A TECHNICAL REPORT

ON

STUDENTS' INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

(SIWES)

WRITTEN BY

MONDAY, EMMANUEL IBANGA

REG NO: 17/EG/CV/1058

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

AT

HENSEK INTEGRATED SERVICES LIMITED, NO. 1.35Km

RING ROAD III, NIGERIA

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF UYO, UYO.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.ENG)

JANUARY,
DECLARATION

I declare that this report is written by me and is an authentic record of activities

during my participation in the six (6) months SIWES programme at HENSEK
INTEGRATED SERVICES LIMITED.

Monday, Emmanuel Ibanga

..........................….....................
Sign and date

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that 17/EG/CV/1058 has completed the six (6) months
Industrial Attachment at HENSEK INTEGRATED SERVICES LIMITED.
The work contained here is an original report of activities carried out by the
above named student.

...................................................... ..............…....................
Name of Assessor Sign and date
...................................................... ......................................
Name of SIWES Coordinator Sign and date
...................................................... ......................................
Name of HOD Sign and date

i
DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to God Almighty for his guide and direction unto me
throughout the period of my industrial attachment and for the successful
completion of my SIWES program.

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I am very grateful to God Almighty and the staffs of HENSEK Integrated

Services limited for making my industrial experience an interesting, educative
and worthwhile, and to my supervisor and assistant supervisor, Mr Essien
Akaniyene and Mr. Nse Moses respectively for their supervision and teachings
throughout the period of my attachment. I greatly appreciate my Vice Dean, Dr.
Essien Udoh, Faculty of Engineering and H.O.D., Dr. Ofonime Harry,
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Uyo for their support and
mentorship.

I also appreciate all my amazing lecturers for the knowledge they have impacted
in me. Finally, I appreciate my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ibanga Monday, who
financially supported my education pursuit. God bless you abundantly.

iii
 SUMMARY

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design,
construction and maintenance of physically and naturally built environment. Moreover, this
report deals on the aspect of construction. Moreover, construction work concerns primarily
laboratory and field (site) works. Here laboratory work includes; Sieve Analysis Test _ to
determine soil particles grading, Atterberg's Limit Test _ to determine liquid limit, plastic
limit and shrinkage limit of laterite, Soil Compaction Test _ to determine Maximum Dry
Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of laterite, CBR Test _ to determine
CBR value of road layers (i.e. sub-grade, sub-base and base course/stone base), Concrete
Compression Test_ to determine compressive strength of concrete and Slump Test _ to
determine or measure workability/consistency of concrete. In addition, field (site) work here
includes; Insitu-Density Test _ to determine relative dry density or relative compactive
strength of compacted road layer, surveying work (levelling) _ to set-out coordinates of
points, to stake-out points as well as to determine level of points with respect to a known
point. Field (site) work also includes site clearing, excavation of soil, cutting and filling,
casting of drain-walls, compaction and grading of road surface, laying of asphalt (binding
course and wearing course), e.t.c. However, each of these works require different
equipments/tools for it operation. For Sieve Analysis _ BS sieves, oven, digital balance, iron
brush, soft brush soil sample, e.t.c. For Atterberg's Limit Test _ wash bottle, spatula, laterite
sample, Casagrande's Liquid Limit device, glass base moisture cans, grooving tool, towel,
oven, shrinkage mould, e.t.c. For Soil Compaction Test _ proctor/standard mould, digital
balance, 2.5g or 4.5g rammer, mould's collar or extension, laterite sample, measuring
cylinder, moisture cans, oven e.t.c. For CBR Test _ CBR mould, CBR Testing Machine, split
saucer, mould's collar or extension, digital balance, e.t.c. For Concrete Compression Test _
compression testing machine, cured cubes, e.t.c. For Slump Test _ slump cone, slump
baseplate, tamping rod, hand trowel, concrete sample, e.t.c. Insitu-Density Test _ sand-
pouring-cylinder, T-rod, hammer,iron hollow squared tray, soft brush, chisels, digital
balance, plastic container, e.t.c. For Surveying (Levelling) work _ level, tripod, vertical staff,
reflector total station, pegs, e.t.c.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENT
DECLARATION ………………………………………………………………….…….… i
CERTIFICATION …………………………………………………………………..……. i
DEDICATION ………………………………………………………………………..…... ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ………………………………………………………….…… iii
SUMMARY ………………………………………………………………… iv
CHAPTER I

1.1 Introduction to SIWES …………………………………………….…... 1

1.2 Roles of ITF ………………………………………………………......... 1
1.3 Scope and Importance of SIWES ……………………………………... 2
1.4 Roles of Student and Institution .…………………………………….... 2

