Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
SUBMITTED BY
ORODE FRANKLYN
(B.ENG, CIVIL)
TO THE
SEPTEMBER, 2018
ABSTRACT
This report is a summary of my work experience since I graduated from the University as a Civil
Engineer in 2011 till date. The report is made up of five chapters. Chapter one is the
introduction, chapter two sets out a summary of professional work experience in five different
Engineering Limited, Deltec Engineering Limited and Crusteam Nigeria Limited. Chapter two to
three provided details on specific projects and assignments while the procedures and work
method statement for an ongoing administrative building project I am presently involved in was
1
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this “Report of Professional Experience in Civil Engineering” was written
as a corporate member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and subsequent registration as
Certified by
Name: __________________________
Signature________________________
Date:___________________________
2
DEDICATION
This report is dedicated to two great women: My beloved mother, Mrs Celina Orode and my
beloved foster mother Mrs Felicia Ereku -whom through the grace and love of the almighty God
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to express my profound gratitude to the CEO of Deltec Engineering Limited, Engr.
Samson Ivovi, (FNistructE) a great mentor who gave me a chance to work with him and to fine
I also wish to acknowledge Engr. Ezedozie Chukwuma (MNSE) who contributed immensely to
I also wish to thank my boss, Engr Barri Esimone (FNSE), the CEO of Crusteam Nigeria
Practice.
Finally, I wish to thank Mr Gamaliel Akpokiniovo, who encouraged me on this present endeavor
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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
fulfillment of the requirements for admission into corporate membership grade of the Nigeria
Society of Engineers.
I graduated in August 2011 from the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Benin,
Benin-City with Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree, Second Class Upper Division. At
I have had the privilege of working mainly in four establishments as could be seen in the
curriculum vitae in chapter 2 of this report. The experience acquired during the period under
review cuts across Building and Civil Engineering Construction, structural engineering
Consultancy and project Management. I am presently working with Crusteam Nigeria Limited as
This report therefore, is a summary of my Post Graduate Experience in engineering practice from
2011 till date. The problems encountered while executing these projects and the solutions
proffered in tackling these problems are presented in chapters 2. A detailed report of construction
experience/procedure on some of the projects handled within this period is also presented in
chapter 3.
company) where I was attached to the construction department as a trainee engineer underthe
student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES), from August 2010 to February 2011.
Within the six months program, I was involved in the following activities:
5
1. Setting up of automatic level survey instrument and holding of staff
Before going for the compulsory one-year NYSC program in 2013, I had the opportunity of
supervising the construction of a two storey residential development for Mr. Kingsley
Oghenesowho in Jeddo, near Warri on freelance practice between 2011 and 2013. With the
great help and advice from professionals and research findings, I was able to execute the
project for the client at Jeddo, Okpe Local Government Area of DeltaState. In this period, I
iii. Supervised project team in the various job commitments to meet design
standards;
I wascalled up for the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in 2013 and was posted to Oyo
consulting arm of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Engineers whose sole duty is to provide
engineering support services for army barracks and cantonments under its area of
responsibility. In this period, I was attached to the works department (Civil) as a graduate
3. Site supervision: Coordinating the gangs and use of materials and equipment
6
4. Prepare periodic project update report
After my NYSC, I have had the privilege of working further in three establishments namely
Spectrum Engineering Limited, Deltec Engineering Limited and Crusteam Nigeria Limited
7
CHAPTER TWO
registered as a business name by the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2013, to carry out
2.1.3RESPONSIBILITIES
i. Quantification of materials needed for the work from the working drawings.
weekly basis.
8
iii.Preparation of work daily schedule and target of Craftsmen engaged in the job.
iv.Mobilization and demobilization of equipment, men and other resources for project
execution.
client.
i. The Problem of delays in the completion time of the projects was addressed by the prompt
release of funds by client, since he was seriously made to be aware of the cost implication on
the project if funds were delayed and not released at the right time.
ii. The community youths were handled my establishing a middle man between the client and
them, the middle man being a senior and respected member of the community through whom
any negotiations are done with them to minimize any violent tendencies as the youth were
always ready to foment trouble for me and the client. They were also made to supply the casual
workers that were used on a daily basis for as long as the project lasted.
iii. To solve the problem of lack of sufficient site experience I brought in experienced colleagues
and very skilled foremen into the job. I often go to the experienced engineers for technical
advice.
