STUDENT LOGBOOK

STUDENT NAME: COMFORT KEFFA – DCE/16/PE/00

DEOARTMENT : Civil Engineering
ORGANISATION: Central Materials Laboratory (CML),
P/Bag 16, Blantyre 55, Malawi.

1ND WEEK

MONDAY (09/12/2019) Carried out Particle Size  The samples were first air
Distribution test for Einstein dried for 12 hours to
construction company at remove natural moisture
Kanjeza site  The samples were
quartered then riffled to
obtain a representative
samples of less than 2500g
 The representative samples
were then weighed and
placed in water for 12
hours. Then each sample
was passed through a
0.075mm sieve and
washed to remove silt and
clay materials from it.
 After sieving each sample
was drained off water,
placed in an evaporating
basin and put in oven at
105℃
 The samples were each
then sieved through sieves
of 20mm, 10mm, 4.75mm,
2.36mm, 600µm, .425µm,
300µm, 150µm and 75µm.
then each mass retained on
the sample was weighed
and recorded on a record
sheet for calculations.

TUESDAY Conducted Maximum Dry Soil sample was for Morocco

(10/12/2019) Density (MDD) test for Einstein street, Kanjedza site.

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construction Company

WEDNESDAY Collected Soil samples to test Samples were for Morocco,

(11/12/2019) field densities Einstein Liberia, Libya, and Guinea streets,
construction Company. Kanjedza site. These samples
were extracted using Sand
replacement and Core-Cutter to
determine field density.

THURSDAY Calculation of field density for This included calculation of

(12/12/2019) Einstein construction Company. Optimum moisture content, and
maximum dry density of Soil
samples collected on 06–11– 2019
at Kanjedza site.

FRIDAY (13/12/2019) Compression testing of concrete These cubes were for Namiwawa
cubes for Einstein Construction project and the objective was to
Company. find the maximum load they can
withstand and their densities.

Supervisor’s signature Student signature

……………………….. ………………….
Mrs Kachale Comfort keffa

2nd WEEK

MONDAY (16/12/2019) Conducted a test on plasticity Plasticity Index (PI) was

index (PI) for the soil sample calculated by going through
from Kanjedza site, Project by Atterberg Limits procedure,
Einstein Construction Liquid limit and Plastic Limit.
Company.

TUESDAY We looked at California Bearing The procedure followed was

(17/12/2019) Ratio (CBR), theoretically. according to BS 1377.

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Demonstration of the field This was just a preparation of the

procedure of Soil sample future activities. But during the
collection using Sand demonstration the procedure
replacement and Core-Cutter. followed was according to BS
1377.

Calculation of Plasticity Index These calculations were for the

(PI) test we carried out on 11–11-2019
on Samples from Kanjedza.

WEDNESDAY Calculation of Maximum Dry These calculations were for the

(18/12/2019) Density (MDD) and Optimum test which was carried out on 05-
Moisture Content (OMC) for 11-2019
Einstein construction company.

THURSDAY (HOLIDAY) This was due to Electricity fault at

(19/12/2019) our offices, since we rely on
electric Equipments in our day to
day activities.

FRIDAY (20/12/2019) Soil sample collection for Extraction of soil sample was
Einstein construction company done by Sand replacement and
at kanjedza site. Core-cutter.

Supervisor’s signature Student signature

………………………. ………………….
Mrs Kachale Comfort keffa
3rd WEEK
MONDAY (06/01/2020) We prepared Soil samples from The preparation was done by
Einstein construction company, methods of Quartering and
for Grading, PI, MDD, and Riffling. These samples were
CBR. from Charamanda and Kuweya
borrow pits. The procedure was
according to BS 1377.

TUESDAY We conducted Wet sieving and This was conducted on Soil

(07/01/2019) Utterberg Limits (LL and PL). samples prepared on 18-11-2019.

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Wet sieving was for Soil sample

from Chalamanda borrow pit.

