ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to all who assisted me in one way or other in my field of study of practical
training II from MWANZA CITY COUNCIL and MOHAMED BUILDERS LIMITED at
Mwanza, I am gratefully to show special appreciation to the following;
Mohammed builders ltd for trusting me and giving me a chance to conduct my practical
training at their firm through their staff members especially ENG JOHN PETER the site engineer
for his support, advice, training techniques and guidelines for all time during my practical
training 02, as well as
 ENG. DENIS (Civil engineer)
 ENG. JOSEPH (Quantity survey)
 ENG MADUHU (Site engineer from Mwanza city council)
Moreover, I am grateful to all technicians and site workers for their knowledge they shared
with me concerning construction industry.
Also, I acknowledge the College of Engineering and Technology (CoET) who gave me an
opportunity to conduct practical training. Special thanks to Mr. Emmanuel Elvis John who
visited me to my practical training place, for his ideas, advice and guidance
Sincerely i thank my fellow students who were together with me during my practical training
time MAY ALMIGHTY GOD BLESS YOU ALL
 PREFACE
Practical Training (PT) is the crucial lesson offered by the College of Engineering and
Technology (COET) at the University of Dar es Salaam. The practical training explores students
to get much practical knowledge and experience of their industry. This practical training takes
eight weeks. Practical training offers valuable experience in real-life situation of engineering
specialties that cannot be stimulated in classes, laboratory or in workshops. It provides a practical
means of applying Engineering knowledge through practical training, the student can acquire
skills, knowledge, work ability and attitude towards his/her area of specialization. Main
objectives of practical training are;
 To make students improving their knowledge on construction materials involved during
construction.
 To make students to improve their skills in using tools and machines which are used in
construction.
 Improving student general ability in designing.
 To foster attitude of awareness and respect for work and of thinking in terms of cost and
efficiency.
I conducted my second practical training at Mwanza City Council projects involving
construction of class rooms and toilets at Nyegezi secondary school and with Mohammed
builders limited and it was provided by the government concerning upgrading Mwanza
central market. I had clear followed up from the site supervisors making sure that I
understand all that I was taught and experiencing.
 ABSTRACT
This report gives full explanations on different tasks and duties that I have performed in all
eight weeks of my practical training (PT 2) at Mwanza city council project and Mohammed
builders limited. The report has made up of three major parts, the general summary, weekly
report and specific report.
The general summary, this part contains the introduction part which contains the activities
performed such as floor finishing, welding of roof trusses and plastering and the information of
Mohammed builders limited. The weekly report part consists of the log books that explains daily
activities carried out together with the brief explanation of the main job and weekly summary
which gives, describe and comment on the main job performed within a week as well as
recommendation and conclusion and the specific report
 DECLARATION
I declare that this report is my own efforts as a result of clear attendance of my training and
performing various activities assigned at the site, as well as with cooperating with the site
engineer to obtain more data.
 CHAPTER 1.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDS OF MOHAMED BUILDES COMPANY LTD

1.1: Introduction.

Mohammed builder’s company ltd is one of the leading class building contractors registered in
Tanzania engaging in all kinds of building construction and civil engineering projects and
approach each with the same commitment to excellent client services, unparalleled quality of
workmanship and safe, timely project completion.

Mohammed builders’ company ltd provide civil engineering construction and management
services in the following sectors;

 Industrial
 Commercial
 Residential
 Educational
 Other special works.

1.1: Status of the Company.

Mohammed builders ltd was first registered with the contractor’s registration board in 1999 as
class VII building contractors. In 2002 the company was promoted to class IV, then in 2006 the
company was once again promoted to class II and thereafter in November 2008, the company got
promoted to class I building contractors in Tanzania. This remarkable growth of the company
within such short period of time, clearly attributes to its workforce from top management all the
way through to its highly skilled and dedicated staff and laborers. The company always aims to
provide their client with workman ship meeting international quality standard with its highly
qualified local and international staff bringing together years of experience from all around the
globe.

1.2 Vision and Mission

Mohammed Builders Company never lose sight of their commitment to delivering only the
highest quality work, both within budget and on schedule. Furthermore, they do so without
compromising on both human and environmental safety. They use the best practices of the
construction industry at every stage, every time.