9
2.1.5 EXPERIENCE GAINED.
occasion where the iron bender ran reinforcements for a one way spanning slab instead of a two
way in a particular slab panel he thought to be too small to be a two-way spanning slab as
10
i. Construction of threestorey school building for Command Day Secondary school,
Mokola.
2.2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
v. Reporting the progress of work to the Chief Army Engineer ona daily basis.
vi. Ensuring good quality control and making sure that work is done according to
specification.
the quick response of the Mechanical technicians of the asphalting company who were
- The problem of late arrival to site of Asphalt Haulage Trucks as a result of either a
mechanical fault on the Haulage Truck, or that of late production from the asphalt plant was
addressed by the constant monitoring of the route by mechanics of the technical department to
11
urgently address mechanical faults that may arise in the Trucks in the cause of moving to site.
The delay caused by late production was addressed by the Asphalting company by making sure
that the Heating team of the production section goes early enough to the Asphalt Plant to
commence heating for the day’s production. By this arrangement production temperature is
- In most cases, the problem of laying temperature not being up to the required was caused
by partly the production temperature and the arrival temperature of the asphalt in the truck.
These problems were solved by reporting back to the production unit to always make sure that
the bitumen is heated to production temperature before production commences each day.Also
all Haulage Trucks were provided with Tarpaulins to cover the asphalt in the truck during
transportation.
STATE
2.3.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
12
As a Site Engineer, my responsibilities included the following: -
vi.QA/QC inspection of work and materials on site and ensuring that work is done according to
specification.
i.The problem of frequent breakdown of equipment was addressed by employing the services of the
ii.The problem of language barrier was solved by making use of middlemen supervisors who
iii. The problem of lack of clarity of drawings was addressed by informing the Resident Site
Engineer who relayed the issue to the relevant design teams, who then made available
13
iv. The bad site conditions that was encountered during rainy season was dealt with by making
sure the project manager provides PPE’s on site such as rain boots, rain coats etc. It was also
ensured that organic top soil was removed from the site.
v.Uncooperative foremen were reported to the project manager and I ensured they obeyed relevant
vi.Detailed soil investigation was carried out and results used to compare foundation design
parameters
vii.The geometrical disparities encountered during setting out of internal staircase was solved by
seeking the help of other engineers with whom together, the staircase was correctly set out.
Laying Reinforcement for both one way and two way spanning slab
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Deltec Engineering Limited is a wholly indigenous, service-driven, multi-disciplinary
engineering consultancy and project management company. The company was registered in 1991
for the purpose of growing and developing indigenous capacity in civil and structural
engineering design, construction and project management. Today, the company has strategic
alliances with other professional organizations in the built environment, with Deltec Engineering
limited as lead consultants in most cases. The consulting services rendered range from
supervision, project management and complete engineering design to the supply of special
Buildings- New building and refurbishment, building services, industrial & power
plants
Infrastructure- Drainage, flood and erosion control, sewage treatment and water
supply
Engineering
The platform for continuous development was given in 2005 and in July 2006 that platform, The
Centre for Advance Structural Engineering and Studies (CASES) took over the training arm of
the company as one of its subsidiaries and has since impact close to one thousand Engineers to
date through various Workshops and Seminars. Their CEO, Engr. Samson Ivovi, was listed in
the Construction and Engineering Digest Magazine (Vol. 18 No. 6, 2010) as one of the top 50
engineers to emerge since independence. Apart from the Corporate Affairs Commission, Deltec
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Engineering Limited is registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria
(COREN), The Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR) - Specialized Category, The Nigerian
Petroleum Exchange (NIPEX), The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and also a
member of the Association of Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN). The Company has
successfully handled commissions in various capacities for the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC) and some of its subsidiaries, The Shell Petroleum Development Company
of Nigeria Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited, The Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund,
(PTF), Moju Environmental Technologies, USA, O&G Technologies Ltd UK, The Federal
Ministry of Information (& culture), The Federal Ministry of Defence, The Niger Delta
Development Commission ,NNDC and other corporate and private developers in Nigeria.
