AKSUM UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIP FINALREPORT 2010

AKSUM UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

REPORT OF INTERNSHIP

BY: ABRHAM GEBREMARIAM

ID.NO 0868/06

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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work which is being presented in this internship report is original work
of my own, has not been presented in any other university and that all sources of material used
for the report have been duly acknowledged.

Name Signature Date

BRHANU ETSAY ________________ _______________

As his company supervisor I confirm that Brhanu Etsay have passed what I can say an effective
working time in our project and respecting all the disciplinary rules. He has been diligently
working days looking on what is important for his study.

Company supervisor Signature Date

Eng. ABRAHIM_______________________ __________________

Acknowledgment
I would like to thank to Aksum University College of engineering and technology
department of construction technology and management to give me this internship chance in
order to increase students’ performance and practical skill. And also deepest altitude goes to
hosting company access real estate. For their respect full and to accept me for this internship
program. Related to this on behalf of access real estate we would like to thanks for consultant
their immediate acceptance to their active site.

I have a special recognition to my project manager Ashebr the construction Engineer of the
project, who patiently has given me encouragement and my sincerely thanks goes to Engineer.

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Abraham the supervisor of Aksum university main campus under united construction plc,
Engineer, Alembrhan the office engineer of the project, Eng. Mihretab the site Engineers of the
project
. And other people who have given the right information such as my fellow partners and all staff
members.

Finally, I would like to appreciate united construction P.L.C for its encouraging work in
accepting students by fulfilling their demands and all individuals’ staff of the united construction
who devoted their precious time to give me advice and guidance whenever I asked them.

Abstract

The main objective of qualified internship program is useful to relate what we have learned
theoretically with how it is done at the site. This report deals about four month qualified
internship practice program on united construction at Aksum university main campus building
project considering all the construction process. It has three parts, in the first part of my report; I
briefly described the back ground of my internship hosting company. Including the history and
objective of the company, its main products and services, the overall organization and work
flow, I started by telling how I get into the company, in which section of the company I have
been working in and the work piece and objective of internship. The second part of my report
briefly explains the overall internship experience that means fact of the project; I also explained
clearly what the general work flow in our site looks like. I tried to explain activities in the office
and site and my work task or responsibility during that time. The procedures I have used while
performing my tasks, are also included in this part of the report .Next to this I briefly describe
Setting out, earth work, foundation. After formwork preparation the next step will be filing the
concrete, this contains the step by step procedure I have followed and checked during casting of
concrete, including mixing, conveying, placing, compacting, and curing of concrete explained.
The challenges I have faced during my internship period, both site challenges and personal
challenges are covered in this report. The next sub section part of my report briefly explains
about the overall benefits I gained from my internship in terms of improving my practical and
theoretical skills, interpersonal communication skills, team playing skills, leadership skills,

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upgrading my theoretical knowledge and work ethics. Finally, I covered my conclusions and
recommendations for my company and university.

CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODACTION

1.1 Concepts of Internship program

Internship program is develop their theoretical knowledge and how to apply in practical.
Internship one method of making opportunity for university students potentially valuable and
explore general career as well as specific companies. Such arrangement can provide us with
valuable work experience and opportunity to line up job before graduation. Internship program
are also potential valuable to company.

1.2 Location and agreement about the project

The project site is located in Aksum University main compass; Aksum; Tigray in Ethiopian.
This agreement made between:-

• Employer = Aksum university

• Contractor = united construction plc.

• Consultant = Building &urban design super vision sector ( B.D.S.W.S)

• On site = Library building.

• Contract price = 77013877.22 Ethiopian birr including 15% VAT

• The intended completion date for the whole of the work shall 540 calendar days

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1.3 Back Ground of the Hosting Company

United construction P.L.C. is a private multi-sectored investment company that has been
established in 1995 E.C by two brothers, Ate Asfaw Hailu (Master of Business Administration in
Project Management) and Ate Mengistu Hailu (B.Sc in Civil Engineering) with an initial capital
of 50,017,116 Eth.Birr having a vision of providing quality construction works.

Ever since its establishment, the company had undertaken lots of contracts throughout the
country in the fields of Building, Water Supply and Irrigation works. By making use of our
experienced professionals and technical staffs we have delivered quality service to various
government organization, NGO and Private investors.

As it can be seen from the next section, the company which had started its work as a Grade-7
contractor in 1995 E.C has now attained Grade-1 in building Construction sector and has
obtained Grade-1 in water related work sector. The various harsh conditions that have encounter
in the endeavors, the worst sites that have been awarded and completed successfully etc have
built good experience, strength and confidence for the future undertakings. More ever, in the
eight journey, we have acquired important lessons regarding the interest of various employers
(clients) as to the quality of workmanship, in whatever case, the company has such a belief,
“Quality first, money second” That is, we do not compromise on quality whatever the profit
margin might be. We believe that our works can be best speak than our proposals and our grade
and status as contractor.

Finally, the company by now launched its capital to 7,500,000.00 (Seven million fi ve hundred
thousand) ETH.Birr and had successfully completed over 28 awards which is equivalent to
67,838,756.35 (sixty seven million, Eight hundred Thirty eight thousands, Seven hundred fourty
six and 35/100) ETH.Birr up to of 2003 E.C.

