ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am indeed grateful to the Almighty God for giving me life and good health and seeing me through

the semester out period and report writing period and also granting me the opportunity to be in

Takoradi Technical University in the first place Glory be into his name.

I also thank the management of Takoradi Technical University for introducing the semester out

program for Civil Engineering students which has aided students to gain adequate industrial and

field experience before the end of their program in the university.

My profound gratitude also goes to the management of the Resource Access Limited- RAL

and the various workers in the company who dedicated their time to help me learn, understand

and gain enough practical knowledge and experience. May the almighty God richly bless them.

1
 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to the management and stuff of Resource Access Limited- RAL for their

acceptance, tolerance, supervision and their willingness in helping me gain industrial experience

for the short period of time. This report is a proof that the time you spent to help me gain industrial

experience was not and will never be in vain.

2
 Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 1

DEDICATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

CHAPTER ONE................................................................................................................................................... 6

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................6

1.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT ...............................................................................6

1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANIZATION ...............................................................................................7

1.2.1. Brief History of Resource Access Limited ̶ RAL .......................................................................................7

1.2.2. Vision Statement ........................................................................................................................................7

1.2.3. Departments of the organization ...............................................................................................................7

1.2.4. Major Concerns........................................................................................................................................11

CHAPTER TWO................................................................................................................................................ 12

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE NATURE OF WORK DONE AT THE EARTHWORKS DEPARTMENT. ..12

2.2. EQUIPMENT ON SITE AND THEIR USES. ..............................................................................................14

2.2.1. Grader .......................................................................................................................................................15

2.2.2. Compactor Roller .....................................................................................................................................15

2.2.3. Excavator..................................................................................................................................................16

2.2.4. Dump Truck .............................................................................................................................................17

2.2.5. Pay Loader ...............................................................................................................................................18

2.2.6. Backhoe Loader .......................................................................................................................................18

2.2.7. Bulldozer ..................................................................................................................................................19

2.2.8. Water Bowser ...........................................................................................................................................19

2.3. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK DONE AT THE SURVEY DEPARTMENT .......................................19

2.3.1 Reconnaissance Survey and Preparation .................................................................................................20

2.3.2 Collection of Data .....................................................................................................................................21

3
 2.3.3 Preliminary Survey ...................................................................................................................................22

2.3.4 Final Location Survey ..............................................................................................................................23

2.3.5. Profile and Cross Sections .......................................................................................................................24

2.3.6. Construction Layout ................................................................................................................................25

2.3.7. Pavement Construction ............................................................................................................................26

2.3.8. Road Drainage .........................................................................................................................................28

2.3.9 Important Accessories/equipment Used by Surveyor in The Road Design .............................................29

Instruments ........................................................................................................................................................29

CHAPTER THREE............................................................................................................................................ 34

3.1 DETAIL OF WORK DONE AT THE EARTHWORKS AND SURVEYING UNITS ON SITE ..............34

3.1. 1. EARTHWORKS UNIT ...........................................................................................................................34

CHAPTER FOUR .............................................................................................................................................. 39

4.1. CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE EARTHWORKS, SURVEY AND SAFETY AND TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT

DURING THE SEMESTER OUT PERIOD...................................................................................................................39

4.2. SKILLS ACQUIRED ...........................................................................................................................................39

4.3. CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED .........................................................................................................................40

4.4. CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................................41

4
 Table of figures

Figure 1 A Picture of a Grader. ................................................................................................. 15

Figure 2 A Picture of Compactor Roller on site....................................................................... 16

Figure 3 A Picture of an Excavator on site. ............................................................................. 17

Figure 4 A Picture of a Dump Truck offloading laterite on site. ............................................ 17

Figure 5 A Picture of a Pay Loader stock piling aggregate (0/40mm). .................................. 18

Figure 6 A Set Up of a Rover. .................................................................................................... 30

Figure 7 A Level Instrument. .................................................................................................... 30

Figure 8 A Tripod. ...................................................................................................................... 31

Figure 9 A Levelling staff. .......................................................................................................... 31

Figure 10 Pegs. ............................................................................................................................ 32

Figure 11 Shows the laying of the geotextile and spreading of the chippings on site. ......... 36

Figure 12 Spreading of 0/40mm aggregate. Figure 13 Miragrid being laid. ................... 37

Figure 14 Spreading of subgrade material. Figure 15 Spreading of sub-base material.... 37

Figure 16 Design data for the construction .............................................................................. 38

Figure 17 Compaction of subgrade material. ........................................................................... 38

5
 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION

As part of the requirement to obtain a Bachelor of Technology degree in Civil Engineering (B-

Tech) from Takoradi Technical University, the semester out program has been designed to help

students to gain lots of work experience before Completing their program of study. The semester

out program helps student to learn to Communicate, Socialize and relate effectively with

Supervisors and Collogues which also increases their chances of employment that particular

institution after completing their program. Overall, the industrial attachment gives students of

Takoradi Technical University a competitive employment edge over their colleges in other

Universities.

