CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The students’ Industrial Work-Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a skill-training and competence-

building programme designed by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for students of tertiary

institutions to increase the scope and variety of technical skills in the common pool available for

the industrial development of Nigeria. This is also to promote the acquisition of industrial and

technical skills available to the Nigerian economy, which are needed for the nation’s industrial

development. However, this is made possible because of the regular innovations and

improvements in the modalities employed for the management of the scheme. Besides, SIWES

bridges the gap between theory and practice in the industry.

Before the establishment of the scheme, there was a growing concern among our

industrialists that graduates of institutions of higher learning are deficient of adequate practical

background studies preparatory for employment in industries. Thus, the employers were of the

opinion that the theoretical education going on in institutions of higher learning was not

responsive to the need of the employer of labour. It is against this background that the rationale

for initiating and designing the scheme by the fund during its formative years 1973/1974 was

introduced to the acquaint students with the skill of handling equipment and machinery i.e., just

for engineering and technological students in its early years of operation. The ITF solely funded

the scheme its formative years. But as the financial involvement became unbearable to the fund,

it withdrew from the scheme in 1978. The federal government handed over the scheme in 1979 to

both the national universities commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education

(NBTE). Later in November 1984, the Federal Government and this time, it has been extended to

other discipline of learning.

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 Moreover, theoretical knowledge alone would not usually prepare an educated person for

the world of work. Therefore, there is a need to combine theoretical knowledge with practical

skills in order to produce results in the form of goods and services. The productive individual

must not only be knowledgeable but must be versatile in the application of skills to perform jobs

or work.

1.1 VISION STATEMENT

To be the prime Skills Training Development Organization in Nigeria.

1.2. MISSION STATEMENT

Regulation of standards and ensuring efficiency in industrial and commercial skills training and

development, with the aid of competent professional staff, modern techniques and technology.

1.3 AIM OF SIWES

Equipping students in Nigerian tertiary institutions the practical aspect of their fields of study by

exposing students to machines and equipment, professional work methods and ways of

safeguarding the work areas and workers in industries and other organizations.

1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE TRAINING

Some of the objectives of the training are:

1. To provide an avenue for students in the Nigerian Tertiary Institutions to acquire

Industrial skills and experience on the course of the study.

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2. The programme teaches the students on how to interact effectively with other workers

and supervisors under various conditions in the organization.

3. To expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and

machinery that may not be available in schools.

4. To prepare students for the work situation students are likely to meet after graduation.

5. To provide students with an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real work

situation, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

6. To allow the transition phase from school to the world of working environment easier and

facilitate students’ contact for the later job placements.

1.5 THE BODIES INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIWES

The bodies involved are the Federal Government, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and

other supervising agencies like the National University Commission (NUC), National Board for

Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The

functions of these agencies above include among others to:

1. Formulate policies and guideline for participating bodies and institutions as well as
appointing

SIWES coordinators and supporting staff;

2. Ensure adequate funding of the scheme;

3. Ensure payment of allowances for the students and supervisors;

4. Supervise students’ log-books and forward same to ITF Area Offices;

5. Vet and process students’ log-books and forward same to ITF Area Offices

6. Supervise students at their places of attachment and sign their log-book and ITF Forms.

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Figure 1.1 SIWES LOGO Figure 1.2 ITF Logo

1.6 THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (ITF)

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) known in the United

Kingdom as sandwich programme and in the USA and Canada as co-operative Education

programme stated in the University of Glasgow in 1840 but could not have a stand in Nigeria

until 1973 when the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was established by decree no 47 of 1971. It

established the programme for the provision of high quality technical man power capable of

meeting the demand of the fast-growing industrial sector through the bridging of the gap between

theory and practice having watched the program successfully in the countries where it was

adopted. In Nigeria, the programme has its history traced back to the Polytechnic education

which at the onset globally was not intended to be part of higher-level institution.

