KANO STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY WUDIL
Industrial Training at
FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED
KANO STATE.
A Technical Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Course SIWES I
(Students Work Experience Program)
By
ZAHRADDEEN ABDULAZEEZ RAMADAN
REG. NO: UG17/CIVE/1135
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
INDUSTRY BASED SUPERVISOR: ENGR HABU SHU:AIBU
UNIVERSITY BASED SUPERVISOR:
ENGR. ASHIRU SANI
November 2021.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The student industrial training is the training programme which forms part of the academic
standards in the various degree programmes for all Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. It seeks
to bridge the gap existing between technology and other professional education
programmes in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.
Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is an effective
means for exposing students to the realities of the work environment in Nigeria
especially, and the world in general; in their choosen professions so as to achieve
the much needed technological advancement for the nation.
1.1 MEANING OF SIWES
The student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) is the skills training
program, which form part of the approved minimum academic standard in the
various degree program for all tertiary institution in Nigeria. It is the gap between
practical aspect and theory aspect of either engineering and science technology
and other professional educational programs in Nigerian tertiary institution.
1.2 PURPOSE OF SIWES
The objective of student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) is to enable
every student who passed through university or other institution to acquire a
practical knowledge of what he/she has learned. Therefore it is compulsory for
every student to satisfy the requirement in his/her academic pursuit.
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE SIWES
i. To provide an avenue for students in the university to acquire industrial skill
and experience in their course of study.
ii. To prepare students for the work situation they are likely to meet after
graduation.
iii. To expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment
and machinery that may not be available in the university / Institute.
iv. Provide student an opportunity to apply their knowledge bridging the gap
between Higher Education and actual practice.
v. Make transition from the university to the world of work easier and thus
enhance students contact for later job placement after graduation.
2.1 BRIEF HISTOTRY OF SIWES
SIWES was established by ITF in 1973 to solve the problem of lack of adequate
practical skills preparatory for employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of
tertiary institutions. The Scheme exposes students to industry based skills necessary
for a smooth transition from the classroom to the world of work. It affords students of
tertiary institutions the opportunity of being familiarized and exposed to the needed
experience in handling machinery and equipment which are usually not available in
the educational institutions. Participation in Industrial Training is a well-known
educational strategy. Classroom studies are integrated with learning through hands-on
work experiences in a field related to the student’s academic major and career
goals. Successful internships foster an experiential learning process that not only
promotes career preparation but provides opportunities for learners to develop skills
necessary to become leaders in their chosen professions.
One of the primary goals of the SIWES is to help students integrate leadership
development into the experiential learning process. Students are expected to learn and
develop basic non-profit leadership skills through a mentoring relationship with
innovative non-profit leaders. It is vital that each internship position description
includes specific, written learning objectives to ensure leadership skill development
incorporated Participation in SIWES has become a necessary pre-condition for the
award of Diploma and Degree certificates in specific disciplines in most institutions
of higher learning in the country, in accordance with the education policy of
government Operators.
The three (3) months Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) which is
a requirement for the completion of my course of study, B.Engr. Civil Engineering,
was undertaken at FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED. I was an Industrial
Attaché (IT) at the department of Civil Engineering. The Industrial Training was
based on construction of DALA Inland Dry Port.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 DATA ABOUT THE COMPANY:
FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED is a company for delivering essential
public works, transportation infrastructure, provision and maintenance of
mechanical and electrical installations in Nigeria.
2.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COMPANY
COMPANY’S PROFILE AND HISTORY
FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED is a Nigerian based development,
management and consulting firm with a wide range of expertise FRI
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED was primarily incorporated to provide
Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering and Project Management services. We
work with public and private sector entities to promote sustainable economic
development by combining industry-specific expertise with proven technologies, FRI
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED provides solutions that addresses clients‟
needs to reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance competitiveness. FRI
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED maintains a core technical staff of
experienced practitioners who are supported by internationally respected associates
and consultants. and “turnkey” schemes.
2.2 SCOPE OF SERVICES
• Structural Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering
• Housing and Land Development
• Project Management
2.3 MANAGEMENT
Our construction company is organized on a partnership basis. The company operates
through organized departments and one major partner heads each department. Every
project is classified and a project director/manager with full control of the
management and coordination of the assigned work. We have competent key staff and
other technicians and support staff. The principal partner is the founder and also the
most senior engineer in the company.