CHAPTER II
2.1 General Overview of Organization of Attachment ………………...…. 3
2.2 Organizational Chart ………………………………………………..….. 3
2.3 Different Department and their Functions …………………………..... 3
CHAPTER III
3.1 Activities during SIWES (IT) Exercises ……………………………….. 5
3.2 Tasks Performed and Tools/Equipment Used ……………………....…. 5
CHAPTER IV
4.1 Challenges Faced during SIWES programme …….………………….. 19
4.2 Ways of Improving SIWES Programme ……………………………… 19
CHAPTER V
5.1 Conclusion ………………………………………..................................... 20
5.2 Recommendation ……………………………………………………….. 20

v
 CHAPTER ONE

1.1. INTRODUCTION TO SIWES

The students industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) is a skill development program
initiated by the industrial training fund (ITF), in 1973 to bridge the gap between theory and
practice among students of engineering and technology in institution of higher learning in
Nigeria. It provides for on-the-job practical experience for student as they are exposed to
work methods and technique in handling equipment and machinery that may not be available
in their institutions.

At inception in 1974, the scheme started with 784 students from 11 institutions and 104
eligible courses. By 2008, 210,390 students from 2019 institutions participated in the scheme
over 112 eligible courses.

However, the rapid growth and expansion of SIWES, has occurred against the backdrop of
successive economic crises which have affected the smooth operation and administration of
the scheme. Most industries in Nigeria today, are operating below installed capacity while
others are completely shut down. This has impacted negatively on the scheme as institution
of higher learning find it increasingly difficult to source placement for students in industries
where they could acquire the much-needed practical experience.

1.2. THE ROLES OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (ITF)

This agency is to:
1. Formulate policies and guidelines on SIWES for distribution to all the SIWES participating
bodies;
2. Provide logistic material needed to administer the scheme;
3. Organise orientation programmes for students prior to attachment;
4. Provide information on companies for attachment and assist in industrial placement of
students;
5. Supervise students on Industrial attachment;
6. Accept and process Master and Placement lists from institutions and supervising agencies;
7. Vet and process students’ logbooks and ITF Form 8.

1.3. SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF SIWES

These include;

1
1. Provides the avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to gain industrial skills
and experiences in their course of study.

2. Prepare the students for the industrial work situation they’re likely to meet after
graduation.

3. Expose students to work method and techniques in handling equipment and machinery that
may not be available in their institutions.

4. Make the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance students’ contact
for later job placement.

5. Provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in actual work situations,
bridging the gap between theory and practice.

6. Enlist and strengthen employers’ involvement in the entire educational process and prepare
students for employment after graduation.

1.4.1. THE ROLES OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

The educational institution are expected to prepare their students for industrial attachment
orientation program immediately before commencement of attachments: pay adequate and
regular visits to students during attachment with a view to providing effective supervision
and guidance; and examine students practical assignment and sign their logbook during such
visits by the institution-based supervisor. They are also expected to submit return of
disbursement of funds in received in respect of SIWES to the ITF, complete and return to the
ITF at end of the program evaluation form (ITF FORM 8) in respect of all students who
participated in the scheme.

1.4.2. THE ROLES OF STUDENTS

The number role of student is to attend the institution's SIWES Orientation programme before
going for Industrial Attachment. As for students on attachment, they are expected to; comply
with the employer's rules and regulations, keep standard logbooks where they record all
training activities and other assignment before submitting it to the ITF for approval.

2
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF HENSEK INTEGRATED SERVICES LIMITED

Hensek Integrated Services is an indigenous construction company founded in Akwa Ibom

State, Nigeria. They specialize in highway construction and maintenance and structures. They
constructed the outstanding Ring Road lll extending from Nwaniba road to Nung Uko
junction, Ring road Il, Airport road extensions among others. Furthermore, they are
constructing church cathedral at Oko Ita, amongst others. In addition, they are constructing
water retaining wall (swimming pool) at Akwa Ibom State old stadium. Hensek Integrated
Services Limited is a private construction company founded by the father of the Managing
Director (MD)/CEO of the company who is Engr. Uwem Okoko. The company is made up of
different departments/sections such as finance, engineering, purchasing, project and human
resources/administration. Fortunately, most of the construction projects handled by Hensek
Integrated Services Limited are designed, and constructed by the company's workers (both
employed and contracted). As a growing construction company, machines/equipments used
for construction work are rented and/or company's machines/equipments. They have well
equipped laboratory where they carryout test on materials such as test on soil _ CBR Test,
Soil Compaction, test on concrete _ Concrete Compression Test, Slump Test, test on Gravel _
Aggregate Crushing Value Test, test on Asphalt _ Asphalt Test, e.t.c.