WEDNESDAY Soil sample collection for The extraction was done using
(08/01/2020) Einstein construction company Sand replacement and Core-
at Kanjedza site. Cutter, according to BS 1377.

We determined Plasticity Index. We proceeded with the procedure

for the test of PI carried out on 19-
11-2019.

We conducted Wet sieving, and
Dry sieving and calculated the
percentage passing, percentage
retained and the cumulative
returned
Wet sieving was for Soil sample
from Kuweya borrow pit, and Dry
sieving and other calculations
were for Soil sample from
Kuweya borrow pit.

Conducted Maximum Dry This was for Soil samples

Density (MDD) test for the prepared on 18-11-2019. The
Einstein construction company. procedure was according to BS
1377.
THURSDAY We conducted the California This was for Soil samples
(09/01/2020) Bearing Ratio (CBR) test. prepared on 18-11-2019. The
procedure was according to BS
1377.

FRIDAY (10/01/2020) Conducted compressive tests for These concrete cubes were for
concrete cubes from Tadeco Utwe bridge in Mulanje. The idea
civil engineering company. was to determine the maximum
loads which these cubes could
withstand.

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Supervisor’s signature Student signature

……………………….. ………………….
Mrs Kachale Comfort keffa

5TH WEEK

MONDAY We weighed Sand using Collection of Soil samples using

(13/01/2020) Electric balance. Sand replacement we use 6 kgs of
Sand per hole, therefore this Sand
was preparation for following
sample collection.

Calculating the Soil bearing This was a paperwork for the tests
ratios, Soil maximum dry which were carried out on 20-11-
density, and recording the 2019 and 21-11-2019.
results into a summary sheet.

TUESDAY (HOLIDAY) This was due to Electricity fault

(14/01/2020) at our offices, since we rely on
electric Equipments in our day to
day activities we could not carry
on our activities on that day.

WEDNESDAY We prepared a Soil sample for This sample was brought by

(15/01/2020) Maximum dry density (MDD), Tadecco Civil Engineering
Plasticity Index (PI), and company, and was from Utwe

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Grading (Particle size bridge project in Mulanje. The

distribution). preparation was done by methods
of Quartering and Riffling.

We prepared a Soil sample for This sample was brought by

Maximum dry density (MDD),
Plasticity Index (PI), Grading
(Particle size distribution), and
California bearing ratio (CBR).
Einstein construction company,
and was from Mhuju borrow pit,
Kanjedza project. The preparation
was done by methods of
Quartering and Riffling.

Conducted a test for maximum This test was for the sample
dry density (MDD) for Tadeco which was prepared in the
Civil Engineering company. morning.

Soil sample collection to This sample was extracted by

determine field density for Sand replacement at Utwe bridge
Tadeco Civil Engineering project in Mulanje.
company.

THURSDAY Conducted Atterberg Limits For the Soil sample prepared on

(16/01/2020) (LL and PL) test for Tadeco 27-11-2019.
Civil Engineering company.

We conducted Wet sieving of These Soil samples were left in

Soil samples for Tadeco Civil oven at 105oc on 27-11-2019 after
Engineering company, and preparation.
Einstein construction company.

Conducted a test for maximum This test was for the sample
dry density (MDD) for Einstein which was prepared on 27-11-
construction company. 2019.

We calculated maximum dry This was a paperwork for the test

density (MDD) and Optimum of maximum dry density which
moisture content (OMC) for was carried out on 27-11-2019.
Tadeco Civil Engineering
company.

Conducted compression test for The cubes were for Zambia box
concrete cubes from Einstein culverts, Panama side walls,
construction company. Malaysia side walls, and Costa
Rica wing walls.

Weighing Soil samples and These samples were collected on

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Sand for Tadeco Civil 27-11-2019, at Utwe bridge

Engineering company. project by sand replacement to
determine field densities.

We prepared a sample for This sample was from Utwe

California bearing ratio for bridge project in Mulanje, and the
Tadeco Civil Engineering preparation was according to BS
company. 1377.

