A TECHNICAL REPORT

ON

STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

UNDERTAKEN AT

FEDERAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

26 JULIUS NYERERE CRESCENT, ASOKORO P.M.B. 101, GARKI, ABUJA FCT.

NIGERIA.

BY

OJIEGO, JOSEPH CHUKWUKASI

(15BC003986)

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LANDMARK UNIVERSITY, OMU-ARAN, KWARA STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ENGINNEERING

(B.ENG) IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

December, 2020
 DECLARATION

I, Ojiego, Joseph chukwukasi, hereby declare that this SIWES Report has been carried out by me

under the supervision of Dr. A.J Gana . It has not been presented for award of any degree in any

institution. All sources of information are specifically acknowledged by means of reference.

…………………… …………………….

Signature Date
 CERTICATION PAGE

This SIWES Report by Ojiego, Joseph Chukwukasi, meets the requirements governing the award of

the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Civil Engineering and is approved for its

contribution to knowledge and literary presentation.

……………………………………… ……………………..

Dr. A.J Gana Date

Supervisor

........................................................ ………………………

Engr. Daniel Oguntayo Date

Dept. SIWES Officer

........................................................ ………………………

Dr. A.J Gana Date

Head of Department
 DEDICATION

I dedicate the report to God Almighty for His Grace, favour and mercy over my life and for safety

throughout the course of my SIWES programme. I also dedicate this report to Tpl. Rakiya Sani, who

made it possible for me to work at Federal Housing Authority Nigeria, and to my amazing parents Mr.

& Mrs. Julian Ojiego and my siblings for their love and support. Also, to everyone else that

contributed immensely to a successful SIWES training.

 ACKNOWEDGEMENT

I am specifically thankful to God almighty for a successful completion of my SIWES programme and

for protecting and keeping me in good health up until this moment. I will also like to acknowledge my

parents Mr. & Mrs. Julian Ojiego for their love, support and words of encouragement. My sincere

appreciation also goes to the management and staff of Federal Housing Authority Nigeria for accepting

and giving me an excellent training experience.

I sincerely appreciate my Company’s Supervisor, Engr. A.S Suleman for his love, care, practical

enlightenment and words of encouragement.

I specially appreciate my level adviser, Engr. Atoyebi Olumoyewa Emmanuel for constantly checking

up, encouraging and advising us during the pandemic.

God bless you all.

\
 ABSTRACT

This Technical Report contains knowledgeable information on the six months Students’ Work

Experience Scheme (SIWES) which I undertook at Federal Housing Authority Mass housing project,

Zuba, Abuja. Working with the Engineering and Building team as an Intern has given me the

opportunity of getting a first-hand appreciation of Building Construction & Project Management

technology, learning its fundamentals, to work with various equipment used in Construction & Project

Management, and also acquiring skills in communicating with experts in the field. 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. Generally, I learnt how to read and

interpret the working drawings used in carrying out the construction, I was able to grasp adequate

knowledge and understanding regarding quality assurance and quality control in construction, I learnt

how WBS (Work Breakdown Schedule) helps in organizing what needs to be done in small packages

of activities, I learnt how to effectively carry-out the setting out of a building and supervise the

excavation works as well and finally, I learnt following due steps, the process of carrying-out Sub-