2.2. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF THE COMPANY

MD/CEO

Finance Engineering Purchasing Project Human Resources/Admin.

2.3. DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

There are five main department in HENSEK INTEGRATED SERVICES LIMITED, these
include;

1. Financial department: The financial department is responsible for the management of

the company’s cash flow and ensuring that there are sufficient funds available to meet
the day to day payments.
2. Project management department: This department is responsible for the overall
coordination and management of the construction project. They work with the other

3
 departments to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the
required quality standards.
3. Human resources/Administrative department: This department is responsible for
managing the construction company’s employees. They handle hiring, firing, and
payroll. They also work with the other departments to ensure that the construction
company’s employees are properly trained and that they are working in a safe
environment.
4. Purchasing department: Purchasing department’s main role is purchasing and supplies
of materials used in the projects and company daily needs. They need to compare
among different suppliers and finding the items with correct prices and qualities.
5. Engineering department: In general, the engineering department is responsible for the
planning and designing of the construction project. This includes conducting surveys,
engaging in research, supervising site work, analyzing results, planning the
construction and supporting all technical issues during the project.

4
 CHAPTER THREE

3.1. ACTIVITIES DURING SIWES (IT) EXERCISE

This report aims at summarizing and presenting the daily practical skills acquired during the
training period. The theoretical skill learned from school served as a solid foundation. Some
of the skills built upon are, site work and the conduction of various laboratory tests used for
mainly road construction work with their prescribed test standards which are stated in the
table below. All of the above mention tests are discussed fully in detail below in this report.

TEST REFERENCE
In situ density BS 1377 PART 9
Soil Compaction Test BS 1377 : PART 4 : 1990
California bearing ratio test BS 1377 : PART 4 : 1990
Atterberg’s limit test BS 1377 : PART 2 : 1990
Sieve Analysis BS 812 (1975)
Compressive strength test
Slump Test

3.1.2 SCOPE OF THE REPORT

The objective of this report is to present in precise details, the various activities carried out at
HENSEK INTEGRATED SERVICES Material Testing Laboratory/ Quality Control from
January, 2022 to June 2022. This report also explains the general theoretical background
knowledge acquired about the various aspects of Geotechnical Engineering while undergoing
the SIWES program and also explains the interpretation of the test results from the
laboratory.

3.2. BASIC THEORY OF WORK DONE

During my internship program I was exposed to several geotechnical techniques, several of

which I will discuss in details. During my internship program soil specimen were taken from
several borrow pits, which includes; Ndon Ebom borrow pit, Nung Ikono Ufok borrow pit,
ukat Nsit borrow pit, Mbiokporoko borrow pits, e.t.c., for the construction of Ring Road III
and Airport Extensions, e.t.c. All these soil samples were excavated with an excavator at
varying depths for the construction of the road project. Sub soil investigation was already
carried out as of the time I witnessed the construction of Ring Road III. This was done to
5
obtain information about the subsurface condition at the proposed site. Subsoil investigation
involves the study of the underlying soil material below existing ground level in terms of
strength, texture, all these makes up the engineering properties of the soil. For the study of
the engineering properties of the soil. Geotechnical investigation test method were used,
which are divided into;

 Field (in situ) test

 Laboratory test

The field test I witnessed and participated in was the in-situ density test, using sand
replacement method, and asphalt laying (binding and wearing courses) using total station and
levelling equipment. While the laboratory test, I witnessed and participated includes; Soil
Compaction test, CBR test, sieve analysis, Atterberg’s limit test, compressive strength test
and slump test.

FIELD (IN SITU) TEST

3.2.1. IN-SITU DENSITY TEST

Field density test is a test carried out on site on the sub base, subgrade and stone base layer.
Density is defined as the mass of the soil per unit of volume. This is dependent on the density
of the solid constituents, the porosity of the aggregate, and the degree of saturation. Field
density test is important because it helps to determine the relative compaction carried out on
site on a material. There are several methods for the determination of in-situ density of soils.
They include: core-cutter method, sand replacement method, rubber balloon method, and heavy
oil method. For this section and for the purpose of this report, the sand replacement method is
considered. The basic principle of sand replacement method is to determine the volume of the
hole from which the material was excavated from the weight of sand with known density filling
in the hole. The in-situ density of the material is given by the weight of the excavated material
divided by the in-situ volume. During the execution of this test, it is important to note some materials
such as calibrated sand and absorbent (calcium carbide powered), are needed to be prepared in the
laboratory before site test is carried out. The calibrated sand (sharp sand that is being washed) and
dried to have a minimal moisture content. The sand retained on 300µm sieve size is used for the test,
with the bulk density of the sand calculated and also the weight of sand in cone known. The calcium
carbide used for the speed dial should be passed through 425µm Sieve. The equipment used for
carrying out the in-situ density test includes: Calibrated sand, Sand pouring cylinder, Moisture

6
container, Digital scale balance, Speedy moisture tester, Hammer, Chisel, Spoon, soft brush, closed
container, hollow-squared tray and pegs.