1.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT

The main objective of the industrial attachment is to help students acquire practical knowledge by

being exposed to the business and corporate world to equip them for their industrial development.

Some of the expected results of the industrial attachment are:

i. To apply knowledge obtained in the school in the various organizations that we find

ourselves.

ii. To be equipped with working skills in the civil engineering field.

iii. To acquire skills to become a competent engineer.

iv. To help introduce students to organization cultures, norms, values and practices.

v. To gain good interpersonal relationship.

vi. To develop a working attitude in the student.

6
1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANIZATION

1.2.1. Brief History of Resource Access Limited ̶ RAL

Resource Access Limited is a road construction company established in Ghana in the year 2006.

To date the company has undertaken the construction and rehabilitation of roads throughout the

country, notably, in the Eastern, Brong Ahafo, Greater Accra, Western and Volta regions.

The company has risen from ministry of Roads and Highways Financial Class A3B3 in 2006 to

A1B1 in 2013 which is a testament to the company’s growth and its ability to handle large and

complex projects.

1.2.2. Vision Statement

Providing Quality Services

The vision of Resource Access Limited ̶ RAL is to become the topmost leading provider of

construction management services by offering innovative, commercial, safe and reliable

construction solution in Ghana and the world at large.

1.2.3. Departments of the organization

Human Resource Department

This department comprises of two main organizational structures, that is the hierarchical

organization structure (which includes the CEO and various management departments underneath)

7
and the flat organization structure (which includes the human resource team with few people in

the middle management).

This is where the Human Resource Manager received my letter and processed it, upon which I

received a response to resume work on Monday, May 8, 2023 for my induction.

Safety Department

The safety department are responsible for the wellbeing of every personnel in the organization in

terms of the dos and don’ts in the construction field in in order to prevent hazards on and outside

of sites. The safety department also takes charge of the safety meeting every morning before work

starts on the various sites. The meeting, commonly known as toolbox meeting, is held on the

various sites with representative personnel from the department where safety and health talk is

given to the workers, then after which challenges and questions are addressed, then attendance is

taken by passing sheets round for all those present to sign by their names before we disperse to

begin the day’s work.

It is under this department that I had my induction, where Mrs. Lordina Arthur, the head of the

safety management gave a presentation on the safety practices, the Do’s and Don’ts on the site and

taught us their slogan,″ SAFETY FIRST‼ ARRIVE SAFE, WORK SAFE, GO HOME SAFE

and THINK SAFE, WORK SAFE‼‶

8
Survey Unit

This comprises of six members (all males), two main surveyors, two assistants one for each of the

main and likewise for the two interns. This section plays a very critical role on the site in general.

The following are some of the responsibilities of the survey team;

i. Set out the centre line, road median, road edge, walkway, culverts to be constructed

and so on.

ii. Check the levels for cut or fill during the laying of the road layers.

iii. Staking out design parameters for pit and other designs implementation including waste

dumps, surface drains etc.

iv. Calculate quantities in volume of materials needed on site either for layers or volume

of materials excavated from site (borrowed pit, in this case).

Traffic unit

This department deals in the controlling of traffic on the road on site with the help of the flagmen

and flag lady. They are also responsible for the road furniture such as the jersey barrels, road traffic

signs, sign posts, reflectors and so on, to provide information and safety to the road users and help

in diverting traffic where necessary. They are also in charge of escorting the heavy duty vehicles

such as the excavator, the roller compactor etc. from one site to another.

9
Earthworks unit

Earthworks are engineering works carried out in and with granular soils, that is the movement of

earth by means of excavation and filling.

This unit includes site engineers responsible to supervise the construction works on site, where

they determine whether a section needs to be stabilized, excavated and where land grading is to be

done to reconfigure the topography of the site or to stabilize slopes.

Quantity surveying (QS) unit.

This section is made up of quantity surveyors, who are responsible on helping to estimate and

control costs for the project, material quantities and project timelines. They liaise with a range of

other teams working on the project, helping it to stay on track.

Mechanical department.

They include skilled persons in mechanical engineering works, where they deal in servicing and

maintenance of the vehicles and heavy-duty machines on the project such as the trucks, the

excavators, pay loaders, roller compactors and so on.

