A TECHNICAL REPORT
ON
STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)
UNDERTAKEN AT:
DEPARTMENT OF WORKS
IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
PREPARED BY:
BELLO Qudus Akande.
(CVE/2018/035)
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY,
ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE.
SUBMITED TO
THE SIWES CORDINATOR,
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR CVE 400
OCTOBER 2023.
Department of Civil Engineering,
Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife, Osun State.
18TH, October 2023.
The SIWES Coordinator,
Department of Civil Engineering,
Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife,
Osun State.
Dear Sir,
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of B.Sc. (Hons) in Civil Engineering and
in compliance with the requisition to prepare a detailed report on the student industrial work
experience (SIWES I) that was held at DEPARTMENT OF WORKS, IBADAN NORTH LOCAL
GOVERNMENT, OYO STATE from I subsequently have the pleasure of submitting this report.
Yours Faithfully,
…………………..
BELLO Qudus Akande.
(CVE/2018/035)
DEDICATION
I dedicate this report to Almighty God, who has been helping me and for the prosperous completion
of my SIWES program. I would additionally like to dedicate this report to my parents; Mr. and
Mrs. Bello, my siblings Taiwo and Uthman Bello.
I would also like to thank the director of works, Ibadan North Local Government for all the
hospitality shown to me.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Special thanks to Almighty God for allowing me to complete the SIWES program successfully. I
say thank you to my parents for their unrelenting support both morally and financially. I also want
to thank all the members of staff at the Department of Works, Ibadan North Local Government.
ABSTRACT
This report is a summary of the experience I acquired during my 12 weeks Students’ Industrial
Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Department of Work, Ibadan North Local Government
with highlights majorly in Civil Engineering and building construction. It gives enlightenment on
constructional methods, building processes and technique, giving a clear idea of the student
involvement in all operational activities carried out during the training under construction and
project management department of the company. It stated the problems encountered and gave
suggestions for improvement of the Nigeria construction companies.
The trainee was opportune to work on two different projects which are; Construction of a
(15x30x7) ft swimming pool and a Ring Culvert.
CONTENTS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL ENGINEERING
1.1.2 Branches of Civil Engineering
1.1.3 Employment Opportunities in Civil Engineering.
1.1.4 Future of Civil Engineering Construction
1.2 SIWES
1.2.1 Brief history of SIWES
1.2.2 Vision Statement
1.2.3 Mission Statement
1.2.4 Aim of SIWES
1.2.5 Objectives of SIWES
1.3 Company Profile
1.3.1 Organizational Address
1.3.2 Services Provide
CHAPTER TWO
TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS ACQUIRED
2.1 Background
2.2 CONSTRUCTION TERMS, PROCESSES, TECHNIQUES, AND EXPERIENCE ON
SITE
2.2.1 Setting out
2.2.2 Foundations
2.2.3 Batching
2.2.4 Construction of slab
2.2.5 Construction of a helical staircase
2.2.6 Building
CHAPTER THREE
4.1 SIWES CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
4.2 SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
4.1 CONCLUSION
4.2 RECOMMENDATION
REFERENCES
CHAPTER ONE
1.1
Introduction to Civil Engineering.
Civil Engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, construction and
maintenance of infrastructure and the built environment. It encompasses a wide range of projects,
including buildings, roads, dams, etc. Civil Engineering is important in ensuring the safety,
functionality and sustainability of structures. It is a dynamic and essential field that shapes the
world we live in.
According to Hansen and Zenobia in 2011, Civil engineering is a branch of the engineering
profession that deals with the study, planning, design, construction and maintenance of social,
commercial and industrial infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, drainages, airports,
runways, etc. for the sustenance of society.
1.1.2 Branches of Civil Engineering.
Civil Engineering is a diverse field with several branches or sub-discipline, each focusing on
specific aspects of the built environment and infrastructure. The main branches of Civil
Engineering are listed below:
1) Structural Engineering: This is concerned with designing walls, towers, bridge spans, dams,
or foundations. A knowledge of construction materials and methods is combined with analytical
techniques that determine how much weight or mass a structure is carrying, what forces it must
withstand (such as wind or water) and, in cases where an architect is involved, how best to
accomplish the architect’s vision.
2) Highway and Transportation Engineering: Transportation engineering has provided the
wealth of travelling options we enjoy today. Highway design is constantly being improved by
making roads safer, and, in urban areas, making plans for handling increased traffic. Transportation
engineers also oversee the design and construction of mass transit systems, such as subways, which
require tunnelling, railway construction, and research on commuting plans. A subspecialty within
transportation engineering is the pipeline engineer, who determines the movement of water, oil, or
gas through pipelines. In certain aspects, this field is comparable to highway design, with the
distinction that a liquid is being conveyed, rather than vehicles.