3.2.1.1. The procedures involved is as follow

Identify the chainages in which the test would be carried out. Place the tray with hole on a flat
leveled surface, with the aid of a hammer and four steel pegs, the tray is firmly fixed into its
desired location. The diameter of the hole of the tray is approximately 100mm and the size off
the tee rod is 100mm by 150mm. with the help of a hammer, chisel, tee rod and scoop. The
desired surface is dug and transferred to the air tight bucket, to avoid moisture from escaping
out. It is very crucial to note that during the digging process if a different layer of soil is reached,
before the depth of the tee rod digging should stop. The layers are not meant to mix up during
the test. The excavated soil from the hole is weighed on a balance and recorded, and it is denoted
as WET SOIL FROM HOLE. The calibrated Sand is then poured into the cylinder to the
desired quantity and weighed. The weight is recorded and denoted as SAND BEFORE
POURING. The cylinder containing the sand is placed is then placed gently at the center of the
dug hole, while the tray has already been taken off. The shutter of the cylinder is then released,
and the calibrated sand is allowed freely without any obstruction into the hole. Once it is noticed
that the hole is filled with the calibrated sand, the shutter is locked and the weight of the
remaining calibrated sand is taken and noted as SAND AFTER POURING. The moisture
content is determined with the help of a speedy moisture tester, and it is noted as MOISTURE
CONTENT. The test is kept on carried out alternating from the left hand, to the center line and
right-hand side with reasonable intervals.

Fig.1: Equipment for Insitu-Density Test.

7
Mathematically to compute the specified density, we use the listed-out equations.
Before proceeding on the calculations there are certain values which were determined and
considered as constant values which includes;

Sand Bulk density, which was determined to be 1.3g/cm3

Sand in cone, which was determined to be 400g

The above was determined in the laboratory, before commencement of work on site.

SAND IN HOLE + CONE = (SAND BEFORE POURING) – (SAND AFTER POURING)

equation 3.1

SAND IN HOLE = (SAND IN HOLE + CONE) – (SAND IN CONE) equation 3.2

𝑆𝐴𝑁𝐷 𝐵𝑈𝐿𝐾 𝐷𝐸𝑁𝑆𝐼𝑇𝑌 × 𝑊𝐸𝑇 𝑆𝑂𝐼𝐿 𝐹𝑅𝑂𝑀 𝐻𝑂𝐿𝐸

WET DENSITY = …….. equation 3.3
𝑆𝐴𝑁𝐷 𝐼𝑁 𝐻𝑂𝐿𝐸

𝑊𝐸𝑇 𝐷𝐸𝑁𝑆𝐼𝑇𝑌
DRY DENSITY = 100 + 𝑀𝑂𝐼𝑆𝑇𝑈𝑅𝐸 × 100 ……….. equation 3.4
𝐶𝑂𝑁𝑇𝐸𝑁𝑇

𝐷𝑅𝑌 𝐷𝐸𝑁𝑆𝐼𝑇𝑌
SPECIFIED DENSITY = × 100 ……….. equation 3.5
𝑀𝐷𝐷

MDD here is referred to as maximum dry density. This is gotten from the compaction test
carried out in laboratory.

The value of the MDD and moisture content serves as a control / guide in carrying out the test
on site. It is of the essence to note that the amount of compaction is adequate, you must have
100% and above as the result of your SPECIFIED DENSITY.

3.2.2. ASPHALT INSTALLATION

3.2.2.1. Introduction

Asphalt is a flexible pavement mostly in road surface. They are different varieties of asphalt
available. There are three main types of asphalt: Hot Asphalt, MC Cold Mix, and UPM. For
the purpose of this report, it's only hot asphalt that will be discussed.

1. Hot Asphalt is the type of asphalt that we mostly see when driving past a construction crew.
Use mostly for paving and patching, Hot Asphalt, as its name suggest, is easiest to work with
when the temperature of the asphalt is high.

3.2.2.2 Installation

8
After, the required surface preparation, below is the procedures for installation of asphalt;

1. Spreading/laying of asphalt: Asphalt material is spreaded/layed on the prepared road

surface by a paver machine. The width and thickness which the asphalt material is
spreaded/layed is mechanically controlled. Note, in maintenance area, patches and other
sections where the paver could not access, asphalt truck or wheelbarrow poured/layed the
material directly there followed by manual spreading using spade and iron rake.