Design of perimeter fence for Promenade Oil and Gas Limited, Ijegun-Egba,
Design of gate house foundation for Promenade Oil and Gas Limited, Ijegun-Egba,
Design of Product tank bundwall for Promenade Oil and Gas Limited, Ijegun-
Design of oil water separator for Promenade Oil and Gas Limited, Ijegun-Egba,
Lagos State
Design of Ring beams, piles and pile caps for white product and water tank
foundations for Promenade Oil and Gas Limited, Ijegun-Egba, Lagos State (Construction
Completed)
(Construction Completed)
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Design of an Administrative Building for for Promenade Oil and Gas Limited,
2.4.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
i. Structural Analysis
i.Adjusting to the use of Eurocodes in design as I was used to BS codes and the company
iii.Working with a boss who over relies on manual calculations to be convinced of design
results
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i.Adjusting from the use of BS codes to the involved a lot of personal efforts on my part. I
studied the basic Eurocodes together with design guides, textbooks and manuals that are
Eurocode based. I also learnt from experienced colleagues who have been using Eurocodes.
ii.I dealt with the lack of knowledge in basic structural analysis softwares by downloading
video tutorials on some of softwares and thus engaging in self tutelage. I also asked those of
my colleagues who knew some of the softwares to teach me. I thus was able to learn most
iii.I made sure I do at least 10% manual calculations and show to my boss while I complete the
complete analysis using softwares. In some designs I carry out 100% manual calculations.
iv. In order to arrive at a proper analysis approach for ring beams, I consulted ‘Reynolds and
Steedman’ Design Handbook where I got the required formulas and subsequently used them
to write an Excel programme for structural analysis of ring beams. This programme was
v.I wrote Microsoft Excel Programme for some highly repetitive structural analysis operations
i.Design of Specialized structures such as waterfront structures (jetties, sheet piles, dolphins)
vii. Improved understanding of structural modes of failure and load transfer path
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LOCATION: PLOT 5A, BLOCK 100, LADIPO OMOTESHO COLE STREET, LEKKI
PHASE 1, LAGOS
solutions to a wide range of engineering problems. The team of civil, mechanical, process,
chemical and electrical engineers carry out designs with the latest engineering softwares
combined with traditional engineering skills to provide practical concepts and optimal design
solutions. The team was first organized in 1994 to provide engineering and environmental
services to major service providers in Oil and Gas, Energy, and Water Resources industries. The
company is accredited by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Council for the
(NSE).
Shoreline Protection
Jetty Construction
Geotechnical Engineering
Land Reclamation
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2.5.2 PROJECTS EXECUTED
ii.Construction of LPG Tank Foundations for A.A Rano Nigeria Limited (Ongoing)
iii.Construction of Fire Water Tank Foundations for A.A Rano Nigeria Limited (Ongoing)
2.5.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
Carrying out checks and reviews on working drawings supplied by EPC contractors on
site
QA/QC inspections
Analysis of cube and tensile test results and making of appropriate recommendations.
engineering practice and issuing non-compliance report to them and copying client.
The Non-Compliance report made them adjust their disposition a great deal.
A high level of diplomacy and proper site documentations was employed in dealing
withclient representatives. It was ensured that every decision taken by my team was
To deal with the poor subsoil conditions, we ensured that relevant subsoil
investigations were carried out and recommendations in the report followed strictly.
To solve the premobilization problem, stop work orders were issued and contractors
asks to do detailed subsoil investigation, detailed design and make available relevant
project documentations.
Since Chinese codes is not recognized in Nigerian Design Practice, contractors were
asked to engage a local design firm to redo the design to codes that are used in
The language barrier issue was dealt with by making use of Nigerian Interpreters
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Skills in project documentations
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 INTRODUCTION
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The first project I was fully involved in was the construction of a two-storey residential building
for a client in, Jeddo Near Warri. The project took about two years to complete. I was fully
involved in from the conceptualization to the delivery of the project. It afforded me the
opportunity to learn a lot of skills which are peculiar to the practice of civil engineering.
I was also involved in the construction of two number soak away and septic tank. The project
was very challenging as it was done in the rainy season. It was also for the same client I worked
During this time I have not gone for the compulsory one year youth service. However, realizing
the need for it, I was enlisted into the service where I was posted Headquarters 42 Division
At the corps, I was fully involved in the design of armoury and magazine, guard houses and
other civil engineering structures. Most significantly, I was involved in the construction of an
asphalt pavement, a three storey school building and a renovation work for the officers mess.
While working with Spectrum Engineering Limited, I was involved in the construction of a
student hostel, a four storey building. The project lasted for two years.
I am presently working with Crusteam Nigeria Limited where I have been fully involved in the
construction of a proposed LPG storage tank for A.A rano Nigeria Limited in Ijegun .
