Chapter One

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU.
NSE VOL1
CHAPTER ONE
1.
INTRODUCTION
The journey to the now in my formal education began when I got enrolled in
Auchi Polytechnic staff primary school Auchi Edo State in September 1992.
Not completing the six years primary education, due to excellence in my
performance, after the primary five year, I was enrolled into Auchi Polytechnic
staff Secondary School in October 1997. However upon the realization of the
importance of the first school leaving certificate, I was enrolled in the year
2000 to sit for the first school leaving certificate examination at Auchi
polytechnic staff primary school and obtained my first school leaving
certificate with merit grade.
Subsequently, I obtained the junior secondary school certificate JSCE in the
same year as the first school leaving certificate. Between the year 2001 and
2004, I was enrolled into the south Ibie secondary school and obtained in the
year 2004 the senior secondary certificate (SSCE).
Fascinated by monuments and sceneries I frequently see on the popular
television channel (Discovery world), and upon comparison to my immediate
infrastructural developing environment of Auchi, I found my purpose. A
purpose that appreciate the engineer but more importantly, a purpose that seek
ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1
to build the immediate environment into a potentially pleasant and man

friendly world, I prepared to study civil engineering.
In September 2005, after sitting and passing the joint Admission and
matriculation board examination (JAMB) now universal tertiary matriculation
examination (UTME),
I was offered admission to study civil engineering (a
five year course) at the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. I

graduated in July 2010, with a Bachelors of engineering (B.Eng. Civil) in Civil
Engineering. At present, I am pursuing a Masters degree (M. Eng) in
geotechnical Engineering.
WORK EXPERIENCES
My Engineering Experience began with Intels Nigeria Limited (a

logistic/services company) when I was attached to the safety department as a
trainee engineer undergoing my student industrial work experience scheme
(SIWES), from march 2009 to August 2009. Within the six months program, I
was involved in the following activities:
1 Rontine check of heliport facility (port light/ hole and area light ).
2 Cordinating Helicopter Emergency landing with the fire unit.
3 Prepare reports and recommend periodic services of heliport (port lights/ holes,
area lights and fire extinguish).
On graduation from the university and subsequent deployment for the National
Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in 2011, I was posted to Lagos State where I
served with the Lagos state public works corporation. A state corporation
whose sole duty is to ensure maintenance and re construction of existing
roads. In this period, I was attached to the project department (Civil) as an
assistant site coordinator and was involved in the following:
1 Identify potential defects on an assigned road and reporting the level of damage
2 Estimating the square area to be maintained and type/quantity of materials to be
used (asphalt or paving stones)
3 Coordinating gangs and supervising material and machine application on site.
4 Prepare periodic project update report
5 Ensure personal adhere to the organizations health safety policy on site.
After the one year NYSC program in 2012, I was opportuned to supervise the
construction of a four bedroom and an attached gym residential duplex for
Mrs. Stella Adekunle. With the great help and advice from professionals and
3
research findings, I was able to execute the four bedroom duplex for Mrs.
Stella Eberechukwu Adekunle at plot 13 block AF OPIC/Riverview Estate,
Opic Isheri Ogun State . In this period, I was saddled with the following
responsibility.
1 Studying Architectural and structural drawings of proposed building
2 Stage by stage liaison with the architect and design engineers for proper
understanding of the various stages of the construction.
3 Procurement of materials (to meet standard) of design
4 Supervise project team in the various job commitment to meet Architectural and
design standard
5 Ensuring proper application of man and material on site
6 Preparing stage by stage report of construction and reporting to client, design
engineer and architect.
7 Receiving construction cost and drawing financial report form financial values
obtained form the Bill of quantities with respect to actual spending.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0
EXECUTED PROJECTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

In addition to the responsibilities I was saddled with as a trainee engineer during
my student industrial work experience scheme with intergrated logistics services
limited (intels), I have also begin part and have spare headed works, ranging from
construction ,supervision, management and administrative functions.
2.1
CONSTRUCTION OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY OJO CAMPUS

ROAD
YEAR OF PROJECT:
2011.
ROLE:
SITE COORDINATOR.
CLIENT:
EMPLOYER:
LAGOS STATE GOVT.

