001 - 2016 - 4 - B (1) PEC2601 Study Guide

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CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTIONv
1. PEC2601 IN CONTEXT 1
2. THE PURPOSE OF AND LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR PEC2601 3

2.1 The planning stage of a project 4
2.2 The construction stage of a project 4
2.3 General outcome: communication 5
3. THE WORKPLACE MENTOR 6
3.1 Unisa’s request to workplace mentors 6
3.2 Confirmation of the workplace mentor/supervisor 7
4. PROGRESSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC RECORDING AND
CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF WORK-INTEGRATED
LEARNING 8
4.1 The planning stage of a project 9
4.1.1 Initial information gathering 9
4.1.2 The people and environmental factors 9
4.1.3 The preliminary design of a civil engineering project 9
4.1.4 The preliminary costing 9
4.2 The construction stage of a project 10
4.2.1 Site establishment 10
4.2.2 Demonstrated ability to read drawings 10
4.2.3 Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation 10
4.2.4 On-site quality control 10
4.2.5 Variation orders 10
4.2.6 Materials testing 10
4.2.7 Contract management 11
4.3 Specifications for the 11 interim work-integrated learning reports 11
4.3.1 Format 11
4.3.2 Checking and editing 11
4.3.3 Acknowledgements 11
4.3.4 Table of contents and headings 12
4.3.5 Introduction 12
4.3.6 The body of the report 12
4.3.7 Discussion of personal involvement and what you have learnt 12
4.3.8 Conclusion 12
4.3.9 Annexures 13
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iii PEC 26 01/0 01/ 2016 –2017
4.4 Building blocks of the final report 13
5. FINAL WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING REPORT 14
5.1 Presentation 14
5.2 Title page 14
5.2.1 Report title 14
5.2.2 Your name and student number 14
5.2.3 Date of report 14
5.3 Overall table of contents 14
5.4 Synopsis 15
5.5 Body of the report 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY 16
2.1 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on initial

information gathering 17
2.2 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on the
people and environmental factors 19
preliminary design of a civil engineering project 21
preliminary costing 23
3.1 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on site
establishment 25
3.2 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report to
demonstrate the ability to read drawings 27
3.3 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report to
demonstrate comprehension of contract documentation 29
3.4 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on quality
control on site 31
3.5 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on variation
orders 33
3.6 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on materials
testing 35
3.7 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on contract
management 37
ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE for the final work-integrated learning report for
Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601) 39
ON-SITE MONITORING/ASSESSMENT OF WORK-INTEGRATED
LEARNING: PEC2601 44
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iv
INTRODUCTION
Welcome! You’ve arrived at a very important part of the National Diploma:

Civil Engineering curriculum, namely your work-integrated learning, or WIL. The
purpose of a WIL module is for you to observe and experience what happens
in a workplace under the guidance of a mentor. This has many benefits, and
will serve as an excellent preparation for when you enter the world of work
once you have obtained your diploma. This module differs from a practical
module in that your experience is not simulated in a laboratory or other facility,
but gained in a real-life working situation. On successful completion of this
module you should be able to demonstrate that you have acquired the practical
knowledge and skills set out in this document.
It is your responsibility to secure an appropriate civil engineering work

situation. However, this learning setting must be approved by Unisa (see
annexure C of Tutorial Letter 101 in this regard). You also need a workplace
mentor. This person must be a professional engineer, technologist or technician1
who is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). This
person must also be approved by Unisa (see annexure C of Tutorial Letter
101). As we explain in this study guide, your workplace mentor has a very
important role to play in your learning. Please discuss the mentor’s role (you
will find this set out in section 3 of this study guide) with her/him and reach an
agreement about your learning programme. Your learning programme should
be incorporated into the productive work that you are expected to carry out
in the workplace. The essence of this agreement must be submitted to Unisa
(see annexure C of Tutorial Letter 101).
This study guide contains the learning objectives or outcomes for this module,
and describes the learning process as well as the learning products that you
must submit in order to obtain credit for the module. If there is anything you
are unsure about, please do not hesitate to call your lecturer.
1 See http://www.saice.org.za for the South African Institution of Civil Engineering differentiation
between a professional engineer, a professional technologist (engineering) and an engineering
technician.
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vi
1 1
1 PEC2601 in context
Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601) is a component of part 3 of the

curriculum of the National Diploma in Civil Engineering at Unisa (see Part
7 of the Unisa Calendar – College of Science, Engineering and Technology).
PEC2601 is preceded by several theoretical and practical modules, which
provide a theoretical foundation.
Engineering Practice: Civil II and Engineering Practice: Civil III together entail
formal practical experience in a civil engineering work environment for a period
of at least 12 months (6 months for each of the 2 modules). These modules
are intended to help you develop an understanding of and familiarity with the
civil engineering culture, the civil engineering work ethic, and the obligations
governing and behaviour expected in the field of civil engineering.
The following four practical experience areas must be covered during the
course of these two modules:
Engineering Engineering
Practice: Civil II Practice: Civil III
(PEC2601) (PEC301C)
Planning
Design stage
stage of a
of a project
project
Construction Contracting
stage of a stage of a
project project
Figure 1.1
Overview of Engineering Practice: Civil II and Engineering Practice: Civil III
There is flexibility within the training programme. The four practical experience
areas can be distributed between Engineering Practice: Civil II and Engineering
Practice: Civil III. However, you must obtain approval from the lecturer
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1 PEC 26 01/0 01