1.7 RELEVANCE OF SIWES:

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 As a vocational and technical science student who had undergone SIWES are afforded the

opportunity of learning more about the practical application of planning theories learnt in school

to problem solving in the human environment especially in the area of construction, quality

control, quality assurance, maintenance etc. SIWES is of utmost importance to technical students

as it serves as bedrock to professional practice as students are exposed to some professional

ethics guiding vocational studies as a course.

The SIWES programme if properly harnessed by all relevant stakeholders involved the

decline in production currently experienced in the country would be a thing of the past as what is

needed by their respective organizations which can only achieved in the period of industrial

attachment. Therefore, the success or otherwise of SIWES depends on the efficiency of the

Ministries, ITF, Institutions, Employers of labour and the general public involved in articulation

and management of the programme. Thus, the evaluation of SIWES in tertiary institutions in

meeting up with the needs for the establishment of the programme is necessary.

1.8 COMPANY PROFILE:

A&K construction is a registered member of SETRACO group, which provides numerous

construction services ranging from residential and commercial property construction, building
renovation , leisure and hospital buildings, students hostel and lots more. A&K Construction is a
building contracting company with a benchmark in quality construction that offers a 360-degree
approach within the construction business by combining expertise in design, procurement and
contracting.
A&K undertakes commercial, residential and specialized building construction projects, such as
airports, government institutions and the preservation of historic sites.
Regardless of the project size, our project management personnel are trained in a decision-
making process within pre-set policies that ensures projects are cost-effective, completed on

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schedule and to industry-standard quality levels. A&K complements its standards of project
delivery through both local and international resources. We are proud of our extensive record of
successfully accomplished projects that has earned us the trust of our valued clients, many of
whom we have established a long-term relationship with. From design inception to turn-key
delivery, our professional approach to anticipating our client’s needs ensures our longevity
through repeat customers and the enthusiastic referrals of our past clients.
Employee safety on the construction site is a foremost concern company-wide for A&K. We
believe high-quality construction emerges from a safe and healthy environment.

1.8.1 CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE

Company’s registered office address is 103, Idimu Road, Egbeda, Lagos state.

1.8.2 OBJECTIVES A&K CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

To become a leading reputed construction company with highly recognized standards, we are

persistent about achieving the following:

1. To never compromise any construction procedure and ensure due processes are adequately

respected.

2. To deliver quality and cost-effective projects developed through a highly interactive process

from initial contract through warranty period.

Our focus is to provide proactive response to our clients’ building needs through our hands-on

approach, coupled with our experience and highly exposed professionals.

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1.8.3 VISION STATEMENT

The vision of A&K CONSTRUCTION LIMITED to maintain the highest levels of

professionalism, integrity, honesty and fairness in our relationships with our suppliers,

subcontractors, professional associates and customers and to add great value to the environment

as intended by God.

1.9.0 SOME COMPLETED AND ON - GOING PROJECTS

Contract Name Location Type Status

Construction and renovation of Civil Benin City Commercial Completed

Service Commission building.

Justice Oyegun Public Administrative Benin City Commercial Completed

building
Construction of Golf Mews Benin City Residential Completed

Construction of Specialist Hospital Benin City Commercial Completed

Construction of Judges Quarters Benin City Residential Completed

Benin Mall Benin City Commercial Ongoing

Construction and renovation of Stella Benin City Commercial Ongoing

Obasanjo Hospital

Renovation of Ministry of Works Benin City Commercial Completed

building

Construction of Archaelogical Benin City Commercial Completed

Pavillion

Table 1.0 Some Completed and On - Going Projects

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1.9.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

A&K CONSTRUCTION LIMITEDconsists of project director, project engineers, chief

technicians, chief architects, chief builder all director by the managing director.