2.4 Address: No 7, agadez cresent wuse Abuja, Nigeria.
2.5 Commencement date: November 2021 to January 2022.
2.6 Vision of the company:-To be the efficient in public infrastructures development
and mobility providers that sets standard for quality works, economic conscious and
sustainable transport systems.
2.7 Mission of the company:To promote and coordinate public works development
and transport systems for the benefit of the people and beyond that is safe and
friendly.
2.8 ETHICS OF THE COMPANY: the ethical principles of the company are:
Honesty: Acting directly and avoiding conduct likely to result, directly or indirectly ,
in the deception of others.
Fairness: Not seeking to obtain a benefit which arises directly or indirectly from the
unfair treatment of others.
Fair reward: Avoidance of acts likely to deprive another party of a fair reward for
work.
Reliability: Only provides services and skills within area of competence.
Integrity: Regard for the public interest.
CHAPTER THREE
PROJECTS/TASKS PERFORMED AND EXPERIENCED GAINED
3.1 Background of Project
During my 12-weeks SIWES program at the FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
LIMITED, I was posted to an ongoing construction of Dala Inland dry port, which is
a multi project consisting of four ongoing sub-projects all under the company's
execution. It ivolves the construction of an Administrative block for the dry port
operations, the stacking area where container are to be delivered and packed, the
warehouse for stocking and a staff school which are altogether enclosed within a
single perimeter located at Zawachiki, Kumbotso LG,Kano State.
Contract Name : proposed construction of Dala Inland Dry Port Zawachiki
Contractor: FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED
3.2.1 Orientation/Introduction to site:
When I reported on the place of assignment, the industrial training exercise
commenced with an orientation program, during which were introduced to the various
staff such as the site engineer, architect, fore men, surveyor. I was shown samples of
contract drawings which contained architectural, structural and mechanical drawings;
I was also lectured on how to interpret architectural and structural drawings. Site
safety precautions were outlined, such as regular wearing of safety boots and to avoid
stepping on lying logs of wood no matter how attractive they may look. After that, we
were taken around by the site Engineer for a brief observation of the ongoing project.
Even though construction works has already been long gone we were lectured and
briefed on the nature of soil met at the site(waterlogged), the method employed for
site clearance toward the type of foundation adopted which is raft(mat) foundation
due to bad soil encountered at the site. The sub-structure work was ongoing though
the site clearance and the setting out had already been done. From enquiry, I was
made to understand that the site clearance was done with the use of bulldozer and
grader where trees and shrubs as well as the top soil were removed respectively.
Where as, the setting out was done with the use of surveying instruments such as
dumpy level, staff, pegs and lines where bench marks were taken from existing
buildings and the nearby street. The detail of the work I partook in, at the stage of
foundation to the construction of the first floor slab are described sequentially.
3.2.2 Sub-structural work
i. Foundation:-A foundation is the lower part of the structure that supports the weight
of the structure and transfers the load to underlying soil or rock. Foundation transfers
and spreads the loads from a structure's column and wall into the ground such that the
load bearing capacity of the soil is not exceeded otherwise, excessive settlement may
occur resulting in damage to the building. Its main function and requirements are:
1. To transmit and distribute the total load of the structure to a larger area of
underlying support.
2. To prevent differential settlement of the structure.
3. To provide stability to the structure.
Foundations are classified as shallow and deep foundations.The type of foundation we
used was the pad foundation because the soil has sufficient bearing capacity of
130kN/m3.Equipment used for the excavation includes Digger, shovel, wheel barrow,
pick axe, hoe etc.
ii. Blinding:- A blinding is a thin layer of concrete placed before reinforcements are
laid for foundation. It has a minimum thickness of 50mm. Concrete blinding is the
process of pouring a thin layer of concrete on a newly excavated foundation. The
purpose of this is to seal in underlying material and prevent dust and mud from
interfering with the structure. The trenches were light blinded using a concrete mix
ratio of 1:3:6, with a thickness of 50mm. The application of this weak concrete was to
reduce surface voids or to provide a clean and dry working surface.
iii. Column bases and column starter reinforcement:- Concrete is a material which
is strong in compression but weak in tension, if its tensile strength is exceeded cracks
will occur resulting in a weak and unstable foundation. In order to provide tensile
resistance we introduce in the concrete foundation reinforcement to resist all tensile
forces induced in the foundation. The foundation type utilized in this site was pad
foundation , the pads base were constructed according to the position of pad base
which was specified by the design of the pad base, the four different pad base were
incorporated as shown in the structural drawing.