responsible. Please note that you are responsible for obtaining the relevant
additional PEC301C study guidelines.
You need to gain practical experience in as many as possible of the following

civil engineering fields:
•• transportation engineering
•• water engineering
•• structural engineering
•• geotechnical engineering
•• construction management
•• urban engineering
•• environmental engineering
Your submissions relating to the four practical experience areas must prove
that you have acquired the ability and cognitive skills to start carrying out
productive work in the field of civil engineering.
Prior civil engineering work experience counts towards WIL. This means that if
you have already gained some of the experience required, you do not need to
repeat it. However, you do need to submit the required reports in accordance
with this study guide.
You need to complete both Engineering Practice: Civil II and Engineering

Practice: Civil III before you register for the B Tech in Civil Engineering.
The next section sets out the purpose of and learning outcomes for Engineering
Practice: Civil II.
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2
2 2
The purpose of and learning outcomes for

2
PEC2601
The purpose of this module is for you to gain experience in planning a civil
engineering project and to be able to make recommendations to employers
during the construction stage of a project in a civil engineering work
environment. You will also become familiar with the civil engineering culture
and work ethic, and the obligations governing and behaviour expected in the
field of civil engineering.
The diagram below provides an overview of this module:
Engineering Practice: Civil II
Planning stage of a civil Construction stage of a

engineering project civil engineering project
* Initial information * Site establishment

gathering * Interpret drawings
* The people and * Contract
environmental factors documentation
* Preliminary design * On-site quality
* Preliminary costing control
* Variation orders
* Materials testing
* Contract management
Figure 1.2
Overview of Engineering Practice: Civil II
In the sections below you will see the learning outcomes of this module
and how it relates to other relevant modules. To achieve these learning
outcomes, you will need to draw on the theoretical knowledge you gained
through studying the modules listed.
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2.1 The planning stage of a project

Modules applicable to the planning stage of a project are:
•• Surveying I (SRV1501 & SRVPRA1)

•• Drawing I (DRW1501)
•• Construction Methods I (CMD1501)
•• Theory of Structures II (TST2601 & TSTPRA2)
The WIL outcomes for the planning stage of a project are as follows:
•• Initial information gathering

–– Geological information gathering
–– Cadastral information gathering
–– Information gathering on existing services
•• The people and environmental factors

–– Community liaison
–– Preliminary environmental impact study
•• The preliminary design of a civil engineering project

–– Topographical survey
–– Design criteria and design standards
–– Considering different design options
–– Preliminary layout drawings
•• The preliminary costing

–– Preliminary costing and feasibility study
–– Preliminary design report
2.2 The construction stage of a project

Modules applicable to the construction stage of a project are:
•• Surveying: Civil II (SRC2601 & SRCPRA2)

•• Construction Materials I (CMT1501 & CMTPRA1)
•• Management: Civil I (MCL1501)
•• Management: Civil II (MCL2601)
•• English for Academic Purposes (ENN103F)
•• End-User Computing I (EUC1501)
The WIL outcomes for the construction stage of a project are:
•• Site establishment
–– Establishing a construction site
•• Demonstrated ability to read drawings

–– Reading of detailed drawings
•• Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation

–– Interpretation of the contract document
–– Construction of a project to contract specifications and SANS 2001
–– Measurement of quantities on site
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2: T h e p u r p o s e o f a n d l e a r n i n g o u tco m e s f o r PEC 26 01
–– Final estimate of measured quantities

–– Monthly payment certificates
•• On-site quality control

–– Quality control of civil construction in progress
•• Variation orders
–– Adapting design assumptions to practical discrepancies
•• Materials testing
–– Materials testing to ensure manufacturing is according to specifications
•• Contract management
–– Contract scheduling and management
–– Monthly site meetings
–– Monitoring of progress with regard to construction programme
–– Community liaison
–– Environmental awareness, health and safety issues
–– Completion report
Your practical experience in the workplace and the activities you are required
to complete for this module will help you to achieve the above outcomes.
However, please make a deliberate effort to improve your skills in these areas
continuously and to use every opportunity for learning throughout your studies
and your career.
2.3 General outcome: communication

In addition to the learning outcomes we have just listed, acquiring and
improving communication skills is a very important general outcome that we
would like you to achieve during the course of the module.
Effective communication is vital in civil engineering. To be an

effective communicator, you must be proficient in all aspects of speaking,
writing, listening and reading. You will find that businesses and institutions
rely heavily on the written word, and so report-writing is an important skill
that you need to master. You need to communicate the result of your WIL
experiences to your employer as well as your Unisa lecturer by means of
reports that you have written. Under the guidance of your workplace mentor/
supervisor, report-writing will provide you with the following:
•• an opportunity to practise your skills in presentation, argument, evaluation

and prediction, and to develop your writing skills
•• evidence of your mastery of critical analysis, good organisation, clarity and
conciseness
•• a permanent record of your work performance during the respective training
periods for evaluation by both the employer and Unisa
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5 PEC 26 01/0 01

