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Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

College of Architecture and Civil Engineering


Department of Civil Engineering
YOTEK Construction P.L.C
Final Internship Report

Prepared by: Edmealem Abe

ID No: ETS 0354/08 Section: A

Period of Internship: March, 2019 – June, 2019

Academic Supervisor: Mr. Ayenew Yihune

Company Supervisor: Mr. Yohannes Daniel

June, 2019 G.C.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia


DECLARATION
I, the student of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University declares that this report de-
scribes actual events and facts that was observed and performed with four month internship pro-
gram in YOTEK CONSTRUCTION P.L.C.

Student Name …………………………….. Signature………………………..

Mentor Name …………………………….. Signature ……………………….

Final Internship Report I


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost I want to thank almighty God for helping me in this internship program and in
general for his munificent to keep my life. Special thanks deserve to Addis Ababa Science and
Technology University, University Industry Linkage Office, Civil Engineering Department and
my supervisor Mr. Yohannes and Instructor Ayenew ( my mentor). It is also my honor and pleas-
ure to thank YOTEK CONSTRUCTION P.L.C, for their willingness to accept my request to prac-
tice in their company.

Final Internship Report II


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is final report paper covers all the activities on the project from March up to June during my
internship program in YOTEK CNSTRUCTION P.L.C.
The project named as Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Research and Technology
Center, which covers around 1.81 hectare and have three blocks (block A, D &E) each with 0.582,
0.612 & 0.612 hectares respectively. The purpose of buildings are block A for common facility,
block D for Nano technology and bio processing and block E for construction quality and technol-
ogy and also mineral exploration and processing.

The day to day activities I observed in the site and office are included in this document such as
earth work,masonary work,concrete work and bill of quantity preparation . Generally it includes
sub structure work ,super structure work and office work.

The content of the report divided in to five chapters and the topics covers including the company
back ground, construction activities, overall internship experience, and the benefits we gained from
the program, our conclusions and recommendations for the company.

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List of Figure
Figure 1 Organizational Set Up and Work Flow of the Company ....................................................... 4
Figure 2 Construction Equipment's .................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3 Construction Materials ......................................................................................................... 15
Figure 4 Sub Structure Works ............................................................................................................ 23
Figure 5 Elevation Column ................................................................................................................. 25

List of Table
Table 1 : Man Power in the Project ...................................................................................................... 6
Table 2 Equipment List ......................................................................................................................... 7
Table 3: Concrete Grade ..................................................................................................................... 16
Table 4 : Takeoff Sheet ....................................................................................................................... 26
Table 5 : Bar Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 27
Table 6 : Bill of Quantity ...................................................................................................................... 28

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Table of Content
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................ I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................................... II

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... III

List of Figure ........................................................................................................................... IV

List of Table............................................................................................................................. IV

CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Company Profile ................................................................................................................1


1.1.1 Main Products of the Company ...................................................................................1
1.1.2 End Users of its Products and Services ........................................................................2
1.1.3 Vision of the Company ................................................................................................3
1.1.4 Mission of the Company ..............................................................................................3
1.1.5 Objective of the Company ...........................................................................................3
1.1.6 Organizational Structure of the Company ....................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................ 8

Construction Activities ................................................................................................................ 8

2.1 Construction Equipment’s ..................................................................................................8


2.2 Construction Materials ..................................................................................................... 11
2.2.1 Cement ...................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2 Reinforcement ........................................................................................................... 11
2.2.3 Aggregate .................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.4 Water ........................................................................................................................ 13
2.2.5 Formworks ................................................................................................................ 14
2.3 Site Work ....................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 Concrete Preparation ................................................................................................. 16
2.3.2 Sub Structure Work ................................................................................................... 18
2.3.3 Super Structure Work ................................................................................................ 24
2.4 Office Works ................................................................................................................... 25

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CHAPTER THREE................................................................................................................... 29

Over all Internship Experience .................................................................................................. 29

3.1 How I Get in to the Company ......................................................................................... 29


3.2 Section of the Company I Have Been Working in ........................................................... 29
3.3 Work Flow in the Section of the Company ...................................................................... 29
3.4 A Piece of Works I Executed ........................................................................................... 29
3.5 Challenges I Have Been Facing While Performing My Tasks .......................................... 30
3.5.1 Personal Challenge .................................................................................................... 30
3.5.2 Site Challenge ........................................................................................................... 30
CHAPTER FOUR ..................................................................................................................... 31

Benefits I Gained During Internship Period ............................................................................... 31

4.1 Improving Practical Skill ................................................................................................. 31


4.2 Improving Theoretical Knowledge ................................................................................... 31
4.3 Improving Interpersonal Communication Skill ................................................................. 31
4.4 Team Playing Skill .......................................................................................................... 32
4.5 Leadership Skill ............................................................................................................... 32
4.6 Understanding about Work Ethics Related Issues ............................................................. 33
4.7 Entrepreneurship Skill ..................................................................................................... 33
CHAPTER FIVE ...................................................................................................................... 35

Conclusions and Recommendation ............................................................................................ 35

5.1 Conclusion....................................................................................................................... 35
5.2 Recommendation ............................................................................................................. 36
REFERENCE ........................................................................................................................... 37

Final Internship Report VI


CHAPTER ONE

Introduction
1.1 Company Profile
YOTEK CONSTRUCTION P.L.C was established in 1991E.C. The owner of the company is Yo-
hanis Teklay and its name is derived from the first two letters of the owner name ‘Yo’ from Yo-
hanis and taking three letters ‘Tek’ from his father’s name Teklay and the combination gives
YOTEK. Before 1991, Yohannis Teklay was a project manager of sitcom P.L.C but later he was
assisted by his brothers to establish his own company.