10
1.2.4. Major Concerns

• Our Safety – Safety and Better Performance.

Safety is a priority for Resource Access Limited (RAL). In order to prevent an incident from

occurring, a functional safety culture must be in place. This culture is established through ongoing

education, hazard assessment and reiteration of company ̓s safety policies which is done in RAL.

• Our Values – Integrity, Quality and Reliability.

Resource Access Limited operates with very strict principles and values that lie in the heart of the

people in our company. At least six basic values are held in common by all, thus:

1. Entrepreneurship

2. Responsibility

3. Trust

4. Respect

5. Setting of an Example

6. Humility

• #Zero Harm.

We pledge to work safe and efficiently and to achieve Zero Harm

11
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE NATURE OF WORK DONE AT THE

EARTHWORKS DEPARTMENT.

The term ́ Earthworks ̀ refers to the removal or placement of soils and other excavated materials

during construction. This is commonly part of civil engineering works required in the construction

of roads, railways, land stabilization, and land grading to change the topography of a site.

Earthworks involve the removal of topsoil, along with any vegetation, before scraping and grading

the area to the finished ́ formation level ̀. This is usually done using a grader, bulldozer or a tractor

shovel, but the grader and the bulldozer were used on our site. Below the formation level, is the

subgrade, which is the soil beneath. The strength of the subgrade is first tested prior to the

earthworks beginning.

The earthworks are formed by cut-and-fill, so the ́ fill ̀ material is considered not only in terms of

physical properties, but the conditions in which it is to be used, and the method of compaction.

Depending on the quality, compressible subsoil are either removed or stabilized.

Subgrade strength

The required thickness of the various layers to laid until the final level of the road, that is the

wearing course is determined by the subgrade strength, so it makes it very necessary to make the

subgrade as strong as possible by;

i. Removal of poor material in cutting and replacing with the selected fill.

12
ii. Compacting subgrade to a high dry density.

iii. Providing adequate subsoil drainage.

iv. Soil stabilization methods such as the use of bituminous materials, chemicals or

cement.

Formation level

The formation level is the level at which excavation ceases and construction commences. It is

the lowest point of the path structure. This level is the prepared ground on which the sub base

layer is laid.

Sub-base

The sub-base is the layer of aggregate material laid on the finished formation level, on which

the base course layer is laid. It is used to improve the constructability of the pavement layers

above the sub-base. This layer consists of mixture of course and fine crushed rocks and crushed

sand or laterite to achieve the desired bearing capacity and absorb traffic loads so that the

underlying layer is not deformed.

Base

A road base layer forms the foundation for the road surface. It is used as the foundation for

roads and driveways in situations where using asphalt would be cost-prohibitive. It is usually

comprised of a composite material made primarily of crushed gravel, granite, or limestone.

13
Wearing course

This is upper layer or the surface layer of a pavement that takes the wear of traffic. It protects

optimally against weather influences and heavy or freight traffic that normally causes holes

and cracks on asphalt. To prevent rapid abrasion, the aggregate used must have a minimum

hardness, so that the anti-slip properties are maintained.

Binder course

This is the lower part of surfacing, it is a coarse aggregate bound with bitumen between the

foundation and the wearing course of an asphalt pavement. It is typically made of a type of

asphalt concrete with different grading of aggregates and types and quantities of binder

depending on the particular needs of the road being built.

After every layer before the wearing and binder course is laid, it is compacted and a proof

rolling test is done before any layer is laid to ensure an excellent work done and to prevent

failure of the road.

2.2. EQUIPMENT ON SITE AND THEIR USES.

There was several equipment at the site to make work easy and faster. The equipment and their

function have been indicated below.

14
2.2.1. Grader

The purpose of a grader was used to perform fine grading in civil engineering projects such as road

construction. The grader is used for precision scrapping and levelling which helps in creating

smooth and uniform surfaces.

Figure 1 A Picture of a Grader.

2.2.2. Compactor Roller

The compactor/roller was used to compact or compress materials such as sand, gravels and stones

in the soil to increase its density and fill in voids. Compacting is done in layers to obtain quality

work.

15
Figure 2 A Picture of Compactor Roller on site.

2.2.3. Excavator

The excavator was used to perform the following functionsː

I. Dredging.

II. Demolishing.

III. Digging or excavating large areas.

IV. Handling materials.

V. Loading dump truck.

16
Figure 3 A Picture of an Excavator on site.

2.2.4. Dump Truck

The dump truck was used for carrying and transporting materials to and from the site.

Figure 4 A Picture of a Dump Truck offloading laterite on site.