Structure and Super-Structure Construction from excavation to the third suspended floor level.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION i
CERTICATION PAGE ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
CHAPTER ONE 1
INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background Of ITF 1
1.2 Historical Background Of SIWES 2
1.3 Aim Of SIWES 2
1.4 Objectives Of SIWES 2
1.5 Importance of SIWES To Civil Engineering 3
1.6 History & Background of Federal Housing Authority Nigeria 4
1.7 Objectives of The Establishment 4
CHAPTER TWO 6
OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES 6
2.1 Introduction 6
2.2 Details of Activities Carried Out During the SIWES Period 6
2.2.1 Sub-Structural Works (Foundation) 6
2.2.1.1 Site Clearance and Preparation 6
2.2.1.2 Setting Out 7
2.2.1.3 Excavation of Foundation 10
2.2.1.4 Blinding of Trenches and Column Bases 11
2.2.1.5 Reinforcement for Footings and Columns 12
2.2.1.6 Concrete Casting of Column Footings and Foundation 13
2.2.1.7 Construction of Rectangular Beam on Strip. (Ground Beams) 14
2.2.1.8 Placing of Form Work for Ground Beam 15
2.2.1.9 Casting of Ground Beams 16
2.2.1.10 Construction and Casting of Concrete Kickers 18
2.2.1.11 Column Formwork and Casting 18
 2.2.1.12 Curing of The Casted Columns and Block Work in The Sub-Structure Up to Plinth
Level. 19
2.2.1.13 Laterite Backfilling of The Interior and Exterior Parts of The Blockwork and
Trenches 20
2.2.1.14 Watering, Leveling and Compacting of The Bed in Three Layers 20
2.2.1.15 Installation of Service Pipes (Mechanical and Electrical Outlets) And Starters
Reinforcement for Staircase 20
2.2.1.16 Laying of Hardcore/Form-Work Round the Edges of The Walls 21
2.2.1.17 Laying of Damp Proof Membrane 21
2.2.1.18 Casting of Oversite Concrete (German Floor) 22
2.2.1.19 Laying of Sub-Soil Drainage (French Drain) 22
2.2.2 Super-Structural Works (Concrete Frame) 25
2.2.2.1 Construction and Casting of Ground Floor Columns 25
2.2.2.2 Construction and Casting of First Suspended Floor Slab, Beams and Staircase. 26
2.2.2.3 Construction and Casting of Suspended Slab Columns 29
2.2.2.4 Construction and Casting of Second and Third Suspended Floor Slab, Beams,
Columns and Staircase. 30
CHAPTER THREE 34
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED & PROBLEMS SOLVED 34
3.1 Problems Encountered 34
3.2 Problems Solved 34
CHAPTER FOUR 35
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION 35
4.1 Conclusion 35
4.2 Recommendation 35
REFERENCES 36
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIG 1. 1 : ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF FEDERAL HOUSING AUTHORITY NIGERIA 4

FIG 2. 1: MARKING OUT A PROFILE 7

FIG 2. 2: CHECKING STRUCTURAL DRAWING IN REFERENCE TO MARKED PROFILE 8

FIG 2. 3: FULLY SET OUT PROFILE 8

FIG 2. 5 : FULLY EXCAVATED FOUNDATION TRENCHES WITH COLUMN BASES 10

FIG 2. 9: REINFORCEMENT FOR GROUND BEAM 14

FIG 2. 11: CASTING OF GROUND BEAM 16

FIG 2. 12: VIBRATION OF ONGOING CASTING 17

FIG 2. 13: FORM WORK FOR CONCRETE KICKERS 18

FIG 2. 14: PLACED FORMWORK FOR FOUNDATION COLUMNS 19

FIG 2. 15: BLOCK WORK FOR SUB STRUCTURE 19

FIG 2. 16: HARDCORE FILL 21

FIG 2. 19: SECTION OF SUBSOIL DRAINAGE 24

FIG 2. 20: CONCRETE KICKERS 25

FIG 2. 21: PLACED METAL FORMWORK FOR GROUND FLOOR COLUMNS 26

FIG 2. 22: WOODEN PROPS SET UNDERNEATH THE BEAMS AND SLABS 27

FIG 2. 23: REINFORCEMENT FOR SLAB AND BEAMS 28

FIG 2. 24: CASTING OF FIRST SUSPENDED FLOOR SLAB 28

FIG 2. 25: CASTING OF FIRST SUSPENDED FLOOR SLAB 29

FIG 2. 26: CHECKING VERTICAL ALIGNMENT OF COLUMNS 30

FIG 2. 27: CASTING OF SECOND SUSPENDED FLOOR SLAB 31

FIG 2. 28: SEMI SELF LOADER TILTING CONCRETE MIXER 31

FIG 2. 29: CASTING OF THIRD SUSPENDED FLOOR SLAB 32

FIG 2. 30: FULLY CONSTRUCTED CONCRETE FRAME STRUCTURE 33

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a skills training program designed to

expose and prepare students of Universities, Polytechnics/Colleges of Technology/Colleges of

Agriculture and Colleges of Education for the industrial work situation they are likely to meet after

graduation. The scheme also affords students the opportunity of familiarizing and exposing themselves

to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that are usually not available in their

institutions. It is a cooperative industrial internship program that involves institutions of higher

learning, industries, the Federal Government of Nigeria, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and Nigerian

Universities Commission (NUC).