FRIDAY (17/01/2020) Conducted California bearing This is the sample which was
ratio test for Tadeco Civil prepared on 28-11-2019. The
Engineering company. procedure of the test was
according to BS 1377.

Conducted California bearing This is the sample which was

ratio test for Einstein prepared on 27-11-2019. The
construction company. procedure of the test was
according to BS 1377.

We calculated maximum dry This was a paperwork for the test

density (MDD) and Optimum of maximum dry density which
moisture content (OMC) for was carried out on 28-11-2019.
Einstein construction company.

Calculated Plasticity Index (PI) This is a paperwork for the test of

and the Shrinkage percentage Atterberg Limits conducted on
of Soil sample from Tadeco 28-11-2019.
Civil Engineering company.

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Supervisor’s signature Student signature

……………………….. ………………….
Mrs Kachale Comfort keffa
6TH WEEK

Monday(20-
01-2020)
Aggregate sample The sample was from Wisdom
preparation, for Grading. construction company.
Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) asses’
satisfactory resistance to crushing under
the roller during construction, and
adequate resistance to surface abrasion
under traffic.

TUESDAY Conducted Organic content Using some chemicals, we determined if

(21/01/2020) test in River from Wisdom the river sand was suitable for
construction company. construction. The results depends on the
colour of mixture. If the mixture turn
brownish in colour it means the material
contains organics, but if the mixture
remains clear in colour it means the
material is free from organics.

Collection of soil samples by These activities took place in Chilomoni,

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sand replacement, and construction site by DIKA construction

assessment of the effect of company.
compaction, using the
Dynamic Cone Penetration
(DCP).

WEDNESDA Determination of ACV for The sample from Wisdom construction.

Y (22/01/2020) the sample prepared on
(03/12/2019)
Calculated the bearing These values are for the test which was
values of soil sample from conducted on (29/11/2019)
Einstein construction.

Conducted a test to This is the sample collected from

determine the Maximum Chilomoni – Construction site by DIKA
Dry Density (MDD) construction company.

THURSDAY Preparation of SSBs for Soil stabilised bricks (SSB) are prepared
(23/01/2020) compression strength test, by oven drying for 24 hours.
and Testing the hollow
blocks for compression
strength from 14 trees
Company.

Calculations on CBR, DCP, All these calculations are for the previous
and Schmidt values. tests.

FRIDAY Conducted a compression The concrete cubes are from Einstein

(24/01/2020) strength test of SSBs construction company, Tahit networks,
prepared on (05/12/2019), and Victor vision construction (VVC)
and concrete cubes.
Soil sample collection. Using sand replacement we collected soil
samples from different streets at kanjedza
project site, for Einstein construction
company.

Supervisor’s signature Student signature

……………………….. ………………….

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Mrs Kachale Comfort KEFFA

7TH WEEK

MONDAY Sample collection by sand This sample is from Chilomoni Road

(27/01/2020) replacement to establish field construction project – DIKA
densities, and to determine the construction company.
Maximum Dry Density (MDD)
and Optimum Moisture
Content (OMC).

Tested concrete cubes for These are the remaining cubes from
compressive strength. (06/12/2019), since there were some
things which needed explanation from
the contractors.

Quarry preparation for grading Quarry is prepared for grading by oven

– Wisdom construction drying for 24 hours, to remove
company. moisture.

TUESDAY Carried out a test for Maximum This sample was collected on
(28/01/2020) Dry Density (MDD) and (09/12/2019) from Chilomoni.
Optimum Moisture Content
(OMC).

Calculating field densities and These field densities are for the sample
some calculations on MDD. collected on (09/12/2019).

Carried out a procedure for This sample was prepared on

particle size distribution (09/12/2019).
(grading) of Quarry from
Wisdom construction.