United construction PLC is a grade one (BC-1) professional construction company in Ethiopia,
we carry out construction projects like infrastructures roads, water plants, pipe lines and
buildings.

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1.1 Main strategic directions

 Preparing all the task forces for directive competency who will be assigned at all levels of
project sites and other established offices before the actual activities of the company held
on to practices,
 Looking the actual policies which have been designed by the governments for the
required market interventions in order to get ready our company with the global market in
the construction industry and other small manufacturing.
 Integrating all professional skills, company assets, supplies and other important
opportunities which had been owned by our company so as to guarantee and enactment of
the strategic goals we designed
 Identifying and prioritizing the major goals based on the existed situations and then
making detail operational plans in each departments which can support to facilitate the
designed activities in order to achieve the our strategic goals
 Detecting the main best practices that support the overall activities of the designed plans
from our company performances and other institutions for gaining proper lessons and
applying them to actual practices for quality service delivery,
 Filling the gaps in skills and commitments which are identified from the conducted
assessments timely and developing smart remedial actions to resolve the hindrances in
order to practice as well as execute the planned strategies fully and effectively.
 Undertaking the above strategic directions as every day task effectively at all level, we
are going to transform our company to the high level influential construction firm i.e.
General Contractor (GC).

Company Mission

Our mission is deriving maximum acceptable and respective quality construction services with
the art of professionally oriented engineering technology to the highest satisfaction of our clients
through valuing people, creating long-term relationships and communications with internal and
external interested parties in the country and east African countries, being cost effective, Timely
delivery of service, ensuring safety and environmental concerns as well.

Company Vision

In 2012 E.C or 2020/1 G.C we are going to see that our company transforms itself to the high
level construction firm in the country and in the region of east African with the purpose of
standing as one of the ten major influential and competitor construction companies in all area of
our interventions.

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Quality Policy of Our Company

United Construction dedicated to provide high quality, effective, reliable and on time service
with economical cost in Building, Water Works and Road construction to meet customers need
and expectation as well statutory and regulatory requirements.

We are committed to establish, implement and maintain a Quality Management System that
complies with the requirement of ES ISO 9001:2015

We attain these ES ISO 9001:2015 requirements by improving our service quality, creating
conducive work environment, working closely with our client/Customer and with our employees
to ensure that consumers are achieving their expectation.

We prepare our quality policy together with our organizational Quality objective to align its
framework and content.

To maintain all these, we review and up to date our Quality Management System to continual
improve its efficiency and effectiveness

United Construction recognizes that its strength, reputation and success depend upon competent
professional practice, involvement of its employees, customers and stakeholders.

1.4 Objective of internship program

The internship program is planned to help interns learn and improve: -

_to improving theoretical knowledge

- Improving team playing skills

- Improving leader ship skills

- Entrepreneurship skills

- Becoming marketable

-Improving and understanding practical skill and work ethics

- To introduced interns to the real works

- To increase practical problem solving

1.5 Type and parts of construction I have been participated on

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During I stay over at Flint stone engineering four month I was able to participle on the
building constriction. I have been participated on both substructure and superstructure.

Sub structure: - It is part of building located below the grade beam of the ground floor level
usually assumed as foundation work.

In the site surveying work, site clear, bulk excavation and Trench excavation are done before
starting of work in the project but I observe that backfill and compaction.

Works in which I have seen and participate are Footing pad, Foundation column , stone mass
work, back filling and compaction, hard core, and basement shear wall.

Super structure: - It is part of building which is located above the grade beam or the ground
floor level. Works in which I have seen and participated are elevation column, beam, and slab
and staircase construction in other site.

1.6 Sections of the company that I have been worked in

During the Internship program I have been working in the contractor side. Like any other
constriction company Flintstone Engineering has different division in the company. I was able to
work at the two major division of the company .The two divisions are site work and office work.

Site work: - In the site work I have been observed, the construction procedures and supervised
and control for sub- contract works.

Example site work

 bench mark(reference)
 setting out
 providing profile
 earth work
 Concrete work
 Masonry work

Office work: - During I stay over in the company, I have been practiced some office work for half
period of internship program. Some of the office work which I have been prepared the
following

 Bill off quantity work

 Prepare Take off sheet
 Bar Schedule

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CHAPTER TWO

OVER ALL MY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

2.1 ENTRANCE IN TO THE CAMPANY
Only few universities have a time for internship program for their technology student, among
that Mekelle university institute of technology is one of them. Thus the University Industry
Linkage (UIL) gave me the application/requesting paper to choose and apply into convenient
companies. The internship requesting paper, I informed into the following
Companies;

But all these companies refused my internship requesting

paper because the companies were not sure about the construction area that the company have or
win and how much of these are going to construct in second semester 2005 E.C and also their
capacity in which the number of student needed to. I have asked why they do not confirm my
request and they told me that due the limited capacity and condition of their sites they were
forced to agree with the UIL to receive some students from the university.
Finally I informed to the university industry linkage (UIL) to find hosting company and to
place me. The UIL itself find a hosting company and told to choose one. I have chosen sur
construction and reported into the company. But the site was for asphalt road in Afar regional
state. Since the site was very hot, uncomfortable for my health care and difficult to find facilities
there i.e. it was Bereha. Hence I decided to change the site in that company. But it was
forbidden. I told the situation to mr. Birhanu Dino (UIL) and thanks for him, he changed me to
Zamra construction p.l.c in which the site is located at Quiha, a building construction of Mekelle
University. It is a newly constructing campus for institute of technology (EIT-M), MELLES
CAMPUS.