iv.Formwork for pad base:-Due to the nature of the soil, which made it difficult for
easy excavation of the trenches, wooden formwork were prepare outside the trenches
by cutting marine plywood to the required height and length ad specified by the
design of pad base as shown in the structural drawing .
v. Concrete casting of pad footing:- Mix ratio of 1:2:4 (concrete grade 20),The
prepared concrete (fresh concrete) was poured into reinforcement pad footing
formwork. A vibrator machine was used to vibrate the fresh concrete to ensured
proper compaction and expel air pore, by leveling the vibrated concrete using wooden
rammer and the hand trowel.
vi. Curing of column bases:- Curing started 24 hours after the concrete was placed.
The concrete was cured with adequate water because this plays an important role on
the strength development and durability of the concrete. It also involves the
maintenance of desired moisture and temperature conditions both at depth and near
the surface of the concrete.
vii. Block work on foundation:- Foundation columns have been installed so it was
easier for the masons to place the blocks accurately. We used line (rope); plumb and
Engineering Square to make sure the blocks were straight and aligned. Hollow
sandcrete 9 inches (450×225×225) blocks were used and the cement mortar mixture
of 1:6 (1 part of cement to 6 part of fine aggregate) with adequate water was used to
hold the blocks together. A 10mm full bed of mortar was spread out using trowel and
the first course of blocks were then laid on the on the mortar. After the forming of the
first blocks on foundation, block work continued up to damp proof course (DPC). The
blocks on the foundation were filled with weak concrete (fcu =10N/mm2) to add
strength to the foundation.
viii. Casting of column starters:- The foundation block work formed part of
formwork for columns where the remaining spaces were covered with marine board to
obtain the exact dimensions of the columns (225X225) mm. The column starters were
cast to DPC (Damp Proof Course) level using a mix ratio of 1:2:4 (1 part of cement to
2 part of sharp sand to 4 part of granite) aggregate size 20 mm diameters. The
batching and mixing process was well monitored and the fresh concrete was placed in
the formwork and vibrated with a concrete vibrator machine to expel voids and
enhance proper compaction.
ix. Backfilling and compaction:- Backfilling is the process of refilling a trench or
other excavations with the soil dug out of it. Backfilling was done after the foundation
walls was built on both sides of the walls simultaneously and also for the bed of the
floor was filled using the previously excavated materials and recommended materials
by the consultants. The foundation was backfilled using human labour and it was
compacted to a 150mm thickness using a hand driven diesel poweredcompactor.
Water was used to soak the soil to expel air void.
x. Placement of hardcore and sand filling:- Hardcore was placed after the soil was
compacted. Hardcore strengthens or solidifies the base which the German concrete
(over site concrete) will sit on, thereby resisting pressure of dead and live loads on the
ground floor. The size of the hardcore was 300mm.After the placement of hardcore
was finally completed, sharp sand was used to fill the spaces in between the hardcore.
xi. Application of DPM (damp proof membrane):- DPM (damp proof membrane)
is a membrane material applied to prevent moisture transmission from the ground into
the floor and the wall. It was done by spreading a polyethylene sheet above the
hardcore layer before placing the reinforcement to the ground floor slab to prevent the
floor from gaining moisture through capillary action.
xii. Ground floor slab reinforcement:- A wire mesh of 6mm diameter spaced at
(200×200) mm was used to reinforce the ground floor slab by spreading the wire
mesh on the damp proof membrane with concrete cover of 25mm under.
xiii. Casting of the ground floor:- The ground floor was cast using a concrete mix
ratio of 1:2:4 (1 part of cement to 2 part of sharp sand to 4 part of granite) with
adequate water. A diesel powered concrete Mixer was used for mixing the concrete.
The over site concrete was laid 150mm thick and vibrated using a poker vibrator
(which works to remove air from concrete), a wooden tapper was also used in
compacting the concrete to make the concrete more denser.
xiv. Curing of ground floor slab:- Curing started 24 hours after concrete was placed
by curing it with drinkable water as specified.