17
2.2.5. Pay Loader

The pay loader was used for moving soil or rocks in large volumes, as well as loading and

managing waste.

Figure 5 A Picture of a Pay Loader stock piling aggregate (0/40mm).

2.2.6. Backhoe Loader

The backhoe loader was used for the followingː

I. Excavation.

II. Breaking asphalt.

III. Transporting building materials.

IV. Demolishing.

V. Landscaping.

VI. Paving roads.

VII. Desilting.

18
2.2.7. Bulldozer

In construction sites, bulldozers are used to clear shrubbery, obstacles and remains of buildings

and structures. The bulldozer is mainly used for pushing, digging, excavating and levelling

materials such as soil and debris at a work site.

2.2.8. Water Bowser

The water bowser is used for dust suppression and also used as a fire extinguisher during fire

hazard on site.

2.3. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK DONE AT THE SURVEY DEPARTMENT

Surveying as a profession is very large and divers, in the actual construction field a professional

Surveyor has a huge role to play. Surveying applications and techniques are highly important in

the Built environment sector, Mining, Hydrology, etc.

The present document will be focused on the role and participation a Surveyor in a Road

construction project: From the Reconnaissance survey step where the Surveyor collect the

necessary information and description of the site to be survey. Followed by the Preliminary Survey

which is the detail studies of the road to be surveyed, mostly topographic studies. Then, the Final

location which is a series of studies based on the preparation of the Map using data collected during

the Preliminary Survey. And finally, the Construction Layout where the Surveyor provides the

neat alignments, grades which guide the Construction operations. Some of the most used

instruments and accessories in the Road construction will be discussed.

19
2.3.1 Reconnaissance Survey and Preparation

The reconnaissance survey is an extensive study of an entire area that might be used for a road or

airfield. Its purpose is to eliminate those sites which are impractical and to identify the more

promising for a successful survey. Existing maps and aerial photographs may be of great help.

Contour maps show the terrain features and the relief of an area. The reconnaissance survey report

should summarize all the collected information of the sites, including a description of the sites to

be surveyed, a conclusion on the economy of its use, the position of the sites, appropriate maps

and aerial photographs.

Design

Design characteristics should be considered during the reconnaissance survey. The site surveyor

must keep in mind that future operations may require an expanded road net, so a good study of the

route plans and specifications is necessary. In the design study, the Surveyor will have to pay

attention to some majors guiding rules in Road design like:

i. Locate portions of the new road along or over existing roads, railroads, or trails, whenever

possible.

ii. Locate the road on a soil that is stable and easily drained, avoiding swamps, marshes, and

organic soil.

iii. Locate the road along ridges and streamlines, keeping drainage structures to a minimum. Keep

the grade well above the high waterline when following a stream.

iv. Select a route as near to sources of material as practical, and locate the road along contour lines

to avoid unnecessary earth work.

20
v. Locate the road on the sunny side of hills and canyons.

vi. Select locations which conserve engineer assets, avoiding rockwork and excessive clearing.

vii. Avoid sharp curves and locations which involve bridging.

2.3.2 Collection of Data

Here the surveyor uses the collected data to provide a basis of study showing the advantages of

the selected area of the site, including disadvantages if there are any, the effects of landslides, Soil

conditions, availability of local materials, transportation facilities. Photographs or sketches of

reference points, control points, structure sites, terrain obstacles, and any unusual conditions.

Use Of Maps

One of the main importance of the Reconnaissance is the elaboration of the Map Planimetric or

Topographic of the Area to be surveyed. The surveyor should locate and use all existing maps,

including up-to-date aerial photographs of the area. Large scale topographic maps are desirable

because they show the terrain in the greatest detail. The maps, with overlays, serve as worksheets

for plotting trial alignments and approximate grades and distances.

The surveyor begins a map study by marking the limiting boundaries and specified terminals

directly on the map. Between boundaries and specified terminals, the surveyor observes the

existing routes, ridge lines, water courses, mountain gaps, and similar control features. The

surveyor must also look for terrain which will allow moderate grades, simplicity of alignment, and

a balance between cut and fill. After closer inspection, the routes that appear to fit the situation are

21
classified. Typical data collected in a reconnaissance survey are Sketches of all the features

(Natural and Man-made) surrounding the area to be surveyed.

2.3.3 Preliminary Survey

Preparation

The preliminary survey is a detail study of a road selected on the basis of reconnaissance survey

information and recommendations. It runs a Traverse along a proposed Road, establishes levels,

records topography, and plots results. It also determines the final location from this plot or

preliminary map. The size and scope of the project will determine the nature and depth of the

preliminary survey for most construction.