YOTEK has undertaken various projects in different parts of Ethiopia. It started with rural schools
in Tigray regional state, particularity at Mekelle and Adwa ,and health center in Afar regional
state. From 1993-1995, the company had constructed Mekele university buildings. In addition to
buildings, the company is now constructing bridge structures and asphalt road. YOTEK P.L.C is
currently a general class I contractor. The company has involved in a wide range of civil engineer-
ing construction such as high rise buildings, complex educational establishment ,inter urban as-
phalt roads ,machine foundation for factories and many other engineering construction. The com-
pany have experienced engineers, skilled laborers and different equipments .The company strives
continuously to implement a systematic organizational development.

1.1.1 Main Products of the Company


Yotek has been constructing different structures for the last 20 years. The company constructed
buildings for educational purpose, conference meeting hall, residential purpose, multipurpose, etc.
Some of the executed projects by the company throughout Ethiopia listed below.
 In Tigray regional state : Adwa high school ,Adigrat TVET phase II projects, cost eficient
regional office complex building in Mekelle , many of Mekelle university projects , Mekelle as-
phalt project and Shire school.

 In Amhara regional state: Bahirdar law and land administration faculty buildings.

 In Oromia regional state: Jimma university Kittofurdissa campus dormitory, Ambo univesity
college phase 2 project, Ambo town road project.

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 In Addis Ababa: expansion of Ethiopian Civil Service College, Sendafa police college ex
pansion, Akaki steel structure factory foundation.

 In South nation nationality and people’s regional state (SNNP): Yirgalem police college,
Mizantepi school,Welkite industrial engineering college and Mizanteferi TVET phase II pro-
jects.
 In Afar regional state: health center and school.
 Jimma university conference Hall building in Jimma town
 Bahir Dar University law and land administration facility building phase 2 projects
 Mekelle city administration city building
 Arbaminch university business and economics faculity
 Ambo university college cafeteria and sport field
 Bahirdar university president office building
 Arteriel asphalt road project in Dilla town
 Bahir Dar university phase III building project
 Jimma university library project
 Transport Network service building in Addis Ababa
 stadium in Ambo
 Welisso university Cafeteria and Dormitory

Currently, the company undertaking different kind of construction projects throughout the coun-
try. Some of them are Meles leadership institute, Addis Ababa University students dormitory,real
state in jemo and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Research and Technology
Center.

1.1.2 End Users of its Products and Services


Yotek construction p.l.c has constructed different kinds of construction projects throughout the
country. These are Universities, Colleges, Schools, Health Centers, Roads, etc. after completion
of these projects; they will give a variety of services for different bodies. The service to be provided
from completion of these projects is for people, i.e. directly or indirectly the main customers or
end users of the products are all people of the country.

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1.1.3 Vision of the Company
 To be for all stakeholders the first choice company.
 To be a company that will inspire the construction industry in Ethiopia and rest of Africa.

1.1.4 Mission of the Company


 Strive to work hard and maximize the benefit of clients by delivering projects with qual-
ity,on time and at competitive cost.
 To participate in the development endeavor of Ethiopia by bridging the construction tech-
nology and knowledge gap between Ethiopia and the rest of the world.
 To build and maintain a dedicated team strives to exceed client expectation.

1.1.5 Objective of the Company


 To implement International Finance Reporting System (IFRS) by June 2019.
 100% of the site staff will be included on safty procedures. To provide personal protective
equipment (PPE) for all new project site persons by June 2019.
 To use 100% steel scaffolding for AASTU and CBE Mekele project by June 2019.
 To increase the net profit by 100% from previous year by june 2019.
 To increase company's annual turnover by 60% from previous year by 2019.
 Set company productivity rate for Concrete, Formwork, Rebar, HCB and plastering works
by June 2019.

1.1.6 Organizational Structure of the Company


The organization of the company fulfilled class I contractor rules. The general manager has chief
power among different employment. He controls all activities in the company and makes decision
in consultant with management and technical advisors. The deputy general manager works under
the general manager. Together with the secretary and legal advisors, the deputy general manager
supervises works of the following departments. Such as

1. Engineering department

2. Finance department

3. Transport and mechanical department

4. Procurement department

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5. Administration department

In each department, there are also organizational sub divisions having their own responsibili-
ties. The overall organization set is shown below.

Figure 1 Organizational Set Up and Work Flow of the Company

As presented from the figure engineering department is grouped in to office and site. It is better to
discuss the work flow separately.
Project manager
He control the overall activities being undertaken in the site. He organizes different components
of the site and assign professionals such as Engineer’s, Forman’s and others to the components.
Project manager control and allocate resources to various section of the site among those deciding
on how much workers should be included under each Engineer or Forman, on monthly budget and
its distribution, on distribution of construction materials through different components. He organ-
ize and prepare meetings with different stake holders in the site.

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Site engineer
Site engineer has a responsibility to check the work is implemented based on the design and spec-
ification. Communicate with office engineers and construction engineers if the design need modi-
fication. Order the general forman to make it implemented and visit the site daily to be sure the
work is flowing as per design.
Forman
The Forman in construction controls distribution of Masons, Carpenters and daily laborers also
give guidance how the work is to be done and give correction if there is a mistake.
Office Engineer
The main responsibilities of the office engineer are:-
1. Preparing material lists for the project and ensuring deployment.
2. Preparing payment certificates for subcontract works based on actual quantity executed and
keep records of payment certificates related to sub contract works.
3. Documentation
 Keeping contract documents and drawing
 Keeping proper documents of corresponding variables order
4. Under taking other responsibilities assigned by the project manager.
Surveyor
Is a person whose responsibility is;
 To collect surveying data
 To check the elevation of the land
 To check level of the building