LAGOS STATE PUBLIC WORKS COPORATION.
COST OF PROJECT:
2.1.1
CLASSIFIED.
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
The project is a Lagos state government project and by mandate, Lagos State
Public Works Coporation, an Independent Coporation created by the State
government was called in.
All necessary survey such as establishment of bench marks, marking of
changes, taking of cross sectional level as well as determination of reduced
level have been executed by the LASU management.
Also executed before our deployment to site was the earth work ie.
movement of top soil to give way for fill material, cutting and filling, laying
of sub base, compacting, laying of base course (stone base) to a thickness of
150mm (6inches) and construction of drainages. However, having all these
activities already carried out our sole responsibility was to render a finish
course by laying an asphaltic membrane over the well compacted surface
subbase and subgrade.
In doing these, we deployed man, machines and step by step technique that
followed in succession to achieve the defined goal of laying the asphalt.
6
Meeting the road surface already well compacted, we swept clean the
surface to get rid of dirts that has been brought about by wind and students
activities on campus. These was followed by the application of MC1 (an
emulsion of bitumen mixed with kerosene) and sharp sand to provide a
binder membrane. The surface was then overlayed with a 60mm thick
asphaltic binding and a
40mm thick asphaltic wearing course.
The actual placing of the asphalt was done manually with a 20tonne
truck
discharging hot asphalt in given portions and at varied distances. The

discharging was such that the truck discharges in portions from target point
towards the exit, this was to avoid the truck climbing the asphalt still hot
during exiting the site. The hot asphalt was then spread manually with the
use of shovels, care was taken to ensure thickness was not under given
requirement or unnecessarily exceeding requirement. The asphalt was rolled
while hot using rollers that discharges water upon the roller wheels. These
was to avoid the asphalt material sticking to the rollers while compacting
the asphalt. Minimum rolling temperature varies from
100C to 120C
2.1.2
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
i.
Level of compacted surfaces on some portions of the road had been altered
by runoffs due to rainfall and vehicular activities in the periods between the
compaction and asphalt laying.
7
ii.
Human and vehicular activities on the road during construction periods.
iii.
The work was being done during the raining season.
2.1.3
SOLUTIONS PROFERED
i.
Surfaces that were eroded, were patched with a mix of hardcore and stone
base and then compacted. In doing these, the eroded portion was excavated
with at least 1(one) meter beyond and around the eroded area.
ii.
Other existing routes in the campus were heavily loaded and a traffic
controller was put in place to control traffic on the routes outside the
cordoned area.
iii.
Lagos state public works corporation had a wheather forcast system that
help predict daily weathers and suggest best periods for construction
activities, due to these, man materials were fully utilized without waste.
2.1.4
EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED
By the end of the one year training, I acquired experience on how to:
Participate in laying, shaping and compacting subbase and base course

materials.
8
Participate in laying and compacting of asphaltic concrete binder and a

asphaltic wearing course.
Patch port hole on existing roads and estimate materials required given the
square area of damage to be patched.
Coordinate gang men, material and machine application on site.

5
2.2
Writing and documentation of daily site activities.
CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR (4) BEDROOM DUPLEX AND AN

ATTACHED GYM AT OPIC ESTATE, ISHERI NORTH L.G.A. OGUN
STATE.
2.2.1
YEAR OF PROJECT:
2012
CLIENT:
MRS STELLA EBERE CHUKWU ADERUNLE
EMPLOYER:
MRS STELLA ADEKUNLE (FREELANCING)
COST OF PROJECT:
N20, 814,710.00
The project which involved the construction of a four bedroom duplex
and
an attached gym (reinforced concrete) was commenced on 4th November
2012
at the total construction cost of N20, 814,710. The Structural Engineering design
of the project was carried out by Zophan Consultant. The proposed
residential
building was a Framed Structure with a total number of Twenty two (22)
columns of 225mm 225mm dimension and Nine (9) beam members of
225
300mm dimension. The load bearing capacity of the soil was 60KN/m2
and
the terrain was water logged (swampy environ) with the top soil of clay nature.
Raft foundation was designed for the substructure instead of wide
strip or pad.
The foundation beams were designed 450mm below ground level with a thickness
of 300mm and a depth of 1.2m (raft depth) to the DPC level. A 300mm thick hard
core layer was sealed by a 5mm thick Damproof membrane
before
the
Damproof course (DPC) was layed. Both column reinforcements
were
at required positions as provided on the structural plan and the raft
was
sited
provided with a 50mm thick concrete blinding. Within the project life cycle, I
carried out the following:
1
Procure building material from the start to the finish stage of the building.
Ensure materials I procured, met specific design standard i.e. reinforcement quality
and size etc.
Ensure delivery of building materials to site.
10
General supervision of works on site including setting out, formworks, quality