Since my graduation from the university, I have been actively involved in various projects which
cut across both Building and Civil/Structural Engineering works ranging from design,
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PROJECT YEAR: NOVEMBER 2011-FEBRUARY 2013
SUPERVISING SUPERIOR:NONE
This project involves the design and construction of a2-storey residential building for Mr
Kingsley Oghenesuowho at Jeddo, Orerokpe Local Government Area. The building plan is
rectangular with two entrance internal staircases, one each on both sides. The structure consists
of reinforced concrete frame slab, beam and columns, which are supported on concrete pad
foundations. The building plan is made up of the 2 No two-bedroom flats at the ground floor and
a four-bedroom flat at the upper floor.I was involved in the entire construction process .
The Building was constructed as a frame structure. The following breakdown of work was used
i. Site Clearing: This was achieved manually using machetes, cutlasses, hoes and shovels.
ii. Setting out: The 3:4:5 method was employed using lines, measuring tapes and steel
squares.
iii. Excavation: Local labour was engaged to carry out excavation using shovels and hoes.
iv. Blinding: Plain concrete blinding was done using a mix ratio of 1:3:6.
v. Casting of pad footings and substructure columns: A mix ratio of 1:2:4 was used for
the concrete. Concrete mixer was used for mixing of the constituents. Form work was done for
the substructure columns. Coarse Aggregate size was 20mm and ordinary Portland cement as
well as potable water was used. Pouring of the concrete on the formwork with the reinforcement
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arranged is referred to as casting. Care was taken during placing of concrete, making sure
formwork was stable, gaps if any was sealed and that spacer blocks wereplaced between
During placing of theconcreteit was necessary to ensure continuous pouring of the concrete to
avoid cold joints and also taking note of the height from which concrete is dropped (usually not
Freshly placed concrete was compacted to make the concrete dense and impervious. Compaction
was done manually by using rods, rammer, wood for the columns, and mechanically by using
vibrators which are very effective in compacting stiffer concrete resulting in highly dense and
homogenous concrete which bonds well with the reinforcements. Poker vibrator was used in the
slab. Effective compaction enhances the strength and durability. The following precautions were
a. Needle of the vibrator was immersed vertically and made to remain vertically throughout the
operation
c. The needle was withdrawn when the air bubbles cease to appear
vi.Block work, Earth filling and Casting of Ground Slab: 6 inches sandcrete hollow blocks
were used. It was ensured that the blocks are infilled with weak concrete to enhance rigidity of
the blocks during earth filling. The ground slab was 150mm thick and a mix ratio of 1:2:4 was
vii. Formwork and concrete work for beams, slab and columns: Minimum thickness for beam,
slab and columns were 450mm, 150mm and 230mm respectively. It was ensured that the
form work were properly done and adequately braced. A mix ratio of 1:2:4 was used, which
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was expected to give a Compressive strength of 20N/mm2 at 28 days. Thermal mechanically
viii. Roofing and installations: Roofing and installations were done in accordance with
architect’sspecifications.
ix. Finishing: Finishing include plastering, tiling, painting etc. These were done in accordance
Adequate Cover was provided for reinforcement to ensure durability of the structure with respect
3.2.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Procure building material from the start to the finish stage of the building.
2. Ensure materials I procured, met specific design standard i.e. reinforcement quality and
size etc.
4. General supervision of works on site including setting out, formworks, quality control of
concrete and steel, proper investigation of work before covering up, payment of artisan’s
5. Keeping record of daily activities of site works including expenditure and material usage.
7. Making daily head count of workmen on site and marking them present or absent on the
site register.
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ii.Problem of Extortion and work stoppage by Community Youths.
i. The Problem of delays in the completion time of the projects was addressed by the
prompt release of funds by client, since he was seriously made to be aware of the cost
implication on the project if funds were delayed and not released at the right time.
ii. The community youths were handled my establishing a middle man between the client
and them, the middle man being a senior and respected member of the community through
whom any negotiations are done with them to minimize any violent tendencies as the youth
were always ready to foment trouble for me and the client. They were also made to supply the
casual workers that were used on a daily basis for as long as the project lasted.
iii. To solve the problem of lack of sufficient site experience I brought in experienced
colleagues and very skilled foremen into the job. I often go to experienced engineers for
technical advice.
vii. The necessity of supervision and monitoring of workmen on site, as there was an
occasion where the iron bender ran reinforcements for a one way spanning slab instead
27
of a two way in a particular slab panel he thought to be too small to be a two-way
SUPERVISING SUPERIOR:NONE
The project for the construction of a 21m3 septic tank was a reinforced concrete box
structure of 4.2 x 1.8 x 3m3 erected on the surface and sunk after full concrete strength
was attained. Construction was such that top and bottom of the box structure was opened
with reinforcement propping out from the top of concrete walls. Sinking of the
reinforced concrete box was done manually.Because the area under consideration has
high water table and is marshy in nature, this makes it difficult to perform any
excavation or construct any concrete surface at any depth below 4ft with ease.