3.2.3 Super-structural work
i. Lapping:- The lapping length is taken as provided in the structural drawing
ii. Column extension reinforcements:- After the casting of the ground floor slab, the
column extensions reinforcements were fixed accordingly.
iii. Column Kicker Formwork/ Concrete Work:- Kickers are lateral support for
column concrete form work. They are placed around a column reinforcement to make
placement of column formwork faster as we only have to put the formwork against
the kicker. The formwork was made for the kicker using wood and their height were
75mm while their areas were based on the areas of the columns. A concrete mix of
1:2:4 (1 part of cement to 2 part of sharp sand to 4 part of granite) with adequate
water was place in the kicker formwork. After 24 hours the formwork was removed
and the concrete kicker was cured with adequate water.
iv. Column formwork:- Formwork is used to keep concrete in place when casting,
the section or area of the form were of different areas and their areas were based on
the areas of the columns. Marine plywood formwork was used for the square columns
of 230mm x 230mm. The column formwork was attached against the concrete kicker
and braced properly using 4x4 inches wood. With the use of plumb board and tape the
column formwork was vertically straight. The column formwork was of (230 X
2100)mm. 3750mm is the height of the column to the soffit of the slab.
v. Column concrete casting :- Before concrete was poured into the column
formwork, biscuit of one inch high was used to centralize the column reinforcement.
Also water was poured into the formwork before concrete was placed, these is to help
the concrete bind properly with the column reinforcement and kicker. A concrete mix
ratio of 1:2:4 (1 part of cement to 2 part of sharp sand to4 part of granite) with
adequate water was used. Poker vibrator was used to vibrate the concrete to attain
maximum density and to avoid segregation. 24 hours later the formwork was removed
and the concrete column was cured with adequate water.
vi. Levelling:-
Levelling is the measurement of geodetic height using an levelling instrument .
Common levelling instruments include the water level, spirit level, dumpy level, the
digital level and laser level. In the course of my training, and constuction of the
building, two common levelling instruments were used, which is spirit and water .
The spirit level was used to check horinzontal and vertical alignment of block work
and columns. While water level was used to determine the positons/ level for DPC
and height of first floor slab.
vii. Construction of first floor formwork:- After the level for the first floor slab was
gotten, the full construction of the first floor slab began with the bottom plate of the
beams and the runners were made, after which the marine boards were properly nailed
to the runners. The top slab was properly supported in order to avoid deformation of
the form work. The depths of the beams were 350mm and the width as 230mm the
slab thickness was 150mm.
viii. First floor beam and slab reinforcement:- Beams and slabs are structural
elements which help to withstand loads by resisting against bending. Reinforcements
were provided in the beams and slabs to resist tensile stresses due to bending and
shear. Stirrups help to resist the shear forces acting on the beams. The sizes, numbers,
and diameter of bar used and even the spacing between the bars are based on the span
of the slab and the load that particular area of the building will be subjected to.
The slab comprises of main and distribution bars, the main bars are employed to
guarantee the resistance needed by the structure as a whole to support the design load
while the distribution bars acts as lateral bars and they add strength in the tensile
areas. We provided top and bottom reinforcement for the slab, the top reinforcement
takes care of the cracking at the surface of the slab while the bottom reinforcement is
provided to resist tensile stresses.
The reinforcements were placed as near to the outside as practicable with sufficient
cover of concrete over the reinforcement to prevent the steel bars from corrosion and
provide a degree of fire resistance. The top and bottom reinforcement were separated
using horse bench of 150mm high. After the formwork for the first floor slab was
prepared, the artisan began to install the beams in accordance to the specification from
the structure design. The top and bottom reinforcements of the slab were both Y12
spaced at 200mm bottom and 300mm top. The reinforcement for the beams used were
of varying sizes.
ix. First floor beams/ slabs concrete casting:- After the fixing of formwork and
reinforcement for beams and slabs were completed, the placement of concrete in
formworks commenced. Before the placement of concrete a temporary stair case was
constructed to easy the movement of concrete from ground to first floor for casting.
A concrete mix of 1:2:4 (1 part of cement to 2 part of sharp sand to 4 part of granite)
with adequate water was used for casting. A poker vibrator was used to vibrate the
concrete to attain maximum density and to avoid segregation. The side panel for the
outer part of the slab was removed after 24 hours of casting and the concrete was
cured with adequate water.
A concrete cover of 25mm was prepared using mortar of mix ratio 1:3; it was cured
for two weeks using water after which it was later fixed at the slab to avoid direct
contact of the reinforcement to the slab.
A straight line was tied at the both end of slab formwork. This straight line enables us
to maintain the normal depth of the slab which was 150mm. A concrete mix ratio of
1:2:4 was used for the casting of the first floor slab. The cast slab was cured for 28
days using drinkable water. The curing was done to increase hardening and concrete
durability.
x. Staircase:- A staircase is a set of steps or flight leading from one floor to another.