1.3 Project Stakeholders

Project name; upgrading Mwanza central market and commercial block
Main contractor; Mohammed builder’s company ltd
 Figure 1: Project Stakeholders
1.4 Company’s Source of Funds
Mohammed builders limited depend on payments from the projects they conduct and receive
funds from the Government Engineering project.
1.5 Project Time of Target
The projects contract period is 29 months. It started on 19 th, October 2020 and it supposed to
end on 18th, march 2023. Time elapsed is 23 months completing 75% of the project.
1.6 Objectives of the Project
The main objective of the project is to design and build Mwanza central market building for
commercial activities.
1.7 Progress of the Project
The construction activities of the project were progressing very well, making sure that the
work is completed on time and correctly by updating the engineering drawings with the demand
of the project. The main activities of the project included;
 Floor finishing
 Welding of roof trusses.
 Skimming.

1.9 Project Status

1.9.1 At Arrival
The project was at the stage of roofing, floor finishing, plastering and wiring of electrical
switches and wire dishes and skimming. The roof trusses were being fixed on roof wings and on
first floor there was floor finishing by terrazzo. The work was progressing at market toilets for
plastering and skimming on columns.
1.9.2 At Leaving
Since the project was still on progressing, some activities were being done including
 Construction of machinga stalls.
 Lifting of some roof trusses for roofing.

 Floor finishing to some parts of the market on the ground and first floor.
 CHAPTER 2:

LOGBOOK AND WEEKLY SUMMARY.

WEEK 1: From 18/07/2022 to 22/07/2022.

2.1: MASONRY WORK (WALL CONSTRUCTION).

2.1.1: Introduction;

The masonry works involve the construction works which include the laying of blocks on the
motor, laying out of stones and smoothing of motor these works were much important during the
erection of the walls on the building and structures made of natural and artificial masonry
materials. The blocks used had 455mm length, 230mm width and 150mm thickness. The external
as well as partition walls were made to rise above the concrete slab.

2.1.2: Skills and manpower.

 To be able to know how to lay and align blocks.

 To be familiar with the construction materials.

The work required;

 1 Site engineer
 3 Skilled and 4 unskilled labourers
 4 Students

2.1.3: Time required.

The time required for masonry work (wall construction) was about 8 hours per day and took 5
days per week.

2.1.4: Materials used.

 Blocks ( 455mm x230mm x150mm)

 Cement
 Fine aggregate (sand)
 Clean water
 Dump proof coarse (DPC)

2.1.5: Tools and machinery.

 Tape measure
 Plumb bob
 Spade
  Buckets
 Sprit level
 String

2.1.6: Procedures.

i. After placement of damp proof coarse (DPC) material on the established concrete slab to
avoid penetration of moisture from the ground to walls, blocks were aligned along the
side of the line marked by the string showing the end of the outer wall, they were placed
vertically using the plumb bob and binded together by using mortar mixed in the ratio of
1:4 cement and sand.

Figure 3: Blocks binded together by mortar

ii. A string was tied at the corner end of the established blocks so as to enable proper
alignment of middle blocks to be established
iii. Similarly, other blocks were binded on top using mortar that followed alternated in size
or shape and aligned vertically by using plumb bob.

Figure 4: Plumb bob

iv. Curing of the wall was done to strengthen all bonds associated in the wall for about 7days

2.1.7: Influence of environment condition.

 The environment was conducive to allow continuation of work it was a sunny weather.

2.1.8: Safety precautions.

When engaging in masonry works it was strictly to wear the following safety gears;

 Safety boots which protect feet from falling heavy objects like blocks.
 Safety helmet which protect the head from falling objects.
 Gloves to protect hands from cement corrosion.

2.1.9: Conclusion and Recommendation.

The work was done very properly although there was insufficient of salary to manpower
which led to stop the work for few days.
WEEK 2: From 25/07/2022 to 29/07/2022.

2.2: STEEL FIXING.

2.2.1: Introduction.

Steel fixing is the shaping and fitting of the steel bars in the construction

2.2.2: Skills and manpower.

 Site engineer – 1
 Skilled and unskilled labourers – 4
 Students – 3

2.2.3: Time required.

The work took four days for the completion

2.2.4: Materials used.

 High yield steel bars (12mm diameter).

 Binding wires
 Timbers
 Small steel bars (8mm diameter)

2.2.5: Tools and machinery.

 Tape measure
 Cutting and bending machines (Pincers)

2.2.6: Procedures.

i. The correct required size of the reinforcement steel bars were determined then cut in
appropriate size.
ii. The rings were then formed by bending small steel bars into the form that can tie other
bars.
iii. Steels were laid in the measured and equally spaced rings to obtain the required shape of
the structure.
iv. The steels were binded tightly using binding wires, the extra binding wires should be cut
since they can catch the aggregate during pouring.
 Figure 6: Steel fixing on the septic tank
v. Complete fixed steel structures were inserted in the prepared formwork, the joints in the
formwork were tighted to avoid the leackage of concrete.