Survey

The surveyor establishes a traverse with control and reference points, sometimes it expands to

include levelling and topographic detail. Normally, obtaining the traverse, levelling, and

topographic data are separate survey, which the Surveyor proceed as follow:

Traverse

The Surveyor establishes the traverse line along the proposed Road by setting and referencing

control points, measuring distances, numbering stations, and establishing points of intersection.

He (She) also makes the necessary ties to an existing control, if available or required. When no

control is available, the Surveyor may assign a starting value for control purposes which can later

be tied to a control point established by geodetic surveyors.

22
Levelling

In the levelling process, the Surveyor establishes benchmarks and determines the elevation of

selected points along the road to provide control for future surveys, such as the preparation of a

topographic map or profile and cross-section levelling. The Surveyor takes rod readings and

records elevations to the nearest 0.001 meter. It sets the benchmarks in a place well out of the

area of construction and marks them in such a way that they will remain in place throughout the

whole project. If there is no established vertical control point available, establish an arbitrary

elevation that may be tied to a vertical control point later.

Topographic Data Collection

The Surveyor secures enough relief and planimetric detail within the prescribed area to locate

any obstacles and allow preparation of rough profiles and cross sections.

2.3.4 Final Location Survey

Preparation

The final location survey is series of studies consisting of the preparation of a map from

preliminary survey data, projection of alignment and profile, and preliminary estimates of

quantities and costs are made and used as guidance for the final location phase. The surveyor

should not make any changes without consulting the Engineers and designer in charge of the

project.

23
Running the Centre line

The surveyor numbers the stations consecutively and sets them at usually 20-meter stations. The

surveyor also sets stakes at important points along the centre line, which will be useful later on

the project if there are any road intersections, beginnings and ends of curves, stops peed.

Reference Stakes or Reference Stations

The control points established by the location survey determines the construction layout, so these

points must be carefully referenced. The surveyor should set the control point references far

enough from the construction to avoid disturbance.

2.3.5. Profile and Cross Sections

After the centre line of the road, including the horizontal curves, has been staked, the next step in

the road layout is the determination of elevations along the centre line and across the road. The

surveyor performs these operations, known as PROFILE LEVELLING and CROSS-SECTION

LEVELLING, as separate operations but at the same time as the elevation of points along a centre

line or other fixed lines. The interval usually coincides with the station interval, but shorter

intervals may be necessary due to changes in terrain. The plotting of centre line elevations is known

as a PROFILE. From this profile, the DESIGN ENGINEER determines the grade of the road. The

cross-section elevations make it possible to plot views of the road across the road at right angles.

These plotted cross sections determine the volume of earthwork to be moved. The surveyor

establishes the cross-section lines at regular stations. All elevations are measured with a rod and

level, and distances from the Centre line are measured with a tape.

24
2.3.6. Construction Layout

Preparation

The construction layout is an instrument survey. It provides the alignment, grades, and locations

which guide the construction operations. The construction operations include clearing, grubbing,

stripping, drainage, rough grading, finish grading, and surfacing. The command must keep the

surveyors sufficiently ahead of the construction activity in both time and distance to guarantee

uninterrupted progress of the construction effort.

Alignment

The surveyor must place the alignment markers ahead of the crews engaged in the various phases

of construction. The surveyor may do a hasty alignment, marked by flags and rods, suitable for

guiding the clearing and grubbing operations. However, a deliberate location of the Centre line is

necessary for the final grading and surfacing operations. The surveyor marks the curves and

minor structures concurrently with the layout of the Centre line. Major structures such as tunnels

and bridges involve a site survey. The general demarcation of the site boundaries is carried on

with the establishment of the route alignment. The layout of the site proper is a separate survey.

Setting Grade Stakes

Grade stakes indicate the exact grade elevation to the construction force. The surveyor consults

the construction plans to determine the exact elevation of the subgrade and the distance from the

Centre line to the edges of the shoulder.

25
Preliminary Subgrade Stakes

The surveyor sets preliminary subgrade stakes on the centre line and other grade lines, as

required. First, the surveyor determines the amount of CUT or FILL required at the centre line

station. The amount of CUT or FILL is equal to the grade rod minus the ground rod. The

surveyor sets the stakes by measuring the appropriate distance off the centre line and determines

the amount of cut or fill as outlined. The surveyor offsets the stakes along the travelled way,

roadbed, and ditches to prevent them from being destroyed during grading operations. The

construction foreman will specify to the surveyor, makes the decision as to how many and where

grade stakes are required.