3. Identifying problems during the construction life cycle e.g. in sinking the septic tank, I
instructed workers to make sure the tank sinks evenly by making sure excavation was
uniform on all sides, when I discovered there is a little tilting at the earlier stage of the
sinking exercise.
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3.4.2 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
i. The proposed area or the septic tanks was between the main building and the fence,
ii. The nature of the soil is clay and water logged, this made construction difficult.
So also, after sinking, stopping ground water to give a perfect dry tank was a challenge.
i. In order to accommodate the given capacity required, the orientation of the septic tank
was made such that the longer side was made parallel to the existing fence.
ii. Due to the clay and waterlogged nature of the area, the reinforced concrete walls were
iii. To stop the ground water after sinking, several materials and techniques were deployed
machine to pump water out during casting of the floor and at least 7hours after casting
floor.
environment
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SUPERVISING SUPERIOR: Engr. (Col.) OJ ARIYO
The project is an 800m internal road within the Post-Service Housing Estate in Eleyele, Ibadan.
All necessary survey such as establishment of bench marks, marking of chainages, taking
of cross sectional level as well as determination of reduced level were carried out by a surveyor
Executed works include earth work i.e. movement of top soil to give way for fill material, cutting
and filling, laying of sub base, compacting, laying of base course (stone base) to a thickness of
150mm (6inches), construction of drainages and rendering a finish course by laying an asphaltic
In doing these, we deployed man, machines and adopted a step by step technique that followed in
A grader was used to achieve the desired subgrade level after which the subbase and base course
were successively laid, with proper compaction carried out using a roller compactor. It was
ensured that surface was swept clean to get rid of dirt that has been brought about by wind and
human activities on the estate. These was followed by the application of MC1 (an emulsion of
bitumen mixed with kerosene) and sharp sand to provide a binder membrane. The surface
was then overlaid with a 60mm thick asphaltic binding and a 40mm thick asphaltic wearing
course.
The actual placing of the asphalt was done manually with a 20tonne truck discharging hot
asphalt in given portions and at varied distances. The discharging was such that the truck
discharges in portions from target point towards the exit, this was to avoid the truck climbing the
asphalt still hot during exiting the site. The hot asphalt was then spread manually with the use of
shovels, care was taken to ensure thickness was not below prescribed requirement or
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unnecessarily exceeding requirement. The asphalt was rolled while hotusing rollers that
discharged water upon the roller wheels. The discharge of water upon the roller wheels was to
avoid the asphalt material sticking to the rollers while compacting the asphalt. Minimum rolling
i. Level of compacted surfaces on some portions of the road had been altered by runoffs
due to rainfall and vehicular activities in the periods between the compaction and asphalt
laying.
ii. Human and vehicular activities on the road during construction periods.
iii. The work was being done during the rainy season.
i. Surfaces that were eroded were patched with a mix of hardcore and stone base and then
compacted. In doing these, the eroded portion was excavated with at least 1(one) meter beyond
ii. A traffic controller was put in place to control traffic on the routes outside the cordoned
work area so as to minimize Human and vehicular activities on the road during
construction periods.
iii. The mass media was relied on for weather forecast that help predict daily weathers and
suggest best periods for construction activities, due to these, man materials were fully
1. Carry out laying, shaping and compacting sub-base and base course materials.
31
2. Carry out laying and compacting of asphaltic concrete binder and sphaltic wearing
course.
3. Patch pot holes on existing roads and estimate materials required given the square area of
damage to be patched.
CLIENT: TETFUND/FUTO
The project was the construction of four units of a fourstorey hostel for the Federal University
of Technology Owerri. We were four engineers who worked on the project with one of us as the
lead project engineer who is a registered engineer while the rest of us were assigned to man
each of the building. In this project I played the role of a site civil engineer. The prime
consultant for the project was Arctik Consultants which was the consulting architect for the
project while the structural engineering consultant was MultiDesign Engineers Limited.