ORGANOGRAM

MANAGING DIRECTOR
(ENGR. DR. PATRICK IGBA )

PROJECT MANAGER
ENGR. DR. TOBIT

PROJECT CONSULTANT PROJECT

(ENGR. DR. T IJANI) SITE ENGINEER ENGINEER

CHIEF TECHNICIAN INTERN

ELISHA AKLIMAN SEGUN
Figure 1.3: Organogram

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1.9.2 SUMMARY OF INTERN’S ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Upon receiving my letter of acceptance into the company, in it stated that I was assigned

to one of the company’s on-going projects, involving the construction of the Archaelogical

Pavillion located at ___________________, with her client being EMOWAA, ENGINEER

KINGSLEY OKPEKU and ENGINEER EHIS as the site engineers and . The main focus of my

industrial training was the continuation of the Construction from 2nd Floor Slab for Main

Building, Construction of Foundation for Swimming Pool Building and continuation of Staff-

Quarters from foundation to DPC level. I learnt how site coordination and supervision of site

work is done.

I did more of site supervision which included; me reading and interpreting structural drawings to

Iron Benders and ensuring that reinforcements are well placed and cut to schedule by the

ironbenders and not having excess off-cuts on site. Also, ensuring that masons always used their

range, plumb, builders square & line when doing blockwork thereby promoting the accuracy of

the job; me interpreting structural drawings to carpenters to carry out their formwork for beam,

slabs & columns, and also the use of levelling instrument.

As an intern, the training was quite a demanding experience but educating. I was

enlightened to various aspect of building construction which focused on concrete structures,

block work, formwork etc., even my knowledge of the building up of basic structural

components like slabs, beams, columns, staircases and lift walls were extensively tested and

improved upon as I was actively engaged in these processes on the construction site, which

likewise required of me, the knowledge I have thus far acquired from my time in the university.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 DETAILED INTERNS’ ROLE/RESPONSIBILITY AND DAILY ACTIVITIES

2.1 JOB DESCRIPTION AND DAILY ACTIVITIES

During the course of my internship which lasted for a period of six months, we were working on

3 consecutive projects for the client on the same portion of land. The projects were,

1. Main Building

2. Swimming pool Building 3. Staff Quarters Building

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 Figure 2.1: Proposed 3D design for main building

I was exposed to how a building project is executed and how the construction site work is done.

Understanding the jobs that is, the roles of a structural engineer, an architect, the mechanical and

electrical engineers, the contractor and the project manager. Below contains the various site

operations involved in a construction work and the role given to me as an intern student: 1.

Supervision of site work

2. Design

3. Procurement of materials
4.

5.

2.2 CONSTRUCTION WORK AT MAIN BUILDING

The building was structured to be 2(two) Storey Building of 15Bedroom with a pent floor and

Basement inclusive. The building is to support a storage tank water of 25,000litres at the roof

top.

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It has 2 lift shafts, 2 spiral staircase, 2 Half Turn staircase with a Helical staircase.
6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Figure 2.3.0: 3D Perspective view of the Proposed Structure

Figure 2.3.1: Construction stage at the end of Industrial training

2.3 SUPERVISION OF SITE WORK FOR MAIN BUILDING

As an intern working under a strict supervisor, I was left with most of the site supervision.

2.3.1 Formwork for Beams and Slabs:

Supervision and assessment of formwork which was done by the carpenters. I was to ensure the

formworks are of the exact dimensions, strongly firm, aligned, well braced and properly propped

before any casting is done for beams, slabs, lift, cantilever etc. and other concrete works to structural

details. The formwork for both sides of the beams and floor of the slabs were constructed with

marine board of 16mm thickness, and timbers for bracings.

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 Figure 2.4: Formwork for 2nd floor beam

2.3.1.1 BEAM

A beam is a structural element that is capable of withstanding load primarily by resisting

bending. The bending force induced into the material of the beam as a result of the external

loads, own weight, span and external reactions to these loads is called a bending moment. Beams

are characterized by their profile (shape of cross-section).

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 Figure 2.5: Formwork for 2nd floor slabs

2.3.2 Reinforcement for Beams:

Assessment of iron bending works, ensuring the exact numbers and diameter of rebars are used

according to the structural drawing provided. I also supervised the reinforcement placement for the

beams and ensure all offcut reinforcements have enough sufficient lapping length. Interpreting the

Structural Drawings to Steel workers to ensure the proper reinforcement diameter and length are

used for the beams. And I make sure the primary beams are all carrying the secondary beams.