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Man Power in Our Project

Table 1 : Man Power in the Project

No. Title Number of Employees

1. Laborers 216
2. Office engineers 11
3. Junior surveyor 1
4. Site engineer 7
6. Gung chief 8
7. Carpenter leader 4
8. Carpenter 94
9. Assistant Carpenter 16
10. Mason leader 1
11. Mason 18
12. Assistant mason 7
13. Time keeper 5
14. Quantity surveyor 7
15. Electrician 1
16. Staff man 2
17 Deflector man 1
18 Guards 19

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Equipment has been using in the project

Table 2 Equipment List

Title Number of Equipment


Jack Hammer 4
Loader 4
Damp Truck 15
Tower Crane 2
Mixer 2
Mobile Mixer 1
Truck Mixer 4
Batching Plant 1
Bar Cutter 2
Wood Cutter 2
Bar Bender 2
Concrete Pumper 2

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CHAPTER TWO

Construction Activities
2.1 Construction Equipment’s
Tower Crane: - is a lifting device either it is fixed or mobile. In our site fixed crane has been used.
Its function are;
 To transport concrete for high rise building construction.
 To transport rebar’s for higher rise buildings as in the above and from place to place.
 To transport water for different purpose including curing of concrete.
Hand compactor:-is used to;
 Compact the soil near to the structure.
 Compact the back fill of structure.
Dump truck: - used to;
 Transport selected materials for the site such as soil, stone, aggregate.
Loader:-is used to;
 To load different material on dump truck from the target site.
 To transport construction materials.
 To fill concrete when the site entrance is difficult for truck mixer.
Jack Hammer :- used to fracture a rock which is difficult for man power.
Vibrator:-is used to;
 Eliminate entreated air and forcing the particles in to a closer configuration
Mixer: - is used to;
 Mix the concrete at the construction site
Mobile Mixer :- A car mixer that mix concrete on site .
Truck Mixer :- A truck used to mix concrete on site even also outside . For instance, in our site
the truck mixer mixing concrte from Goro site up to this project.
Concrete Pumper :- used to pour concrete in to different structure by using a pipe .
Bar Bender : used to bend reinforcement bars for different purpose .
The carpenter calls The straight portion is ‘hodu’ and the bent portion is ‘ganchu’. Making bar
schedules for the bar benders requires a careful study of detail drawings.

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The bar benders must necessarily follow the instructions given by the site engineer. Cutting order
has many tasks to comprise within it. Those tasks are:
 Calculating the amount of bars with its shape.
 Calculating the total amount or number of stirrups in a given beam and column and show-
ing its shape by drawing.
 Showing the size of stirrups.
 Calculating the amount of wastage and minimizing the wastage of rebar and keeping the-
record of the waste bars for the future use or assigning a bar from the waste bar for minor
works.
Levelling : is an instrument used to determine the elevation of points by using the following pro-
cedures.
1. Level the instrument correctly.
2. Direct the telescopes toward the staff held.
3. Take the reading of central, horizontal hair of the diaphragm,where it appears to cut the
staff ensuring that the bubble is central.
4. Send the staff to next points.
5. Direct the telescope towards target point and focus again.
6. Check up the bubble is central, if not bring it to the central position by the focus screw
nearest to the telescope.
7. Take the reading of central horizontal cross hair.

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Figure 2 Construction Equipment's

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2.2 Construction Materials
2.2.1 Cement
It is finely ground inorganic material which has cohesive & adhesive properties which can able to
bind two or more materials together into a solid mass [ 1] .Cement are used in the construction of
buildings and engineering works either as components for binding materials (example: mortar) or
as constituents of building materials (example: concrete).
 It should not be stock above six months in store.
 It should not be stay above 30 min after opening the bags.
 It should not be stay above 2 hrs after mixing.
 It should be stored properly and give space during storing
This project use two types of portland cements. Those are
Ordinary Portland cement (PPC)
Most commonly used for general purpose concrete construction where special properties
are not required.95-100% pc clinker & 0-5% minor additional constituents. PPC Is used where the
concrete will not be subjected to sulphate attack from the soil or water or exposed to severe weath-
ering conditions.[1]
Portland Pazzonolic cement (OPC)
Is manufactured by blending 20-30% by weight of pozzolanic material with OPC; either by simple
mixing or by inter -grinding with cement clinker.[1]
 It has less strength than OPC
 which has improved workability
 Improved resistances to sulphate attacks
2.2.2 Reinforcement
It should be free from loose rust and other impurities such as grease oil, or tar and other kind of
dirt. The steel observed at site is available in the form of round bars and welded wire fabric. But
the most commonly used bars have projected ribs on the surface of the bars which is called ribbed
bars. The ribs of deformed bars improve the bond between the steel and surrounding concrete in
reinforced concrete members by providing mechanical key’s. The diameter, length and shape of

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the reinforcement bars are according to the drawings and specification. The bending of reinforce-
ment bar is done with adequate bending tools, heat is strictly not allowed for bending of reinforce-
ment bars.
Overlaps were used when the length of the bar to be used is greater than the length of a standard
reinforcement bar. So to provide a bar where the moment is to be created, such as negative mo-
ment, positive moment, and torsion moment should be known. Bar is also used to resist shear force
on a beam at different position there are moments which have different sign. For example at sup-
port there is negative moment, at a span there is positive moment end beams has torsion moment.
To withstand this moment reinforcement bar is provided. An area ⅓L from the center of the beam
at support in both directions is the place of negative moment. To minimize the negative impact of
this moment the negative bar is provided. Bottom bar is up to it to protect the beam not to be
destroyed by positive moment. Negative bar is provided at the support to carry negative moment
that will be created at the support its length is 1/3 * L (where L is the length of the span) from each
sides .[2]
Bar cutoff and bends point common practice at site are either to cut bars where there is no longer
required to resist stress . Bend up a bottom steel is to provide tensile reinforcement at the top of
the beam over the support.
2.2.3 Aggregate
Are filler materials which make up a large portion (roughly 60-75 %) of the concrete volume. It
is classified in two categories based on size:
1. Coarse aggregate (gravel) :- Is an aggregates predominantly retained on the No.4
(4.75mm) sieve.
 It should have different size (well graded) i.e. 0.2, 0.3 . . . This well graded aggregate in
concrete mix is essential in order to get a good workability and to secure economy in the
use of cement.
 It should be free from silt and bad materials for example we can say plastic and also the
aggregate must be washed by water to increase the quality of the concrete mix but some
times the aggregate used directly in concrete mix if there is no time to wash.
 It should also manufactured by crasher machine because; the size and the shape of the
aggregate are the key factor for the strength of the concrete.