1.1 Background Of ITF

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) came into effect on October 8, 1971. The purpose of the Act was to

establish a fund (ITF) to be utilized to promote and encourage the acquisition of skills in industry or

commerce in Nigeria with a view to generating a pool of indigenous trained manpower sufficient to

meet the needs of the economy. The Industrial Training Fund has operated consistently and

painstakingly within the context of its enabling laws Decree 47 of 1971 as Amended in the 2011 ITF

ACT.

ITF begins as a Parastatal “B” in 1971, headed by a Director, the ITF became a Parastatal “A” in 1981,

with a Director-General as the Chief Executive under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry. The Fund

has a 13-member Governing Council and operates with 10 Departments and 4 Units at the

Headquarters, 38 Area Offices, 4 Skills Training Centers, and a Centre for Industrial Excellence.

The main thrust of ITF programmes 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 Programmes, the Fund also builds capacity for graduates and

youth self-employment, in the context of Small-Scale Industrialization, in the economy. As part of its
responsibilities, the ITF provides Direct Training, Vocational and Apprentice Training, Research and

Consultancy Service, Reimbursement of up to 50% Levy paid by employers of labour registered with

it, and administers the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). It also provides human

resource development information and training technology service to industry and commerce to

enhance their manpower capacity and in-house training delivery effort.

1.2 Historical Background Of SIWES

SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) is the program of industrial training for

Nigerian universities. The program was created to give students experience in addition to theoretical

learning. The industrial training policy was introduced by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1973

and this project was necessary to improve practical skills of students.

SIWES has become a necessary pre-condition for graduation. The program is working with disciplines

such as engineering, medical science, natural science, technology, agriculture, education,

environmental and applied science. It provides students the opportunity of being exposed and get

acquainted with handling equipment and machines which are usually not available in institutions.

1.3 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.

1.4 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:

 i. It provides an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial

skills and experience during their course of study.

ii. It exposes Students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery

that may not be available in their institutions.

iii. It makes the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance students’

contact for later job placements and a chance to evaluate companies for which the y

might wish to work.

iv. It provides students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge in real

work and industrial situations, there by bridging the gap between theory and practice.

v. The programme teaches the students on how to interact effectively with other workers and

supervisors under various conditions in the organization.

1.5 Importance of SIWES To Civil Engineering

1. It exposes students to more practical work methods and techniques in civil

engineering.

2. It provides students in civil engineering with an opportunity to apply their theoretical

knowledge to real life situations.

3. It enables students in civil engineering to gain experience in handling equipment and

machineries.

4. It provides an environment whereby students in civil engineering can develop their

creativity and interpersonal skills through software design techniques.

5. It is one of the requirements for the award of Bachelors of Science Degree (B.Sc.) in

Civil Engineering.
1.6 History & Background of Federal Housing Authority Nigeria
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), a wholly owned agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria,

was established vide Decree 40 of 1973 revised as CAP 136 Laws of the Federation 1990 and now

CAP F14 Laws of the Federation 2004. The Authority is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works

and Housing. The Authority exists as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal.

1.7 Objectives of The Establishment

Under enabling law, the federal housing authority is charged with:

i. Preparation and submission to government, from time to time, proposals for National Housing

Programs.

ii. Execution of such housing programs as may be approved by Government

iii. Development and management of real estate on both commercial and profitable bases in all

states of the Federation.

iv. Provision of site and services scheme for the benefits of all income groups.

v. Making recommendations to Government on such aspects of urban and regional planning,

electricity, transportation, sewage and water supply as may be relevant to the execution of

approved housing programs.