Fig. 2: Pictures of asphalt's machines and installation.

2. Compaction and Rolling and Temperature checking: Immediately after laying of

asphalt, infra-red thermometer is used to check temperature for compaction and Rolling.
Initial compaction; the temperature for initial compaction using steeled drum machine
varies between 80 and 95 degree Celsius as recommended by the MD. Note, the compaction
(with vibration) of joints section followed immediately after laying. Rolling; after initial
compaction, the compacted surface is rolled at temperature range of 60 to 75 degree Celsius
using Pneumatic tyred roller. Final compaction; after rolling with tyred roller, final
compaction is carried out at temperature below 60 degree Celsius using steeled drum. Note
that the temperatures are checked using infrared thermometer. note that laying thickness was
7cm and finally compacted to 5cm thickness, based on the specifications. Finally, note that
liquids such as water and diesel are sprayed on the machines inorder to prevent the asphalt
material from sticking to the machines. For example water is sprayed on the steeled drum and
both water and diesel on the tyred roller

LABORATORY TEST

3.2.3. COMPACTION TEST

Compaction is defined as the densification of the soil by removal of air voids through the use
of mechanical energy. Compaction can also be said to be a laboratory method of determining

9
the optimum moisture content at which a given soil type will become most dense (heavy) and
achieve its maximum dry density, compaction is usually carried out in layers, well graded soil
tend to be compacted better than poorly graded soil. The degree of compaction is measured by
its dry unit weight and depends on the water content and compaction effort (weight of rammer,
number of blows).

Fig. 3: Picture of a soil compaction test

There are numerous reason compaction is carried out on site, a few would be highlighted
Bearing capacity and stability are increased, permeability is decreased. For the purpose of the
project two methods of compaction were used which includes; the British Standard method and
West African Standard Method (WASC).
For the WASC method, compaction was carried out in 5 layers, with 27 blows, and the weight
of the rammer 4.5kg was used for a subgrade material while for the BS method, compaction
was carried out in 3 layers, with 62 blows, and the weight of the rammer 2.5kg and used for a
sub-base material. A graph of maximum dry density against optimum moisture content is
usually plotted to determine their values. The maximum dry density is finally obtained from
the peak point of the compaction curve and its corresponding moisture content, also known as
out optimal moisture content. The equipment in carrying out the compaction test includes:
Compaction mould, Rammer, Detachable base plate, Collar, Oven, weighing balance, Straight
edge, Spatula, Graduated jar, Mixing tools, spoon, trowel etc.

3.2.3.1 The procedures for carrying out compaction test is as follows;

Take about 6kg of the lateritic material and weigh it. Clean and dry the mould and base plate,
grease them properly. Weigh the mould without the collar and record it, and calculate the
volume of the mould. Pour the measured sample into a large tray and brake all the lumps
thoroughly. Add water to it to bring the water content to about 4% of the weight of the sample
(240), mix the soil thoroughly with the measured water. Then divide the processed soil into 5
parts or 3 parts, depending on the layers of compaction that would be carried out. Attach the
collar to the mould, place the mould on a solid base. Take one part of the divided sample and

10
put into the in the mould. Compact the sample, depending on the standard of compaction (BS
standard or WASC), by giving it the required number of blows and the weight of the rammer
(2.5kg or 4.5kg). The blows of the rammer should be uniformly distributed over the surface of
each layer. After carrying out the compaction, the amount of soil used should be just sufficient
to fill the mould and leaving a little portion above the mould to be struck off when the collar is
removed. Remove the collar and trim off the excess soil, projecting above the t mould using a
straight edge. Clean the base plate and the mould from outside. Weigh it to the nearest gram.
Remove the soil from the mould, the soil may also be ejected using an extruder. Take the soil
sample for water content determination from the top can also be expressed as a percentage of
force per unit area required to penetrate a compacted soil mass. For the overall sight
investigations and construction of highways, airport runways, taxi ways etc. highway engineers
usually rely on CBR test values when selecting pavement and base thickness. Why CBR was
developed, was to ensure pavement could be economically constructed and still carrying
anticipated axial load

During the process of preparing to carry out the CBR test, it is of importance to note that there
two methods for carrying out CBR which includes. Soaked CBR and unsoaked CBR. For the
purpose of this report, emphasis would be placed more on soaked CBR. Unsoaked are usually
in areas where rainfall amount and the water table are both low and bottom. Determine the
water content, weighing the moisture can before putting them into an oven, and weighing it
after taken out from an oven. Repeat the entire process again, but now adding 2% of water
(from the original weight of the sample). Until the weight of the sample drops.