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2. Fine aggregate (sand):-Is an aggregate particles passing the No. 4 (4.75mm) sieve and
retained on the No. 200 (0.075mm) sieve . It should be free from silt, boarder and other
bad material.
We can determine the silt content of the sand by using jar-test.
Jar-test
 Apparatus: bottle, sand, meter and water.
 Procedure: - take the bottle, and then fill 1/3 of it with sand and 2\3 of it with water.
1. Shake it until the sand mix with water properly
2. Reap it on stable table for 30 minute
3. Measure the silt with meter as well measure the sand with meter
 Calculation of silt content in our project
Measured silt = 0.5cm
Measured sand = 6.0cm
Measured silt + measured sand = 6.5cm
% of silt = (0.5\6.5)*100 = 7.69%
Conclusion :- since silt content is between 6 - 8 % they used it directly without the need of wash-
ing.[3]
2.2.4 Water
Water fit for drinking is generally suitable for making concrete.
Water used in concrete mixes has two functions ;
 The first is two react chemically with the cement which will finally set and harden, and
 The second function is to lubricate all other materials and make the concrete workable.
The quality of cement paste is determined by the proportion of water to cement ratio. Too much
water prevents proper setting while too little water prevents complete chemical reaction
called hydration and very difficult to fully compact so, the quantity of water used in concrete mix
has to be sufficient to fully satisfy both functions, for this reason water used in concrete mix is
usually much greater than 30% of the cement wt.

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2.2.5 Formworks
Formwork is temporary construction material used as a mold for structure. It prevents the
leakage of concrete by providing temporary support until it attains the required strength. When the
concrete has reached the strength the formwork is no longer needed and is removed. The operation
of removing formwork is called ‘stripping’. After striping the removed formwork is reused for
another structural element. Formworks are usually called panels. Formwork may be steel or
wooden material for any desired shape. Steel formwork is comparatively costly but it has many
advantages over timber formwork.
 It can be put to high number of uses
 It provides ease of stripping
 It ensures an even and smooth concrete surface
 It possesses greater rigidity
 It is not liable to shrinkage or distortion.
Our site has been using wooden panel for all works such as beam, column and footing pad .
Criteria of formwork adopted at site
Site engineers have check lists to regulate the quality of formwork. A good formwork should sat-
isfy the following requirements:
 The material of formwork should be cheap and it should be suitable for reuse several times.
 It should be practically water proof .
 It should be strong enough to withstand the load coming on it such as dead load and live
load of pouring ,compaction and curing.
 It should be stiff enough so that deflection is minimum.
 It should be as tight as possible .
 The surface of formwork should be smooth and easy for stripping.

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Figure 3 Construction Materials

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2.3 Site Work
2.3.1 Concrete Preparation
Concrete is a material that forms by the proportioned and well monitored mixing of aggregate,
cement and water. Concrete is known for its high compressive strength. After the mix has been
cast, it will take 28 days to attain its maximum compressive strength. However, in our project
since chemical is used 7 day is enough to attain its strength.[2]

Concrete is made by mixing: Cement, water, course and fine aggregates and admixtures (if re-
quired).
The aim is to mix these materials in measured amounts to make the concrete easy to:
Transport, place, compact, finish and harden, to give a strong and durable product.
The three ingredients of concrete such as aggregate, cement and water are combined to give a
hard and monolithic solid that would take the form of the formwork.

For the concrete to meet its intended purposes its ingredients have to be of good quality and the
batching and mixing of the ingredients/constituents should be handled in a concrete friendly
environment.
Concrete grades of kinds of members used in our site is in the table below.
Table 3: Concrete Grade

Component members Concrete grades


Foundation C37
Retaining wall C30
Beams C30
Columns C37

A. Batching plant
Batching plant is a place where ingredients of a concrete are mixed with in a right proportion. For
good mixing of ingredients it is essential to measure the materials accurately. The concrete may
be batched either by weight or by volume.
BetonWin software is used for ordering and controlling of concrete mixing .

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Measure by weight

This is a method where a beam balance or scale balance is used to measure and adjust the right
quantity (in grams, kilograms…) of sand and aggregate. For instance: for a mix ratio by volume
of 1:2:3 (1 cement, 2 sand & 3 aggregate) the ratio could be converted in to weight as follows.
 1 bag/sack of cement weighs 50Kg
 Therefore the sand should weigh 2*50Kg = 100Kg and
 The aggregate should weigh 3*50Kg = 150Kg.
This method of measuring is time taking and not applicable in smaller constructions, but our pro-
ject is huge so they have been using this method.
Truck mixer comprises around 10 m3 ingredient of concrete used are
Course aggregate = 798 kg
Fine aggregate = 328 kg
Sand = 765 kg
Cement = 430 kg
Water = 160 kg
Admixture = 6 kg
Measure by Volume
This method is highly practiced on site and widely spread on the project sites. In applying this
method it is usual to see people in the construction world use boxes made either from wood or
metal of various sizes and volumes.
B. Mixing of concrete
In the site concrete was mixed using an efficient automatic mechanical mixer, mobile mixer
and truck mixer, with 350 ,750 and 10000 lit capacities respectively. We used the following
procedures to mix concrete;
 Water is poured to the mix drum to wash away all unnecessary materials in it.
 Cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate added according to specific grade of con-
crete.
 Sufficient water added that will result a workable mix, to pour efficiently in the posi-
tion around reinforcement and will produce a dense concrete of specific strength.