3) Environmental Engineering:
Environmental Engineering specializes in water and wastewater projects, land remediation,
aqueducts, and solid waste disposal. This field is currently one of the fastest growing of all
engineering specialties. Billions of dollars are being allocated for water and wastewater treatment,
for methods of processing solid waste, and for cleaning up hazardous waste dumping sites.
4) Water Resources Engineering: They perform the planning, design, construction, and
maintenance to keep supplies available. Dam design and construction, flood control, design and
construction of reservoirs and swamps, and straightening of waterways. Water is essential to our
lives, and as a water resource engineer, issues concerning the quality and quantity of water are
dealt with. The work is to prevent floods, to supply water for cities, industry, and irrigation, to
treat wastewater, to protect beaches, or to manage and redirect rivers as well as involvement in the
design, construction, or maintenance of hydroelectric power facilities, canals, dams, pipelines,
pumping stations, locks, or seaport facilities.
5) Geotechnical engineering: They help to determine the underlying rock strata and soil
conditions that affect roadways, water reservoirs, bridges, and buildings. Knowledge from the field
of geology, material science and testing, mechanics and hydraulics are applied by geotechnical
engineers to safely and economically design foundations, retaining walls and similar structures.
6) Construction engineer: This engineer works at the construction site, transforming blueprints
and drawings into concrete and steel reality. Besides understanding the principles by which a
structure was designed, the construction engineer must manage the actual work. This can involve
elaborate scheduling and planning so that materials and workers are brought to the site to complete
their purpose in the proper order. Time pressures and an awareness of the financial elements of a
project are constant objectives.
1.1.3. Employment Opportunities in Civil Engineering.
Civil Engineers have a wide range of career options to choose from. Civil Engineers can work with
construction companies, manufacturing companies, power companies, and with consulting
engineering firms. Many opportunities for civil Engineering employment exists in cities, countries,
states, and federal government agencies.
The international markets are flooded with job opportunities for civil engineers. The work these
engineers are required to do sometimes is not confined to indoors, often they spend time at
construction sites to monitor the operations and solve project related problems. They work fulltime and at times they work extra hours to ensure the project requirements are met.
1.1.4. Future of Civil Engineering.
The future of civil engineering is characterized by sustainability, innovation and adaptability. Civil
Engineers will continue to be at the forefront of shaping the physical world, addressing challenges
of an evolving society and creating a more sustainable environment. More and more engineers will
be needed for managing and rebuilding projects such as roads, dams and other buildings. There is
going to be high competition in the market so if a civil engineer wishes to grab market
opportunities, he or she should have the best education.
1.2.
SIWES
Students Industrial Work-experience Scheme (SIWES) is one of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)
program which was introduced in 1974 due to the inability of engineering and technology students
in Nigerian universities and polytechnics to meet the practical aspects of their training. That is, the
need to enable students to match their theoretical school knowledge with the practical aspect of
their training in industry. SIWES is an initiative that allows students to gain hands-on experience
in their chosen field of study. It typically takes place during their academic program. Students are
assigned to various organizations or industries relevant to their area of study, where they work and
learn alongside professionals. This practical exposure helps them develop important skills,
enhance their understanding of the industry, and bridge the gap between theory and practical
application. It's a valuable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge, build professional
networks, and prepare for their future careers.
1.2.1. Brief History of SIWES
In recognition of the shortcomings and weakness in the formation of SET graduates, particularly
with respect to acquisition of relevant production skills (RPSs), the Industrial Training Fund
(which was itself established in 1971 by decree 47) initiated the students’ Industrial Workexperience Scheme (SIWES) in 1973. The scheme was designed to expose students to the
industrial environment and enable them to develop occupational competencies so that they can
readily contribute their quota to national economic and technological development after
graduation. Consequently, SIWES is a planned and structured program based on stated and specific
career objectives which are geared toward developing the occupational competencies of
participants.
Despite the challenges faced by SIWES in the four decades of its existence, the Scheme has not
only raised consciousness and increased awareness about the need for training of SET students,
but has also helped in the formation of skilled and competent indigenous manpower which has
been manning and managing the technological resources and industrial sectors of the economy.