3 3
3 The workplace mentor
You must show sections 3 and 4 of this study guide to your workplace mentor
(this person is usually your workplace supervisor). It is important that your
mentor understand her/his role regarding your WIL.
Your mentor must be registered as a professional engineer, technologist or

technician with ECSA.2 In exceptional cases a student may apply to gain
experience under a non-registered mentor; however, in such a case, proof
of competence to carry out the mentoring must accompany the application.
Dear Mentor
Mentoring is a process whereby knowledge, skills, experience and professional

conduct are transmitted to a protégé/mentee (the student) who is under
the guidance and supervision of an experienced professional. The aim is to
develop the student’s potential and to encourage her/his personal growth.
The mentoring system should enable the student to recognise her/his strengths
and weaknesses, to develop existing and new abilities and to gain knowledge
of the civil engineering field. As mentor, you also evaluate and certify the
student’s work-integrated learning report before she/he submits it to Unisa.
For this purpose, workplace mentor assessment forms are included at the end
of this study guide. Please note that the responsible lecturer at Unisa serves
as moderator of the student’s reports.
3.1 Unisa’s request to workplace mentors

Unisa relies on companies/organisations to be partners in the education process
in order to provide students with relevant and progressive learning experiences
in civil engineering. These students may contribute to the organisation’s
productivity by doing actual work there. The fundamental purpose of work-
integrated learning is for students to learn under real-life/work conditions.
Unisa would be grateful if you as supervisor (and representative of your

organisation) would:
•• orientate a student placed for work-integrated learning with regard to

departmental structures, current projects, job expectations (tasks to be
done, production schedules, quality standards, etc.), policies, procedures,
norms and codes of conduct
2 http://www.ecsa.co.za
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6
3: T h e wo r k p l a ce m e nto r
•• assign meaningful work and projects to the student that would bring about
the relevant learning
•• agree on a training plan that would enable the student to accomplish the
outcomes of this module
•• coach the student as required and provide training where necessary
•• treat the student as a member of the work team/department and include
her/him in both staff and appropriate project meetings
•• set the student challenges appropriate to her/his level of study
•• provide opportunities that would enable the student to develop
new competencies and contribute to productivity
•• progressively increase her/his responsibilities in accordance with her/his
growth
•• be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the Unisa learning outcomes as
well as the student’s interests, aptitudes and abilities
•• evaluate the student’s work and reports and verify that these are the student’s
own work
•• provide feedback to Unisa regarding the student’s performance and training
•• let the student gain experience in as many as possible of the civil engineering
fields as specified in sections 1 and 2 of this study guide.
We thank you in advance for the time you will be investing in the education
of the student entrusted to your mentoring.
The civil engineering lecturing staff and management at Unisa
3.2 Confirmation of the workplace mentor/supervisor

Please see annexure C of Tutorial Letter 101 for PEC2601. This form must be
submitted as Assignment 01 by the due date.
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4 4
Progressive and systematic recording and

4
continuous monitoring of work-integrated

learning
To ensure progressive and systematic learning, the planning stage is broken

up into 4 learning activities, and the construction stage into 7. These activities
are set out in the next two sections. You must record your learning relating
to each of these 11 aspects and in each case present this in the form of a
report to your mentor.
Each of your reports (see 4.3 for the specifications) should consist of:
•• a table of contents
•• an introduction
•• the body of the report, presented under appropriate headings and
sub-headings
•• a description of your personal involvement and what you have learnt
•• annexures as required
The reports you submit must be your own work. You may not copy another
student’s report. If a student does not submit her/his own work, Unisa will
consider this to be a case of plagiarism, and may take disciplinary action
against the student.
After your mentor has assessed each report on the relevant assessment form
(these are included later in this guide) and has given you feedback, you must
make the necessary corrections and/or improvements. If your mentor finds
your report to be inadequate, you must redo it and resubmit it to your mentor
for assessment.
You will produce your final WIL report by collating (putting together) the 11
reports, as well as a synopsis, in one comprehensive report. You must submit
this comprehensive report, together with your mentor’s assessments, to Unisa.
The Unisa lecturer who is responsible for the module will conduct at least one
monitoring visit to the organisation where you are engaged in WIL. It is your
responsibility to make the necessary arrangements for your on-site visit(s). See
annexure C of Tutorial Letter 101.
In consultation with your mentor, select a civil engineering project for which
you can ideally complete all 11 assignments (in other words, write all 11
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4: Pr o g r e ssi ve a n d s y s te m at i c r e co r d i n g a n d co nt i nu o u s m o n i to r i n g o f wo r k- i nte g r ate d l e a r n i n g
reports). If this is not feasible, derive your learning from related projects in
order to complete your final WIL report. You should complete at least one
report every two weeks. Leave yourself four to six weeks at the end to write
up your final WIL report.
4.1 The planning stage of a project
4.1.1 Initial information gathering