The structural solution was a Framed Structure consisting of three suspended floors, one
hundred and sixty columns with cross sectional dimensions 230mm × 230mm, 230mm x 450
mm and 230mm x 600mm. The columns directly support beams of various sizes which in turn
supports the suspended floors. Two external open well staircases and one internalwereprovided
32
as access to the floors. The load bearing capacity of the soil was 236KN/m2and the terrain was
marshy during the rainy season with the top soil of clay nature. Pad foundation was designed for
the substructure with typical sizes 1000mm x 1000mm, 1200mm x 1200mm, 1500mm
The foundation depth was 1.8m. The DPC level was established by use of automatic level
judging from the existing terrain. A 300mm thickhardcore fill was overlaid by 150mm over
siteconcrete. Vertical and horizontal alignments of columns were established at each floor level
by carefully constructed kickers, spirit level and lines. The methodology for the project involves
the following.
Site clearing: The site was cleared of bushes, trees and shrubs and the top 150mm of soil
was removed. The topsoil was mainly organic matter. Bulldozers were used for this
operation.
Setting Out: The building perimeter was set out by engaging a surveyor who used a
theodolite to establish the four corners of the building. Later, a profile was established on
which positions of walls and columns were marked out by me, using measuring tape,
Substructure Work:The pad bases were first marked out and excavated to control the
volume of excavated material.This was followed by blinding using 1:3:6 mix, placement
of reinforcement (mats and starters), casting of pad bases using 1:2:4 mix and then
excavation for block wall. The trench for the block wall was also blinded and 225mm
x225mm x450mm sandcrete hollow blocks were used for the block work, using a 1:6 mix
ratio. After the block work, there was backfilling and laterite was used as earth filling.
The laterite was compacted and filled with about 300mm thick hardcore was overlain
33
Superstructure Work:The superstructure work basically involves making of column
kickers, form work to columns, beams and slab, laying/placing of reinforcement and concrete
work. Concrete mixers were used in lower floors while concrete mixing trucks were used for
concrete works in upper floors. Vertical and Horizontal alignments was ensured using spirit
3.6.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
6. Quantification of Materials needed for the work from the working drawings.
9. Ensuring good quality control and making sure that work is done according to
specification.
1. The first major problems encountered on site while working with Spectrum Engineering
Limited on the construction of the four storey hostel building was language barrier. Most of the
artisans and labourers on the site were Hausa speaking people who understands very little or no
the English language. Communicating project expectations to them was often very difficult.
2. Another problem I faced was lack of cooperation from the site foreman who because of
his age and years of experience as a foreman sees me as too small to give instructions to him and
34
some other artisans who seemed to be loyal to him because he was in the company before me.
On one occasion, having established the DPC level for the building using a leveling instrument,
he being able to speak Hausa fluently instructed the artisans to use a different level. He was also
insisting on using water level for taking levels which I was not used to and cannot trust the result
more than the more accurate automatic level which results I can vouch for.
3. A major problem I also encountered was lack of clarity of working drawings. The
drawings were faint and post great difficulty in reading them. Some structural details were also at
par with the architectural drawings and details of certain members where not provided.
4. I also had it challenging, insisting that concrete contractors comply with standard mix
ratios and water-cement ratios because some of them were very stubborn, trying to cut corners
5. There was also the problem of frequent break down of construction Equipment especially
6. Upsurge of Ground Water during excavation of the Trenches as most of the substructure
7. Frequent collapse of the walls of the excavated Trenches that were to receive the
footings. This became rampant because of the presence of water in the Trenches during
excavation.
1. To solve the language barrier problem, I made sure I communicate to the workers
2. To solve the problem created by the disloyal foreman, I made sure I speak to him
respectfully and imbibe the spirit of tolerance. I however insisted on decisions which if not
35
respected could jeopardize the safety and economy of the structure. I also made the issue known
to the project manager who called a meeting and addressed the issue by transferring the foreman
3. I solved the problem of lack of clarity and other issues related with the working drawings
by drawing the attention of the consultant site engineer to it through the lead project Engineer,
who later related the issue to his superiors, and a clearer and error free working drawings was
4. I handled the problem with the concrete contractors by keeping watchful eyes on them
during casting and insisting they stick to the standard mixes. To do that effectively, I stationed
student engineers on industrial training (IT) in strategic locations assist in counting the number
and quantities of sand, cement and water going into the mixer for each batch of concrete
5. The Problem of frequent break down of construction Equipment was solved by constantly
calling on the Technical Department for assistance. The Technical department had to position at
least one Mechanic and one Auto Electrician on site who immediately addressed any mechanical
6. The problem of water upsurge in the Trenches during excavation was solved by the
continuous de-watering of the Trenches using a 4 inches Water Pump. The water in the
7. The problem of frequent collapse of the walls of the excavated Trenches was solved by
preparing for each trench a wooden box formwork corresponding to the footing size.