 MANAGING
DIRECTOR/CEO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (HOUSING
FINANCE/ACCOUNTING
(BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT)
AND
COORPERATESERVICE)

GM
GM GM
(CONSTRUCTION), GM GM
(HP) , (PRE PROJECTS),
(PROPERTY (F&A) (CS)
(P&ZC) (QUALITY CONTROL)
MANAGEMENT)

Fig 1. 1 : Organizational Chart of Federal Housing Authority Nigeria

 CHAPTER TWO

OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
2.1 Introduction
Federal Housing Authority is an organization that has the capacity of several fields of study, ranging

from Civil Engineering, Building Technology (Builders), Architecture, Mechanical Engineers, and

several others, all united with the aim and purpose of executing brilliantly and professionally

construction works of different categories.

During this period of SIWES training, I was opportune to work with one of their Engineering and

building teams who were executing a project awarded by the Federal Government to construct mass

residential buildings, ranging from one-bedroom blocks of 16 flats, two-bedroom blocks of 8 flats and

three-bedroom blocks of 8 flats (all 4-storeys) in Zuba, a sub-urban part of the Federal Capital

Territory. Being a member of the team, I and other intern students under the supervision of the

professionals and staff of the F.H.A.’s Engineering and building team in Zuba were assigned tasks to

at least 2 students per building, with the aim of supervising the construction processes and also in the

course of the construction learn the several stages and procedures in carrying-out the construction

projects. This Designation was not permanent, but we were interchanged from time to time to broaden

our knowledge on the different projects at hand and also learn alternatives depending on the structure

in the different projects.

2.2 Details of Activities Carried Out During the SIWES Period

In the course of my six (6) months of SIWES training, I was privileged to have partaken in the

construction of a one-bedroom block of 16 flats, starting from the sub-structure to the third floor of the

super-structure. Below are the Summarized details.

2.2.1 Sub-Structural Works (Foundation)

2.2.1.1 Site Clearance and Preparation
This is the First thing that was done before setting out the Building. Site clearance involves removing

machinery and hazardous substances from a site, as well as leveling and preparing land for any
planned construction or landscaping. It consists of the removal and disposal of all bushes, trees,

existing fences and loose boulders as well as the grass within the top soil.

2.2.1.2 Setting Out

Setting Out is the process of transferring details from the working drawings to the ground. It

establishes the location points for boundaries, foundations, columns, center-lines of walls and other

necessary structural parts. Also, it establishes the building's correct extent, angle and level. Setting out

is carried in order to accurately define the outline and width of the excavation and to determine the

center line of the proposed building walls, so that construction according to the building professionals’

drawings (the architectural plan) can be transfer into the ground.

To perform the setting out, I was opportune to watch carefully with instructions and detailed

descriptions from the site Engineer, materials used in carrying out the task and the method of setting

out employed.

After getting all the materials readily available we went on to establishing a temporary bench-mark

(TBM) which is a fixed point with a known elevation, usually ground floor level. Then we proceeded

to establishing the building layout of which we use the Engineers’ or Builders’ square method to get

the outline of the building.

For the building layout, which was a rectangle, the outline of the building was marked from the

temporary bench-mark by a line tied to corner posts of wooden pegs with a nail on top of each post to

link the lines together. Then taking the measurements accurately of the edges, we use a Builder’s

square to turn off 90-degree angles for the remaining corners. The posts are usually 50 x 50 mm timber

(wooden) posts driven firmly into the ground using a mallet, then a nail is drilled to the post’s center.

Although I was taught that, where the outline of a building is more complex than the usual rectangle, it

may be necessary to establish a range of points in the same way as for laying out a simple rectangle.
The next step we took was to set up the profiles. After getting the building layout (using 4 wooden

pegs in the ground to establish the outside of our excavations), the profiles were set up at a 1000mm

(1m) away from our layout, while we made sure that all the extensions are same and accurate. Wooden

pegs were used to form all the extensions with distance of 3m (3000mm) intervals and then thin

plywood (tie rods) were nailed to the top of the pegs linking all together to form a rectangle.