•• Geological information gathering
•• Cadastral information gathering
•• Information gathering on existing services
Explain the process and the various activities undertaken (or that you would
undertake) to gather sufficient data (geological, cadastral and on existing
services) for the planning of a civil engineering project. Present the actual data
that you have gathered in a logical way, draw relevant conclusions and make
recommendations. Include graphs and sketches to enhance understanding,
and an executive overview.
4.1.2 The people and environmental factors

•• Community liaison
•• Preliminary environmental impact study
The support of the local community and consideration of the environmental factors
are important in a civil engineering project. Explain the necessary community
liaison and appropriate study plans for a preliminary environmental impact
estimate. Report on the execution of and the findings relating to both aspects.
Draw the appropriate conclusions.
4.1.3 The preliminary design of a civil engineering project

•• Topographical survey
•• Design criteria and design standards
•• Considering different design options
•• Preliminary layout drawings
The preliminary design is based on the findings of the previous two steps in
the process. Undertake a topographical survey and decide on the best design
solution, after consideration of various options. Specify the design criteria
and standards. Also do the preliminary layout drawings. Present these and an
explanation with reasons in a well-composed report.
4.1.4 The preliminary costing

•• Preliminary costing and feasibility study
•• Preliminary design report
Conclude the planning stage with a preliminary costing of the proposed civil
engineering project. Present this in a well-composed preliminary design report.
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9 PEC 26 01/0 01

4.2 The construction stage of a project
4.2.1 Site establishment

•• Establishing a construction site
Compile a comprehensive report on all the aspects to consider, and the reasons
for decisions, with regard to establishing a civil engineering site.
4.2.2 Demonstrated ability to read drawings

•• Reading of detailed drawings
Obtain a set of project drawings and explain these fully in a well-composed

report. Submit the drawings with the report.
4.2.3 Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation

•• Interpretation of the contract document
•• Construction of a project to contract specifications and SANS 2001
•• Measurement of quantities on site
•• Final estimate of measured quantities
•• Monthly payment certificates
Obtain a set of contract documents relating to a civil engineering project

and explain the contract and SANS 2001 specifications as well as the bill of
quantities. Measure the actual quantities on site, compare these quantities
with the bill of quantities, and prepare final estimates. Report on the findings
and explain how the monthly payment of the contractors is done. Present all
of this in a well-composed report.
4.2.4 On-site quality control

•• Quality control of civil construction in progress
Explain how site supervision and quality control are done and report on the
findings regarding workmanship and quality control measures, layout of the
project and materials used.
4.2.5 Variation orders

•• Adapting design assumptions to practical discrepancies
Explain how design assumptions are adapted to accommodate practical on-site

discrepancies. In your report, include at least five examples of practical on-site
discrepancies (either specific to the project you are involved with, or common
discrepancies) and illustrate how the variations were done.
4.2.6 Materials testing

•• Materials testing to ensure manufacturing is according to specifications
Explain how and why testing of materials is done and report on your findings.
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10
4.2.7 Contract management

•• Contract scheduling and management
•• Monthly site meetings
•• Monitoring of progress with regard to construction programme
•• Environmental awareness, health and safety issues
•• Completion report
Explain the various means (why and how) of managing a civil engineering
contract. This includes, but is not limited to, scheduling, monthly site meetings,
progress monitoring, community liaison and environmental sensitivity.
4.3 Specifications for the 11 interim work-integrated

learning reports
4.3.1 Format
Type your reports on a word processor, using 1½ line spacing, with margins
of at least 25 mm. Use a 12 point typeface. Print your reports on A4 paper,
on one side of the paper only.
Follow the spelling conventions set out in the Oxford Dictionary. Do not use
full stops after abbreviations or in acronyms.
Number all tables and figures, so that it is easy to refer to any specific one.
Use the spellchecker available as part of the word processing software, after
you have set the language to South African English.
4.3.2 Checking and editing

Editing involves critically evaluating a text with regard to
•• Accuracy: Your report must be accurate and free from ambiguity and bias.
•• Brevity: Cut out irrelevant wording and unnecessary detail.
•• Clarity: Your report must be easy to read and well structured, with a logical
flow of statements and ideas. To achieve a logical flow, ensure that the
problem statement, analysis of the data, discussions and conclusions all
relate to the same subject, and that there is a logical progression from one
to the next.
•• Emphasis: Draw your reader’s attention to significant information. Don’t
leave the reader to infer what is important. Instead, make this explicit.
4.3.3 Acknowledgements
You must acknowledge all substantial assistance you received in writing the
WIL report, and sources of information you used in preparing the report.
At the end of the report, compile a list of references in which you acknowledge
other people’s work, whether published or unpublished.
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4.3.4 Table of contents and headings