2.2. Section of the project you have been working in

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 Descriptions;

Office of engineers: includes project engineer, site engineer, office engineer, construction
engineer.

Project engineer:-He is manager of the site. He was not take more time on his position the
constriction engineer is work as project engineer and construction engineer.

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Construction engineer:-is the coordinate office engineer and site engineer and the
representative of project engineer if it is not present.

Site engineer: he monitor the site activates (Technical activates carpeting coordination foramens

Office engineer:-monitor office activates and coordinate quantity server and prepare and
approve take off and payment certificate. -All the engineers work with supervisor engineers
(consulting engineer)

Administration and finance: this office manages non –Technical issues. Like managing conflict
b/c the site workers and neighbors, and keeping time of employers, security of the site and gives
service for site workers

Finance: is manages the financial matter of the site.

2.3:work flow in the section

Up on my arrival at the site I was assigned to observe and carry out tasks given for an the office
engineer from the contractor side. I was work bar schedule take off sheet. This help to cross
check with my work and gives comment. And also I observe site work like form work, concrete
work ,reinforcement work .

I was using different procedure for different activates mentioned above when the task is given
to me.

I was asking if there is any ambiguity.

I read drawings and specification for any information if necessary. Through
information from my supervisor and as his order and procedure that I learn on my
observation time I start to do and if any ambiguity I ask for my colleagues.
Finally I give and explain to check the overall process.

2.4, Work task that I have been executing and take training
Work task that I have executing in the construction area were:-

 Site work
These tasks are reported in the following subtitles:-

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2.5, Site work:

This contains supervision of the site and writing the daily before I go to site first I have
understand the working drawing and which activity is done in that day specifically then when I
go to site I have cheek whether they are following the working drawing and the specifications or
not.

For the better part of the internship program within the company, firstly I was assigned to
take part in the site works then after this I conduct with office works that proved to be essential
for the ongoing projects taking place at different sites. Of course the company has various
working sections that are integrated to withstand any workload that might be imposed on the
company.

Also I was assigned as a supervisor of the company in checking the quality of work tasks related
to mix proportion of concrete, placement of concrete, reinforcement details, and all dimensions
within the given specification. Among these many sections I was assigned on both site works and
office works mainly. Site work is conducted with oversees construction operations, work speed
and manage wastage materials etc. but, office work is conducted with the designed, execution of
contracts, controlling subcontracts related to quality speed and construction safety for the
ongoing project.

2.5.1, Form work

Form work shall mean temporally support construction for cast-in-place concrete designed
and constructed in timber or per fabricated steel material steel panel. Form work for in- situ
concrete work may be designed as a mould or box in to which wet concrete can be poured and
compacted so that it will flow and finally set to the inner profile of the box or mould.
Form work must fulfill the following basic requirements;
 It should be strong enough to support the load of wet concrete
 It should be economical in total cost.
 It should be easily removable without causing shock or damage
 It must permit removal of side formworks prior to striking of soffit
 It must not be able to deflect under load, i.e. wet concrete self-weight and any super
imposed load (such as operatives & barrow runs over the form work).
 It must be accurately set out the correct shape, set the right position. Because as the
concrete is a fluid when placed it will take up shape of the form work.
 It must have grout –tight joints
 Material must be chosen so that it can be easily fixed using hand nails .i.e. timber and /or
panel.

i, Material for forms

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Concrete forms usually are made of wood. They also be made of steel, or a combination of
wood and steel so, timber, timber product, steel panels, shores, wedges, nails, labor, and tools
shall be provided as required for the satisfactory construction of form work. Wood forms are
built by carpenters working at the construction site. The carpenters may make every part of
the form at the site, or they May assemble forms that have been partially fabricated (made) at
the manufacturing plant. But in our case we use both timber and steel panels.

ii, Preparing the Materials

The first step in building forms is to prepare the Materials: the light of the pieces of
dimension log (Eucalyptus) that will be needed must be measured and cut. Common tools for
measuring are carpenters squares and flexible metal measuring tapes. When the pieces
required for the forms have been cut to size. They then are assembled and fastened together.
Usually the log of in the forms is fastened together with nails and tying wire the eucalyptus is
cut to site after erecting to minimize dimension error or level error.
iii, Form work Construction
Form shall be constructed to the exact shapes & dimensions shown and as required to
obtain accurately alignment, location grade, level and plumb work in finished structures .And
it must accurately set out, the correct shape, site and the right position because as concrete is
a fluid when placed. It will take up the shape of the form work.