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 Figure 2.6: Reinforcement for Beams

Figure 2.6.1: primary beam supporting secondary beams.

Note; the spacing for all the stirrups for the beams are 150mm c/c

2.3.3 Reinforcement for slab:

All slab thickness was 175mm based on the structural design, and I ensure all the reinforcement

placement are actually on the right positions. i.e., the short span main bars (BB) are to support

the long span main bars (BT). The lapping return bars for all discontinuous edges are the

adjacent span length divide by 5 or the span length multiply by a factor of 0.2 meanwhile, all

discontinuous edges return bar length is the adjacent span length divided by 4 or the span length

are multiplied by a factor of 0.25. I took level for the Carpenter to ensure we have a uniform

levelled surface all through the area of the 2nd floor slab with the appropriate slab thickness of

175mm.

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 Figure 2.7: slab reinforcements

2.3.4 Spacer (Biscuits):

This was used to centralize the framework of columns, beams, staircase, and slabs before casting

and also used to reach the thickness their structural members. Cover to main reinforcement is as

follow in the table below

Structural Element Thickness

Foundation 75mm
Raft Beam 50mm
Columns 40mm
Floor beams 25mm
Roof beams 20mm
Slabs 20mm
Staircase 20mm
Table 2.1: spacer thickness for various structural elements

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 Figure 2.8: spacers(biscuits)

2.3.5 Electrical fittings:

Supervision and placements of PVC pipes for electrical wiring. I ensure that the Electrical

services, lightnings, power and miscellaneous, air-conditioning system, fire alarm, sockets, cctv,

distribution are well positioned based on the electrical drawings.

Figure 2.9: Electrical Piping’s

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2.3.6 Mechanical plumbing works:

Mechanical services like appliances installation, water supply system, drainage system, waste

water pipes and solid waste pipes are well fixed in the right positions based on the mechanical

service drawings.

Supervision of concrete mixing process for Isolated and Combined Pad footing foundation for

swimming pool building.

Figure 2.10: Plumbing works

2.3.7 Casting of 2nd floor slab:

After the volume of concrete for the entire slab and mix ratio (1:1:2) has been determined, the

attention of the batcher was brought and the concrete mixers. I also ensure the use of appropriate

dosage for Crystalline Concrete Waterproofing Admixtures for casting of slabs that are expose to

retaining water e.g (Toilet, Terrace, Bathrooms, Kitchen). Concrete pump and mobile concrete

mixer were used to aid the casting as quick as possible in the Batching plant. I ensure poker

vibrator is used to allow ease flow of concrete and avoid honeycomb.

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Figure 2.11.1: concrete admixtures in batching plant

Figure 2.11.2: Concrete pumps

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Figure 2.11.3: poker vibrator Figure 2.11.4: Batching plants

Figure 2.11.5: spiral staircase

Figure 2.11.6: Half-turn staircase

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 Figure 2.11.7: Lift Walls Figure 2.11.8: Helical Staircase

2.3.8 Setting of Block Walls

After curing the 2nd floor slab and allow to attain its maximum strength, Forming/block walls set

in. I make sure I supervise Marking out positions for doors, windows, ducts and staircase for

Bricklayers. Block wall is the process of laying concrete masonry units to form either external

walls as in-fills or lock wall which are load-bearing or non- load bearing or internal walls as

partitions. These masonry units are commonly hollow sand-crete blocks which are much

economical per unit of wall area. The sequence of laying sand-crete block wall is as follows:

1. A bed of mortar is spread on the footing/floor.

2. The first course of blocks for a lead is laid on the mortar. The mortar for the head joint is

applied to the end of each block with the trowel before the block is laid.

3. The lead is built higher. Mortar is normally applied only to the face shells of the block

and not to the webs.

4. As each new course is started on the lead, its height is checked with either a folding rule

or a story pole marked with the height of each course.

5. A line is stretched between the leads on line blocks.

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6. The course between the leads is laid rapidly by aligning each block with the stretched
line.