3.2.4. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR)

Fig. 4: Picture of an equipment for CBR Test

11
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is carried-out to evaluate the strength of a soil (sub-base,
Sub-grade, and lateritic base course).The harder the surface of the mould for penetration,
the higher the CBR value. During soaking, surcharge weights are placed on the sample. This
is to stimulate the weight of the pavement and the load above it. Soaking accounts for adverse
moisture conditions from which it shows the behavior of a material, under potential rainfall or
flooding. Some CBR test uses the soaked method, and as a result of this preparation, which
involves soaking in water totally for 48hrs (subgrade) and partially soaked in water for 24hrs
(subbase). Equipment used for carrying out CBR test includes; Loading machine, Compaction
mould with a collar, Detachable perforated base, Compaction rammer, Surcharge weight

3.2.4.1 The procedures for carrying out CBR is as follows;

Take about 5kg of the sample of soil specimen. Add water to the soil in the quantity such that
optimum moisture content is sufficient, mix the soil specimen with water thoroughly. Carry
out the necessary compaction on the soil specimen, depending on the method of compaction
used. Thereafter the compaction has been carried out. Depending on what the material is been
treated as (sub-base or subgrade). If the material is to be treated as a sub-base, it would be
soaked in water partially for 24hrs. Then if the material is to be treated as a subgrade, it would
be soaked in water fully for 48hrs. The specimen would be soaked in water for the required
number of hours, with a perforated base plate and a surcharge weight is being placed upon it.
Remove the base plate and allow the excess water to drain out. Position the mould on the testing
machine, the penetration plunger is brought in contact with the soil and the seating load is
applied so that contact between soil and plunger is established dial readings are adjust to zero.
Reading for top base plate and bottom base plate are taken.

3.2.4.2 Standard Load Values for CBR Test

The ring factor testing machine is noted. Here is the RF of the machine was taken to be 0.98

TABLE 3.1 SHOWS THE STANDARD LOAD VALUE AT VARIOUS PENETRATION

Penetration(mm) Standard load (KN)

2.5 13.24
5.0 19.96
(source: www.eurocode.us)

12
Mathematically to compute the CBR value we use the following equation.

𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 × 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟

CBR VALUE = × 100 ……… equation 3.6
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑

3.2.5. SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST

Sieve analysis, otherwise known as gradation test is an important test that is usually carried out
to determine the particle size distribution of a granular material by allowing the material to pass
through series of sieves of progressively smaller mesh size and weighing the amount of
material that is stopped by each sieve as a fraction of the whole mass. It can also said to be a
test that determines the distribution of aggregates particles by size within a given sample. Sieve
analysis can be performed on any non-organic or organic granular materials including sand,
crushed rock etc. After shaking the sieves vigorously, the sieves are arranged in order of
decreasing size from top to bottom. The materials retained are weighed on each sieve using;
the cumulative method, and fractional method. For the purpose of the report, fractional method
was adopted, here in fractional method, the operator weighs the content of each sieve fraction
separately, waiting to discard the material until the entire test is complete. The equipment used
for carrying out sieve analysis test includes: Test sieves, iron brushes, soft brush, oven, digital
balance, metallic tray.

Fig. 5: Arrangement of sieves for sieve analysis

The procedure for carrying out sieve analysis test includes:
Clean the sieves using a wire brush. Record the weight of the dry sample to be taken (600g).
Wash the sample through sieve 200, if it is a lateritic material to remove the silt and clay
content. Oven dry for about 24 hrs. at a temperature not more than 105c for about 16 to 24
hrs. Thereafter take the weight of the oven dried sample and record it. Arrange the sieves in
order as the smaller opening sieves to the last and larger openings sieve to the top. (simply,

13
arrange them to the ascending order of the sieve number) and pass the specimen through the
sieves.

Calculation
Each retained fraction is added, divide the cumulative mass by the total mass of the sample and
multiply by 100 to calculate percent passing by subtracting the percent retained on the sieve
nested beneath.

3.2.6. ATTERBERG’S LIMIT TEST

This test is also referred to consistency limit test. It measures the nature of fine-grained soil
sample. As water is added to a dry plastic soil, the remolded mixture will eventually have to
the characteristics of a liquid. Soil samples occur in four different states depending on the water
content of the soil: solid, semi-solid, plastic and liquid.
The consistency and behavior of each soil differs in each state and also its engineering
properties. The Atterberg limits can be used to distinguish between Silt and clay, and between
different types of silt and clays. The Atterberg limits are defined by liquid limit, shrinkage
limit, plastic limit and plasticity index. This test is usually carried out on lateritic soil samples.
The equipment used for carrying out Atterberg limit test includes: Casagrande liquid device,
grooving tool, moisture can, flat glass plate, spatula, palette knives, balance, electric oven ,
wash bottle,
3.2.6.1. Liquid Limit Test:

Fig. 6: Equipment for liquid limit test

Liquid limit (LL) is the minimum moisture content at which the soil changes from the liquid
state to a plastic state. Liquid limit can be determined using two methods which includes:
Casagrande cup method and cone penetrometer. This report would focus on the Casagrande
cup method, because it was the applied. In the Casagrande cup method, the soil paste is placed
in the Casagrande cup, and a groove is made at the center of it. The limit is defined as the

14
moisture content, in percent, required to close a distance of 0.5 inches along the bottom of a
groove after N blows in a liquid limit device. N stands for the number of blows. The maximum
number of blows is 40 blows.