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 The mixing process is stopped when the cement is thoroughly distributed throughout
the mass, approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes after the whole of water has been added. But
the truck mixer takes around 20 minute to transport as the same time mixing the con-
crete from Goro site.
 The concrete will not be discharged from the mixer unless it is properly mixed, having
a uniform color and consistency.
C. Placing of concrete
After checking the reinforcements as satisfactory by the engineer and supervisor, the next step
will be casting of the concrete depending on the arranged time schedule. In our sites placing of
concrete is taken place by using a man power, Shaft shutter and crane. Concrete should be better
placed before setting has commenced and in any case within 10 minutes after mixing.
D. Compaction of concrete
The objective of compaction is to achieve maximum density by removing voids (air) from the
concrete. We have used mechanical compaction using vibrator that was inserted
vertically and with draw when air bubbles no longer come to the surface.
E. Curing of concrete
Curing is the process of supplying water to concrete and to cover the concrete surface by an
impermeable membrane or by water proof plastic sheets after casting. A membrane provided is
not punctured or damaged, will effectively prevent evaporation of water from the concrete.
Curing also oiling and wetting the forms before casting may prevent formation of surface cracks,
due to quick loss of water while the concrete is fresh and wet.
2.3.2 Sub Structure Work
This part of the building is located below the grade beam or the ground floor level. It is usually
assumed as foundation work.
Some times in small construction projects, it is customary to classify works in phases. In a two-
phase construction, the substructure is regarded as phase one construction, and every evaluation
of profits and loss is made at the end of this phase. In this stage of construction work the following
works are to be done at the site. Those are,

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2.3.2.1 Earth Work
This incorporates all works related with the earth or the soil. It consists of the following primary
works.
A. Site Clearing
Before any construction is taken at hand, the construction site should be cleared from debris, dirt
collections, trees, bushes and organic materials to an average depth of 20-30cm from the natural
ground level (NGL) these work is called site excavation or top soil clearance or site clearance. We
must clear by leaving 1m from each corner of building. This creates working space for the remain-
ing activities.
The main purpose of site clearance is:

 To make the ground levelled for works.


 To remove organic materials away from the construction site that may harmfully to react
with the cement.

I did not see the major site clearance work but I saw site clearing work at the edge 2 meter away
from the building in all direction for the purpose of sewerage line. The surveyor take an elevation
using leveling and coordinating with design level, the depth which needs cut or fill is determined
easily. By adding bench mark level and back side reading we got instrument level then by sub-
tracting design level staff reading determined. Using leveling read the staff level and subtract the
previous value. If negative value got fill otherwise cut.
B. Setting out
The first task before the erection of any building is proper setting out. Setting out, which is a task
of field surveyors, is a process of putting the exact/actual form of the building from a plan or map
provided to the ground. Given the site plan, the surveyors will indicate the exterior column edges
of the buildings corners using pegs.
Steps of Setting out:-

 First site engineer and supervisor locate the corners of the building by a surveyor and his
surveying instrument (total station and leveling). The surveyor refers the corners of the
building layouts in the drawing.

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 Profile boards (modini) will be provided by offsetting from the building corner pegs by
making them at equal level using water level (wuhalik).
 By stretching strings, check right angles by forming triangles with sides 3, 4, 5 units long
or by measuring the diagonals.
 Measure the dimensions carefully diagonally these should be the same if the building has
been set out perfectly.
 Center lines, edges of the building from the drawing will be marked by driving nails on
the profile (modini).
 Finally marks for excavations will be provided with a lime powder
C. Excavation
Excavation is a process done after site clearance and setting out. It refers to the process of re-
moving soil or rock from its original location typically in preparation for the construction, foun-
dation, basement and underground utility lines and for grading of the ground surface. Excavation
work which I have seen are bulk excavation, pit excavation and trench excavation.
The main aim of excavation work is to remove organic soil or unwanted soil for the safety of the
building from chemical attracting.
Excavation shall be carried out to the line level, width, depth and grades shown in the drawing
directed by the engineer. There are two type of excavation. Such are,
1. Deep excavation: this excavation used for foundation. It may differ for different types of
foundation. such excavation have their depth greater than their width that is why they are
called deep excavations.
 Pit excavation:- is excavation which is dug out for placing the pads (footings). Its
depth usually from 1m to 3 m or very deep depending on the type and height of the
super structure and also depending on the type of soil at the site ,but our site pit
depth is 1.1m.
 Trench excavation:-is the excavation which is done at the boundaries of the bulk
excavation for the construction of foundation walls. Its width is mostly 70 cm up
to 1m depending on the work. In our project 80 cm width used.
2. Bulk excavation:-is carried out after the removal of top soil. This excavation is made in
larger horizontal size than its vertical depth.