7. The last block to be installed in each course of infill blocks, the closer must be inserted

between blocks that have already been laid then the block is lowered carefully into

position

Figure 2.11.9: setting of Block walls

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 Figure 2.11.10: welding bullet proof walls

2.4 CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR SWIMMING POOL BUILDING

2.4.1 Clearing of site:

The site was clear by a mechanical plant called Excavator. The excavator was able to fell down
the existing trees from the site for the proposed swimming pool building project.

Figure 2.12: clearing of site

2.4.2 Setting Out:

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Involvement in the ‘Setting-Out’ for Swimming Pool Building using the 3 - 4 - 5 method,
builder’s square and line.

Figure 2.13: setting out

2.4.3 Excavation of foundation trench:

I ensure I Supervised the Excavation of Foundation trench for Swimming Pool Building on by

the excavator operator to determine the depth.

Figure 2.14: setting out

2.4.4 Compaction mechanical equipment such as compactor with flat plate was used to compact

the soil before

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stabilizing.

Figure 2.15: Compaction

2.4.5 Soil Stabilization

Hardcore were used to stabilize the soil and areas where pad footing would be laid before

blinding. This is done so that the soil will attain more bearing capacities to withstand the load

from the building.

Figure 2.16: Soil Stabilization

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2.4.6 Blinding/ D.P.M

Monitoring of blinding and ensuring concrete mix of 1:3:6 was used for the casting. A polythene

Nylon is used as a Damp Proofing Membrane to prevent the seepage of underground water.

Figure 2.17: Blinding

2.4.7 Pad Foundation

Placement of reinforcement for padbase, column and formwork for the foundation is done based

on the structural drawings. Each padbase sizes and are determined by the analysis of the designs.

All combined padbase are doubly reinforced. The formwork is done and well braced with

uniform padbase depth of 500mm and the casting was done using concrete mix ratio of 1:1:2.

26
Figure 2.18.1: marking out column position Figure 2.18.2: Formwork for Pad Foundation

Figure 2.18.3: casting of Pad Foundation Figure 2.18.4: Block works/filling

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2.5 CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR STAFF QUARTERS

Figure 2.19: Block works

Figure 2.20: filling with laterite

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 Figure 2.21: compaction

Figure 2.22: Staff Quarter’s at D.P.C Level

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2.6 OFFICE ORGANIZATION

The site office is where documents and the building design drawings are being kept and

decisions regarding changes to the construction procedures are being evaluated. I ensured the

daily organization of the site office and adequate placement of site documents for references

when needed. Collating of material testing certificates from the supplier of Reinforcement

AFL (Africa Foundaries Limited) and Writing Daily Reports for the number of materials

used and brought onsite, numbers of workers on site and also make request for shortage of

materials.

Figure 2.22: Steel Material test certificate

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2.7 DESIGN

The design used on the construction site for the building structure includes; architectural design,

structural design, electrical and mechanical design. Being an intern after being exposed to how

the designs are interpreted, I was given the role of deducing a bending schedule, which was used

to know the cutting length of the bars, the required number of bars needed, shape of rebars and

placement of rebars. I was also given the role of assessing that the design corresponds with

what’s on ground.

Figure 2.23: Site Layout showing Main Building, Staff Quarter’s and swimming pool Building

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 Figure 2.24: 2nd Floor Plan

Figure 2.25: 2nd Floor R.C Beam Layout

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Figure 2.26: Interpreting structural design to skilled workers

Figure 2.27: 2nd Floor R.C Beam Details

33
 Figure 2.28: Ground floor plan for swimming pool structure

Figure 2.29: Foundation/column Layout for swimming pool structure

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Figure 2.30: Ground Floor plan for Staff Quarter’s Building

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2.8 PROCUREMENT OF MATERIALS

Materials for the construction work include; granite, sand, cement, bamboos, woods,

rebars etc. I was given the duty of recording the supply of these materials and the used materials.