Participation in SIWES has become a necessary condition for the award of degrees and diplomas
to SET students graduating from higher institutions in Nigeria. It is therefore, not in doubt that
SIWES is veritable means or tool for National Economic Development.
The main thrust of ITF programs and services is to stimulate human performance, improve
productivity and induce value-added production in industry and commerce. Through its SIWES
and vocational and apprentice training programs, the Fund also builds capacity for graduates and
youth self-employment, in the context of Small-Scale Industrialization, in the economy.
The Industrial Training Fund is a grade ‘A’ parastatal operating under the aegis of the Federal
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It has been operating for 42 years as a specialist
agency that promotes and encourages the acquisition of industrial and commercial skills required
for national economic development.
1.2.2 Vision Statement:
To set and regulate standards and offer direct training intervention in industrial and commercial
skills training and development, using a corps of highly competent and professional staff, modern
techniques and technology.
1.2.3 Aim of SIWES
The effort is aimed at helping/training students in the Nigerian tertiary institutions the practical
aspect of their field of study by exposing students to machines and equipment, professional work
methods and ways of safeguarding the work areas and workers in industries and other
organizations.
1.2.4 Objectives of SIWES
The Industrial Training Fund’s policy Document No. 1 of 1973 which established SIWES
outlined the objectives of the scheme. The objectives are to:
1) It provides an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial skills
and experience during their course of study.
2) It exposes Students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery that
may not be available in their institutions.
3) It makes the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhances students’ contact
for later job placements and a chance to evaluate companies for which they might wish to work.
4) It provides students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge in real work
and industrial situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
5) The program teaches the students how to interact effectively with other workers and supervisors
under various conditions in the organization.
1.3
Company Profile
1.3.1 Orrganization Address
1.3.2 Service Provided
CHAPTER TWO
TECHNICAL AND SKILLS ACQUIRED
2.1
Background.
I started my SIWES program at the Ibadan North Local Government on the 10th of July 2023 and
completed the program on the 21st of September 2023. I was opportune to participate in the
construction of a residential pool and also the construction of a ring culvert all in Ibadan. I worked
with Engineers, Surveyors and artisans on site.
2.2
Construction Terms, Terminologies and Processes Experienced on Site.
The Construction techniques and terms described in this report involve the various methods of
construction carried out in the course of building construction. While onsite, certain terms were
used during the construction. These terms could be referred to as technical terms or site terms or
language being used by the site workers. As a Civil Engineer, adequate knowledge of these terms
must be paid attention to in order communicate effectively with the workers. Below are some site
terms and definitions used on site.
2.2.1. Setting Out: Setting out is bringing the dimensions from a plan to the real situation. The
activity consists of establishing the exact location and measurements of the project to be built.
parts. Also, it establishes the building’s correct extent, angle and level.
2.2.2. Excavation: Excavation is the process of removing earth to form a cavity in the ground.
A common method of classifying excavation is by the type of material being excavated:
Topsoil Excavation
This involves the removal of the exposed layer of the earth's surface, including any vegetation or
decaying matter which could make the soil compressible and therefore unsuitable for bearing
structural load. The depth will vary from site to site, but is usually in a range of 150-300 mm.
Earth Excavation
This involves the removal of the layer of soil directly beneath the topsoil. The removed material
(referred to as 'spoil') is often stockpiled and used to construct embarkments and foundations.
Rock excavation
This is the removal of material that cannot be excavated without using special excavation
methods such as drilling (by hand or with heavy machinery or blasting with explosives.
Muck excavation
This is the removal of excessively wet material and soil that is unsuitable for stockpiling.
Unclassified excavation
This is the removal of a combination of the above materials, such as where it is difficult to
distinguish between the materials encountered.
Figure 1:Excavator for digging.
2.2.2. Foundation: It provides support for structures, transferring their load to layers of soil or
rock that have sufficient bearing capacity and suitable settlement characteristics. Very broadly,
foundations can be categorized as shallow foundations or deep foundations.
I. Shallow foundations are typically used where the loads imposed by a structure are low
relative to the bearing capacity of the surface soils.
II. Deep foundations are necessary where the bearing capacity of the surface soils is not
adequate to support the loads imposed by a structure and so they need to be transferred to deeper
layers with higher bearing capacity.
Types of Foundation
Strip foundations are a type of shallow foundation that are used to provide a
continuous, level (or sometimes stepped) strip of support to a linear structure such as a wall
or closely spaced rows of columns built centrally above them. They are particularly suited
to light structural loadings such as those found in many low-rise or medium-rise domestic
buildings.