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 It is usually made for removal of poor soil from the site to replace with selected mate-
rials
 Mat foundation
 Allowing hard core under ground floor slab
In our project the site was excavated up to 3 to16 meter depth from natural ground level due to the
nature of black cotton soil and unsuitable sloppy grounds. Since a soil of block A and block D
have a good bearing capacity under 50 cm depths , it is used as a back fill for block E.
D. Back fill
This is a soil that is filled back to an excavated pit or mat in the foundation. Sometimes, when the
soil at construction site is very poor, it is dangerous to fill back the excavated soil. Therefore filling
selected material is recommended. Our site contain a good back fill soil in block A and D.
E. Cart away:
If the excavated material will not be used for engineering purposes it should be
taken away from construction site and dampen to other places. In our site expansive soils of block
E and some amount of other blocks cart away 200 m away from the site.
F. Compaction of soil
Compaction of soil is done by layer using roller machine. Soil compaction is the process in which
a stress applied to a soil gives densification as air and water are displaced from the pores between
the soil grains ,since soil is used as support to a structural part such as foundation of the building.
The pre-selected soil should have
 Adequate strength
 Be relatively incompressible so that future settlement is not significant
 Be stable against volume change as water content or other factors vary

2.3.2.2 Concrete Works


This work incorporates all items related with concrete.
A. Lean concrete
This is a thin layer of low class concrete discharged under footing pads and foundation trenches
Lean concrete construction done on the compacted soil with 5cm thickness. The proportion
used to mix for the lean concrete is 1: 4:6 which are 1 % cement 4 % sand 6 % aggregate.
Lean concrete has a function of

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 Providing level surface for the structure to be constructed
 Preventing direct contact of the foundation with the organic soil
 Preventing dampness which comes from underground water
B. Footing
Footing is composed of footing pad and footing column, which altogether transmit the super struc-
ture load safely to the supporting ground. Contain two components
Footing pad
Footing pads are reinforced concrete Foundation structures which transfer all loads comes from
the sub and super structure in to ground soil. It is the bases of the building.
Two important factors that are to be considered are:
 The foundation must be stable against shear failure of the supporting soil.
 The foundation must not settle beyond a tolerable limit to a void damage to the structure
In the site two types of footing pad are used with having rectangular and trapezoidal shape .These
are
1. Spread/Isolated footing; spread the super imposed load of column or wall over a larger
area spread footings support either a column or wall.
The minimum allowable bearing capacity of spread footing in our site is 420 kpa. It has a
minimum dimension of 2.7x2.7 m and maximum dimension of 3.5 m x 3.5 m with 1m and 1.2
m depth respectively.
2. Mat foundation ; is a combined footing that cover the entire area beneath a structure
and support all the walls and columns . It is used when ;
 The allowable soil pressure is low
 The building loads are heavy
 Use of spread footing covers more than half of the area
The minimum allowable bearing capacity of mat foundation in our site is 250 kpa. It has a mini-
mum dimension of 7.35 x 9.66 m and a maximum dimension of 10x10m with 1.2 m depth.
Footing Column
Footing column are columns found under grade beam it’s primary function is to transfer all loads
which comes from the super structure and grade beam to the Footing pads. It is also the
bases of the building. Two column types circular with 80 & 55cm and a rectangular shape with 70
by 80 cm diameters used.

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C. Grade beam
Grade beam is a line of reinforced concrete member constructed round the ground floor slab of
the building.
The length of the grade beam is equal to the length of the foundation wall because grade beam
follows the line of foundation wall. In our project grade bean dimension is 50x60cm and 20 cm
depth is inserted in to the footing pad.

3.2.2.3 Stone Work


This work incorporates all items of works related with stone.
 Foundation wall
The foundation wall is an undressed stone walls constructed under grade beam for the purpose of
supporting the grade beam and stiffening the foundation. The stone have a dimension of 35cm
depth and 75cm width.

Figure 4 Sub Structure Works

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2.3.3 Super Structure Work
 Elevation column
A column is a vertical structure member support mainly vertical loads from the floors, beam and
roof and transmit these loads to the foundation.
Estimation for the super structure columns may be made by taking all the floors as one. But this
creates complications for bidding, as the cost of constructing ground floor columns and third floor
columns is not the same.
Column reinforcement
It has been tied with the stirrups by using wire (zero and eight shape) with a given spacing.
Stirrups were used to hold or keep the position of the column reinforcement bar with a given
spacing and also preventing structural failures. The stirrups congested at the bottom of the column
(overlap area).Because at the bottom of the column there is high amount of interaction of load
pressure. Therefore, to prevent structural failures and to increase the resisting capacity of the col-
umn (building) the amounts of stirrups were provided with in high amount with small spacing.
After the column reinforcement was stand on, spacer was placed between the formwork and the
reinforcement to keep concrete clear cover. Then it was covered by formwork.
The formwork is polished with oil to prevent or keep the leakage of the cement paste during con-
crete casting and to create smooth surface and it is easy to demolish.

Different wood structure are provided to hold or keep the position of the formwork. Its site name
and definition written below

Gindila : Long and heavy wood around the entire floor.


Stanga : wood or steel placed diagonally to vertical plywood used to keep it.
Kerabat : wood placed horizontally attached to plywood
Modini : other name of profile .
Crachery: a horizontal timber attached at the bottom of column formwork.
Tumby : another name of plumb bob ,which is used to check vertical alignment.

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Figure 5 Elevation Column

After finishing the standing of formwork, the column alignment checked with horizontally using
rope and vertically using Tumby (a rope contain conical shape iron at the end point). Spacer
is placed between the formwork and the reinforcement to keep concrete clear cover.

The concrete is compacted immediately as it poured. The fresh concrete would gain the strength
within 24 hours and also gain its maximum strength by curing of water after the formwork is
demolished.
2.4 Office Works
General information of the project
Client: Addis Ababa Science and Technology university
Contractor: Yotek construction p.l.c (work implementation and execution)
Consultant: Yohannes Abbay consulting architects and engineers (design and supervision works)
Number of building is 3
Purpose of buildings:
 nano technology and bio processing
 construction quality and technology and mineral technology and exploration.
 common facility
Total budget of the project are 2.4 billion birr.