The table of contents must appear on a separate page. It is a list of the headings
you have used in the report and the numbers of the pages on which they
appear, and it therefore reflects the structure of the report. It is usual to include
only the first three levels of headings. The table of contents is usually divided
into four sections:
•• Contents
•• Figures
•• Tables
•• Appendices
Please follow the system below:
•• First-level headings, i.e. chapter or section headings, are numbered

consecutively, beginning with 1.
•• Second-level headings, being important subdivisions of the chapter or
section, are numbered consecutively beginning with the number of the
chapter or section concerned, e.g. 1.1, 1.2.
•• Third-level headings are numbered consecutively within the second-level
subdivision, e.g. 1.1.1, 1.2.1.
•• Any further headings that might be required are not numbered. See the
example below.
1. FIRST-LEVEL HEADING
1.1 Second-level heading
1.1.1 Third-level heading
4.3.5 Introduction
In this section, you describe the project chosen for your WIL. Describe the
nature of the civil engineering project clearly, but concisely.
4.3.6 The body of the report

In the body of the report you present your learning (see section 4.1.1 to 4.2.7
above), set out under appropriate headings and sub-headings.
4.3.7 Discussion of personal involvement and what you have learnt

Explain what your role has been. Clearly describe your involvement.
Also reflect briefly on what you have learnt from your involvement. Clearly
describe the knowledge you have gained.
4.3.8 Conclusion
In this section of the WIL report, restate the essence of the project, but do not
provide any further discussion. This section must be a summary of conclusions
and recommendations, presented in order of importance.
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12
4.3.9 Annexures
Information that is pertinent to the report, but too bulky to be placed in the
body of the report, is attached as one or more annexures. However, remember
that you must include references to or brief explanations/descriptions of the
content of the annexures in the body of the report. Annexures are a particularly
useful way of including information that would otherwise interrupt the flow
of the report.
Include the following additional information that supports the WIL report as
the following annexures:
•• Annexure A Additional information, e.g. drawings of projects

•• Annexure B Additional information, e.g. contract documents of projects
•• Annexure C Any other additional information
4.4 Building blocks of the final report

These 11 interim reports serve as the building blocks of the final WIL report,
which is explained in the next section.
If your mentor feels that any of the interim reports does not meet the
requirements, rewrite it until your mentor is satisfied with it.
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5 5
5 Final work-integrated learning report
Whether you have achieved the outcomes (set out in section 2 of this study
guide) of your WIL is assessed on the basis of your final WIL report. This report
covers all the learning outcomes listed under 2.1 and 2.2.
5.1 Presentation
We recommend that you present your final WIL report in a lever-arch file. Use
dividers, such as the alphabetical dividers normally included in a lever-arch
file, to separate the various components of the final report.
5.2 Title page
5.2.1 Report title

Type the report title in capital letters, using a large font size. The title should
be as brief and concise as possible, while still giving enough information to
convey what the report is about. Avoid wording like “A report on investigations
into …”, as this adds nothing relevant to the title.
5.2.2 Your name and student number

Include your name and student number on the cover. You may include your
affiliation or the name of the organisation where you completed your WIL.
You may include a logo.
5.2.3 Date of report

Include the date at the bottom of the title page. You may include either the
full date of completion of the report, or just the month and year.
5.3 Overall table of contents

Provide an overall table of contents at the beginning of your final WIL report.
Clearly indicate where (in which section or file division) each of the 11 reports
is located.
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5: Fi n a l wo r k- i nte g r ate d l e a r n i n g r e p o r t
5.4 Synopsis
The synopsis serves as an executive summary. It summarises the content of
the 11 reports, the main findings, conclusions and recommendations. The
executive summary should be approximately 300 words long.
If your 11 reports are based on various projects, indicate how they would have
related to one another if they had all been based on a single project.
5.5 Body of the report

The body of the report consists of the 11 reports, namely:
Planning stage:
•• Initial information gathering

•• The people and environmental factors
•• The preliminary design of a civil engineering project
•• The preliminary costing
Construction stage:
•• Site establishment
•• Demonstrated ability to read drawings
•• Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation
•• On-site quality control
•• Variation orders
•• Materials testing
•• Contract management
Make all the corrections to the individual reports that your mentor has requested,
and make sure that you have paid attention to her/his comments.
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15 PEC 26 01/0 01

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Engineering Council of South Africa. 2013. Policy for the accreditation of