Pad foundations are a form of spread foundation formed by rectangular, square,
or sometimes circular concrete ‘pads’ that support localized single-point loads such as
structural columns, groups of columns or framed structures. This load is then spread by the
pad to the bearing layer of soil or rock below.
2.3.
Preparation Formwork.
The formwork is the frame for the concrete slab. For measurements, approved building plans were
consulted to ensure the formwork is set up correctly. Following the process of laying the formwork
correctly, preparation of formwork must follow established building standards and guidelines. The
formwork needs to be erected correctly so that it can withstand the pressure from concrete, not
leak, allow people to work and walk on it, support equipment and machines and not contain defects
in construction.
2.4.
Reinforcements Installation.
Reinforcement prevents the concrete from cracking, buckling and caving in when load is placed
on it by improving the tensile strength of the concrete and making it more durable. Normally, there
are two types of reinforcement bars provided in the construction of reinforced concrete. They are
the main and distributed bar.
2.5.
Casting.
Site practice during concrete placement has much importance in achieving the design target as
well as durable concrete. Rebar was well cleaned to remove the dusts with the wire brush as well
unwanted materials inside the formwork. While pouring concrete, the concrete was compacted and
leveled simultaneously before reaching its initial setting time. Once the concrete is poured,
concrete should be compacted and then cured.
2.6
Compaction.
Compaction is a process of increasing soil density and removing air, usually by mechanical means.
The size of the individual soil particles does not change, neither is water removed. Purposefully,
compaction is intended to improve the strength and stiffness of soil. Compaction can be applied to
improve the properties of an existing soil or in the process of placing fill. The main objective of
Compaction is too:
1. Increase shear strength and bearing capacity
2. Increase stiffness and therefore reduce future settlement
3. Decrease voids ratio and so permeability, thus reducing potential frost heave.
2.7.
Curing of Concrete.
Curing of Concrete is a method by which the concrete is protected against loss of moisture required
for hydration and kept within the recommended temperature range. Curing will increase the
strength and decrease the permeability of hardened concrete. A curing practice involves keeping
the concrete damp or moist until the hydration of concrete is complete and strength is attained.
Curing of concrete begin soon after initial setting time of concrete or after formwork is removed
and continue for the period of 28 days.
Methods Used in Curing Concrete
Depending upon the site constraints, type of structure and other material parameters, different
methods of curing adopted at the site are water curing and membrane curing.
1. Water curing
Water curing prevents the loss of water from the concrete surface by uninterrupted wetting of the
exposed surface of concrete. It’s done by spraying or sprinkling water or curing agents over the
concrete surface to ensure that the concrete surface is continuously moist. Moisture from the body
of concrete is retained from evaporating and contributes to the strength-gain of concrete
2. Membrane Curing
Membrane curing lessens moisture loss from the concrete surface by wrapping it with an
impermeable membrane. These are sprayed over fresh concreting (stamped floor) to create an
impermeable membrane which reduces the loss of wetness from the concrete.
2.8.
Brief Process Involved in Construction of a Pool.
Construction of a swimming pool can be summarized into an eight-step procedure. Which are:
I. Selection of location and design.
II. Excavation of earth.
III. Construction of pool base.
IV. Steel cage reinforcement.
V. Pump and filter system construction.
VI. Concreting.
VII.
Water proofing the swimming pool.
VIII.
Construction of coping.
Selection of Location and Design.
The design of the swimming pool is the first step for pool construction. Choose a design
suitable for the given land or choose a land area to accommodate a design already planned.
The design of the swimming pool mainly involves the shape, depth, area of the pool, the
filtration system, and overall size.
The location selected for the pool must be ideal for facilitating regular maintenance. It is
recommended to choose a flat terrain, which can help in large cost reduction for excavation
and filling process. Land far away from trees helps to avoid pools filled with leaves. The
orientation of the swimming pool is best when constructed facing the sun.
Excavation of Earth.
Once the design and location to construct the swimming pool is fixed, the next procedure is to
excavate the area to prepare for construction. It is conducted by marking the perimeter of the
swimming pool using wooden stakes. To accurately locate the area of the swimming pool, extend
a tread along the perimeter. Then, we use a backhoe (or any earth removing equipment) to remove
the earth within the perimeter. Always make sure the area enclosed and nearby does not have any
drainage, electric line or water line crossing. We then dig the area, taking into consideration the
space that is occupied by the swimming pool floor. The dimension of cutting the soil is accurately
followed as per the design plan in hand. It can help to get a pool as per desired dimensions.
