PEC2601 Study Guide

Study Guide for
ENGINEERING PRACTICE: CIVIL II
PEC2601
THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING
In terms of the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 no part of this material may be
reproduced, be stored in a retrieval system, be transmitted or used in any
form or be published, redistributed or screened by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior
written permission of Unisa. However, permission to use in these ways
any material in this work that is derived from other sources must be
obtained from the original sources.
Compiled by:
Mr CPC Bruwer
Dr T Groenewald
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................. ii
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1
1. PEC2601 IN CONTEXT ...................................................................................... 1
2. THE SPECIFIED OUTCOMES OF PEC2601 ............................................................ 2
2.1 The planning stage of a project .............................................................. 3
2.2 The construction stage of a project ......................................................... 3
2.3 Critical cross-field outcome: communication ............................................ 4
3. THE WORKPLACE MENTOR ................................................................................ 5
3.1 Unisa's plea to workplace mentors .......................................................... 5
3.2 Confirmation of the workplace mentor/supervisor ..................................... 6
4. PROGRESSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC RECORDING OF WORK-INTEGRATED
LEARNING AND THE CONTINUOUS MONITORING THEREOF .................................. 6
4.1 The planning stage of a project .............................................................. 7
4.1.1 Initial information gathering................................................................... 7
4.1.2 The people and environmental factors ..................................................... 7
4.1.3 The preliminary design of a civil engineering project ................................. 8
4.1.4 The preliminary costing ......................................................................... 8
4.2 The construction stage of a project ......................................................... 8
4.2.1 Site establishment ................................................................................ 8
4.2.2 Demonstrated ability to read drawings .................................................... 8
4.2.3 Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation .......................... 9
4.2.4 On-site quality control ........................................................................... 9
4.2.5 Variation orders ................................................................................... 9
4.2.6 Materials testing ................................................................................... 9
4.2.7 Contract management ........................................................................... 9
4.3 Specifications on writing the eleven (11) 'small' work-integrated learning
reports .............................................................................................. 10
4.3.1 Format .............................................................................................. 10
4.3.2 Checking and editing........................................................................... 10
4.3.3 Acknowledgements ............................................................................. 11
4.3.4 Table of contents and headings ............................................................ 11
4.3.5 Introduction ....................................................................................... 12
4.3.6 The body of the report ........................................................................ 12
4.3.7 Discussion of personal involvement and what has been learned ................ 12
4.3.8 Conclusion ......................................................................................... 12
4.3.9 Annexures ......................................................................................... 12
4.4 Building blocks for the final report ........................................................ 13
5. FINAL WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING REPORT .................................................. 13
5.1 Presentation ...................................................................................... 13
5.2 Title page .......................................................................................... 13
5.2.1 Report title ........................................................................................ 13
5.2.2 Student's name and number ................................................................ 13
5.2.3 Date of report .................................................................................... 13
5.3 Overall table of contents...................................................................... 14
5.4 Synopsis ........................................................................................... 14
5.5 Body of the report .............................................................................. 14
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................... 15
2.1 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on initial information
gathering ........................................................................................................ 1
2.2 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on the people and
environmental factors ...................................................................................... 2
2.3 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on the preliminary
design of a civil engineering project ................................................................... 3
ii
2.4 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on the preliminary
costing ........................................................................................................... 4
3.1 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on site establishment ......... 5
3.2 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report to demonstrate ability to
read drawings ................................................................................................. 6
3.3 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report to demonstrate
comprehension of contract documentation .......................................................... 7
3.4 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on quality control on site .... 8
3.5 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on variation orders ............ 9
3.6 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on materials testing ......... 10
3.7 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report on contract management . 11
ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE for the final work-integrated learning report for
Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601) ........................................................... 27
ON-SITE MONITORING/ASSESSMENT OF WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING: PEC2601 .... 32
iii
INTRODUCTION
Welcome! You've 'arrived' at a very important part of the curriculum of
the National Diploma: Civil Engineering, namely your work-integrated
learning. Please study this manual carefully, because it contains important
information regarding the study unit Engineering Practice: Civil II.
Please note that it is your personal responsibility to secure an appropriate