Final Grade Stakes

Once the rough grading is completed, the surveyor sets the final grade stakes. The elevation of

the final grade is determined and the value of the grade rod reading is computed. The surveyor

uses a rod target to set the grade rod reading on the rod. The rod is held on the top of the stake.

The surveyor marks the top of the stake to distinguish it from other stakes.

2.3.7. Pavement Construction

Sub Grade

It is the upper layer of the natural soil which may be undisturbed local material. Or may be soil

excavated elsewhere and placed as fill. In either case, it is compacted during construction to give

added strength. The subgrade receives the traffic load from the pavement, it should be strong

enough to take the load and doesn't fail the importance of sub grade lies in the fact that if it fails,

the performance of the whole road will be affected. A sub grade must be able to resist the effects

26
of both traffic and weather. Sub grade soil is not a uniform or homogeneous material, It

properties vary with local and depth.

Sub-Base Course

Sub Base is a layer of granular material provided above Sub-Grade. It consists of natural gravel,

sandy gravel or a combination of the gravel, sand and clay. Sometimes Sub-Base is provided

when understanding subgrade is of low quality.

Base Course

Base Course is the major structure component of a road (The main Load spreading a layer of the

pavement, Base course is the layer immediately under the pavement surface, it is subject to severe

loading consist of crushed stone or gravel, sands and sand clays stabilized with cement, lime or

bituminous.

Surface Course

The top layers of pavement which is in direct contact with the wheel of the vehicle. Usually

constructed of material in which bitumen is used as binder materials.

Bituminous Pavement:

(Flexible Pavement) Consists of combination of mineral aggregate with bituminous binder

ranging from inexpensive surface treatment ¼ in or less thick to asphaltic concrete.

27
2.3.8. Road Drainage

At the drainage stage, the Surveyor performs some series of levelling and horizontal distance

measurement (Traverse):

Levelling Task

Here the Surveyor determines the exact level in which the pipes, Manhole and all the required

drainage materials would be placed accordingly to the standard conditions.

Horizontal Distance Measurement (Traverse)

The Surveyor performs a traverse to determine the correct horizontal distance in which the

drainage materials would be placed. The standard conditions or specifications must be respected

throughout his/her calculations. Here is a clear statement of the Standard condition for the

Manholes, taken from DESIGN MANUAL: GUIDELINES AND POLICY FOR THE DESIGN

OF STORMWATER DRAINAGE AND STORMWATERMANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, stating

that: Manholes should be placed at every change in horizontal and/or vertical direction or At a

maximum spacing of:100 m for pipes up to and including 900 mm diameter;150 m for pipes over

900 mm up to and including 1 200 mm diameter;200 m for pipes over 1 200 mm in diameter.

Standard Conditions At manholes with no drop inlets or no substantial side inflows or where the

change in horizontal direction is less than 4̊ the difference in invert levels is determined by the

difference in pipe diameters only provided pipes are laid "crown to crown".

28
2.3.9 Important Accessories/equipment Used by Surveyor in The Road Design
Instruments

1. Total Station

a. With a Total Station the Surveyor may determine angles and distances from the instrument to

points to be surveyed, applying Trigonometry and Triangulation, the angles and distances may

be used to calculate the coordinates of actual positions (Y, X, Z of surveyed points, or the

position of the instrument from known points).

b. The data recorded by the Total Station can be downloaded to an external computer so that the

surveyor may use the data to generate a Map with the aid of appropriate software applications

like: ROAD MAKER, MODEL MAKER, SURVEYMAKER, etc.

2. Theodolite

i. The Surveyor uses a theodolite commonly for the following tasks:

ii. Measurement of horizontal angles

iii. Measurement of vertical angles

iv. Setting out horizontal angles

v. Ranging

vi. Levelling

vii. Optical distance measurement

viii. Controlling verticality

29
3. Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS can be used for many tasks in construction surveying such as measuring the grading,

elevation, staking, mapping and site exploration.

Figure 6 A Set Up of a Rover.

4. Automatic level

Used to determine the difference in height and establish the elevation between points.

Figure 7 A Level Instrument.

30
Survey Instrument Accessories

1. Tripods

Tripods support and provide a fixed base for all types of surveying instruments

Figure 8 A Tripod.

2. Level Staff or Levelling Rod

Used to read and determine the elevations of points.

Figure 9 A Levelling staff.

31
3. Survey pegs

Are used to mark out residential boundaries and indicate points and positions on the site.

Figure 10 Pegs.

4. Tapes

Used to measure the distance between points.