Figure 2.31: Cement Figure 2.32: Granite

Figure 2.33: Timbers Figure 2.34: Bamboo

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 Figure 2.35: Sharp sand Figure 2.36: Reinforcement
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

3.1 DISCUSSION ON EXPERIENCES GAINED

In the course of my Industrial Training at Patovie Nigeria Limited, I was exposed to opportunities

which marked a lasting experience to me. My practical knowledge of Engineering in the construction

industry was broadened, after seeing the practical application of things I have been taught in the

university. I understood that there’s a lot required of a structural engineer. Below are the skills

acquired and experiences gained in the course of my training. I was able to apply some of the

theoretical knowledge gained during the course of my study so far at the university to real site

situations.

1. I learnt how to interpret structural drawings (layout & detailing) for beam, slab &

columns and how to relate transfer them onto the site.

37
 2. I learnt how to calculate the volume of concrete required to cast structural members like

beams, slabs etc.

3. I learnt how to work under pressure and tight schedule with little or no supervision from

my industry-based supervisor, giving no room for error in the process.

4. I witnessed how compaction of backfills in foundation is done having being taught in the

university.

5. I witnessed the placement of nylon as a Damp Proof Membrane.

6. I witnessed how formworks are done for the beam, columns, lift, staircase and slabs.

7. I witnessed how reinforcement are arranged, erected and placed. For the columns, beams,

foundation, slabs and cantilevers etc.

8. I witnessed the casting of slabs, columns, beams foundation of the structure.

9. I witnessed how blinding is done and the purpose of blinding in construction.

2.3 Materials used for the construction of the Main Building, Swimming pool, and Staff
Quarters
1. Reinforcement of different sizes and length (Y10, Y12, Y16, Y20, Y25)
2. Portland cement
3. Sand
4. Granite
5. Hardcore
6. Electrical cables and pipes
7. Plumbing pipes
8. Water
9. Marine boards
10. Wood
11. Scaffolds

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3.3 DESCRIPTION OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS USED DURING SITE

OPERATIONS

Below shows some basic tools and equipment used during site operations on the building

construction. They include:

1. Measuring Tape:

This is a basic and necessary instrument all engineers. A measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to

measure size or distance. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with

linear-measurement markings.

Figure 3.1: Measuring tape

3 LINE

It is an equipment that works with the same principle as a plump. It ensures the straightening of

blocks, erected columns, formworks etc.

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 Figure 3.2: Line

4 HAND TROWEL

This is a small hand tool used for digging, applying, smoothing, or moving small amount of

viscous or particulate material.

Figure 3.3: hand trowel

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5 STRAIGHT EDGE

This is a hand tool which ensures accurate, straight and flat edges and surfaces are obtained.

Figure 3.4: Straight Edge

6 Shovels, Headpans, Wheelbarrow

The shovel and spade are tools used to dig as well as move loose, granular materials. Used

extensively in the mixing of minor concrete and for loading. Headpans and wheelbarrows are

used in the transportation of construction materials.

Figure 3.5: wheel barrow

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7 Builder’s Square

The builder square is used to determine perpendicularity. It is mainly used when a block is been

laid adjacent or perpendicular to another block or wall, the two perpendicular edges of the square

are been placed on the perpendicular blocks to confirm their straightness.

Figure 3.6: Builder’s Square

8 Chisel

Used to shape, carve, and sharpen materials like excess concrete that were cast beyond their levels

and that which bulged out during casting.

42
 Figure 3.7: Chisel/Hammer

9 PVC Water Level

This device utilizes the surface of liquid water to establish a local horizontal plane of reference

and for matching elevations of locations that are too far apart. It was used in marking out and

transferring levels on the site.

Figure 3.8: water level

10 Plumb

This is an instrument used for ensuring blocks, erected column formwork is placed straight and

well aligned. It has a flat surface usually in the shape of a rule with an indicator. It can be metal

or wooden.

43
 Figure 3.9: plumb

11 Head Pan

This is a round container, like a bowl, used in construction work.

12 Hand saw

This is a type of saw used with one hand for cutting wood into different shapes.