A, Beam form work

A Beam form work consists of a three sided box which is supported by cross members
called head trees, which are propped to the underside of the soffit board. Generally the beam
form is also used to support the slab form work and the two structural members are then cast
together. It is aligned as the dimension of the beam. The beams were rectangular.
Construction Procedure is:-
 Props positioned and erect the Christ as per the required spacing and level through.
 Soffit panel placed, leveled and position checked.
 Side forms placed and reinforcement has to be placed & positioned.
 Finally check before casting, for concrete cover, coating of form by lien seed oil
(Olio) Position and for structural member.
Beam
formwork

Figure 1, Beam formwork

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B, Column form work

The column formwork or box consists of a vertical mould of the desired shape and size which
has to retain the wet concrete and resist considerable horizontal pressure in the carrying stage of
casting. The form can be constructing to the full story height of the column with cut out at the
top to receive the incoming beam forms. Column form are held together with collars of timber or
metal panel called yokes and clamps for timber and metal panel respectively positioned to resist
pressure. The panels forming the column sides can be
strengthen by using horizontal cleat or vertical stud which are sometimes called solders.

The construction procedure to erect vertical column form work is as follows

 Check the centering( eccentricity) of previous column head to column form
Column yokes ( cratury) are placed immediately after the slab cast , and helps to keep
the column form straight and strong.
 Column forms are then placed in the yokes after already prepared column reinforcement
is placed on four sides and these should erect straight and supported very well.
 Finally check before casting by plumbing bob or we were using stone in place of it to
check verticality of the column

a, b,
Figure 2,column formwork ;a-metalic,b-wooden

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C, Slab form work

The slab in our site were solid slab and flat slab and they prepare suspended beam form work
and slab form work together for the solid slab and only slab formwork for the flat slab. Floor
roof slab form work is sometimes called shuttering and consists of panels of a site that can be
easily handled. The panel can be framed or joisted and supported by the beam forms with any
intermediate propping that is required. Slab form work, soffits used to retain weight of wet
concrete and live load until it has gained sufficient strength to be self-supporting.
Construction procedure:-
 Props position as per required spacing & leveled throughout the slab and joists are laid
horizontal.
 Soffit (fond or called panels as general name a placed, leveled and positioned.
 Place button- top (positive reinforcement) as required and fix reinforcement with bear
reinforcement bar.
 Finally check before casting for spacers and line seed oil.
Slab
formwork

Flat slab

Rectangular
column

Figure 3, building Structure

D, Staircase formwork construction

Stair is a structure which is used as a link between one floor and another floor. It needs
specialized professionals and need special ability than another work.
Construction procedure
 Form works (panels) were constructed. The level, cleanness & smoothness of the form
work were also checked.
 The reinforcement was placed & the diameter, number, length shape & bending
dimension of main bars are checked according with the drawing.
 The bars & form work are checked before casting.

Figure 4, staircase formwork

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 FORM WORK REMOVAL PERIOD /STRIPPING

After the concrete mix sets or gets sufficient strength the formworks are being removed. But the
period of removal is different for different elements of the structure.

Table 1, stripping/removal period of formworks;

Elements of structure Removal period

Vertical formworks to columns ,walls and 16-24hours
beams
Soffit formworks to slabs 21 days
Props to slabs 14 days
Soffit formwork to beams 21days
Props to beams 14 days

E, Concrete cover (spacer)

Concrete cover is used after placing of reinforcement at the bottom of the bar. It has different
size for different structural part. 25 mm size concrete cover is used for beam and column and for
slab 15 mm is used. Concrete cover is made from a mix of cement, sand, and water with a ratio
of 1:2 of cement: sand. Cover is mainly used
 to prevent reinforcement from corrosion.
 To provide sufficient bond or adhesion between steel and concrete.
 To ensure sufficient protection of the steel in a fire.
A, concrete

Figure 5, concrete cover/spacer

G, Scaffoldings
Scaffoldings are steel or timber wood structures build to give access to different part of a
building. It serves as ladder for the workers to walk up and down, and to transport the necessarily
construction in puts, also able for the workers to stand on it at a time of plastering & painting, It
necessary to consider width. It must be enough to pass walk up and down with material at the
time. They are usually required when the working height of level is greater than or equal to 1.5m
above the ground level.

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In a standard way there are many types of scaffolding, some of them are:-
 Mobile scaffolding
 Independent scaffolds
 Cantilever scaffolds,

But in my site the scaffolds were prepared locally at or around the building construction or
structure easily by the daily labors. These scaffolds are made from timber (wood) and they have
advantages of being easy to assemble and take down using same skill labor and should be
automatically comply. Generally scaffolding was used in working with chiseling of slab, beams
and columns, plastering, beam and columns and in position wall activities.

2.5.2, Reinforcements
Reinforcements are circular metallic bars/rods used to strengthen concrete section and carry
the incoming loads, shear and moments. They are used only if the concrete section is not capable
of resisting all the loads alone. Reinforcement steel is buried in concrete to keep them from
cracking & breaking. The bars used in my hosting company are of diameters
6,8,10,12,14,16,20,22,24mm….

1, Setting/storing of reinforcement
Reinforcements should be transported carefully not to be deformed by huge loads. They
should also be stored in a dry place to prevent steel from rest and no contact with wet soil or
moisture.
2, Preparing reinforcing steel
This reinforcing steel must be set in different forms before the concrete is placed
As per the design, as shown in the plan, the size of bars and spacing of the bars to be placed in
the concrete are known. The supervisor gives a copy of the engineers plans to the bar bender,
who prepare the reinforcement. When the bar bender receives the plan, the bar schedule showing
nothing but lengths, sites and bending needed for all the reinforcing bars in the construction for a
given footing pad, foundation column, beam column, stair and slab. The bar bender then cut and
bend the steel rod as the requirement.