Immediately the Excavation was completed, a 50mm thick 1:3:6 dry concrete mix blinding was
done on the base of the Trench. As soon as theblinding was completed, the Wooden Box
Formwork was then lowered into the trench, and properly braced to secure it to the ground and to
36
prevent it from shifting from its intended position. The formwork helped to support the walls of
the excavated footing Trench, thereby preventing the collapse of the walls.
ii. Improved Knowledge of Quality control tests on concrete, steel and other materials used
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 INTRODUCTION
This method statement outlines the procedure and methodology for the construction of
Administrative building.
The project is presently ongoing as one of several structural to be constructed for a proposed
The structural solution for the administrative building is a frame structure measuring 30500mm x
15000mm which will be supported on pile foundation. This type of foundation was
37
recommended by the designer after site analysis and investigation carried out on the site
geological condition. The Geotechnical investigation report was supplied by China Railway
Siyuan Survey and Design Group Co. Ltd. A total number of 58 precast pile will be used for the
POSITION NAME
POSITION NAME
Site Supervisor
Plants Operators
Bricklayers
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Carpenters
Iron Bender
Vibratory Hammer
Crane
Excavator
Pay loader
Batching Plant
Dump Truck
Poker Vibrator
Total Station
Reflective Jacket
Protective Helmet
Safety Boot
Hand Glove
Rain Boot
Ear muffs
4.4 METHODOLOGY
4.4.1 SUBSTRUCTURE
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SETTING OUT: The centers of all the piles shall be set out according to their
PILING WORK: Square precast concrete piles made of grade 35 concrete and also of
cross sectional dimension 400mm x 400mm and of depth 15m below pile cut off level
shall be used for the foundation. These piles shall be driven into the ground with pile
driving machine (Standard Vibratory Hammer). The vibratory hammer will hold the piles
perfectly vertical, and then drive into the ground until a depth of 15m below the pile cut
PILE CAP AND STARTER BAR FOR COLUMNS: After driven the piles to the
ground, the pile heads shall be cut down to cut off level of 59.40. Then the pile caps shall
be set out and the soffit blinded with grade 20 concrete. Its formworks shall be erected
after which reinforcements for the pile caps and starter bars for the columns on the pile
caps shall be placed in accordance with approved structural drawings for the work. Then,
casting with concrete of grade C35 produced using O. P. C. and portable water with well
graded aggregates shall follow while all quality assurances and controls shall be ensured.
GROUND BEAMS: The ground beams shall be set out on ground as they appear on the
working drawings and the soffit blinded with grade 20 concrete after which their
formworks shall be erected. The reinforcements for the beams and the starter bars for the
columns shall be placed according to the design. Then, casting with concrete of grade
C35 produced using O. P. C. and portable water with well graded aggregates shall follow
GROUND FLOOR SLAB: After the filling and compaction, the ground floor slab shall
be cast.
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FIRST FLOOR SLAB AND COLUMNS: The form work for the slab will be installed,
after which the reinforcement for the slab and columns starter bars will be placed in
accordance with approved structural drawings for the work. Then the concrete for the
slab will be poured before the columns form work installation and concrete pour. Grade
C30 concrete will be used, and all concrete mix will be batched by mass.
BLOCK WORK: 9 inches Machine molded blocks will be used for the block work
together with fine aggregates (sharp sand). Ordinary Portland cement and potable water
mechanical and plumbing work, this shall be done in accordance with the design
specification.
roofing will be adopted with timber roofing members and colourful steel roof tiles. All
doors and windows will be in accordance with approved architectural drawings for the
work.
FINISHES: The finishing works such as painting and other finishes will be done in
Procedure for batching and concrete mix placing will be in accordance with specification.
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Procedures for concrete repair, handling, loading of finished products and storing will be
properly handled.
Ensure that the block to be used has the required compressive strength.
Ensure the blocks are place properly, aligned and bonded with mortar.
Ensure the right tools are used for the right task
Reinforcement placing for piles’ caps and starter bars for columns
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Reinforcement placement for ground beams
Block work
Finishes
4.8 RESPONSIBILITIES
The specific responsibilities I was saddled with on the construction of the administrative
QA/QC inspections
Analysis of cube and tensile test results and making of appropriate recommendations.