Stairs could be constructed by timbers, stone/concrete (reinforced). Each stair consists
of horizontal portion or tread connected to the front part known as the Riser. The
going in a stair is the horizontal distances between the faces of two consecutive risers.
While the riser of a step is the vertical distance between the tops of two consecutive
treads.
xiii. Casting of the staircase :-After the formwork and reinforcement for the
staircase was completed and due inspection by the team of consultants, we started to
cast. Concrete was carefully placed on the staircase formwork and reinforcement to
avoid destroying the riser formwork. The concrete mix ratio used for the casting of
the staircase was 1:2:4 with adequate water for binding and it was properly vibrated
using the poker vibrator machine. 24 hours after the casting, the formwork for the
riser was removed and cured with adequate water.
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AT THE WORK PLACE
1. Problem of securing a place of attachment: I had most of problem for a place of
attachment for my siwes training because most of the companies rejected the request,
giving one reason or the other e.g they are not considering siwes-I student or they
don’t want siwes students.
2. Finance: the company/Institution did not pay SIWES student nor do they give
allowance so as to reduces expenses (e.g transport) for the 3-month program
4.2 EXPERIENCE GAINED
Working at the Construction & Project Management department as a student trainee at
FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED has given me the opportunity of
getting a first hand appreciation of Construction & Project Management technology,
learning its fundamentals, learning to work with various equipment used in
Construction & Project Management. I was able to apply some of the theoretical
knowledge gained during my study at the university to real work situations thereby
bridging the gap between school work and actual practice.I also gained experience in
other fields of science, engineering and project management. I learnt invaluable
lessons on the code of conduct of big firms and it prepared me for work scenarios I
am likely to meet after graduation.
My General experiences concerning Structural Engineering are as follow:
1. I learnt how to read bar bending schedule and detailed drawing for reinforcement
bars as it relates to building construction.
2. I was able to grasp adequate knowledge and understanding regarding quality
assurance and quality control in construction.
3. I learnt how to improve construction quality and productivity by ensuring
environmentally friendly construction best practices and materials are implemented.
4. I learnt how WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) helps in organizing what needs to
be done insmall packages of activities.
5. I learnt how difficult tasks are handled to ensure smooth progress of a project work
in conjunction to the time frame for a given project
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 CONCLUSION
This report has been able to x-ray an account of the entire work – experience garnered
by me during my SIWES program at FRI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED
which is a core scheme in ITF and which is saddled with the responsibility of
strengthening the effective teaching and learning of skill based course such as Civil
Engineering. I therefore concludes that SIWES is of great benefit to students in
tertiary institutions. It therefore implies that the proper andeffective administration of
SIWES will go a long way in boosting and enhancing the competencies of the
workforce of the country. I also concluded that SIWES is confronted with series of
challenges and this may have hindered the realization of the goals and objectives of
the scheme and it therefore needs to be given attention by all concerned stakeholders.
Also, my general relationship with people and also work ethics has increased greatly.
5.2 RECOMMENDATION
In view of the relevance of the SIWES program, it is important that it is sustained by
the government through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) as it exposes the student to
work tools, facilities, and equipment that may not be available in their respective
institutions in relation to their course of study.
To this end, I recommend that the following under-listed points should be
implemented:
i. Students’ Industrial Works Experience Scheme (SIWES) needs to be strengthened
by all concerned stakeholder in order for its objectives to be fully realized.
ii. Regular monthly allowances for students on attachment should be paid promptly.
iii. Organizations should always accept students for SIWES and subsequently assign
them to relevant jobs.
iv. Experienced staff should always be made to train the students on attachment
v. There should be more funding of the scheme by the government in order for it to be
more effective.
vi. The companies should put in place all the necessary facilities needed to enhance
the knowledge of the student in industrial attachment.
vii. It will be of great benefit if the institution can create a platform whereby student
can obtain pre siwes knowledge or excursion programs, before student embark for
general industrial training programme.
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Craig, R. L. (1987). Training and development handbook: A guide to human
resource
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Structural Use of Concrete. Part 1: Code of Practice for Design and
Construction. BS 8110. (1985). London: BSI.
Loading for buildings. (1997). London: British Standards Institution.
COREN (1991). Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering
(SITSIE). Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria.
Ekpenyong, L.E. (2011). Foundations of Technical and Vocational Education:
Evolution and
ITF (1973). Policy Document No 1. Industrial Training Fund, Jos, Nigeria.