3, Placing of reinforcement
As required for the construction of footing pad, foundation column, beams column, stair and
slab, when all of the reinforcing bars have been cut to the right length and have been bent, then
the main beam and column reinforcements tied with stirrups of diameter 6mm bars by tying wire.
Reinforcing steel is placed in position in the concrete form by workers (bar benders). As the
main beam & column bars have been produced before it should place in position carefully. And
for slab after cut of right length the reinforcement is place on the prepared form work and bend

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as necessary and fix with beams as per the design the bottom & top reinforcement (negative &
positive reinforcement).

Figure 6,arranged/placed slab reinforcements

2.5.3, Sanitary and electrical installations

Sanitary wires;
Are properly fixed in the correct position according to the drawing. Exposed pipes and
tubes should be well cleaned and painted as specified. Unless otherwise specified, the
pipes and tubes are laid on sand in hard-core with minimum 10cm covering and in soil
layer is minimum 50cm covering in absolutely straight line with even slope of minimum
1:100.
 Man holes are also constructed for waste out using stone or double brick since
those have high load bearing capacity; internally plastered with 3rd coats of
appropriate cement ratio and check whether the conduit liens completed.
Electrical installation;

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Is approved by EEPCO or the designated professional. All external cables are placed
with a minimum 10cm depth in concrete cement pipes and 40cm depth in the ground,
unless otherwise specified. The connections of wire are always done in junction boxes.
The conduits are free from defects and cover the wires all the ways.

Figure 7, electrical pipes installation

2.5.4, CONCRETE WORK

Concrete is a product obtained by Harding of the mixture of cement, sand, fine
aggregate ,coarse aggregate and water. It is very durable and fire resistant. Plain concrete is a
mixture of cement, fine aggregate and water. Concrete generally increases its strength during the
curing or hardening period. It obtains its working strength in about 28days for ordinary Portland
cement.

2.5.4.1, ingredient material for concrete

A, Cement
Cement is used as a binding agent and fill for small voids inside the mix. The contractor used
ordinary Portland cement since it is the widely used & available cement type. It is also because
OPC attains its strength normally in 28 days. In the site it is properly stored on site to keep it in
good condition. Cement shall be stored in bags in an enclosed space that would protect it from
(dampness, due to weather or ground condition) and partial setting deterioration and stored
separately from other items.
B, Aggregate
They generally occupy 65% -75% of the volume of concrete. Hence due to consideration
should be given in their selection and proportioning. Aggregates range from fine sands to rocks
38mm diameter for larger. In Ethiopia the great majority of aggregates used for concrete are
obtained from natural sources, either in the form of rock, which is crushed to obtain the desired
maximum size or gravel, which is processed by crushing or screening over sized materials.
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Aggregates shall be obtained from approved source. Aggregates should be selected the
most probable well graded one to meet the strength required and the economically cost effective.
Aggregates used by the contractor are generally divided into two;
1) Coarse aggregate: - Generally the gravel or crushed rock that is used in concrete is
called coarse Aggregate. They do used crushed rock, so called by size 01,02,03.
2) Fine aggregate: - Generally the sand that is used in concrete is called fine
aggregate. Sand can be selected using standard tests. It can also be selected by
visual inspection by hand as follows;
 First hold the sand firmly by your hand
 Try to compact/compress it your hand or fingers
 Release your fingers
 If the sand disturbed from your hand without leaving some dusty,
it does not have high silt content and it is good sand, otherwise it
should be rejected or washed.

a, fine aggregate b,coarse aggregate

Figure 8, aggregates

C, Water
Water must be cleaned and free from impurities which are likely to affect the quality or strength
of the resultant concrete. water fit for drinking is generally suitable for making concrete. Water
used in concrete mixes has two functions.

The first is to react chemically with the cement which finally set and harden.
The second function is to lubricate all other materials and make concrete workable.

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The quality of cement paste is determined by the proportion of water to cement (water cement
ratio).Too much water prevents proper setting and the aggregate to segregate which results
uneven in strength of concrete. The excess water will float the fine, light particles of cement to
the top of freshly placed concrete. This is called bleeding. While too little water prevents
complete chemical reaction called hydration.

2.5.4.2 Batching
The main ingredient material s of concrete is measured by weights and volumes for mixing.
The boxes used for batching have sizes
Box size……………………………………………concrete strength
18x50x50……………………………………….c-25.(this is used in my hosting company)
16x50x40……………………………………………C-30
20x50x40……………………………………………C-20

In our case the measurements seems like the following

The mix ratio for C-25 , S-300 is 1:2:3(cement:sand:aggregate) ;

Material Measurement Quantity

Sand( fine aggregate) M3 0.52

Gravel(coarse aggregate M3 0.78
Cement Kg(bag) 360
Water Trial mix /orally

2.5.4.3, Mixing of concrete

Mixing of concrete a suitable proportion of mixing cement water sand and gravel. This process
should ensure uniform color, consistency, quality and homogeneity of the concrete. The mixing
process can be done by
 hand mix
 machine mix