engineering technology programmes. Section 2: Requirements for
accreditation. https://www.ecsa.co.za/RegisterDocuments/DocIndex/
EngineeringProgrammes/Accreditation_Universities_Technology_
Section_2.pdf.
Engineering Council of South Africa. 2013. Policy for the accreditation of
engineering programmes. Section 5: Documentation for use during
accreditation visits. https://www.ecsa.co.za/RegisterDocuments/
DocIndex/EngineeringProgrammes/Accreditation_Universities_
Technology_Section_ND_5.pdf.
Groenewald, T, Leshoedi, F, Theron, N & Van Zijl, C. 2005. Attaining specified
qualification outcomes in economic and management sciences through
work-integrated learning. In Unisa. Distance experiential education
practices. Pretoria: Unisa Press.
University of California at Berkeley. National Center for Research in Vocational
Education. [S.a.] Cooperative education as a strategy for school-to-work
transition. CenterFocus no. 3, January 1994. Retrieved from the internet
in January 2003: http://ncrve.berkeley.edu/CenterFocus/CF3.html.
Van Wyk, JTJ & Bruwer, CPC. 2004a. Engineering Practice – Civil II: Mentor
guide for PEC201CE. Florida: Technikon SA.
Van Wyk, JTJ & Bruwer, CPC. 2004b. Engineering Practice – Civil II: Student
guide for PEC201CE. Florida: Technikon SA.
Veldsman, TH. 2004. Evaluation schedule for interventions. University of
Johannesburg, doctoral programme on leadership in performance and
change. Unpublished.
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The workplace mentor must fill in this form.
2.1 T
HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON INITIAL
INFORMATION GATHERING
Outcomes that the student must achieve:
•• Geological information gathering

•• Cadastral information gathering
•• Information gathering on existing services
Instructions to the student:
Explain the process and the various activities undertaken (or that you would undertake) to
gather sufficient data (geological, cadastral and on existing services) for the planning of a civil
engineering project. Present the actual data that you have gathered in a logical way, draw
relevant conclusions and make recommendations. Include graphs and sketches to enhance
understanding, and an executive overview.
Student no.:_________________ Student’s initials & surname: ________________________
Rate the student’s report on the initial information gathering for the project that she/he has been
involved in.
Inadequate Adequate
Little data Insufficient data Sufficient data Substantial data

gathered for the gathered gathered gathered
report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Data poorly Presentation Data well presented Data very well

presented lacking presented
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Few/no Conclusions/ Conclusions/ Comprehensive

conclusions or recommendations recommendations and specific con-
recommendations included, but these flow from critical clusions or recom-
do not flow from evaluation of data mendations flow
the data from critical evalu-
ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
The report has no Poor summary Report well Excellent summary

summary summarised – clear and concise
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
17 PEC 26 01/0 01

No/little descrip- Sketchy descrip- Personal involve- Clear description of

tion of personal tion of personal ment and learning involvement and
involvement involvement evident learning
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Also rate the student on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 = acceptable, 5 = average and 10 =
excellent, with regard to:
Rating Comments
Communication skills
Attitude towards staff and public
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Name of mentor: ____________________________ Signature: ________________________
Date: ______________________
...........
18
2.2 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON THE PEOPLE

AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
•• Preliminary environmental impact study
The support of the local community and consideration of the environmental factors are important
in a civil engineering project. Explain the necessary community liaison and appropriate study
plans for a preliminary environmental impact estimate. Report on the execution and the findings
relating to both aspects. Draw the appropriate conclusions.
Rate the student’s report on the people and environmental factors relating to the project that
she/he has been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
19 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
20
2.3 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON THE PRELIMINARY

DESIGN OF A CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT
•• Topographical survey
•• Design criteria and design standards
•• Considering different design options
•• Preliminary layout drawings
The preliminary design is based on the findings of the previous two steps in the process. Undertake
a topographical survey and decide on the best design solution, after consideration of various
options. Specify the design criteria and standards. Also do the preliminary layout drawings.
Present these and an explanation with reasons in a well-composed report.
Rate the student’s report on the preliminary design of the civil engineering project that s/he has
been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

the data from the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
21 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
22
2.4 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON THE PRELIMINARY

COSTING
•• Preliminary costing and feasibility study

•• Preliminary design report
Conclude the planning stage with a preliminary costing of the proposed civil engineering project.
Present this in a well-composed preliminary design report.
Rate the student’s report on the preliminary costing of the project that she/he has been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
23 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
24
3.1 T
HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON SITE
ESTABLISHMENT
Outcome that the student must achieve:
•• Establishing a construction site
Instruction to the student:
Compile a comprehensive report on all the aspects to consider, and the reasons for decisions,
with regard to establishing a civil engineering site.
Rate the student’s report on site establishment of the project that she/he has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
25 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
26
3.2 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT TO DEMONSTRATE

THE ABILITY TO READ DRAWINGS
•• Reading detailed drawings
Obtain a set of project drawings and explain these fully in a well-composed report. Submit the
drawings with the report.
Rate the student’s report providing evidence of the ability to read the detailed drawings for the
project that she/he has been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
27 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
28
3.3 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT TO DEMONSTRATE

COMPREHENSION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION
•• Interpretation of the contract document