Compressive strength test of These cubes were from Tahit networks.

concrete cubes.
WEDNESDAY Elongation and Flakiness test These tests were to assess the suitability
(29/01/2020) for Quarry sample from of the aggregates for Road construction.
Wisdom construction company.
A lesson on Soundness test, and Soundness of the aggregates is how they
rate of water absorption for reacts with chemicals in contact.
aggregates.
THURSDAY Compressive strength test for Concrete cubes were from Einstein
(30/01/2020)

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concrete cubes and hollow construction and Hollow blocks were

blocks. from 14 trees company.

Preparing SSBs for compressive These SSBs are prepared by oven

strength test. drying for 24 hours.

FRIDAY Testing SSBs for compression These SSBs and results sheets were
(31/01/2020) strength, and creating results from 14 trees company.
sheets Hollow blocks and SSBs.

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Supervisor’s signature Student signature

………………………. ………………….
Mrs Kachale Comfort Keffa

8TH WEEK

MONDAY There was no electricity and no contractors

(03/02/2020) NO WORK

TUESDAY Repairing and preparing concrete cube moulds

(04/02/2020) GENERAL WORK for future works.

WEDNESDAY Compressive strength test The cubes were from Western construction.
(05/02/2020) of concrete cube.

THURSDAY There was no electricity and no contractors

(06/02/2020) NO WORK

FRIDAY There was no electricity and no contractors

(07/02/2020) NO WORK

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Supervisor’s signature Student signature

……………………….. ………………….
Mrs Kachale Comfort Keffa

9TH WEEK

MONDAY Conducted a test for compressive strength of cement cubes for Dika
(10/02/2020) construction

TUESDAY Concrete cubes casting The materials were from Western

(11/02/2020) Construction company.

WEDNESDAY Carried out a test for The material was from DIKA construction
(12/02/2020) Maximum Dry Density company.
(MDD)

Compression strength test These SSBs were made from core materials.
of SSBs from Prescane.

THURSDAY Conducted liquid limit test

(13/02/2020) and plastic limit test of
asample from must

Carried out CBR test for The moulds were left in controlled volume of
DIKA construction water to cool for 4 days.
company.

Sample (core material) This sample is from presscane and it’s tests
preparation for properties have not been identified yet.
testing.

FRIDAY Compression strength These were from DIKA construction

(14/02/2020) testing of concrete cubes company.

Carried a test on particle This material was prepared on (09/01/2020).

size distribution (Grading)
of sand from Presscane.

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Supervisor’s signature
………………………..
Mrs Kachale
WEEK 10
MONDAY (17/02/2020)
TUESDAY (18/02/2020)
WEDNEDAY (19/02/2020)
THURSDAY (20/02/2020)
FRIDAY (19/02/2020)
CENTRAL MATERIALS LABORATORY (CML)
We prepared a soil sample
for plastic limit (PI)
Continued with plastic limit
calculation
Carried a test on particle
size distribution (Grading)
of sand from Presscane.
PERSONAL PRACTISE
Student signature
………………….
Comfort Keffa
Calculation of moisture
content percent for both
liquid limit and plastic limit
Filling in the particle
distribution by sieve analysis
sheet
-Cumulative weight returned
(g)calculation
-Cumulative percentage
return calculation
-Total passing %calculation
Liquid limit
Plastic limit process
14
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MONDAY (17/02/2020)
TUESDAY (18/02/2020)
WEDNEDAY (19/02/2020)
THURSDAY (20/02/2020)
FRIDAY (19/02/2020)
Supervisor’s signature
………………………..
Mrs Kachale
CENTRAL MATERIALS LABORATORY (CML)
We prepared a soil sample
for plastic limit (PI)
Continued with plastic limit
calculation
Carried a test on particle
size distribution (Grading)
of sand from Presscane.
PERSONAL PRACTISE
Calculation of moisture
content percent for both
liquid limit and plastic limit
Filling in the particle
distribution by sieve analysis
sheet
-Cumulative weight returned
(g)calculation
-Cumulative percentage
return calculation
-Total passing %calculation
Liquid limit
Plastic limit process
Student signature
………………….
Comfort Keffa
15
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Supervisor’s signature Student signature

……………………….. ………………….
Mrs Kachale Comfort Keffa

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