension zone like cantilever beams.
37 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 16: Negative bars resist negative bending moment due to the pressure by soil
on the masonry wall on which grade beams rest
During the flooring, I raised a number of questions, particularly the observation of solid
floor which direly rests on the ground. For example, the importance of Damp Proof Courses
(DPCs) and how such materials help floor system resist moisture and dampness into the
pavement.
I took a serious note on the following procedures:Floor Layering
Figure 17: Soil constituting a depth of 150mm above the ground level is compacted
manually
Soil, either Natural or selected soil material is sprayed on the floor area, the depth of the
soil is almost 150mm above the ground level and a rod in a can filled with concrete helps
construction workers level the soil to a desired depth.
38 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 18: Trachytic Hardcore materials used as Damp Proof Course (DPC) during
floor layering
Figure 19: Basaltic gravel is also used as an alternative Damp Proof Course (Material)
over the course of floor layering
39 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Hardcore or from Geologic perspective, Granite rocks are important in the layering of solid
floor due their resistance to dampness and moisture. The hardcore layer occupies a depth
of 250mm.
Hardcore exists in two forms, namely 1) Trachytic Hardcore [Granite] 2) Basaltic Hardcore
Rock.
Merits of Hardcore on the site
1-Strengthened and solidified the base of the building by resisting the pressure of dead and
live loads acting on the building.
2) Saved cost of construction, for example during the application of hardcore, the volume
occupied by the hard core if it were to be concrete would have cost more.
3) I do expect in future, it would reduce movement of water up to the floor surface.
Figure 20: After the hardcore is finished, Reinforcing steel with 8mm diameter is
applied to the surface to let floor system withstand tensile forces
40 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Before the concrete was poured over the hardcore, a process called blinding is employed.
Since it is quite troublesome placing concrete on the hardcore directly, three options
existed for us on the site 1) the use of a thin layer of very dry coarse concrete that could be
spread over it, 2) the use of a thin layer of coarse clinker (powder), and 3) the use of ash.
This blinding layer, or coat is about 50 mm thick, and on it the site concrete is spread and
finished with a true level top surface.
The diameter of reinforcing steel used in the field is 8mm while the total depth of floor
became 50cm:1) Compacting the selected backfill material with a layer not more than 25
2) 25cm of Hardcore/ 20 Hardcore plus 5cm of blinding material
3) 10cm of concrete
Figure 21: While casting concrete, it is lined just to ensure that alignment is
correct and surface is levelled appropriately
41 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Roof constitutes the upper most part of the building. It was really carrying a special interest
for me to see how roof covering are selected and supports including rafters, kingposts,
struts and purlins are built prior to the placement of Galvanized Corrugated Steel Sheets.
The most abundant roof covering on my site was Galvanized [Steel with zinc for rusting]
Corrugated Steel Sheet and at least I encountered some problems regarding the quality
control.
Figure 22: Galvanized Corrugated Steel Sheet, USG where G=Gauge 0.376mm
Types of roofs on the site
-Corrugated Metal Sheets
-RC Slabs
-Clay Tiles
There have been pitched roofs, closed couple roofs and trussed steel roofs for assembly
structures.
42 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 23: The presidential offices exhibit Hip roofs, just pitched since rainfall is
abundant in Jigjiga
For halls
-Steel Truss span-18.4m
-Spacing 4.5m
43 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 24: Assembly buildings require steel trusses unlike others due the width of
the building
44 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Figure 25: Photo 1: Steel trusses Photo 2: Welded Steel trusses Photo 3: Less
corrugated Ega Sheets, thicker than more Galvanized Corrugated Steel sheet
Figure 26: BWG 34-0.2mm used for stores while USG 28-0.376mm is used as roof
covering
Drainage System
Like the formal structures, buildings require more credible drainage system to avoid
failures resulting from poor drainage.
45 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
At the construction sites, Flat sheets are either used as gutters or down pipes and let rain
water flow through pipe-like systems attached to the side-building.
Parapets
Figure 27: Parapets are part of the structural elements that form a building Photo 1:
Before concrete casting Photo 2: After placement of concrete
Parapets are structural elements in the building during concrete casting. They are directly
attached to the reinforcement mesh of the slab due to the presence of loadings.
Among the loads on the parapets are: Dead loads [Self Weight], Hydrostatic Loads [When
raining] and occasionally lateral loads resulted by wind loads on the roof covering.
After concrete is casted, hollow concrete blocks at a depth of 40cm are constructed to help
parapets retain rain water.
Dimensions of the blocks [40X20X15 CM].
46 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Gutters
Figure 28
Photo 1: Workers attend to non-corrugated/ Flat sheets to find exact dimensions required
Photo 2: Prepared Gutter on roof top
Photo 3: Upper most part of a roof covering with opening
Photo 4: Hidden Roof gutters due to aesthetic purposes
Quantity Take off for roofs
Without taking labour and material costs into account, its necessary for engineers to
understand how to calculate the surface area of roof on a given building.
At first, I found the following interesting
47 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Slump Test
Figure 29
For the construction of footing and columns, I decided to perform Slump Test to ensure
whether the concrete is workable enough or not.