civil engineering work situation to learn from/in — however, this learning
setting must be verified by Unisa (see annexure C of your tutorial letter in
this regard). You further need a workplace mentor, who should be a
professional engineer, technologist or technician1 and registered with the
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) — s/he must also be verified
by Unisa (see also annexure C of your tutorial letter). S/he has a very
important role to play in your learning, which is explained in this study
guide. Please discuss the mentor's role (section 3) with her/him and reach
an agreement about your learning programme. Please note that your
learning programme should be incorporated into the productive work
expected from you. The essence of this agreement must be submitted to
Unisa (see also annexure C of your tutorial letter). Finally and possibly
most important, this study guide contains the learning objectives or
'outcomes', and describes the learning process as well as the learning
'products' that you must submit in order to get credit for this study unit.
If you are uncertain about anything, please do not hesitate to call your
lecturer.
Good luck and make the most of this learning opportunity!
1. PEC2601 IN CONTEXT
Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601) is a study unit of part 3 of the
curriculum of the National Diploma in Civil Engineering at Unisa.
Engineering Practice: Civil II is preceded by several theoretical and
practical study units of the curriculum, which gives the student an
academic foundation.
Engineering Practice: Civil II & III together entails formal practical

experience in a civil engineering work environment for a period of at least
12 months (six months for each of the two study units). The nature of
Engineering Practice: Civil II & III enables the student to develop an
understanding and become familiar with the civil engineering culture, the
work ethic, the obligations and the behaviour expected in the field of civil
engineering.
1
See http://www.civils.org.za for the South African Institution of Civil Engineering
differentiation between a professional engineer, a professional technologist (engineering)
and an engineering technician.
PEC2601 1 Study Guide

UNISA School of Engineering
The following four practical experience areas must be addressed:
 For Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601):
o Planning stage of a project
o Construction stage of a project
 For Engineering Practice: Civil III (PEC301-C):
o Design stage of a project
o Contracting stage of a project
There is flexibility regarding the exact nature of the training programme.

The four prescribed stages can be distributed between Engineering
Practice: Civil II and Engineering Practice: Civil III. However, you must
obtain approval from the responsible lecturer. Please note that it is your
responsibility to make sure you obtain the relevant additional PEC301-C
study guidelines.
Practical experience should be gained 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 with regard to the four practical experience areas must
prove that you have acquired the ability and cognitive skills to start
rendering productive work in the civil engineering field.
Prior civil engineering work experience counts towards the work-

integrated learning. You need not repeat the prerequisite experience that
you have previously gained. However, you do need to submit the required
reports in accordance with this study guide.
Please note that Engineering Practice: Civil II & III must both be
completed prior to registration for the B Tech in Civil Engineering.
The next section outlines the outcomes of Engineering Practice: Civil II.
2. THE SPECIFIED OUTCOMES OF PEC2601

In this section both the outcomes of this study unit and how it relates to
other relevant study units are given. You must draw from your theoretical
knowledge of the listed study units in order to achieve the learning
outcomes (or learning objectives) listed in this section.

2.1 The planning stage of a project
Study units 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 work-integrated learning outcomes for the planning stage of a project

are as follows:
 Initial information gathering
o Geological information gathering
o Cadastral information gathering
o Information gathering on existing services
 The people and environmental factors
o Community liaison
o Preliminary environmental impact study
 The preliminary design of a civil engineering project
o Topographical survey
o Design criteria and design standards
o Considering different design options
o Preliminary layout drawings
 The preliminary costing
o Preliminary costing and feasibility study
o Preliminary design report
2.2 The construction stage of a project