1. HAND MIXING: - it is only employed for mixing concrete for small works. The dry
ingredients are measured separately and are stacked on a water tight plate forms. The ingredients

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are thoroughly mixed at least three times in dry condition before water is poured. This mixing
method was used for plastering, HCB casting, mason construction…

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2. MACHINE MIXING:- when the good quality of concrete is required for large construction
works Machine mixing is employed. All the ingredients including water are put in to the mixing
drum which is rotating the drum is rotated for 2 to 3 minutes to mix once batch of concrete and
then the mix is taken out of the drum this process of mixing is continued and better quality of
concrete is reduced with in short time by machine using.. The mixer should be washed after
operation.
On large work machine mixing is preferred as it saves time and economy. Since the project I
involved is large the mixing process was accomplished by machine mixer for slab concrete casts.
The mixer shall be cleaned before use. Concrete prepared by mixing has to be transported to its
place of use before setting of concrete.

A, truck mixer b, rotary mixer

Figure 9, mixers

2.5.4.4, Transporting of concrete

Concrete prepared by machine mixer has to be transported to its place of use before setting of
concrete. During transportation effort should be made to prevent any loss of concrete.
Concrete were transported by;
 truck mixer
 human
 Pumper(admixture was used to increase strength lost by crushing of
aggregates by high pressure )

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A, by pumper b,by human

Figure 10, concrete mix transporting means

2.5.4.5, Placing of concrete

The form for the concrete (beam, slab, column, and stair case) has been completed. The
reinforcement steel bar has been set, tied, and fastened in its position in side the form. The
material for the concrete has been prepared and the concrete has been mixed. We are now ready
to place the concrete in the form. The concrete should be placed and vibrated before its setting
starts.
The following precaution should be taken while placing the concrete;
 Concrete should be laid continuously to avoid irregularity
 To avoid sticking of concrete form work should be oiled before concreting
 When placing concrete the position of form work and reinforcement should
not be disturbed.
 To avoid segregation concrete should not be dropped more than 3m
height( from EBCS-2)
 Concrete should not be place in rain
 Walking in freshly laid concrete should be avoided.

2.5.4.6, Compaction of concrete

In this process effort are only directed to reduce the voids in the compacted concrete. During
vibrator and immediately after, depositing concrete shall be compacted means of mechanical
vibration. Vibrators produce vibrations and transmitted to concrete make it to flow and affect
compaction. Over vibration should not be allowed as otherwise course aggregate particles will
get concentrated at the lower layer and only mortar will be left at the top surface. Vibrator is also
known as needle pocket or immersion vibrator. It consists of a power unit and a long flexible
tube at the end of which vibrating head is attached whenever compaction is done. The vibrating
head is inserting in concrete. This is very use full for compaction of concrete work.

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2.5.4.7, Leveling concrete

When the concrete has been placed the concrete surface should be at the same level at the
form. To level concrete we use a straight edge timber (Riga) rest on concrete guides for leveling
the surface. The straight edge is a long piece of straight wood or metal. One end of the straight
edge, rest on the top of one side of the form. While the other ends rests on the opposite side of
the form also called screed. Cement finishers push the board back and forth over the concrete
until the surface is leveled.

2.5.4.8, Curing of concrete

After setting, concrete increase in strength with age. The comprehensive strength of concrete
can be increased by preventing the water used in mixing from escaping. The most commonly
used methods of curing are
Covering the surface with a layer of sand and keeping it by spraying water over it
twice in a day (morning and evening).
Covering the surface with sack and keeping it constantly by spraying water.

NB, Column was cured for minimum of 7 days and Slab and beam was cured 18 to 20 days.

 Slab

Slab is one of the structural components of a building so care should be taken in the designing
and in the construction of slab. It used for separating floors and dividing a building in to different
store. A slab mainly consists of reinforcement bars and a well vibrated concrete around re-bar.
Slab is a reinforced concrete supported by columns & beams. A slab of thickness 20cm was used
in the flat slab construction.

 In our site we have seen a flat and solid slab construction.

 Both solid slab and flat Slab uses the same material and mix ratios (1:2:3).

 The solid is with beam where as the flat is without beam

 Clean, well graded & a good quality aggregates are used for both

 For both solid and flat slab coarser aggregate with size (02) mm is used.

 Advantage of Solid slab

 Good for dampness (water tight )

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 It is better to use for toilet and bath room

 Disadvantage of Solid slab

 It uses a lot of reinforcement bars
 It is expensive or un economical
 Advantage of flat slab
 It is economical
 Reducing formwork
 No sound trapping
 It save time(faster in construction)
 Good aesthetic and easy to work
 Good for air circulation
 No breaking of light
 Disadvantage of flat slab

Generally in comparing with solid slab its resistance to high load is low and affected by
punching shear. I am really scared of it.

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Non load bearing walls:-

 Support no other loads except their own weight
 Serve as divided partition walls
Partition wall are of various types. These may be classified as follow
 Stone partitions ( used in the site)
 Concrete blocks
tcher blocks with nominal dimensions of:

40 cm x 20 cm x 20cm: - Resist much load (both lateral and vertical),

- Takes much space,
- Apply heavy load
- is not economical
40m x 20 cm x 15cm: - Better resistance of lateral and vertical loads than blocks with 10cm,
- Takes less space than blocks with 20cm,
- Apply less load than blocks with 20cm,
- Economical than blocks with 20cm.
40 cm x 20 cm x 10cm: -
 Weak in resistance of load (so that mostly we use this for partition
not for loadbearing positions),
 Takes least space,
 Apply least load,
 Is very economical
 Is very economical

English bond- this bond is commonly used for all wall thickness and considered to be the strongest.
The bond consists of alternate course of headers and structures.