•• Construction of a project to contract specifications and SANS 2001
•• Measurement of quantities on site
•• Final estimate of measured quantities
•• Monthly payment certificates
Obtain a set of contract documents relating to a civil engineering project and explain the contract
and SANS 2001 specifications as well as the bill of quantities. Measure the actual quantities on
site, compare these quantities with the bill of quantities, and prepare final estimates. Report on
the findings and explain how the monthly payment of the contractors is done. Present all of this
in a well-composed report.
Rate the student’s report on her/his comprehension of the contract documentation relating to
the project that she/he has been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
29 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
30
3.4 T
HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT TO QUALITY
CONTROL ON SITE
•• Quality control of civil construction in progress
Explain how site supervision and quality control are done and report on the findings regarding
workmanship and quality control measures, layout of the project and materials used.
Rate the student’s report on the quality control on the site of the project that she/he has been
involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
31 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
32
3.5 T
HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT TO VARIATION
ORDERS
•• Adapting design assumptions to practical discrepancies
Explain how design assumptions are adapted to accommodate practical on-site discrepancies.
In your report, include at least five examples of practical on-site discrepancies (either specific to
the project you are involved with, or common discrepancies) and illustrate how the variations
were done.
Rate the student’s report on the adaptation of design assumptions to practical discrepancies in
the context of the project that she/he has been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
33 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
34
3.6 T
HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT TO MATERIALS
TESTING
•• Materials testing to ensure manufacturing is according to specifications
Explain how and why testing of materials is done and report on your findings.
Rate the student’s report on materials testing as part of the project that she/he has been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
35 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
36
3.7 T
HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT TO CONTRACT
MANAGEMENT
•• Contract scheduling and management

•• Monthly site meetings
•• Monitoring of progress with regard to construction programme
•• Environmental awareness, health and safety issues
•• Completion report
Explain the various means (why and how) of managing a civil engineering contract. This includes,
but is not limited to, scheduling, monthly site meetings, progress monitoring, community liaison
and environmental sensitivity.
Rate the student’s report on contract management in the context of the project that she/he has
been involved in.
Inadequate Adequate

report
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

ation of the data
0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10

0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
...........
37 PEC 26 01/0 01


0 ��2.5 3 �� 5 5.5��7.5 8 �� 10
Total
Rating Comments
Personal appearance
Initiative
Punctuality
Date: ______________________
...........
38
The relevant lecturer must fill in this form
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE for the final work-integrated learning report for Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601)
Student no.: ______________________________________ Student's surname & initials: _____________________________________________________________
1. SYNOPSIS AND PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT (WEIGHT: 15%)
1.1 Synopsis Inadequate or unclear Poorly written and Comprehensive, but some Clear and concise, providing
significant gaps in the minor gaps in the project full coverage of the project
project
1–2 3–4 5–7 8–10
1.2 Structure Unstructured Poorly structured well structed Extremely well structured
1 2 3 4–5
Total:
2. THE PLANNING STAGE OF A PROJECT (WEIGHT: 30%)

2.1 Initial information gathering
• Geological information gathering
• Cadastral information gathering
39
• Information gathering on existing services
Irrelevant/ adequate, but incomplete appropriate, complete, appropriate, extra effort

inappropriate data and/or unintegrated integrated and well evident, and very well
presented presented
1–2 3–4 5–7 8–10
...........
PEC 26 01/0 01

2.2 The people and environmental factors

• Community liaison
• Preliminary environmental impact study
...........
40
presented presented
1 2 3 4–5
2.3 The preliminary design of a civil engineering project

• Topographical survey
• Design criteria and design standards
• Considering different decision options
• Preliminary layout drawings

presented presented
1–2 3–4 5–7 8–10
2.4 The preliminary costing

• Preliminary costing and feasibility study
• Preliminary design report

inappropriate data and/or unintegrated integrated and wll evident, and very well
presented presented
1 2 3 4–5
Total:
3. THE CONSTRUCTION STAGE OF A PROJECT (WEIGHT: 45%)
3.1 Site establishment
• Establishing a construction site

presented presented
1 2 3 4–5
3.2 Demonstrated ability to read detailed drawings

• Reading of detailed drawings

presented presented
1 2 3 4–5
3.3 Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation

• Interpretation of the contract document
• Construction of a project to contract specifications and SANS 2001
• Measurement of quantities on site
• Final estimate of measured quantities
• Monthly payment certificates

presented presented
1–2 3–4 5–7 8–10
3.4 On-site quality control
41
• Quality control of civil construction in progress

presented presented
1 2 3 4–5
...........
PEC 26 01/0 01

3.5 Variation orders

• Adapting design assumptions to practical discrepancies
...........
presented presented
42
1 2 3 4–5
3.6 Materials testing

• Materials testing to ensure manufacturing is according to specifications

presented presented
1 2 3 4–5
3.7 Contract management

• Contract scheduling and management
• Monthly site meetings
• Monitoring of progress with regard to construction programme
• Community liaison
• Environmental awareness, health and safety issues
• Completion report

presented presented
1–2 3–4 5–7 8–10
Total:
4. QUALITY OF REPORTING (WEIGHT: 10%)
4.1 Completeness Incomplete. Partially complete. Mostly complete. Comprehensive.