Study units 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 work-integrated learning outcomes for the construction stage of a

project are:
 Site establishment
o Establishing a construction site
 Demonstrated ability to read drawings
o Reading of detailed drawings
 Demonstrated comprehension of contract documentation
o Interpretation of the contract document

o Construction of a project to contract specifications and SANS
2001
o Measurement of quantities on site
o Final estimate of measured quantities
o Monthly payment certificates
 On-site quality control
o Quality control of civil construction in progress
 Variation orders
o Adapting design assumptions to practical discrepancies
 Materials testing
o Materials testing to ensure manufacturing is according to
specifications
 Contract management
o Contract scheduling and management
o Monthly site meetings
o Monitoring of progress with regard to construction programme
o Community liaison
o Environmental awareness, health and safety issues
o As built drawings
o Completion report
2.3 Critical cross-field outcome: communication

Effective communication is very important 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 strongly on the written word. It is therefore very
important that you master proper report-writing skills. The result of your
work-integrated learning experiences has to be communicated to your
employer as well as your Unisa lecturer by means of reports written by
you. Under the guidance of your workplace mentor/supervisor, report
writing will provide you with the following:
 An opportunity to practise, firstly, your skills in presentation,

argument, evaluation and prediction, and secondly 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

3. THE WORKPLACE MENTOR
As a student, you must show sections 3 and 4 of this study guide to
your workplace mentor (normally your workplace supervisor). It is
important that your mentor understand her/his role regarding your work-
integrated learning.
Your mentor must be registered as a professional engineer, technologist

or technician with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA2). In
exceptional cases a student may apply to gain experience under a non-
registered mentor; however, 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 her/his potential and to encourage
her/his personal growth. The mentoring system should enable her/him 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 prior to her/him submitting it to Unisa. For this purpose, workplace
mentor assessment forms are enclosed 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 plea 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. Such students may add to the
organisation's productivity by getting work done. The fundamental
purpose of work-integrated learning is for students to learn under real-
life/work conditions.
Unisa would be grateful if the organisation (you as supervisor) 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
 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 study unit
2
http://www.ecsa.co.za

 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
 give a student challenges appropriate to her/his level of study
 provide opportunities that would enable the development of 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 work and reports of the student 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 section 1
We do thank you in advance for the time you invest 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 1 for PEC2601. This form must
be submitted as assignment 1 by the date specified.
4. PROGRESSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC RECORDING OF

WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING AND THE
CONTINUOUS MONITORING THEREOF
To ensure progressive and systematic learning, the planning stage is
broken up into four (4) learning activities and the construction stage
into seven (7). These activities are detailed in the next two sections. You
are required to record your learning regarding each of these
eleven (11) aspects and to present each 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've learned
 annexures as required

The reports you submit must be your own work. You may not copy the
report of another student. Where a student's work is not authentically
his/her own, such work does not qualify as an academic output, and will
be viewed as plagiarism. Disciplinary action may be taken against such a
student.
After your mentor has assessed each report (see assessment forms
enclosed) and has given you feedback, you must do the necessary
corrections and/or improvements. If your report is found to be
inadequate, you must redo it and again present it to your mentor for
assessment.
You will produce your final work-integrated learning report by

collating the 11 reports, as well as a synopsis, in one big report.
This comprehensive report, together with your mentor's
assessments, must be submitted to Unisa.
In addition to the above, the lecturer at Unisa who is responsible for the
study unit will conduct at least one (1) monitoring visit. It is your
responsibility to make the necessary arrangements for your on-site
visit(s). See annexure C of the tutorial letter.
In consultation with your mentor, pick a civil engineering project for which
you can ideally complete all 11 'assignments'. If this is not feasible, derive
your learning from related projects in order to be in a position to
complete your final work-integrated learning report. The reports should
be completed at a rate of at least one report every two weeks, allowing
for four to six weeks at the end to complete your final work-integrated
learning 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 and draw relevant
conclusions and recommendations. Make use of graphs and sketches to
enhance understanding, and add an executive overview.
4.1.2 The people and environmental factors

 Community liaison
 Preliminary environmental impact study

Support of the local community and consideration of the environmental
factors are important to a civil engineering project. Explain the necessary
community liaison and appropriate study plans for a preliminary
environmental impact estimate. Report on the execution as well as the
findings of 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.