2.4. Summary of the job of a survey

The success of a Road construction project depends on many factors, one of the most important

is the reduced results of the entire Road Survey. Therefore, the Surveyor has to ensure that each

task is complete carefully to avoid gross errors or Blunders. Here below are some reformulations

of the Role of a Surveyor on a Road construction project, as a result of a personal expertise.

The Surveyor follows the progress of the project from day one to the last day: Starting with the

Reconnaissance survey process during which the Surveyor take a general look of the site to be

surveyed. Followed by the Preliminary survey, process in which the Surveyor collect more

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precise information required for the choice of best location for the project and to estimate the

exact quantities and costs of project.

The Final Location survey comes next; here the Surveyor allocates the exact position of the

Road by placing the CENTRE LINE, THE REFERENCE STAKES and performs a PROFILE

LEVELLING and CROSS SECTION LEVELLING as well. Then the Surveyor proceed to the

Construction Layout where he provides the necessary ALIGNMENT, GRADES and the

LOCATION guiding the project to the PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION where different layers

of the Road are placed and settled. Finally, the Road Drainage, here the Surveyor performs some

series of levelling and horizontal distance measurement (Traverse).

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.1 DETAIL OF WORK DONE AT THE EARTHWORKS AND SURVEYING

UNITS ON SITE

3.1. 1. EARTHWORKS UNIT

During the semester out period, we were exposed to how earthworks is done on the site and the

reason for the earthworks. The initial nature of the soil before construction was clay. Due to the

expansion of the road, there had to be clearing of the side of the existing road to which the

extensions would be constructed. Due to the expansive nature of the clay soil and the high ground

water table level, it was necessary to replace it with a soil which is not expansive, has god

engineering properties and also a soil that can control the water table without any significant

decrease in bearing capacity. The cost of the soil materials to be used to replace the clay soil is

also taken into consideration.

Considering the engineering properties of the soil materials, availability and their cost, three

different soil materials were used to solve the problem. One to replace the expansive soil, clay and

the other two to control ground water levels and ground water movement. Laterite, crushed rocks

and geotextiles were used to replace for better engineering performance.

Laterite was used to replace the expansive soil mainly because it is not expansive. Laterite also

has a very high bearing capacity when dry and compacted hence making it able to support high

amount of load exerted on it. The major weakness of laterite is that it has a very low bearing

capacity when wet. Since the Adiembra and Officers ̓ mess sites have high and very high ground

water tables in certain sections, it is likely to interfere with the bearing capacity of the laterite when

used. In order to solve the ground water problem, geotextiles and crushed rocks were used.
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Geotextiles such as‶ Tencate Bidem″ and‶ Tencate Rock pet ″ were laid across the excavated and

cleared sections of the expansive soils to prevent the ground water from penetrating into the

laterite, then the crushed rocks(0/40mm) is spread on the geotextile and compacted before

spreading the capping layer of laterite on.

In terms of cost and availability, laterite is one of the abundant soil materials in the tropical region.

The tropical climate greatly influences the formation of laterite through the weathering of different

rocks due to its high temperature and rainfall. Since Sekondi Takoradi in Ghana has a tropical

climate, the formation of laterite is very high hence making laterite a readily available material at

a lower cost. The crushed rocks(0/40mm) is also readily available from our co-company for this

project, JUSTMAC, also here in Sekondi Takoradi at a low cost.

In order to effectively use both the crushed rocks or chippings and the laterite for better

performance, certain steps and measures were put in place. First of all, the whole site was

excavated to an approximate depth range between 1.0m to 3.0m depending on the existing

topography of the land. The excavation is done in batches (area by area) due to the unstable weather

condition at that time. Areas of the site at high elevation were excavated to a deeper depth than

areas of the site at a lower elevation. This was done to get an even base level. After excavating to

the desired level, a geotextile membrane is placed on top of the base. The purpose of the geotextile

membrane is to separate the excavated ground level from the next layer of soil material. Then the

chippings is filled to obtain a layer thickness of about 0.3m and then compacted.

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Figure 11 Shows the laying of the geotextile and spreading of the chippings on site.

Next after the laying of the geotextile, the crushed rocks(0/40mm) is placed on top of the geotextile

in layers of 0.15m to 0.30m and then compacted. After which another geotextile (Tencate Miragrid

) is laid on top of the compacted chippings, for subgrade stabilization and for soil reinforcement.

Then the laterite is spread on it in layers and compacted to the desired formation level. After each

layer of the laterite is compacted, a density test is done with the help of sand replacement test or

nuclear densometer to check the degree of compaction done. This process is repeated until the

whole site area is entirely covered.