Figure 3.10: Handsaw

13 Cutting Machine

A wood cutting machine can also be called scroll saw, table saw, band saw, circular saw, radial

arm, reciprocating saw, jig saw and top saw. It’s a fast method used in cutting wood. It uses

electrical power to function.

44
 Figure 3.11: cutting machine

14 Poker Vibrator

This is an oscillating, power-operated machine used to agitate fresh concrete so as to eliminate

gross voids including entrapped air to produce intimate contact with form surfaces and embedded

materials.

Figure 3.12: Poker vibrator

15 Compactor Machine

This is a type of construction machine used to apply pressure to soil that reduces air pocks and

allows the soil to handle heavier weights on even surfaces. The two main types of compactors are

roller compactors and flat plate compactors. This was used in compacting the soil surface before

hardcore filling and casting of ground floor slab.

45
 Figure 3.13: Compactor Machine

16 Concrete Mixer

These are devices that homogeneously combines cement, aggregate such as sand or gravel, and

water to form concrete. They are capable of preparing concrete mixtures of varying strength

(depending on the concrete mix ratio) precisely and quickly.

Figure 3.14: Concrete Mixer

17 Cutting Machine

This machine has a high efficiency for cutting large amounts of reinforcements, most especially

those above 12mm.

46
18 Excavator

This is a construction vehicle used to dig or move large objects. It is made up of two parts: a

driving base and a powerful boom arm with an attachment designed for digging.

In the course of my internship, the excavator was used for excavation of foundation trench for the

swimming pool building.

Figure 3.15: Excavator

19 Level Instrument

A level is an optical instrument used to establish or verify points in the same horizontal plane in a

process known as levelling, and is used in conjunction with a levelling staff to establish the

relative height levels of object or marks.

47
 Figure 3.16: Levelling Instrument

20 Tipper

Used for carrying aggregate, crushed rock, soil and other bulk materials to and from construction
sites.

Figure 3.17: Tipper

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 CHAPTER 4

4.0 CONCLUSION, LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 CONCLUSION

Taking a retrospective look back at the whole industrial training process, it has been very

relevant and helpful to my field of study giving me a broader perspective of my stay in school

thus far for I was able to properly grasp and appreciate all I have learnt in the class through

practical experiences and exposure to site processes. I had a tremendous experience during my

internship at PATOVIE NIG. LTD. Working daily on site gave me insights and made me

understand the career path I want to follow as a prospecting structural engineer. It made me

understand that construction really is using diverse techniques and procedures in transferring

what is on paper (the building drawing) to the ground. There is literarily no compromising. If

you follow the right processes, you would have good results.

49
 I was not only able to learn about the technical and practical know-how of my field which

is construction, I also learnt how to manage our workers on site with the guidance of my

industrybased supervisor as it is a common knowledge that the human species is one of the most

difficult there is to control/supervise. Also came to the understanding that a lot more can be when

teamwork (i.e., having everyone synched into the goal of the day) and communication plays a

very vital role in the day-to-day performance of these tasks and I learnt how to communicate

properly, relay instructions and information effectively to everyone around me. Being

accountable for all that was put in my custody (materials, finances, site equipment etc.) was also

something I learnt and its importance as well.

In conclusion, the S.I.W.E.S program developed me professionally and has made me become a

better student and engineer-in-training as it is no doubt closes the gap between the classroom &

the industry. And by virtue of this training, I am now confident that I am on the right path as my

industry-based supervisor has made me see, and will try to also properly utilize all that I have

learnt going forward. I am honestly thankful for everyone I have met, the relationships, the

experiences and knowledge I have acquired. I had a taste of what the after-school life and the

work industry really is; from going early to work even on public holidays and coming back

sometimes late, I felt responsible. The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme is a

tremendous program geared towards grooming undergraduates for the future. I am thankful that

this opportunity is open to students while still in school. This exposure to practical work has

helped me develop a better appreciation of what is taught in school. I witnessed the transition of

theoretical knowledge to real life situations. This increased my understanding and aspirations

towards becoming a better student and an engineer. The SIWES program was a wonderful

experience for me. I was introduced to the professional world and how things operate therein. A lot of

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positive things were Imparted into me and I believe they will go a long way in helping me become a

better Engineer.