Figure 5: Steel structure inserted in the formwok

2.2.7: Influence of environment condition.

The weather was sunny, so the environment was conducive for the work to be done.

2.2.8: Safety precaution.

 Reflectors for high visibility on the construction site.

 Safety boots and gloves
 Safety coat and helmet

2.2.9: Conclusions and recommendation.

The reinforcement steel bars were well fixed simply because all the procedures were followed
under the supervision of site engineer and foreman therefore the work done in time.
WEEK 3: From 01/08/2022 to 05/08/2022.

2.3: SETTING OUT.

2.3.1: Introduction.

Setting out is the practice of transferring the building design onto the land itself so that the
workers can follow it during construction. Key points and guide markers are set out to ensure
accurate building takes place.

2.3.2: Skills and manpower.

To be able to know that with setting out, the construction remain within the legal boundary

 1-site engineer
 2 skilled and 4 unskilled labourers
 4 students

2.3.3: Time required.

The work took 8 hours a day and 3 days for its completion.

2.3.4: Materials used.

 Nails
 Thread
 Woods or batter boards

2.3.5: Tools and machinery.

 Claw hammer
 Tape measure
 Spirit level
 Tri square

2.3.6: Procedures.

i. The building lines were established to demonstrate the outer face of the front wall of a
building.
ii. The front of the building was positioned on the building line established.
iii. By using 3-4-5 method, the corner of the building were peg out.
 Figure 7: A checked square of corner.
iv. Checking for the square of the corner by using tri square tool.
v. Mark with of excavations, foundations and walls by using nails and strings on the profile.

Figure 8: Excavations and walls marked

2.3.7: Influence of environment conditions.

The environment was conducive for the work to be done despite in some days there were of
lightly thunderstorm

2.3.8: Safety and precautions.

Safety gears were provided to the workers during the work to ensure their safety.

2.3.9: Conclusions and recommendations.

The work was done well as per specifications safety and time, the materials used for the setting
out
WEEK 4: From 08/08/2022 to 12/08/2022.

2.4: FORMWORK FIXING FOR RING BEAMS

2.4.1: Introduction.

Formwork is the temporary support as a mould for fresh concrete, in which concrete is poured
and cast in the desired shape and gain strength, hardened and matured.

2.4.2: Skills and manpower.

The skill gained was to be able how to fix the formwork with a proper measurement and design.
The work required;

 Site engineer – 1
 Skilled and unskilled labourers – 4
 Students – 4

2.4.3: Time required.

The work took 6 hours a day and it takes 4 days for its completion.

2.4.4: Materials.

 Nails
 Timbers
 Marine boards

2.4.5: Tools and machinery used.

 Tape measure
 Claw hammer
 Saws
 String

2.4.6: Procedures.

i. Studied formwork project, materials and tools were prepared.

ii. The dimensions and positions for beam on the wall were obtained by using tape measure.
iii. Building of the propped and braced horizontal and vertical members to obtain the
required shape of the beam.
 Figure 9: Ring beam formwork tighten on the wall
iv. Tightening the formwork joints to end up with the strong formwork with clear corners
and other structures.

2.4.7: Influence of environment condition.

The environment condition was very conducive for the work to take place.

2.4.8: Safety precaution.

In order to ensure the safety of the responsible persons during the work, the following must be
worn;

 Safety boots
 Hand gloves
 Safety coat or reflectors for more visibility on the site.

2.4.9: Conclusion and recommendation.

The work was done well as per specification, safety and time. The materials used for formworks
construction were strong enough to withstand all type of dead and live loads and the joints in a
formwork was tight against leakage of cement grout.
WEEK 5: From 15/08/2022 to 19/08/2022.

2.5: CONCRETE MIXING.

2.5.1: Introduction.

Concrete refers to the mixture of binding materials, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and water.
Coarse aggregate may be natural or crushed stone ranging in size between 5 mm to 25 mm, and
the fine aggregate usually the naturally sand. The water used should be suitable for the human
use. The concrete mixing work is mainly done either by hand mixing or through the use
mechanized concrete mixers. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension.

Some common grades of concrete and their ratios are;

 RC of grade C30 - 1:1:2

 RC of grade C25 - 1:1.5:3
 RC of grade C20 - 1:2:4

2.5.2: Skills and manpower.

 1 site engineer
 1 skilled and 2 unskilled labourers
 4 students.

2.5.3: Time required.