2.5.6, CHISELING

Chiseling is the activity which is done to the columns, beams slab after the removal of the
formwork and finishing of the setting out of concrete. The main purpose of chiseling is to hold
the concrete during plastering when the height of the slab, column and beams is high, the
workers have to use scaffolding easily

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Figure 11, chiseling

2.6, Office work

Quantity work;

preparation of take of sheet for reinforcement bar

During my four month stay I was handed different tasks some were new and some not that
much .the first task I was handed was to familiarize myself with the site and the building . I was
required to prepare take off sheet for reinforcement bar, which is new for us. Reinforcement bar
is one of the essential unites of a certain structural element and for this reason it is important to
determine the type and the amount of steel required for a certain project. We were first shown
how to prepare a takeoff sheet for bar reinforcement required to erect a particular component of a
building. First one should know to prepare the takeoff sheet for the reinforcement bars format.

Reinforcement takeoff sheet

The quantity of works is specifically calculated in this sheet.

The following steps should be taken to do the takeoff:-

1. Identify the bar and the shape present
2. Then calculate the number of bars present based on the spacing and the length on
which these bars are placed.
3. Calculate on how many members these bars are present on a single floor system.
4. Then calculate the total number of bars by multiplying number of bars with
number of element.
5. Then calculate the total length by multiplying the total number of bars with the
length of single bar.

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6. Now based on predetermined conversion factor we calculate the total mass of bar
in kg by multiplying the total length of bar with unit weight of bar.

Reinforcement takeoff sheet

Project:-

Block:-

Structure:-

I Loca Typ Shap (mm Len No. No To Total length (m)

t tion e e ) gth of . of tal
. (m) bars me no. Φ6 Φ8 Φ10 Φ12 Φ14 Φ16 Φ20 Φ24
per mb of
N me er bar
o mb s
er

Total length(m)
Weight(kg/m) .22 .39 .617 .888 1.20 1.579 2.467 3.55
2 5 9 2
Total weight(kg)
Table 2,takeoff sheet format for reinforcement

2
0.222∗r
Unit weight of bar= , kg/m
9

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¯¿
Total weight=total lengt h of t h e ¿, kg
unit weig h t

CHAPTER 3

OVER ALL BENEFITS YOU HAVE GAINED

3.1 IMPROVING PRACTICAL SKILLS

3.2, Interpersonal communication skill

This refers to the communication (good communication) with people and how well people
relate to one another. An example, it is generally understood that communicating respect for
other people or professionals within will enable one to reduce conflict and increase participation
in obtaining information or completing tasks.

Developing positive interpersonal skill increase the productivity in the organization since the
number of conflicts is reduced. It allows also communication to be easy and comfortable. People
with good interpersonal skill can generally control the feeling that emerge in difficult situations
and respond appropriately; instead of being overwhelmed by emotion. Confidence of the
behavior is also play important role in decision to take risk.

At the beginning of this program I am almost new for everything in the site. This makes me
eager to ask more and more question peoples around me. These open some window on the world
of communication to me. I now know in what way I should speak to the person on the site or
office to gain what I want

3.3 team playing skills

One of the most important qualities to have when collaborating with others is the ability to
communicate.
3.3.1 Characteristics of shaping a good team behavior
These include
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 Proper selection
 Employee training
 Reward appropriate team behavior

Teams are more than the sum of their members in terms of the following;
 Performance
 Mutual responsibility
 A unit for success
 Committed to the common task.
Teams work allows me to make friends and enjoy a better social experience when studying
and working. Because everyone also has their own individual talents, it will allow doing
something for better than we could before.

3.3.2 High performance team characteristics are

 Across discipline
 Willing to make decision
 Highly motivated
 Dedicated to results

3.3.3 Benefits of team work are;

Distributing the work load
Reinforcing individual capabilities
Creating participation and involvement
Making better decisions
Feeling like we play a part in the work being done
Generating a diversity of ideas.

3.4, Leadership skill

Leadership is the ability to influence others with ability. Ability to lead is a function of
influence:-
 Ability to communicate
 Ability to resolve conflict
 Ability to solve problems.

3.4.1, Leader Vs manager

Leader – is a person who is followed by others.
Manager- is a person controlling or administrating a business part of a business.
Leadership can be defined also the ability to develop vision that motivates others.
Management is the ability to organize resources and coordinate the execution of tasks necessary
to reach a goal in a timely and effective manner.

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3.4.2, Attributes of a leader

 Guiding vision:-the effective leader establishes achievable goals.
 Passion:-they have a positive out looks of they are.
 Integrity:-because of they know who they are, effective leaders also aware of their
weakness.
 Honesty:-honest in both their professional and their personal lives.
 Trust:-effective leaders earn the trust of their followers and act on the behalf of their
followers.
 Curiosity:-they wonder about every aspect of their change.