4.1 LIMITATIONS

During the course of my internship, I was involved in most of the operations on site and my

training did not go without challenges. However, the program was not entirely a bed of roses. some

challenges were encountered during this period. These challenges include:

1. Getting placement into a company of reputable standing didn’t come all that easy during

the first few weeks after our first semester exams.

2. Almost throughout the duration of my training, transportation and accommodation was a

problem as I had to cover miles under the daily traffics of Lagos to move to & from site

to my residence at the time and this sometimes resulted to me resuming work for the day

a little after the 7:30am official resumption time based on company’s policy.

3. Distance is actually a barrier in supply of materials on site. All the Reinforcement we use

on site were brought directly from Lagos down to Anambra state, and it took days for the

supply to be delivered on site.

4. Site supervision was one of my daily tasks and this required dishing out instructions to

our site workers. Having them always do exactly what you require of them was

sometimes a tedious job.

5. Due to Nnamdi Okwu Kanu court case, a total lockdown is declared every Monday from

7am – 6pm in Anambra state, this prevents movement of workers from getting whatever

they need for that particular day. This also brought the delay in some materials from the

Neighboring village too.

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 6. A day or two came, where we were literally incapacitated to do any form of work on site

leading to, we shutting down site operations for that day and this was due to the heavy

down of rain from the sky (not much of anyone's fault though if we should say).

7. The use of inexperienced labor by a contractor during site operations could reduce the

quality of services rendered as well as the satisfaction of the clients. This in turn creates a

bad reputation for a contractor and thus hinders recommendation for future projects.

8. Most of the workers were from the community where Igbo language is the other of the day,

and thus English was their secondary language. The manner in which they passed their

words, pronunciation and sentences proved to be quite challenging initially.

9. Unavailability of resting hour is nothing to write home about. All workers of Patovie Nig. Ltd

works from Monday to Sunday, and that system continues every week which doesn’t give

room enough for workers to rest, even on weekends or have time for other activities outside

the scope of the project, like attending church services which is of utmost priority to me.

4.2 RECOMMENDATION

Based on the above stated limitations and some others not mentioned here, I’ll like to register my

recommendations below;

1. In building, contractors should resist employing cheap labor, and picking random laborers

from road sides who lack experience in the various site operations they are being

employed to carry out. For stability, efficiency and satisfactory results a contractor should

learn to employ skillful, experienced and capable hands at all times, if possible, use the

same set of experienced workers for various building projects.

2. I was privileged to an extent thanks to my site supervisor but unlike other colleagues of

mine, I recommend that industry-based supervisors should give interns on site a benefit

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 of doubt and allow them relate with their workers thereby developing a mutual

relationship leading to interns accumulating hands-on experience from these artisans.

3. Getting trustworthy suppliers who wouldn't disappoint nor try to cut corners should be

made a priority by the procurement department of construction companies, doing this

would definitely prevent their project(s) from stalling.

4. Site operations that could be affected by poor weather conditions such as heavy rain fall,

wind etc. should be carried out in seasons with low or minimum occurrence of this

atmospheric conditions.

5. I do likewise recommend that disbursement of funds by the I.T.F should be done during

the course of the training on a monthly basis just like the N.Y.S.C in order to aid the

intern in running some cost like transportation at least rather than do it after the entire

training. And as a result of the consistent rising inflation of goods & services in the

country, an upward review of the S.I.W.E.S allowance would also be a welcome idea.

6. A proper orientation for students about to go for industrial training should always be

carried out by the university to further prepare the students’ psychology of what is to

come and also have a good representation of the institution wherever they find

themselves.

7. A collaboration between the major players in the construction industry, the federal

government of Nigeria and the university would further enhance the intern’s development

during the training period and help students easily get placements into some of this

companies based on merit and the likes.

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 REFERENCES

1. Information and Guidelines for SIWES, (2002), http://itf.gov.ng

2. Oyenuga, V. O (1999), Simplified Reinforced Concrete Design

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