Then, using nails we extended and plumbed lines to and fro the profiles cutting vertically and

horizontally across the profile, after which we Established each partition and room’s measurement by

nails (you require five nails at each measurement, two to establish the two sides of block you are going

to place later on then the other two at both ends to serve as the points where you will excavate and then

one to mark the center of the walls. The width of the excavation is usually three times the width of the

block you are using that is if you are using a 9“block then expect to excavate or dig a trench of 27”

wide.
Fig 2. 1: Marking out a profile
Fig 2. 2: Checking structural drawing in reference to marked profile

Fig 2. 3: Fully Set out Profile

2.2.1.3 Excavation of Foundation
Excavation is simply digging out the marked-out portion (or line) of the building as measured on the

profile in accordance to the plan. Excavation depth varies according to the requirements of the

foundation as showed in the structural drawing details.

The excavations were carried out manually by laborers using diggers, shovels/spades and

wheelbarrows.

After all inspections and approval from the leader of the Engineering / building team and his team

members, we proceeded to commence the excavations of the trenches according to the structural plan,

and with me supervising the digging of the trenches, I was tasked to ensure that the depth of 1.2m

(1200mm/4ft) and width of 0.7m (700m) was achieved evenly and levelled

Fig 2. 4: Excavation of Foundation Trenches

 Fig 2. 5 : Fully Excavated Foundation Trenches with Column Bases

After the excavation of the trenches, we removed the lines and nailed new lines to mark out the

position for column bases. And then from the actual trench depth of 1.2m, the excavation was extended

by 0.3m down for spaces of column bases. The image above shows the full excavation of both the wall

trenches and the column bases.

2.2.1.4 Blinding of Trenches and Column Bases

Proceeding, the trenches and column bases were casted with a 50mm concrete mix termed “Blinding”

to serve as a surface for the placement of reinforcements for column footings.

 Fig 2. 6: Mixing of Concrete for Blinding

2.2.1.5 Reinforcement for Footings and Columns

After we finished the concrete blinding, artisans (iron benders) prepared and bended steel

reinforcements into different measurements as specified in the bar schedule; into Column footings

baskets (Baskets as they called it on the site) and column shafts.

The diameters of the reinforcements mostly used were Y20 for both the column and the footings and

Y10 for the stirrups.

Then we proceeded to placing the reinforcements into their corresponding positions from the structural

plan to the trenches and column bases.

 Fig 2. 7: Placing of column bases and starter columns

After placing the reinforcements, using the positions on the profile for the columns, we extended lines

and carefully plumed and tied the reinforcements using binding wires and 10mm iron rods to hold the

reinforcements in place in preparation for the concrete casting of the foundation. The tool used for

pluming the reinforcements was a Spirit Level.

2.2.1.6 Concrete Casting of Column Footings and Foundation

After a proper Quality Control check from the team leader and his members alongside their approval,

we commenced the concrete casting of the foundation and column footings using concrete grade M15

and a mix of ratio 1:2:4 (2 heads-pans of cement, 4 head-pans of fine aggregate, 8 head-pans of coarse

aggregate).The concrete mixing was done using a Concrete mixer.

 Fig 2. 8: Casting of Column Base and Trenches
After casting, the concrete was cured for a period of 4-7 days to attain full strength.

2.2.1.7 Construction of Rectangular Beam on Strip. (Ground Beams)

Rectangular beam strips consist of rectangular reinforced ground beams which are designed to be of

sufficient width to reduce the bearing pressures on the sub-strata to an acceptable value. The Ground

beams were constructed according to the specifications given in the drawing throughout the building

along all wall positions. The purpose of this was to transmit the load to the ground beams instead of

the load directly on the foundation.

 Fig 2. 9: Reinforcement for Ground beam

The reinforcement used here was Y20 and Y10(for stirrups). The depth of the ground beam used was

600mm.

2.2.1.8 Placing of Form Work for Ground Beam

After artisans (iron benders) had finished placing / tying the ground beam, it was inspected by

supervision team and was giving approval for placing of form work. Veneer boards were used as the

form work for the ground beams. It was constructed to have a depth of 600mm and a width of 230mm

by artisans (carpenters). It was Braced both internally and externally to prevent movement of form

work during casting.