Numerous significant gaps Some significant gaps in Some minor gaps in In-depth coverage
in discussion discussion discussion
1 2 3 4–5
4.2 Technical quality Unacceptable acceptable, but with major acceptable with minor Outstanding quality.
corrections corrections No corrections
1 2 3 4–5
Total:
5. COMMENTS ON REPORT AND FEEDBACK TO STUDENT
INTERPRETATION OF TOTAL SCORE
43
≤ 40 > 40 TO ≤ 60 > 60
 Failed  Revision and resubmission necessary (poor reporting)  Pass. No further submission required
 New submission required OR
 at least one more project (wrong or too limited in
scope; inappropriate approach; information too
limited)
...........
PEC 26 01/0 01

This form must be completed during the student’s workplace/site visit.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ON-SITE MONITORING/ASSESSMENT OF WORK-INTEGRATED LEARINING: PEC2601
Name of Unisa lecturer/monitor:
Details of the student being monitored:
Surname: First name & initials:
Student no.: Identity no.:
Date: Signature:
Details of the work-integrated learning site:
Name of the institution/company/

organisation/agency:
Physical address:
Postal code:
Postal address:
Postal code:
Telephone number: ( )
Internet address/URL:
...........
44
Details of the workplace mentor for experiential/work-integrated learning
Surname: Title (Dr/

M s /M r s /
Mr):
Initials and name: Job title:
Direct telephone no: ( ) Fax number: ( )
Cell phone number: Signature:
E-mail address:
Qualifications:
Professional registration(s):
Years and scope of experience:
Would you be willing to serve on the qualification/programme advisory commit- YES NO

tee, which meets once a year?
Brief description of the scope/nature of the civil engineering work conducted by the organisation:
Summary of what the student’s work-integrated learning has entailed to date, and any
recommendations in this regard:
...........
45 PEC 26 01/0 01

Record of the student’s progress regarding the work-integrated learning reports, discussions
about the final report and any academic matters discussed:
Description of the mentoring that the student has been receiving, and any observations and/
or recommendations in this regard:
Any observations about developments in the civil engineering field that might influence the
work-integrated learning of the programme:
Any other observations/comments:
Signature of lecturer/monitor:
Date: _________________ 20___

...........
46

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2. THE PURPOSE OF AND LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR PEC2601 3

2.1 The workplace mentor’s assessment of the student’s report on initial

Welcome! You’ve arrived at a very important part of the National Diploma:

It is your responsibility to secure an appropriate civil engineering work

Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601) is a component of part 3 of the

You need to gain practical experience in as many as possible of the following

You need to complete both Engineering Practice: Civil II and Engineering

The purpose of and learning outcomes for

The diagram below provides an overview of this module:

Engineering Practice: Civil II

Planning stage of a civil Construction stage of a

* Initial information * Site establishment

2.1 The planning stage of a project

•• Surveying I (SRV1501 & SRVPRA1)

•• Initial information gathering

•• The people and environmental factors

•• The preliminary design of a civil engineering project

•• The preliminary costing

2.2 The construction stage of a project

•• Surveying: Civil II (SRC2601 & SRCPRA2)

The WIL outcomes for the construction stage of a project are:

•• Demonstrated ability to read drawings

•• Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation

–– Final estimate of measured quantities

•• On-site quality control

2.3 General outcome: communication

Effective communication is vital in civil engineering. To be an

•• an opportunity to practise your skills in presentation, argument, evaluation

3 The workplace mentor

Your mentor must be registered as a professional engineer, technologist or

Mentoring is a process whereby knowledge, skills, experience and professional

3.1 Unisa’s request to workplace mentors

Unisa would be grateful if you as supervisor (and representative of your

•• orientate a student placed for work-integrated learning with regard to

The civil engineering lecturing staff and management at Unisa

3.2 Confirmation of the workplace mentor/supervisor

Progressive and systematic recording and

continuous monitoring of work-integrated

To ensure progressive and systematic learning, the planning stage is broken

4.1 The planning stage of a project

4.1.1 Initial information gathering

4.1.2 The people and environmental factors

4.1.3 The preliminary design of a civil engineering project

4.1.4 The preliminary costing

4.2 The construction stage of a project

4.2.1 Site establishment

4.2.2 Demonstrated ability to read drawings

Obtain a set of project drawings and explain these fully in a well-composed

4.2.3 Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation

Obtain a set of contract documents relating to a civil engineering project

4.2.4 On-site quality control

4.2.5 Variation orders

Explain how design assumptions are adapted to accommodate practical on-site

4.2.6 Materials testing

4.2.7 Contract management

4.3 Specifications for the 11 interim work-integrated

4.3.2 Checking and editing

4.3.4 Table of contents and headings

Please follow the system below:

•• First-level headings, i.e. chapter or section headings, are numbered

2. THE PURPOSE OF AND LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR PEC2601 3

Student no.:_ Student’s initials & surname: ________

Name of mentor: ____ Signature:

2.2 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON THE PEOPLE

Student no.:_ Student’s initials & surname: ________

Name of mentor: ____ Signature:

2.3 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON THE PRELIMINARY

Student no.:_ Student’s initials & surname: ________

Name of mentor: ____ Signature:

2.4 T HE WORKPLACE MENTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDENT’S REPORT ON THE PRELIMINARY

Student no.:_ Student’s initials & surname: ________