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.
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
campsite.
4.2.2 Demonstrated ability to read drawings

 Reading of detailed drawings
Obtain a set of project drawings and explain the drawings 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 documentation of 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 these 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. Include in your report at least five (5) 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 the
findings.
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
 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 on writing the eleven (11) 'small'

work-integrated learning reports
4.3.1 Format
The report should be typed in 1½ line spacing, with at least 25 mm
margins, using 12 point typeface and printed on one side only of A4
paper. Spelling should follow the Oxford Dictionary. Do not use full stops
after abbreviations or acronyms.
Number all tables and figures, so that reference can be made to any
specific one. Table headings can be numbered for clarity if appropriate.
Use the spellcheckers available with all word processor software, first
setting the correct language to "South African English". The default US
(American) settings should be avoided. If a grammar and language style
check is available, use it once the first draft of the report has been written
and is being edited.
4.3.2 Checking and editing

Editing is a process of critical evaluation and should include the following:
• Accuracy: The report must be accurate and free from ambiguity and
bias.
• Brevity: Irrelevant wording and unnecessary detail must be
eliminated.
• Clarity: The report must be easy to read and well structured with a
logical flow of statements and ideas. Part of the logical flow is to
ensure that the problem statement, analysis of the data, discussions
and conclusions are all about the same subject, that they hang
together and progress logically from one to the next.
• Emphasis: Attention must be drawn to significant information. This
should not be left to the reader to infer but must form an explicit part
of the report.

4.3.3 Acknowledgements
All substantial assistance received for the work-integrated learning report
as well as sources of information used in the preparation of the report
should be acknowledged and must be reported upon.
Acknowledgement of another person's work, published or unpublished,

should be given in the references at the end of the report.
4.3.4 Table of contents and headings

The table of contents should be given on a separate page and should
strictly indicate the structure of the report, listing the headings and the
page numbers. It is usual to list only the first three levels of headings.
The contents list is commonly divided into four sections:
• Contents
• Figures
• Tables
• Appendices
The system recommended is as follows:

• 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
section concerned, e.g. 1.1, 1.2.
• Third-level headings are numbered consecutively within the second
level subdivision, e.g. 1.2.1.
• Any further headings that might be required are not numbered. See
the example below.
Example:
1. FIRST-LEVEL HEADING
1.1. Second-level heading
1.1.1 Third-level heading
Fourth-level heading
Fifth-level heading. This leads straight into the text, on the same line.

4.3.5 Introduction
This entails a description of the project chosen for your work-integrated
learning. The nature of the civil engineering project must be clearly but
concisely indicated in this section.
4.3.6 The body of the report

Your learning, in accordance with 4.1.1 through to 4.2.7, is in each case
presented under appropriate headings and sub-headings.
4.3.7 Discussion of personal involvement and what has

been learned
You must explain what your role has been. From this description it should
be clear what your involvement has been.
You must further concisely reflect on what you've learned from your
involvement. You must clearly describe the knowledge you have gained.
4.3.8 Conclusion
The conclusions of the work-integrated learning report should be given in
this section, restating the essence of the project involved but avoiding
further discussion. This section must be a summary of conclusions and
recommendations, presented in order of importance.
4.3.9 Annexures
Annexures are used for information pertinent to the report but too bulky
to be placed in the body of the report. However, the body of the report
should contain brief explanations/descriptions of the annexures. They are
particularly useful for information that would otherwise interrupt the flow
of the report.
The following additional information that supports the work-integrated

learning report must be included 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 for the final report
The content of these 11 'assignments' serves as the 'building blocks' of
the final work-integrated learning report, which is explained in the next
section.
If your first attempt at any one of the reports has been deemed
inadequate, you need to redo it until found adequate by your mentor.
Your final report may not contain inadequate reports.
5. FINAL WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING REPORT