The concrete was mixed in a day that is required, the work took 7 hours a day to mix and poured
in the required formwork to avoid pre-hardening and it lastly for 4 days.

2.5.4: Materials used.

 Cement
 Clean water
 Fine aggregate
 Coarse aggregate

2.5.5: Tools and machinery.

 Concrete mixer and trans mixer

 Batching plant.
 Buckets
 Concrete rake
 Shovel
2.5.6: Procedures.

i. After steel fixing and formwork fixing, the concrete batching was done in the batching
plant by weight.

Figure 10: A concrete plant

ii. The inner surface of the concrete mixer was wetted, coarse aggregate was placed in the
mixer followed by fine aggregate (sand) and then cement.
iii. In the dry state, the materials were mixed in the mixer for about 2 or 3 minutes.
iv. After proper mixing of dry materials water was then gradually added in a proper amount
while the mixer machine is in motion to avoid hardening of concrete.
v. The concrete mixture prepared was kept in the trans mixer carried to the construction site.

Figure 11: concrete kept in Trans mixer for transportation

2.5.7: Influence of environment condition.

The weather was sunny thus the environment was conducive for the work to be done.

2.5.8: Safety measures.

 Reflectors which increase visibility at the site

 Safety gloves to protect hands from cement contaminations
 Safety boots protect feets from sharp materials.
2.5.9: Conclusion and Recommendations.

The entire process was a success under the supervision of batching plant technician, site engineer
and site foreman. Although there were shortcomings like failure of the trans mixer which led to
delay of the work in some days of work.
WEEK 6: From 22/08/2022 to 26/08/2022.

2.6: PLASTERING OF A WALL.

2.6.1: Introduction.

Plaster is a soft mixture of sand and cement and sometimes lime with water, for spreading on
the walls, ceiling and other structures to form a smooth surface. The ratio used during mixing of
plaster by volume was 1:4. The aim of the plastering was to strengthen walls and prevent the
weather harmful conditions from penetrating inside and to create smooth surfaces so as to
receive finishes like paint.

2.6.2: Skills and manpower.

 1 site engineer.
 2 skilled and 3 unskilled labourers.
 4 students.

2.6.3: Time required.

The work took 8 hours per day and takes 3 days for completion.

2.6.4: Materials used.

 Cement
 Water
 Fine aggregate (Sand).

2.6.5: Tools and machinery.

 Trowel
 Buckets
 Wood flat
 Plumb bob and spirit level
 Shovel

2.6.6: Procedures.

i. Clearing of the place required for mixing up cement, sand and water.
ii. Mixing cement and sand with water by using shovel until paste is formed.
iii. Roughing of a smooth surface where plaster is to be applied using mallet hammer,
wetting of the rough surface with water.
iv. Formation of thickness of 20mm used as initial reference during plastering.
 Figure 12: mortar applied to the wall.

v. With the aid of trowel, mortar was applied on the wall surface then it was left for 30
minutes to dry before skimming. A wood flat was used to flattening the wall surface
to prepare the smooth surface. While skimming, plumb bob and spirit level were used
to obtain the verticality of the wall

Figure 13: Flattening of wall to give a smooth surface

2.6.7: Influence of environment condition.

The environment was conducive for the work to be done on time throughout the week.

2.6.8: Safety measures.

Safety gears were provided to the workers includes;

 Overcoat
 Safety boots
 helmet

2.6.9: Conclusion and Recommendations.

Site engineer was responsible to check on the ratio of cement, sand and water since the unskilled
laboures were not in position to check on the ratio proportionality of the materials. The time for
work was followed and well understood since I followed and participated in every step explained
and done. Since every plastering construction procedure was followed, thus a stable plaster
structure was constructed.
WEEK 7: From 29/08/2022 to 02/09/2022.

2.7: FLOOR FINISHING.

2.7.1: Introduction.

A floor in building construction is a levelled surface which can support the objects and or
passengers. Different flooring types are there based on the different factors and their selections
depends on the choice of the users and applications that provide the satisfying results either for
economically or durability.

2.7.2: Skills and manpower.

 1 site engineer
 2 skilled and 3 unskilled labourers
 4 students

2.7.3: Time required.

The work took 5 days for its completion from 08:00am to 04:00pm a day

2.7.4: Material used.

 Cement
 Clean water.
 Coarse aggregate.

2.7.5: Tools and machinery.