3.5, Work ethics issues

Ethics tells us about moral duties and obligations so that our behavior is right, truth full and
just. From terms of understanding about work ethics related issue.
I have observed about two types of work ethics. These are:
1. Personal ethics:-they involved with a person adopts them on his or her own
will. These may include
 Sincerity
 respect the job
 Regularity
 punctuality
 seriousness.
2. Specific to work situation:-work ethics specific to work situations are;
 Keeping certain information confidential.
 Maintaining coordinal relation with clients and agencies that
accompany has.
 Being prepared to take up new tasks.

3.5.1, Ethical problems related to work, as I observed are

 Irregularity and lack of punctuality
 Rude and impolite behavior
 In adequate knowledge and skill
 Wastage of resources
 Disregard the rules and procedures
 Disrespect for the job.

3.6, Entrepreneurship skill

As a successful entrepreneur I will have to work closely with people. This is where it is critical
to be able to great to build great relationships with my team , customers, supplies, share holders
and more.
From this field practice, I have grasped the following types of interpersonal skills. These are:

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 Leadership and motivation

 Communication skills
 Personal relations
 Listening
 Ethics
Entrepreneurship is a skill that can always be developed and expanded. Here are some ideas
based on my personal experience that will help kids or adults acquire useful skills to become
successful entrepreneur.
Some of entrepreneur skills need that:
1) Initiative:-have to have the motivation to take the initiative and create on your own.
2) Responsibility:-have to be responsible for your actions and understand the importance
of responsibility.
3) Creativity:-should have a sense of creativity, innovation and always be one step ahead
in ideas.
4) Communication:-have to be able to communicate your ideas, network and connect with
others.
5) Leadership:-need to be able to be leader and in charge of a project of company.
6) Problem solving:-have to have the ability to solve simple or more complicated
problems.
7) Determination:-have to be extremely and keep going even when things are tough.

Really this internship program overcome the problem of undergraduate student who have
not any knowledge that they inter their first work place we are actually the luckiest of those
student because we get this magnificent chance to know what is the right thing that we should to
know and keep us there before graduation. I get some benefit beside which I did not if I spend
those four m
onth in the class.

CHAPTER 4

CHALLENGE AND REMIDIAL MEASURES

In my four month stay in the internship program have anice time to look good practical skill
observation about what we have learned ,but some challenge been occurred. These challenge are

1)While concrete work is in progress I had better to see the standard tests to check the
quality of the work but there was no testing equipment’s to do so

2) To lose confidence in technical knowledge on site

3) Lack of construction sefaty wear i.e, safety shoes ,helment ,glove

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CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION

My qualified internship program was activated for four months in building structure. During
this time I have started my internship program by studying working systems in the office and
then I participate in tasks that help me to strengthen my theoretical and practical knowledge.
When I have working at the site I observed that the relationship between the working system and
my theoretical background. So the working members made things too easier for me.
Therefore the internship has opened my eyes to working life enlightened me socially and
matured me as an adult. It has strengthened my technical base and enabled me to integrate theory
with engineering practice.
In general it would be fair to say the internship program has been a help full experience in
exposing me to the real engineering work. So it was an exciting event. Also this program created
an opportunity to think in what way should I have to learn and what type of knowledge should I
have to gather before I leave the university.

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Farther more the internship program has shown me my bright full fortune!!!!!!!!!!!!

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

5.2.1, To the Hosting Company

My training experience at ZAMRA construction PLC. has been so satisfying that
there is very little to complain about. I feel very lucky to have been offered a place here.
I am happy with style of supervision of mr. kirom Belay and Asfaw Bezabih and some others
who helped me. But some engineers were voluntary for responding. So they should have to
respond and feel responsible for the destiny of the generation. Otherwise the company should not
have to confirm any internee. The company should also have to have computers, laboratory
equipments and nearby office at the site.

Material storage in the site was sometimes done carelessly. Specially Steel reinforcement
was not stored on the wood bed prepared so that moisture and soil content was not avoided that
can causes corrosion which affects strength of the steel required. Steel reinforcement should
store on a leveled surface to prevent from bending.
Formwork removal was with some carelessness and was exposed to unwanted deformed
shape which overcomes with another cost for replacement and shock for the structure. So forms
should be removed with a great consideration and procedure.
During concrete mixing by truck mixer the ingredients were damped by an excavator. This
puts the mix into risk since the mixing proportion can be disturbed. This
intern affects the strength of the concrete structure required to be satisfied. Therefore first the
contractor should give great focus for safety and then the construction supervision should be deal
carefully every day of the construction progress.

4.2.2, To the UIL (university industry linkage)

I am also pleased with the internship unit. They have actively responded to all
questions and requests. The only set back was
 clear and transparent finance should be provided to students
 advisors should be placed before students have gone to site
 UIL should check his/her students’ and advisors’ communication

4.2.3,To Ethiopian Institute of Technology (civil Engineering department)=EiT-M

 I would like to recommend that the civil engineering department should have to add
software courses about AutoCAD, SAP, ETAB, and EAGLE POINT etc) to their
undergraduate curriculum in same way before the internship program.
 Some courses mandatory for the internship like quantity survey, engineering
management… should be given before the program
 To give more emphasis there should be grading/credit hour for the intern.

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