When the laterite layers reach the finish-to-formation level and also the degree of compaction until

that level meets the projects specification, a proof rolling test is done for final confirmation that

the level is firm without movement in the soil.

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Figure 12 Spreading of 0/40mm aggregate. Figure 13 Miragrid being laid.

The next layer after the formation level is the sub-base layer which is a mixture of laterite and the

crushed rocks in proportions provided in the specifications of the project.

Figure 14 Spreading of subgrade material. Figure 15 Spreading of sub-base material.

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The main purpose of the earthwork layers is to stabilize the soil (Soil stabilization). Soil

stabilization is the physical, chemical, mechanical, biological or combined methods of changing a

natural soil to meet desired engineering properties and purpose.

Figure 16 Design data for the construction

Figure 17 Compaction of subgrade material.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1. Contributions Made to The Earthworks, Survey and Safety and Traffic
Department During The Semester Out Period

As students working to gain industrial experience, the management of RAL made sure to involve

us in many of their office and field works. Some of the contributions made to the Earthworks,

Survey, Safety and Traffic department of RAL are as follows.

a. Supervising excavation of expansive soil on site.

b. Assisting in barricading the work zone with the caution tape.

c. Assisting in the sand replacement test.

d. Assisting in picking of levels, setting out the right of way for the clearing and excavation.

e. Assisting in setting out of the centre points of drains.

f. Recording of data on the amount of loads received on site per day.

g. Assisting in the control and direction of traffic.

h. Performing drainage inspection on the project site.

i. Assisting in waste segregation at the project site.

j. Assisting with the road furniture.

4.2. Skills Acquired

The management of the Earthworks, Survey, and Safety and Traffic department gave us the

opportunity to acquire some skills related to construction. Some of these skills include,

a. How to stakeout required points on site.

39
 b. How to use the GPS in taking levels.

c. How to read and interpretate road designs and drawings.

d. How to use the road furniture appropriately.

e. How to perform the sand replacement test.

f. How to communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors.

4.3. Challenges Encountered

Challenges encountered are in two folds, which are

• Personal challenges encountered.

• Challenges encountered at the site.

PERSONAL CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

Some personal challenges faced are;

Difficulty finding a good civil engineering company around my residence to do my attachment.

High cost of living at the place of residence during the semester out.

High cost of transportation to the site.

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CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED AT THE SITE

Some of the challenges faced at the site are,

Rains during the rainy season interfering with work on site.

4.4. Conclusion

In general, RAL is an institution where civil engineering students can gain adequate industrial

experience and other working skills in the construction and engineering sector.

Management and staff were willing to teach us what they know about the works done at the project

Most of the things learnt during the attachment period are related to my program of study (Civil

Engineering).

The semester out program has helped me experience that which goes on at the field of work.

4.5. Recommendation

The industrial attachment really helps the students to get more work experience in the industry

hence it should be done very often, at least two times in an academic year.

41
 INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT ASSESSMENT FORM (3 Marks)
TAKORADI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT ASSESSMENT FORM
FACULTY: ………………………… DEPARTMENT: …………………………………………
NAME OF STUDENT: ……………………………………..........………. REG. NO: ……………………….
STUDENT PHONE NUMBER: …………………………………
DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS
S/N Description of Key Headings Maximum Marks
marks Obtained
1 Cover Page 5
2 Table of Content 5
3 Objective of the industrial attachment 5
4 Background of the establishment/organization (Brief
history, vision/mission statement,
sections/units/department, major activities/concerns, 15
organizational structure of the
establishment/organization
5 Description of the nature of work done at the
section/unit/department where student was attached 10
6 Detailed description of the training or work performed 20
7 Contribution of student to the
establishment/organization (thus: value added by the 10
student to the establishment/organization)
8 Challenges, new practical skills or experiences acquired
and how they would help student’s understanding or 12
appreciation of theory taught
9 General comments by the student concerning the
exercise, observations or impressions and conclusion 10
10 Recommendations 5
11 Industrial Attachment Report Assessment Form 3
SUB TOTAL 100%
PENALTY
1 Pagination ½ per occasion
2 Inappropriate cover display ½ per occasion
3 Poor binding of report ½ per occasion
4 Failure to adopt correct format for reporting ½ per occasion

42
 5 Failure to arrange chapter, main headings, sub headings,
etc in order ½ per occasion
6 Typographical error ½ per occasion
7 Inconsistent line spacing ½ per occasion
GRAND TOTAL after penalty
Total Marks after 40% conversion

Lecturer/Assessor….………………………………………. Signature………………. Date………….......

Approved by HOD……………………………………...… Signature……………… Date………………..

43