control of concrete and steel, proper investigation of work before covering up,
payment of artisans wages amongst others.
Keeping record of daily activities of site works including expenditure and material
usage.
Enforcing safety rules and guidelines on artisans and workmen on site.
Making daily Head count of workmen on site and marking them present or absent
on the site register.
Drafting project monthly progress report of work done for site meetings.
2.2.2
The project ended with the following challenges:-
Compound area was swampy and water logged. Pumping water out while
doing the settling out in a slurry terrain was a demanding task.
Given the water logged nature of the area, excavation was also a challenge
encountered
Communication was a major challenge as many of the workers had language

problems which hampered the proper dissemination of information
11
2.2.3
i.
SOLUTIONS PROFERED
A two horse power surface pump was bought and made to work through out
working hours, these kept the water level at its lowest and provided a clear
surface to effect the setting out.
ii.
Upon excavation, trench walls were supported by wooden panels and

braced to prevent the walls from collapsing into the trenches before and
after the concrete blinding was poured.
In every work specialty, an interpreter was appointed amongst the workmen

to help with smooth distribution of information.
2.2.4
EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED
By the end of the project, I acquired the following experience.
How to interpret and effect architectural and structural drawings on ground
The necessity of supervision and monitoring of workmen on site, as there

was an occasion where the iron bender ran reinforcements for a one way
spanning slab instead of a two way in a particular slab panel he thought to
12
be too small to be a tow way spanning slap as prescribed by the structural

drawings available.
3
How to carry out the entire ground floor construction including laying
hardcore, the use of the Damproof membrane and casting the Damproof
course (DPC).
Requirements and provisions of good finishing including plumed tile works,

plaster of Paris (POP) wall screeding and painting.
2.3
CONSTRUCTION OF A 72m SURFACE DRAIN AT NIYI AYEYE

STREET, OPIC ESTATE ISHERI OGUN STATE.
YEAR OF PROJECT:
2.3.1
2012.
CLIENT:
ENGINEER PETER ADEKUNLE.
EMPLOYER
ENGINEER PETER ADEKUNLE.
COST OF PROJECT
3,426,218.
The project which was a constructions of a 72m open draining conveying
waste water from two residential building, was awarded to Engr. Peter
Adekunle at the cost of three million, four hundred and twenty six
13
thousand, two hundred and eighteen thousand naira only (3,426,218). In

this project I played the role of a resident civil engineering/procurement
officer.
The project was basically the construction of a 72m, open drain. The
hieghtwieght of the drain was 900m800mm. The main purpose for this
project was to convey waste water from bathrooms, kitchens into the drain
for onward disposal since the nature of the area is water logged and as such,
a soak away is not viable.
As a resident civil engineer, appointed on the project, I played the
following roles on the execution of the project.
1
Supervise all construction work on the site
Procure construction material and I ensured they (materials) met specified

standards
Supervised the earth excavation and application of earth work support.
Supervision of concrete and reinforcement application
2.3.2
i.
The terrain for the drain was swampy and water logged of slurry clay
14
ii.
Gradient of the constructed drain relative to the existing drain was quite a
challenge as the water is to flow from the project under construction and
discharged through the existing drain.
iii.
Given the water logged nature of the terrain, distortion of earth work
support was frequent.
2.3.3
i.
SOLUTONS PROFERED
Given the slurry and water logged nature of the terrain, earth work support
was provided to enable especially the concrete blinding to be layed without
the earth material falling back on the trench
ii.
The slope of the drainage at the start point was made shallow relative to the
discharge point (existing drain). i.e. the depth of the drain at the start point
was less than 900mm to the earth surface, with the vertical walls of the
drain coming up above the road by the same height as at the end point.
iii.
To reduce the frequent failure of the earth support during excavation and
concrete/reinforcement work, the earth forms were braced diagonally using
a 2inches3inches short wood brace at 1.2m distance apart.
2.3.4
EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED
The experience acquired in the project include:-
15
Earth excavation concrete/reinforcement application in a water logged

terrain
Working with slope/gradient of existing drainage relative to the proposed

drainage
2.4
CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR UNITS OF 24,000mm3 REINFORCED