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Takeoff sheet
Takeoff sheet is a tabular standard in which dimensions of items from the blue print (working
drawing) are transferred for further calculation. It is the process of reading drawing and calculating
the amount of materials/works needed. These quantities are calculated in a specially prepared tab-
ular format, so as to aid accurate preparation and enable checking/rechecking or adjusting of
amounts & correct errors if any. This format used for calculating the amount of earth work, con-
crete work , utilized formwork ,finishing works, etc.
Takeoff sheet consists of four columns, namely, timesing column, dimensions column, squaring
column and description column. All the column have specific purposes.
 Timesing column :- this column is mainly used to write numbers and constants that are
used for multiplying identical items. Eg. 2 or ½, π .
 Dimension column: in this column the dimension of work to be calculated are written
vertically down. The area or the volume of an items is calculated by multiplying this di-
mensions. When all the dimensions of an item are written, a line is drawn under the last
dimension extending to the squaring column.
 Squaring column: In this column, the product of the dimensions is written. The columns
contains the area or volume of an item of work.
 Description column: In this column the description of the item in the squaring column is
written.
It has the following format.
Table 4 : Takeoff Sheet

No Size Product Description No Size Product Description

No:- is timesing column

Size:- is dimension column

Product:- is squaring column.

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Description:- item description
Bar schedule
A complete set of structural drawings is necessary to take size and shape of bars for different
members of the structure. And also uses for calculating quantity of reinforcement bar in weight
(kg).
Table 5 : Bar Schedule

Description shape Diame- Length (m) No No of ∑ L for each diameter


ter(mm) of members 6 8 10 12 14
Bar

W/m 0.222 0.395 0.617 0.888 1.208


∑W

Description: - under this the type of which its rebar’s is being quantified and the specific position
of the bars are listed.
Bar shape: - it describes the shape of the bars being quantified.
No of bars: - under this the quantity of bars notified at a specific position are listed.
No of members: - under this the no that this type of bars repeats itself is described.
Total length: - total number of bars multiplied by the unit bar length.
Preparing bill of quantity
Bill of quantity- is a sheet holds more general description, measurements, unit prices and total
prices of the project. It has the following format.
After the takeoff sheets have been completed and checked, the final bill of quantity is written. The
description of each item in the final BOQ should be short, precise and descriptive as per the spec-
ification.

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Table 6 : Bill of Quantity

Item no description Unit quantity Unit price Amount

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CHAPTER THREE

Over all Internship Experience


3.1 How I Get in to the Company
At the beginning, I tried to collect information about different companies from different peoples
especially from my senior students and decide to join Ethiopian Road Authority,but later because
of my friend, I hear Yotek Construction p.l.c have a good profile and now working in Addis Ababa
Science and Technology University. Hence, I was eager to join the company and I got on.

3.2 Section of the Company I Have Been Working in


I have been working in Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Research and Technol-
ogy Center from February to June 2019. The project covers 1.81 hectare and divided in three blocks
namely block A,D and E.
3.3 Work Flow in the Section of the Company
The work flow at on the organization and at the project level was good. At the organization level,
the work starts from the assignments done by the head office (like agreements with the clients).
Then ,the contracts will be transferred to contractors and sub-contractors. Then after the client
satisfaction is tested and feedback to head office is supplied and finally the head take the feed-
back and revise its system by revising schedule, methodology and budget.

At the project level, after the contracts are transferred from the head office to the contractors and
sub-contractors, as the head office is the one who is responsible to give the project budget and
regulate it. Sometimes complains arise from the workers of the project when wage not paid on
time as I saw in our project in June 12 / 2019.

3.4 A Piece of Works I Executed


I prepared takeoff sheet for daily performance of the project and I supervised the work flow and
daily laborers performance .

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3.5 Challenges I Have Been Facing While Performing My Tasks
3.5.1 Personal Challenge
I faced different challenges . Some of them are:

It was very difficult to adapt the hot scorching sun light for two weeks. since they had not enough
helmet in the site I started to wore topper.

Site words were new for me but after a time I became able to communicate with them. For exam-
ple: Tumby for plumb bob, Modini for profile ,Staffa for stirrup, kerabat for the strut on column
.Hence, step by step I improved my knowledge on technical (site) terms by giving attention when
the Forman, carpenter and daily laborers communicate with each other and when I am confused, I
asked them for better description.

3.5.2 Site Challenge


Safety helmets and Safety Shoes were not available to the workers and I have observed minor
injuries. Using helmet is mandatory not only protect from accidents but also it is a good solution
for sun light.

Site ground is difficult to easily circulate because it is very sloppy and having complex formwork
supporters. I saw also some daily laborers injured because of site condition. Hence, I was very
careful to move in the sie.

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CHAPTER FOUR

Benefits I Gained During Internship Period


4.1 Improving Practical Skill
This program gave me the opportunities to develop my skills. Many points improved my practical
skills are:-
 The ability to analyze and interpret various data
 The ability to face different challenge
 Assessment and management of risk and resource
 Critical thinking and the ability to evaluate design
 Management skill
 The ability to communicate with different employers
 Awareness of ethical issues
4.2 Improving Theoretical Knowledge
The knowledge I gathered in the campus were a bit far from the practical situation which was
actually going on the working environment. So this internship period was my crucial moment to
improve or upgrade my theoretical knowledge briefly. Some of the points improved my theoretical
knowledge are:-

 Became more knowledgeable about reinforcement bar placement


 Know more about work function of different structure like that I were learnt from class
 Understand more about reinforced concrete parts
 Understand about concrete use, mix and casting
 Know more about the function and work process of different structure
 Elements like beam, column, and slab I learn from class

4.3 Improving Interpersonal Communication Skill


Interpersonal communication is an important ways of learning. Communication and subsequent
learning help individuals to became an expert and allow them to gain new professional knowledge

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and ability. Peoples especially engineers have to improve or upgrade his/her knowledge of com-
munication skill because in his/her professional time may communicate or contact with different
types of people or experts. Therefore, improving or upgrading communication skill is one of the
basic things for engineers or other different peoples. When he/she faces different challenges or
problems, by communicating with others the problems can be solved easily. I understood, com-
munication skill is one of the basic necessities for all human beings. In the company, I tried to
improve or enhance my communication skill by asking different question and participating in all
work process with individuals.