 Grinder floor machine

 Wire brush
 Buckets
 Metal trowel
 Shovel
 Compacting stone

2.7.6: Procedures.

i. A rough surface was created and left it for 1 or 2 days with its partition according to the
floor design of terrazzo floor.
ii. After few days, a mixture of cement and water was poured on the surface created to make
a strong bonding between the rough surface and terrazzo mixture.
iii. The terrazzo concrete mixture with ratio of 1:4 were poured on the rough surface and left
for few hours then compacted to remove voids and increasing strength of the terrazzo
floor.
 Figure 14: Compaction of a terrazzo floor

iv. After compaction, a mixture of cement and water was poured on the terrazzo floor to
make it smooth surface.
v. The upper layer and cement dusts were removed after 2 days by using grinder floor
machine leaving a terrazzo floor.

Figure 15: Grinder floor machine

2.7.7: Influence of environment condition.

The environment was conducive for the work to be done.

2.7.8: Safety and precautions.

Safety gears such as safety boots gloves and reflectors were provided to the workers at site to
ensure safety of workers.

2.7.9: Conclusion and recommendations.

Site engineer was able to check on the ratio of the cement, coarse aggregate and water since the
unskilled laboures were not in position to check on the ratio proportionality of the materials.
WEEK 8: From 05/09/2022 to 09/09/2022.

2.8: WELDING OF ROOF TRUSSES.

2.8.1: Introduction.

Welding is a fabrication process where by two or more parts are fused together by means of heat,
pressure or both forming a join as the parts cool, welding usually on metals.

2.8.2: Skills and manpower.

 1 site engineer
 1 skilled and 2 unskilled labourers
 4 students.

2.8.3: Time required.

Usually we started from 0800am to 0400 pm making a total of 08 hours a day and took 5 days
for completion of 1 roof truss

2.8.4: Materials used.

 Steel pipes (76 mm diameter)

 Electrode sticks.

2.8.5: Tools and machinery.

 Welding helmet.
 Arc welding machine
 Wire brushes
 Welding jacket and gloves
 Angular grinder

2.8.6: Procedures.

i. Dust and paints were removed from the prepared base materials
ii. The right welding process was chosen during the welding works and electrode sticks as
the right filler materials.

Figure 16: Welding work

iii. Safety requirements was assessed and complied.
 iv. The proper welding techniques was used and sure to protect the molten puddle from
contaminants in the air.
v. The weld was inspected so as to ensure a proper welding joints in the trusses.

Figure 17: A welded joint.

2.8.7: Influence of environment condition.

The whole period of time for work conducted, the weather was sunny thus environment was
conducive for work to be done.

2.8.8: safety and precautions.

During the welding, it was strictly to wear the safety gears including;

 Welding helmet-to protect head from falling objects

 Gloves and googles- to protect hands and eyes from molten puddle respectively.
 Welding jacket

2.8.9: Conclusion and recommendations.

The welding was well done since all procedures were followed along with the presence of site
engineer although there were small problems occurred like porosity due to presence of nitrogen
or oxygen in the molten weld pool thus making poor weld during inspection leads to time
consuming.
 CHAPTER 3:

SPECIFIC REPORT.

CONCRETE MIXING.

Concrete mixing is the process of properly mixing the materials needed to form concrete such as
coarse aggregate, sand cement, water and admixture if is required.

The primary goal of the concrete mixing is to make the concrete mass homogeneous and uniform
while maintaining the required consistency. This process is so crucial that if the concrete making
ingredients are not mixed properly, it can lead to weak concrete sections hence concrete failure
under compression load.

As a result, the sufficient precautions should be followed while mixing the concrete.

METHODS OF MIXING OF CONCRETE.

Generally there are two methods for concrete mixing. The selection of the method is totally
dependent on the construction work. The two methods of concrete mixing are;

 Hand mixing
 Machine mixing.

Hand mixing of concrete.

Small construction or maintenance works typically require hand mixing of concrete. Because the
concrete need for small construction works is minimal and employing a machine mixing method
is not cost effective, so the hand mixing method of concrete is applied.

Hand mixing can be done on the impermeable floor, to begin with alternate layers of coarse and
fine aggregates are distributed over the floor in the prescribed proportions.

The cement is then poured on top, the elements are then mixed dry using a shovel until the
colour is consistent since it is more efficient and requires less human strength, water is added in a
proportion until the mixture became consistency.

Machine mixing of concrete.

The process of mixing concrete materials in a concrete mixer is known as machine mixing. This
sort of concrete mixing technique is commonly used for medium-large construction projects
where a huge amounts of concrete is required and hand mixing is ineffective.

Advantages of machine mixing of concrete over hand mixing of concrete.

 Getting the job done faster and with less effort

 The ability to mix cement on the site.
 Improved health and safety of workers on the site.