 Fig 2. 10: Formwork for Ground Beam

2.2.1.9 Casting of Ground Beams

After a proper Quality Control check from the team leader and his members alongside their approval,

we commenced the concrete casting of the foundation ground beams using concrete grade M15 and a

mix of ratio 1:2:4 (2 heads-pans of cement, 4 head-pans of fine aggregate, 8 head-pans of coarse

aggregate).The concrete mixing was done using a Concrete mixer. During casting, the concrete was

vibrated properly to ensure voids removed and prevent the formation of honey combs.

After casting, the form work was removed and the concrete was cured for a period of 4-7 days to attain

full strength.
 Fig 2. 11: Casting of Ground Beam

Fig 2. 12: Vibration of ongoing casting

2.2.1.10 Construction and Casting of Concrete Kickers
A Concrete Kicker is a 5-15cm step that is provided at the Column wall Base during the casting of the

slab/ foundation. It is provided to ensure that the coordinates of the column/ wall are maintained

uniformly between the slabs and essentially throughout the structure. Its purpose is to avoid uneven

steel cover and column wall alignment issues which are almost impossible to rectify once the concrete

is casted. The kickers were formed at each column and was casted to have the same strength or more

as the column concrete coming on top.

Fig 2. 13: Form Work for Concrete Kickers

2.2.1.11 Column Formwork and Casting

Columns form work consists of a vertical mold of the desired shape and size of the column to be

poured. In carrying out the form work for the columns in the sub-structure we made use of Steel Form

work (Metal Panels). Most of the Columns were Double Columns i.e. 450mm by 225mm conjoined.
Although in carrying out the form work for the columns in the sub-structure we made use of Steel

Form work. After all necessary alignments and bracing with due inspection and approval, we

proceeded to the concrete casting of the columns using the same concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4. Proper

Vibration was carried out.

Fig 2. 14: Placed Formwork for foundation Columns

2.2.1.12 Curing of The Casted Columns and Block Work in The Sub-Structure Up to Plinth Level.
Following the completion of the concrete casting of the columns, the form works were all dismantled

and were properly cured before the commencement of the blockwork.

 Fig 2. 15: Block work for Sub Structure

2.2.1.13 Laterite Backfilling of The Interior and Exterior Parts of The Blockwork and Trenches
Backfilling is the process of replacing or reusing the soil that is removed during building construction

to support and strengthen a structure’s foundation or any other structural member.

2.2.1.14 Watering, Leveling and Compacting of The Bed in Three Layers

When we successfully completed the backfilling process, a water tanker was brought and water was

pumped into the backfilled soil, so as to allow the soil settle properly and then compact the soil to

becoming more solid and firm in three consecutive layers.

2.2.1.15 Installation of Service Pipes (Mechanical and Electrical Outlets) And Starters Reinforcement
for Staircase
From there, the outlets for plumbing and electrical pipes and the reinforcement starters for the staircase

were all properly installed and then the soil around those areas all replaced and compacted.
2.2.1.16 Laying of Hardcore/Form-Work Round the Edges of The Walls
A 200mm thick layer of well compacted hardcore was placed on the compacted soil bed then, a

carpenter made form work round the edges of the entire external walls, in preparation for the concrete

casting of the German floor.

Fig 2. 16: Hardcore Fill

2.2.1.17 Laying of Damp Proof Membrane

The Damp Proof Membrane as confirmed in the course of my SIWES training, is a layer of polythene

placed on the hardcore layer /block lines to prevent the upward flow of moisture (water) through the

walls of the building or the building itself. When moisture or water flows upward into the walls of a

structure, it weakens the structure over time and could result to cracks or even structure failure.
2.2.1.18 Casting of Oversite Concrete (German Floor)
A concrete slab 150mm thick was done on the bed with the concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4.