CONCRETE WASTE TANKS (SEPTIC TANK)
PROJECT YEAR
APRIL 2013
CLIENT
MRS ADEBIYI BALOGUN
EMPLOYER
MRS ADEBIYI BALOGUN
PROJECT COST -
2,050, 000
16
2.4.1
DEDSCRIPTION OF PROJECT
The project for the construction of a 24000mm3 septic tank was a
reinforced concrete box structure of 4m*2m*3m erected on the surface and
sank after full concrete strength is attained. Construction was such that top
and bottom of the box structure is opened with reinforcement propping out
from the top of concrete walls. Sinking of the reinforced concrete box was
done manually and at a given depth of Sinking, a floor is suspended. This is
because the area under consideration has high water table and its marshy in
nature, this makes it difficult to perform any excavation or construct any
concrete surface at any depth below 4ft with ease.
In the course of this project, I played the following roles.
Mobilization of materials and workmen to site
Supervision of man power and material application on site.
Identifying problems during the construction life cycle e.g. in sinking the
septi tank, I instructed workers to make sure the tank sinks evenly by
making sure excavation was uniform on all sides, when I discovered there is
a little tilting at the earlier stage of the sinking exercise.
2.4.2
17
i.
The proposed area or the septi tanks was in between the service building
and the fence, there was limited space to work with in terms of width.
ii.
The nature of the soil is clay and water logged, there was difficulty in
construction.
After sinking, stopping ground water to give a perfect dry tank was a
challenge.
2.4.3
i.
SOLUTIONS PREFERED
In order to accommodate the given volume required, the orientation of the
septic tank was made rectangular with the short side (2m) on the width of
the area provided.
ii.
Due to the clay and water logged nature of the area, the reinforced concrete
walls were done on the surface and later sank into the ground.
iii.
To stop the ground water after sinking in order to constrict a totally water
proof ceiled floor surface, several material and technique were deployed
including water proof membrane pumping machinery to pump water out
during casting the floor and at least 7hours after casting the floor,
suspending the floor beneath in order to prevent contact between the
ground water and the concrete floor under construction.
18
2.4.4
i.
EXPERIENCE ACQIUIRED
I learnt how to effectively confront ground water during construction in a
waterlogged environment
ii.
I became acquainted with manually sinking concrete tanks built on surface

and why concrete tanks are built on surface before sinking.
I became knowledgeable in the application of machines such as the surface

pumping machine during underground construction in a waterlogged
environment.
2.5
CONSTRUCTION OF A 6420M2 CONCRETE FLOOR
PROJECT YEAR JUNE 2013
2.5.1
CLIENT
MRS ADEBIYI BALOGUN
EMPLOYER
MRS ADEBIYI BALOGUN
PROJECT COST -
2,535,000
19
The project involves the construction of a 6420M2 concrete floor area. The
floor was to service a car wash and car servicing activities. Given the kind
of services to be carried out on the floor area, the construction involved
excavating the vegetable soil and topped back with suitable fill material.
Compaction followed and the laying of hard core was done to complement
the strength and carrying capacity of the finished concrete. The B.R.C wire
mesh was the reinforcement type used and a concrete of 150mm think was
layed.
In the course of the project, I played the following roles and responsibilities
1
Evaluation of site before construction to depict topography and possible

direction of run off.
Drawing up work schedule for the various phases of the project.
Procurement of materials and mobilization of workmen to site.
Supervision of manpower, and material application on site.
Ensuring that every phase of the project is delivered to specification and

desirability e.g. during excavation, I ensured the natural topography was
not altered.
2.5.2
20
i.
Excavation was done manually, taking good level was a challenge.
ii.
The area covered with the concrete floor was almost flat with a very
shallow slope. Maintaining the slope during subsequent construction such
as laying the hard core was a challenge given the fact that water used on the
floor area should flow to the existing drain which is in the direction of the
slope.
2.5.3
i.
SOLUTIONS PROFERED
The use of lines and plumb to ensure adequate excavation levels came in
handy during the construction
ii.
During laying the hardcore, the pebbles were layed in such a way that the
bigger pebbles are layed at the highest point of the excavated level while
the medium and small sizes followed as slope the reduces. These was to
ensure that the required slope ofter excavation is transferred to the hardcore
surface and subsequently to the final concrete floor.
2.5.4
EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED
21
i.
l learnt how to work manually with men and simple tools/materials in

taking levels from subsoil to a finished constructed layer of concrete on a
relatively large area.
ii.
I became abrased with how to and the need for the excavation of the top
soil even when machine to effectively excavate seems not available.
CHAPTER THREE
3.0
RESEARCH WORKS
My researchers work began in 2009 when I carried out an undergraduate
research project on design of a central sewage treatment facility (a case
study of Awka in Anambra state ) as a partial fulfillment of the requirement
for the award of my Bachelors Degree (B. Eng.) in Civil Engineering.
3.1
In the course of the research work, the following challenges were
encountered:
i.
Difficulty in obtaining raw data from government MDAs

22
ii.
3.2
i.
Unstable internet service from service provides

SOLUTIONS PREFERRED
I obtained a letter of introduction from the civil engineering department to
enable the MDAs assist
ii..
3.3
The broadband of our internet was increased

EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED
i.
Ability to carry out research on particularly issues of local content
ii.
My ability to effectively document research findings was strengthened.
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0.
CONCLUSION
This technical report presents a summarize description of my practical
experience in civil engineering for the past five years. I have been able to
work with professional engineers on various project and construction
23
activities during my pupilage period. In this period, I was also privileged to

encounter engineering problems and took part in solving them.
In addition, I have also gained a lot of experience on engineering

construction activities from a professional and intense relationship I have
nurtured with Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Builders Town Planners,
Land surveyors and Estate managers.
My key achievement was in acquiring the professional and technical know

how in RC building construction stages, project supervision as it concerns
RC building and high ways construction, maintenance of structural
facilities and procurement of construction materials as it concerns RC
building construction.
Thus, the profession has been demanding and fulfilling. My reasons for
choosing the engineering profession are gradually and steadily been met, to
this end, there is no regret I hope to continue to involve in many
engineering projects and research, and submit myself to further tutelage
under senior colleagues.
24
4.1
RECOMMENDATION
From My University days and followings my involvement in several
engineering projects over last five years, it is recommended that the
Nigerian society of engineers, create more awareness amongst fresh
Engineering Graduates on the need and process of becoming a member of
the society. This is to ensure that they are guided on projects to engage so
as to acquire great engineering experience and skills within their pupilage
period.
Also, the present method of registration for corporate membership of the
society should be sustained with more commitment and dedication by NSE
so that the vision of the society to be one of the very best engineering
professional bodies in the world would be a dream comes true.
Further more, the Nigerian society of engineers should be more committed
in its quest to provide quality assistance to various arms of government,
industries, commerce, the academia, researches and the society at large in
the form of advice and proposals for the betterment of the country as a
whole.
25
APPENDICES
PICTURES
26
27
28
29
30
REFERENCES
1 Olorunisola, A.O. (2004): Introduction to Technical Report Writing;
Ibadan; Foresight Educational Publications.
2 Orego; C.O. (1997): style and format of professional Report Writing.
A paper on preparatory course for NSE professional interview,
Kaduna
Branch.
3 NSE Abuja Branch (2013): Manual for Corporate Membership Examination

and Interview, Papers presented at the 3 days Compulsory
Workshop for
Corporate Membership Examination.
31

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ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU.

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

to build the immediate environment into a potentially pleasant and man

I was offered admission to study civil engineering (a

five year course) at the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. I

My Engineering Experience began with Intels Nigeria Limited (a

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

EXECUTED PROJECTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

CONSTRUCTION OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY OJO CAMPUS

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

LAGOS STATE GOVT.

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

40mm thick asphaltic wearing course.

discharging hot asphalt in given portions and at varied distances. The

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

Human and vehicular activities on the road during construction periods.

The work was being done during the raining season.

Participate in laying, shaping and compacting subbase and base course

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

Participate in laying and compacting of asphaltic concrete binder and a

Coordinate gang men, material and machine application on site.

Writing and documentation of daily site activities.

CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR (4) BEDROOM DUPLEX AND AN

MRS STELLA EBERE CHUKWU ADERUNLE

MRS STELLA ADEKUNLE (FREELANCING)

The project which involved the construction of a four bedroom duplex

an attached gym (reinforced concrete) was commenced on 4th November

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

Damproof course (DPC) was layed. Both column reinforcements

at required positions as provided on the structural plan and the raft

Ensure delivery of building materials to site.

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

General supervision of works on site including setting out, formworks, quality

Enforcing safety rules and guidelines on artisans and workmen on site.

Communication was a major challenge as many of the workers had language

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

Upon excavation, trench walls were supported by wooden panels and

In every work specialty, an interpreter was appointed amongst the workmen

How to interpret and effect architectural and structural drawings on ground

The necessity of supervision and monitoring of workmen on site, as there

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

be too small to be a tow way spanning slap as prescribed by the structural

Requirements and provisions of good finishing including plumed tile works,

CONSTRUCTION OF A 72m SURFACE DRAIN AT NIYI AYEYE

ENGINEER PETER ADEKUNLE.

ENGINEER PETER ADEKUNLE.

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

thousand, two hundred and eighteen thousand naira only (3,426,218). In

Supervise all construction work on the site

Procure construction material and I ensured they (materials) met specified

Supervised the earth excavation and application of earth work support.

Supervision of concrete and reinforcement application

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

Earth excavation concrete/reinforcement application in a water logged

Working with slope/gradient of existing drainage relative to the proposed

CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR UNITS OF 24,000mm3 REINFORCED

MRS ADEBIYI BALOGUN

MRS ADEBIYI BALOGUN

ALHASSAN AHMED IGBENEGHU. NSE VOL1

Mobilization of materials and workmen to site

Supervision of man power and material application on site.