48 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Apparatus
Slump Cone/Metallic Mould with 20cm bottom diameter, 10 cm top diameter and
30 cm height.
Wooden base plate
Steel Tamping road with 16mm diameter and 60 cm length
Wheelbarrow
Procedure
I took a sample concrete on wheelbarrow from the mobile concrete truck
Prior to the test, wooden base plate was washed with water to avoid moisture
absorption
I placed three layers of concrete in the slump cone, each tamped 25 times with steel
rod
I carefully lifted the slump cone, just to avoid unintentional collapse
Result
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
SLUMP CM.
Maximum* Minimum
10
Building columns
10
49 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Recommendation
Since the first test led to collapsible slump, the only solution is to leave it and again
proportion concrete ingredients.
2.3.1.10 Total Station Operation
Figure 30
50 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Here we have one task to do to achieve higher accuracy; through the foot screws at 180 one
needs to eliminate tilt of Y by two foot screws and tilt of X by one foot screw. Again make
90 degree rotation and repeat the same procedure.
Function Keys
Figure 31
Function Keys are important in many ways, particularly in identifying the kind of project
you are expected to execute. Below are function and ESC buttons for showing off the pages.
Create Job[F3], from the job selection, select job with 0 data if not, then go to
F1 [Job List] ,delete a job and again choose job
Select Data
Prepare occupy station [Point over which the total station is placed] with Easting,
Northing and Z [Elevation], for almost all cases, we employed Garmin GPS to find
E=257955, N=1034958 and Z=1672 of occupy station
Again on Data, click BS Data to find second reference position, you will see Angle or
Coordinate, we do prefer Coordinate Method, and GPS is again used for BS to
achieve accuracy, data is inserted into the equipment.
EBS=257910
NBS=1034989
ZBS=1670-----Ok button
Height of instrument is measured using steel tape and heigh of the prism pole is
written in the display screen.
51 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
To check out your work, now take Back Sight reading, shoot the prism pole and hit
F1[REC] to get accurate reading
Place your prism pole over various stations by keeping your total station over the
occupy station until prism-hold gets lost due to rough terrain and existence of
mountains.
DATA TRANSFER
Figure 32
52 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
As you can see from the above photographic image, you can transfer
the collected data to flash disk or to the computer with the help of USB
and specific software. Fortunately, nowadays total stations have own
system to let surveyors receive data in a simple manner.
Hit F2 [USB], Select S type, Select Save Data, among the different jobs
available on the display panel, choose your task and click ok, wait for a
while moving into the storage device.
Transfer to Excel as CSV [Comma Delaminate] format and save [Below
is the data]
X
267952.4
267952.4
267952.4
Y
1034958
1034958
1034958
z
1672.285
1672.285
1672.285
53 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
54 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
Respecting suggestions
Sharing ideas open-mindedly
Communicating effectively
Approaching issues from a constructive point of view
Listening seriously
Seeking accuracy at all times
55 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
56 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
4-CONCLUSION
I have found the internship program interesting as it provided me with the necessary skills
required by civil engineers at site and in office. It was an opportunity for me to interact
with different people including professional engineers who at least contributed their
guidance to me.
It was something of highly valued to work for Ethiopian Somali Urban Development,
Construction and Industry Bureau on the construction of two key projects -Jigjiga
Presidential Palace and staff residence in Jigjiga University.
The consulting body directed me towards tough tasks but those with appropriate
theoretical knowledge could have overcome the engineering problems over the course of
the internship.
I gained not only practical but also theoretical knowledge by perceiving different
challenges on site and putting what I studied at class into practice.
At least, if you go on internship with high-class company or institution, you will get
acquainted with the translation of something in books into action.
I learned what do self-confidence, team playing, organizational skills, upgrade of
theoretical knowledge mean to the engineer?
Once and for all, let me say internship is far more fascinating than many things and
complies with real life situation.
57 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
5-RECOMMENDATION
Ethiopian Somali Urban Development, Construction and Industry Bureau where I
maintained presence for nearly four months needs to increase the number of civil and
construction engineers. Despite impressive work flow, the shortage of experienced
engineers was challenging matter.
The setting up of modern laboratory, publishing of soil testing manual and training of
technicians remain crucial because of the critical tasks ahead for the Bureau.
The delays in construction could only be avoided if contractors are scolded legally and held
accountable for the mishaps.
On site two, the staff residence of Jigjiga University, I recommend both the consulting firm
and contractor to provide space to practicing students and ease the restrictive control.
As long term and short term plan, consultancies are in dire need of relevant expertise and
laboratories to come up with quality assurances and scrutinize the contractors whenever
problems arise with varying intensities.
58 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
6-REFERENCES
59 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
7-APPENDICES
Oil is used as releasing agent during the initial fixing and at a later date when
workers remove temporary support from the hardened concrete
60 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU
If the work cant be accessed from the ground, construction workers need to use
scaffolds to build upper parts
61 | P a g e I n t e r n s h i p R e p o r t b y A b d i r a s h i d M o h a m e d D a h i r - 4 t h
year Civil Engineering Student-DBU