The following are specific challenges encountered for the proposed administrative building
Marshy Terrain
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Foundation design based on preliminary subsoil investigation
To arrest any fear of future flooding , I suggest to the surveyor to transfer the level of
several existing roads and the finished floor level of a nearby structure which is well
designed against flooding and proper engineering judgement was made from the data with
Plumb bob was used to obtain vertical alignment and it was checked with spirit level
driving intervals.
Pile loading tests was recommended to confirm that the pile capacity and soil settlement
The results were judged against best practices and code requirements the ones which fall
below acceptable criteria were rejected for use. They were however recommended for use in
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CHAPTER FOUR
5.0 CONCLUSION
A summary of my post graduate practical experience in civil engineering for the past
seven years have been presented in this report. These seven years have been a period of
intense pupilage in my chosen field of endeavor. I have been able to work with
professional engineers on various project and construction activities and have been
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I have built a robust working relationship with Engineers ,Architects, Quantity Surveyors,
Builders , Town Planners, Land surveyors and Estate managers which have given me a
firsthand broad view of the construction industry and the built environment.
analysis and design, building and civil engineering construction, project management
So far civil engineering practice have been challenging, yet fulfilling. With much zest, I
hope to continue to involve in many engineering projects and research, and submit
myself to further tutelage under senior colleagues. I would also do my best to train
5.1 RECOMMENDATION
I am lucky to be among the few graduate engineers who had had the opportunity to be
trained by senior professional colleagues and given proper industry exposure. This
however is not the case with a lot of our engineering graduates roaming the streets
jobless while others have abandoned the profession as no opportunity for proper tutelage
and training came their way. This is truly pathetic. I thus recommend that NSE should
find ways to liaise with industries such that our Engineering graduates can find viable
opportunity to be trained in these industries. NSE should also be in talks with NYSC to
ensure our engineering graduates are posted to engineering companies and parastatals.
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APPENDIX 1
CURRICULUM VITAE
PERSONAL DATA
47
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Civil Superintendent
Carried out checks and reviews on working drawings supplied by EPC contractors on site
Supervised QA/QC operations, analysed material test results and make appropriate
recommendations.
DELTEC ENGINEERING LIMITED Warri, Delta State |June 2017- April 2018
Design Engineer
Carried out EUROCODE based design of concrete and steel structures such as building
structures, roof trusses, portal frames, water and earth retaining structures, overhead water tank
and foundations to oil and gas related facilities such as product storage tanks, bundwall, oil
Designed various excel programs for the analysis and design of ring beams, wind analysis
of portal frames, frame analysis of three span beams, determination of pile capacity etc
construction.
Site Engineer
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Trained over 5 civil engineering students in a supervisory capacity under the industrial
training scheme
Ensured strict compliance with all project specifications and Quality Assurance
procedures
Graduate Engineer
SATIMAIHA NIGERIA LIMITED Benin City, Edo State | August 2010-February 2011
Trainee Engineer
EDUCATION
The Centre for Advanced Structural Engineering and Studies (CASES) – in-house
SKILLS
Software competence: AutoCAD , STAAD PRO, ROBOT Structures, Tekla Tedds, CSC
HOBBIES
REFEREES
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ENGR EZEDOZIE CHUKWUMA
APPENDIX 2
SITE PICTURES
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Plate 1: Supervising a two-storey residential building in Jeddo, Near Warri (2012)
52
Plate 3: Substructure work for a proposed four storey hostel building in FUTO (2015)
Plate 4: Substructure work for a proposed four storey hostel building in FUTO (2015)
53
Plate 5: Superstructure work for a proposed four storey hostel building in FUTO (2016)
Plate 6: Superstructure work for a proposed four storey hostel building in FUTO (2016)
54
Plate 7: Client Facility Inspection of proposed LPG Storage tank farm site at Ijegun (2018)
Plate 8: casting of RC Piles at proposed LPG Storage tank farm site , Ijegun (2018)
55
Plate 9: Inspecting a Soil Investigation for Proposed LPG Tank Farm Site, Ijegun (2018)
56
Plate 10: Pile Driving for Proposed Administrative Building at Ijegun (2018)
57
Plate 11: Pile Driving for Proposed Administrative Building at Ijegun (2018)
58
Plate 12: Inspecting a cube testing operation with contractor’s representative (2018)
59
Plate 13: Set-up for pile loading test for proposed administrative building
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