The accomplishment of the outcomes (section 2 of this study guide) of
your work-integrated learning is assessed by means of your overall work-
integrated learning report. This report would cover all the learning
outcomes listed under 2.1 and 2.2. The following serves as an exemplar
of the typical layout you should use for your final report:
5.1 Presentation
It is in your own best interest that you bind your final work-integrated
learning report together, for example in a lever-arch file. Make use of
dividers to separate the various components of the final report, for
example the alphabetical dividers normally included in a lever-arch file.
5.2 Title page
5.2.1 Report title

Use large capital letters for the report title, which should be as short and
compact as possible while still giving enough information to accurately
identify what the report deals with. Avoid phrases like "a report on
investigations into …", as these add nothing relevant to the title.
5.2.2 Student's name and number

Your name and student number must be shown on the cover. You may
include your affiliation or the name of the organisation where you
completed your work-integrated learning. You may include a logo.
5.2.3 Date of report

The date is usually placed at the bottom of the cover and may be the full
date of completion of the report or only month and year.

5.3 Overall table of contents
Provide an overall table of contents in the front of your final work-
integrated learning report. Clearly indicate where each of the 11 reports is
located (under which divider).
5.4 Synopsis
The synopsis serves as an executive summary. It summarises the content
of the 11 reports, the main findings, conclusions and recommendations in
a concise form. The executive summary should be approximately 300
words long.
If your 11 reports are based on various projects (instead of ideally one

big project), indicate how they would have related to one another if they
had all been related to one 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
Ensure that the corrections your mentor indicated have been made and
her/his commentary has been attended to.

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POLICY_SECTION_2_TechnnikonAccreditaton_17May2002.doc
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POLICY_SECTION_5_TechnnikonAccreditaton_17May2002.doc
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http://www.engr.psu.edu/COOP/employer/ New/erespon.htm
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Mentor guide for PEC201CE. Florida: Technikon SA.
Van Wyk, J.T.J. & Bruwer, C.P.C. 2004. Engineering Practice – Civil II:
Student guide for PEC201CE. Florida: Technikon SA.
Veldsman, T.H. 2004. Evaluation schedule for interventions. University of
Johannesburg, doctoral programme on leadership in performance and
change. Unpublished.

This form must be completed by the student’s mentor in the workplace.
2.1 The workplace mentor's assessment of student's report

on initial information gathering
The student's learning outcomes:
 Geological information gathering
 Cadastral information gathering
 Information gathering on existing services
The student's instruction:

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 and draw relevant conclusions and recommendations. Make use of graphs and
sketches to enhance understanding, and add an executive overview.
Student no.: ___________ Initials & surname: ____________________
Rate the student's report on the initial information gathering for the
project that s/he has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
Little data gathered Insufficient data Sufficient data Substantial data
for the report gathered gathered gathered
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
Data poorly Presentation lacking Data well presented Data very well
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
Few/no conclusions Conclusions/recom. Conclusions/recom. Comprehensive and
or recommendations do not flow from the flow from critical specific conclusions
data evaluation of data or recom. flowing
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
No/little description Sketchy description Personal Clear description of
of personal of personal involvement and involvement and
involvement involvement learning evident learning
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
Total:
Also rate the student on a scale from 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: _____________

on the people and environmental factors
 Preliminary environmental impact study

Support of the local community and consideration of the environmental
factors are important to a civil engineering project. Explain the necessary
community liaison and appropriate study plans for a preliminary
environmental impact estimate. Report on the execution as well as the
findings of both aspects. Draw the appropriate conclusions.
Rate the student's report on the people and environmental factors of the
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

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. 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
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