Construction of Pool Base.
Construction of the pool base is one of the essential phases that influences the life of the
swimming pool. The excavation is conducted so that the bottom face becomes flat and uniform.
If the site has loose soil, then it must be filled and compacted with firm soil.
Compaction can be performed by natural soil or by using gravel. Use aggregates of size
between 12 to 40 mm to compact and prepare the base. After adequate filling of compact
materials, the base must be compacted with respect to the terrain. Do compaction using a roller
or similar equipment based on the area of compaction.
Once the pool base is compacted correctly, pour a small layer of cleaning concrete to the
bottom. The thickness of the concrete layer is generally 5 cm.
Always provide the pool base with a pool gradient or slope for easy emptying of water to the
filter system. The slope selected must be such that it does not affect the balance of the
swimmers. A maximum gradient of 1 in 40 is recommended for a pool that is used by children
and non-swimmers. Efficient emptying requires a grade of 1 in 80(As per British and Euro
Codes)
Steel Cage Reinforcement.
Once the excavation of the pool walls and the preparation of the base is finished, the next step
is to provide steel reinforcement for the pool wall and the bottom. Here, the shotcrete procedure
is followed in which a single steel cage reinforcement is provided throughout the interior
surface of the swimming pool. In guniting or shotcrete procedure, the concrete structure is
constructed in one piece without any gap between the wall and the floor.
After providing steel reinforcement, place the essential plumbing lines, drainage lines, etc.
within the cage arrangement. The provision for stairs on the sides is also as per the design.
Pump and Filter System Construction.
A filter system and pump, together, are arranged on a large tank, either made of concrete,
metal, etc. Before concreting, the plumb lines are provided to take water from the swimming
pool to the filter system and back to the swimming pool.
The filter system and pump are also connected to the municipal water line to take fresh water
to the pool. The arrangement is necessary to replace the water lost from the pool due to
splashing out or evaporation.
Shotcreting.
Perform the shotcreting or guniting of walls and floors by a concrete of standard mix. Use
special tools to shape the surface as per the design. After finishing the concrete, it must be
cured twice a day for 14 days.
Generally, the thickness of the concrete base and walls of the pool determines the durability.
More the thickness, less is its exposure to fissures and cracks. Generally, the thickness of the
bottom of the pool is provided greater than the walls. For safety, a standard pool shell requires
a minimum thickness of 6 inches, excluding the plaster.
Among the construction methods (Using formwork and shotcrete), the most optimal option is
the construction by shotcreting. This method develops a monolithic structure that holds the
force better. In the formwork method, walls and floor have a gap which has chances to get
separated. Providing more thickness to the formwork can help to avoid this problem.
Waterproofing the Pool.
The most popular ways to waterproof concrete pools are by using tiles, glass, ceramic, or use
of epoxy-cement system or any waterproofing membrane. The selection of the waterproofing
method is performed based on the water table level of the area and moisture conditions of the
soils. The waterproofing of walls and floors is done to make it watertight.
Construction of Coping.
Coping is the walking room provided around the pool’s edge. It can be made either by concrete,
marble, tile, or stone. Always wait for two to three days after the construction of coping to fill
the pool.
CHAPTER THREE
3.1.
SIWES CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED.
I. Finding a SIWES placement wasn’t easy. I submitted my placement letter to many firms and
many of them simply did not respond to them.
II. There were a lot of fluctuations in the price of materials.
III. I wasn’t opportune to learn about the use of civil engineering software.
IV. Some of the artisans were very difficult to communicate with.
3.2. SOLUTIONS TO SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
The government should make policies that will help control the fluctuations in the price of
materials. Construction firms should also try to take in more trainees. The artisans should be
sensitized on how to properly pass their knowledge to trainees.
CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSION
This report has been able to give an account of the entire work-experience gained during my
SIWES program at Ibadan North Local Government 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. My general relationship with people and also work ethics has
increased greatly. I therefore conclude that SIWES is of great benefit to students in tertiary
institutions. This implies that the proper and effective 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 a 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.
REFRENCES
https://www.understandconstruction.com/types-of-foundations.html
https://constructionhints.blogspot.com/2015/04/ring-pipe-culverts-construction-part-1.html
https://www.britannica.com/technology/civil-engineering
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/how-build-concrete-swimming-pool-pdf/40283/
https://www.siwes.itf.gov.ng/Identity/LandingPage/home
https://leverageedu.com/blog/types-of-civil-engineering/