4.4 Team Playing Skill


The most essential point in team playing skill is just reach an agreement from different points.What
I observed in the company , workers performed their tasks by group to simplify the process , save
energy and time and also workers have got experience of working with others. The basic advantage
of team playing skill I got in the company are:

 To increase the quality of work process


 To share ideas and experiences with others
 To improve communication skills
 To improve the ability to solve problems or challenges
 Increasing self confidence
 Effective completion of tasks
 Improve listening skill

4.5 Leadership Skill


The ability to motivate a group of people towards a common goal and the process of leading the
company is called leadership skill. People who can manage themselves and others in a high stress
environment are in greater demand any one can be a good manager. A leader is a person who has
strong principles, courage and dedication with clear vision. The key facts to be a good leadership
are:

 Developing a powerful vision


 Building a strong team
 Bringing out the best in those you lead

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 Find responsibility and risk taker
 Know yourself and seek self-improvement
 Know your people or team and look out for their well being
 Develop a sense of responsibility in your workers
 Run for quality of good product

4.6 Understanding about Work Ethics Related Issues


Internship helped me to know the values of work ethics.

 Punctuality:-means keeping the companies work beginning and ending time and to com-
plete a given task with in the given period.
 Office disciplines:-It is forbidden to disturb the working atmosphere. For example, abstain
from making loud voice, music,songs and things which disturb other workers mood.
 Reliability:-the worker should be qualified for the part he is supposed to perform and must
have appropriate skill and knowledge for the task assigned.
 Honesty:-regarding this value each worker regardless of its status should abstain from bad
behaviors such as cheating, bias, corruption etc.
 Cooperation:-All workers should interact and cooperate with each other while working.

4.7 Entrepreneurship Skill


Entrepreneurship can be defined as the process of involving the creation of new enterprises and
that the entrepreneur is the founder. He or she is the person who perceives the market opportunity
and then has the motivation, drive and ability to mobilize resources to meet it. The major charac-
teristics of entrepreneurs that I have been observed in the construction P.L.C include the following.

 Self-confident multi-skilled: The person who can make the product, market and count
money, but above all they have the confidence that lets them move comfortably through
unchartered waters. It creates Confident in the face of difficulties and discouraging cir-
cumstances.
 Innovative skills: Not an 'inventor' in the traditional sense but one who is able to carve out
a new niche in the market place, often invisible to others.
 Result orientated: Successfulness requires the drive that only comes from setting goals and
targets and getting pleasure from achieving them.

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 A risk taker: To succeed means taking measured risks. Often the successful entrepreneur
exhibits an incremental approach to risk taking, at each stage exposing him or herself to
only a limited, measured amount of personal risk and moving from one stage to another as
each decision is proved.
 Commitment and hard work are essential elements in the entrepreneurial profile. Finally,
to cope up with changing the nature of work, students must be enterprising and flexible,
and may need to become entrepreneurial.

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CHAPTER FIVE

Conclusions and Recommendation


5.1 Conclusion
This internship practice is important for both the students and workers of projects. Because when
we (the students) tried to explain the theoretical knowledge for the workers, they (the daily pro-
fessionals) were also tried to explain the practical skills they have experienced.

The project AASTU Research and Technology Center is very huge in area and with unsuitable site
condition. Hence, many Engineers and professionals participated in it. Different measurements
had been taken to solve problems for example seepage water, expansive soil , very sloppy nature
of the site .

Generally, some of the knowledge that gained from internships are:

 It is helpful for the students to know what the outside environment look like
 It helps the students to get a practical knowledge.
 It helps the students to improve or enhance their social interaction skill by communicating
with people who have different behaviors, knowledge and cultures.
 It is necessary for the student to make a bridge between theoretical concept and real world
problems.
 To improve self-confidences and to make full understanding about the outside environment
( construction site)

In general, these four consecutive months widened my practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
So that, in my opinion because of its paramount importance, the internship program should con-
tinue in a well-organized manner.

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5.2 Recommendation

YOTEK constructions P.L.C executed the works according to the schedule, specifications and in-
terest of its clients. However, there were some wrong actions which, I suggest, it should be im-
proved.

The first is that, sometimes when the workers cast the beam, they cast the concrete discontinuously
which means when the work time is up the workers continues to pour the mixed concrete. It will
dry in the day after but uncasted portion of the beam will be left for the next day. When they came
the next day, they start from where they stopped. For better bondage and inter lock within the
concrete itself and with the reinforcement bar the concrete must be casted monolithically, if not
cracks may appear in short period of time.

The second problem which I tried to notice is installation work. As I understood the conduit which
carry electric wire did not placed inside the column but the drawing suggest that it should be in-
corporated inside the column. Therefore I recommend that for now by the agreements of consult-
ant, client and contractor they should be insert the conduit in to the column by drilling but for the
next step it is preferable to incorporate with in the slab and columns reinforcement.

The last problems are the effect of concrete pumper on daily workers. When the concrete was
pumped daily workers are carry the end part of the pipe to move in to the target place but the pipe
is heavy in weight and have a great power. Because of this it causes injuries in workers. Hence it
is necessary to make the end part is very flexible to move.

Finally, despite of the above problems which should be improved, I wants to admire YOTEK
Construction P.L.C for their greatest achievements and success. Especially I appreciate the com-
panies endeavor to make its clients happy

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REFERENCE

[1] Abebe Denku .(2007). A text book of building construction.Addis Ababa:

[2] Ethiopian Building Code Association.(1995).EBCS.Addis Ababa:

[3] Internet.13/6/2019

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