3.2.6.2. The test procedure to find the liquid limit of soil consists of the following steps:

i. Clean and check the liquid limit device to see that it is in a good working order.
ii. Take a reasonable amount of specimen and break the lumps and pass it through 425 μm
sieve and transfer the specimen to the flat glass plate.
iii. Mix the specimen with distilled water to form a uniform paste.
iv. Take a portion of the paste in the cup (of the liquid limit device) above the spot where
the cup rests on the base, squeeze down, spread into position and level to a depth of 10
mm at point of maximum thickness.
v. Divide the soil in the cup by firmly running the grooving tool diametrically such that a
sharp groove is formed.
vi. Turn the crank at the rate of two revolutions per second until the two parts of the soil
come in contact with the bottom of the groove, and record the number of drops at which
it closes.
vii. Add a small quantity of soil from the evaporating dish, mix it thoroughly.
viii. Repeat the above steps until two consecutive runs give the same number of drops for
the closure of the groove.
ix. Take a representative slice of the soil sample, about the width of the spatula, at right
angles to the groove, including that portion of the groove in which the soil flowed
together, for water content determination.
x. Transfer the remaining soil to the evaporation dish and add more water or soil to change
the consistency of the paste.
xi. Thereafter from the representative portion taken earlier, weigh it and oven dry at
temperature of 105°C for about 24hrs.
3.2.6.3. Plastic Limit

The plastic limit is the water content at which a soil changes from the semi-solid to a plastic
state. The plastic limit test is performed by repeated rolling of an ellipsoidal-sized soil mass
by hand on a non-porous surface. Casagrande defined the plastic limit as the water content at
which a thread of soil just crumbles when it is carefully rolled out to a diameter of 3 mm
(1/8”). If the thread crumbles at diameter smaller than 3 mm, the soil is too wet. If the thread

15
crumbles at a diameter greater than 3 mm, the soil is drier than the plastic limit. The sample
can then be remoulded and the test repeated. Once the appropriate size rolls are made, their
moisture content is assessed using the procedure described previously.

The test procedures to find the plastic limit of a soil consist of the following steps:

i. Crush the sample with a morter and pistel after weighing the sample, and pass it through
425microns sieve.
ii. Mix the sample thoroughly with water on a glass plate till it becomes homogenous and
plastic enough to be shaped like a ball
iii. The ball shall be moulded between fingers and rolled between the palms, and then rolled
on the glass plate with light pressure, until the soil has dried sufficiently for slight cracks
to appear on its surface.
iv. The portion of the crumbled soil thread in step (iii) above were gathered together and
transferred immediately to the evaporating dish and put into an electric oven for 14 to
24 hours.

Mathematically, to determine the Plasticity Index (PI), Equation

PI = Liquid Limit – Plastic Limit

3.2.7. SLUMP TEST

Slump test is the most common test method used to measure the consistency of concrete which
can be employed either in laboratory or at site of work, it is also a method for measuring the
workability of concrete. It might interest you to know the difference between workability of
concrete and consistency of concrete. It will be further explained in details below.

Consistency is a general term to indicate the degree of fluidity of a concrete, while workability
of concrete means how concrete is easily laid, placed and compacted without any segregation.
It is of importance to note that workability is not the same for all types of concrete. There are
factors which affect the workability of concrete which includes; water content, mix
proportions, size of aggregate. There are majorly three types of slump which includes; true
slump, shear slump, and collapse slump. For the above-mentioned type of slump to occur, the
water-cement ratio affects mix greatly,

16
True slump: the concrete largely retains its cone shape, demonstrating that the mix cohesive
and its workability is too high.Shear slump: the top half of the concrete falls, leaning to one
side, meaning the mix has workability but low cohesion. The mix may have too much water
content and can be retested after being amended. Collapse slump: the mix does not retain its
shape at all and completely collapse. The means the water-cement ratio it too high and needs
to be fully amended. Equipment used for carrying out slump test includes: Slump cone, Steel
rod, Measuring tape/ ruler.