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
s/he has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

on site establishment
The student's learning outcome:
 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.
Rate the student's report on site establishment of the project that s/he
has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

to demonstrate ability to read drawings
 Reading detailed drawings

Obtain a set of project drawings and explain the drawings fully in a well-
composed report. Submit the drawings with the report.
Rate the student's report on her/his demonstration of ability to read the

detailed drawings of the project that s/he has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

to demonstrate comprehension of contract documentation
 Interpretation of the contract document
 Construction of a project to contract specifications & SABS 1200
 Measurement of quantities on site
 Final estimate of measured quantities
 Monthly payment certificates
Obtain a set of contract documentation of a civil engineering project and explain the
contract and SABS 1200 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 these in a well-composed report.
Rate the student's report on her/his comprehension of the contract

documentation of the project that s/he has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

on quality control on site
 Quality control of civil construction in progress

Explain how site supervision is 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 site of the project that
s/he has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

on variation orders
 Adapting design assumptions to practical discrepancies

Explain how design assumptions are adapted to accommodate practical
on-site discrepancies. Include in your report at least five (5) 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 of the project that s/he has been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

on materials testing
 Materials testing to ensure manufacturing is according to
specifications

Explain how and why testing of materials is done and report on the
findings.
Rate the student's report on materials testing of the project that s/he has
been involved in:
Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________

on contract management
 Contract scheduling and management
 Monthly site meetings
 Monitoring of progress with regard to construction programme
 Environmental awareness, health and safety
 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 the management of the contract of the

Inadequate Adequate
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
presented presented
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
0 ..................... 2.5 3 ........................ 5 5.5 .................. 7.5 8 .................... 10
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: _____________
This form must be completed by the responsible Unisa lecturer.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE for the final work-integrated learning report for Engineering Practice: Civil II (PEC2601)
Student number: ____________________ Surname & initials: ____________________________________
1. SYNOPSIS AND PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT (WEIGHT: 15%)
1.1 Synopsis Inadequate or Poorly written and Comprehensive, but Clear and concise.
unclear significant gaps in some minor gaps in Full coverage of the
the project the project project
1-2 3-4 5-7 8-10
1.2 Structure Unstructured Poorly structured Well structured Outstandingly

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
• Information gathering on existing services
Irrelevant/ Adequate, but Appropriate, Appropriate, extra

inappropriate data incomplete and/or complete, integrated effort evident, and
unintegrated and well presented very well presented
1-2 3-4 5-7 8-10
2.2 The people and environmental factors

• Community liaison
• Preliminary environmental impact study
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

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

• Preliminary costing and feasibility study
• Preliminary design report

1 2 3 4-5
Total:
3 THE CONSTRUCTION STAGE OF A PROJECT (WEIGHT: 45%)
3.1 Site establishment

• Establishing a construction site

1 2 3 4-5
3.2 Demonstrated ability to read detailed drawings
• Reading of detailed drawings

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 SABS 1200
• Measurement of quantities on site
• Final estimate of measured quantities
• Monthly payment certificates

1-2 3-4 5-7 8-10
3.4 On-site quality control

• Quality control of civil construction in progress

1 2 3 4-5
3.5 Variation orders

• Adapting design assumptions to practical discrepancies

1 2 3 4-5
3.6 Materials testing
• Materials testing to ensure manufacturing is according to specifications

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

1-2 3-4 5-7 8-10
Total:
4. QUALITY OF REPORTING (WEIGHT: 10%)
4.1 Completeness Incomplete. Major Partially complete. Mostly complete. Comprehensive. In-
gaps in discussion Some significant Some minor gaps in depth coverage
gaps in discussion discussion
1 2 3 4-5
4.2 Technical quality Unacceptable Acceptable, but with Acceptable with Outstanding quality.
major corrections minor corrections No corrections
1 2 3 4-5
Total:
5. COMMENTARY ON REPORT AND FEEDBACK TO STUDENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INTERPRETATION OF TOTAL SCORE
 40  40 TO  60  60
 Failed  Revision and resubmission (poor  Pass. No further
 New submission reporting) submission required
required OR
 At least one more project (wrong or too
limited in scope; inappropriate approach;
information too limited)
This form must be completed during the student’s workplace/site visit.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ON-SITE MONITORING/ASSESSMENT OF WORK-INTEGRATED

LEARNING: PEC2601
Name of Unisa lecturer/monitor: ________________________
Details of the student being monitored:
Surname: Name & initials:

Student no.: Identity no.:
Date: Signature:
Details of the work-integrated learning site:
Name of the institution/company/

organisation/agency:
Residential address:
Postal code:
Postal address:
Postal code:
Telephone number: ( )
Internet address / URL:
Details of the workplace mentor for experiential/work-integrated learning
Surname: Title: (Dr/Ms/Mrs/Mr)

Initials and name: Job title:
Direct telephone no: ( ) Fax number: ( )
Cellphone number: Signature:
Email address:
Qualifications:
Professional registration(s):
Years and scope of
experience:
Are you willing/interested to serve on the advisory committee of the
YES NO
qualification/programme, which meets once per annum?
Monitor to record a synopsis of the scope/nature of the civil engineering work

of the organisation:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Monitor to record what the work-integrated learning of the student has entailed
to date and any recommendations made in this regard:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Monitor to record the student's progress with the work-integrated learning

reports, discussions about the final report and any academic matters discussed:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Monitor to record the nature of the mentoring that the student has been
receiving and any observations and/or recommendations made:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Monitor to record any observations about developments in the civil engineering

field that might impact on the work-integrated learning of the programme:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Any other observations/comments:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Signature of monitor: ___________________ Date: ______________20___

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Study Guide for

ENGINEERING PRACTICE: CIVIL II

THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Please note that it is your personal responsibility to secure an appropriate

Good luck and make the most of this learning opportunity!

Engineering Practice: Civil II & III together entails formal practical

PEC2601 1 Study Guide

There is flexibility regarding the exact nature of the training programme.

Practical experience should be gained in as many as possible of the

Prior civil engineering work experience counts towards the work-

2. THE SPECIFIED OUTCOMES OF PEC2601

PEC2601 2 Study Guide

The work-integrated learning outcomes for the planning stage of a project

2.2 The construction stage of a project

The work-integrated learning outcomes for the construction stage of a

PEC2601 3 Study Guide

2.3 Critical cross-field outcome: communication

 An opportunity to practise, firstly, your skills in presentation,

 Evidence of your mastery of critical analysis, good organisation,

 A permanent record of your work performance during the respective

PEC2601 4 Study Guide

Your mentor must be registered as a professional engineer, technologist

Mentoring is a process whereby knowledge, skills, experience and

3.1 Unisa's plea to workplace mentors

Unisa would be grateful if the organisation (you as supervisor) would:

PEC2601 5 Study Guide

The civil engineering lecturing staff and management at Unisa.

3.2 Confirmation of the workplace mentor/supervisor

4. PROGRESSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC RECORDING OF

PEC2601 6 Study Guide

You will produce your final work-integrated learning report by

4.1 The planning stage of a project

4.1.1 Initial information gathering

4.1.2 The people and environmental factors

PEC2601 7 Study Guide

4.1.3 The preliminary design of a civil engineering

The preliminary design is based on the findings of the previous two.

4.1.4 The preliminary costing

Conclude the planning stage with a preliminary costing of the proposed

4.2 The construction stage of a project

4.2.1 Site establishment

Compile a comprehensive report on all the aspects to consider and the

4.2.2 Demonstrated ability to read drawings

PEC2601 8 Study Guide

Obtain a set of contract documentation of a civil engineering project and

4.2.4 On-site quality control

4.2.5 Variation orders

Explain how design assumptions are adapted to accommodate practical

4.2.6 Materials testing

4.2.7 Contract management

PEC2601 9 Study Guide

4.3 Specifications on writing the eleven (11) 'small'

4.3.2 Checking and editing

PEC2601 10 Study Guide

Acknowledgement of another person's work, published or unpublished,

4.3.4 Table of contents and headings

The system recommended is as follows:

PEC2601 11 Study Guide

4.3.6 The body of the report

4.3.7 Discussion of personal involvement and what has

The following additional information that supports the work-integrated

• Annexure A Additional information, e.g. drawings of projects.

PEC2601 12 Study Guide

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student no.: _ Initials & surname: __________

Name of mentor: ______ Signature: _

Student number: Surname & initials: ________________