Fig. 7: Equipment for slump test

3.2.7.1. The procedures for carrying out slump test includes:

Place the cone the on a flat smooth horizontal surface and stand on the footholds of the cone,
on both sides, to ensure the cone is firm on the ground. Fill the cone in three layers, using the
steel tamping rod to tamp the concrete after each layer in an even, uniform manner (this should
be done 25 times per layer). Once the cone is filled, remove the excess concrete from the top
of the cone, making sure the concrete fills the cone exactly to the top level. Lift the cone
vertically, using a slow and steady motion until the cone is clear of the concrete. Place the cone
upside down on the surface next to the concrete. The concrete will slump, to measure the slump,
place the steel rod across the top of the upturned cone so it overhangs on the concrete. Finally
measure the rod down to the top of the slump.

3.2.8. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST

Concrete is one of the most widely used material for construction (building). Compressive
strength is initially checked by doing mix design to make sure the grade of concrete considered
in construction is achieved. This test is usually carried out to give an idea about the
characteristic strength of concrete, through this test it can be observed whether concreting has
been done properly or not. As stated earlier in the slump test section, there are factors which
affect compressive strength of concrete which includes; water-cement ratio, cement strength

17
etc. compressive strength can be defined as, the strength of concrete under compression load.
The pressure in terms of stress is measured to find the compression stress the visible cracks or
deflection. The equipment used for carrying out compressive strength test includes: mould and
testing machine.

Fig. 9: Compression Testing Machine and concrete cube mould

3.2.8.1. The procedures for carrying out the compressive strength test
includes:

The cube size used for testing was a 15cm x 15cm testing cube, concrete is cast into the cubes
in three layers, the three layer is compacted with 35 number of blows respectively. After 24
hours, the specimen is removed from the mould without damaging. The sample is then
submerged in water (cured) for the required number of days until there are taken for testing.
After the required number of days for curing, the samples are taken out and allowed to be dried.
The weight of the sample is measured, place the sample on the bearing plate of the machine.
Align the specimen properly on the plate with axis of loading. Record the maximum force from
the machine. Mathematically to determine the compressive strength of the cube, the following
equations are used.

Determine the volume (V). V = L X B X H

Determine the area (A). A= L X B

𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑒
Determine the Density (D). D = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑒

Record the failure load of the cube from the machine.

𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑒

To have the strength of the cube (N/mm2) = 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑒

18
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1. CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENT DURING SIWES’ PROGRAMME

Unfortunately, during my SIWES Programme, I faced some certain challenges in various

aspects. In the aspect of working schedule _ the working schedule set-out by the company for
the workers as well as the IT-Students was inconvenient as it did not give students time for
rest. In the aspect of health and safety _ the company did not provide Students with any safety
material, but they required studenti to put on safety_ materials. Also, they exposed Students to
adverse work without providing proper healthcare for the students. Finally, there was no
supervision from the school's lecturers as stated in the programme.

4.2. WAYS OF IMPROVING SIWES' PROGRAMME

SIWES' Programme can be improved through different ways such as proper supervision from
the school's lecturers in order to check the student's progress and works done by the student.
The programme should establish free/resting days, say weekends and it known to every
organization, company, e.t.c. for student on IT.

19
CHAPTER FIVE

5.1. CONCLUSION
My participation in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme [SIWES] has been of great
benefit as it has exposed me to different fields in Civil Engineering ranging from Geotechnical
Engineering to Road/Highway Engineering, Civil material testing and structural Engineering.
It has also given me the opportunity to witness the application of theoretical knowledge to real
life situation; thereby helping to bridge the gap between academic work and actual practice.
Though there were hitches during the period of my SIWES programme, nevertheless; it was a
worthwhile experience and continuity. Upon engaging in industrial training for six months, I
got the opportunity of acquainting myself with professionals who encouraged and help me meet
up with the day-to-day challenges of a typical Engineering environment

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

The future development and the production of technical manpower of every nation is
predicted on the quality and nature of training offered to her youths. Students’ Industrial
Experience Scheme is an accepted skill training programme aimed at bridging the gap
existing between theory and practical, as a matter of necessity it should be encouraged and
continued. This Scheme has provided a platform to expose and prepare students of tertiary
institutions for Industrial work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. It is
imperative to make the following suggestions that would help improve the scheme.

The policy of the programme should make it mandatory for oil servicing and other multi-
national companies not to reject students for seeking placement for industrial attachment in
their firms.
The payment of training stipend/allowance to students should not be prolonged so as to help
students during the course of the programme.

Finally, through the course of this programme, I have acquired practical knowledge through
the professionals that I have come in contact with in the field and has also helped me to boost
my confidence in the field.

20