Fig 2. 17: Casting of Oversite Concrete

2.2.1.19 Laying of Sub-Soil Drainage (French Drain)

The Location where the building was constructed had a challenge of excess water being stored both

underneath and above the soil during raining season. To prevent future failures, we had introduced a

subsoil drainage in order to redirect ground water from the perimeter of the foundation and then

channel it towards the closest drainage system, preventing the water from penetrating and damaging

the foundation. 6’ PVC Pipes were perforated all round as a means of taking water out of soil when

laid. The soil was excavated 600mm away from the column base and 450mm deep.
Fig 2. 18: Placing of Perforated Pipes
Fig 2. 19: Section of Subsoil Drainage
2.2.2 Super-Structural Works (Concrete Frame)
2.2.2.1 Construction and Casting of Ground Floor Columns
After proper curing of the Oversite Concrete (German Floor), kickers 50mm thick were constructed

and casted in alignment with the columns from the foundation. Steel reinforcements were tied to the

previous Columns then Form works were placed directly to the aligned concrete kickers and braced

properly. After all necessary alignments and bracing with due inspection and approval, we proceeded

to the concrete casting of the columns using the same concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4 (2 heads-pans of

cement, 4 head-pans of fine aggregate, 8 head-pans of coarse aggregate).Pr0oper Vibration was carried

out.

Fig 2. 20: Concrete Kickers

 Fig 2. 21: Placed Metal Formwork for Ground floor Columns

2.2.2.2 Construction and Casting of First Suspended Floor Slab, Beams and Staircase.
Construction of the first-floor begins with the Installation of the wooden formwork for both the slab

and the beams done by artisans (carpenters). The depth of beam ranges from 450mm to 600mm

according to the drawing specifications. Wooden runners were put evenly round the building and

supported under with wooden props(bamboos). Then the base of the form works was laid with marine

boards. DPM (Damp proof Membrane) was placed on the base of the formwork before reinforcement

work began. Artisans (Iron Benders) Began The reinforcement work according to the drawing

specifications. The based for the stair case during the flooring of the foundation is left open to serve as

the stair footing. A wooden frame work was constructed to guide the formation of the stair. The frame

work is constructed in a manner that the landing (at least 300m) and rise (150mm) of the stair are made

suitable movement without the threat if injury. Y12 steel bars are used in the Reinforcement frame

work for the stair. When The iron benders had laid their Beams and slab reinforcement, the

Mechanical and Electrical engineers came to place their service pipes and covered them to prevent

concrete from entering them. After a proper Quality Control check from the team leader and his
members alongside their approval, we commenced the concrete casting of the First floor Slab and

Beams using concrete grade M15 and a mix of ratio 1:2:4 (2 heads-pans of cement, 4 head-pans of

fine aggregate, 8 head-pans of coarse aggregate).The concrete mixing was done using a SEMI SELF

LOADER Concrete mixer. During casting, the Beams were vibrated properly to ensure all voids

removed and prevent the formation of honey combs.

Fig 2. 22: Wooden Props Set Underneath the Beams and Slabs
 Fig 2. 23: Reinforcement for Slab and Beams

Fig 2. 24: Casting of First Suspended Floor Slab

 Fig 2. 25: Casting of First Suspended Floor Slab

After casting, the form work was removed and the concrete was cured for a period of 4-7 days to attain

full strength.

2.2.2.3 Construction and Casting of Suspended Slab Columns

After proper curing of the Suspended Floor Slab, kickers 50mm thick were constructed and casted in

alignment with the columns from the Ground Floor. Steel reinforcements were tied to the previous

Columns then Form works were placed directly to the aligned concrete kickers and braced properly.

After all necessary alignments and bracing with due inspection and approval, we proceeded to the

concrete casting of the columns using the same concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4 (2 heads-pans of cement, 4

head-pans of fine aggregate, 8 head-pans of coarse aggregate).Proper Vibration was carried out.
 Fig 2. 26: Checking Vertical Alignment of columns

2.2.2.4 Construction and Casting of Second and Third Suspended Floor Slab, Beams, Columns and
Staircase.
The same process that took place in the construction of the first suspended floor slab reoccurred in the

construction of the second and third suspended floor Slab, Beams and Staircase.
Fig 2. 27: Casting of Second Suspended Floor Slab

Fig 2. 28: Semi Self Loader Tilting Concrete Mixer

Fig 2. 29: Casting of Third Suspended Floor Slab
Fig 2. 30: Fully Constructed Concrete Frame Structure
 CHAPTER THREE

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED & PROBLEMS SOLVED

3.1 Problems Encountered

During the time I spent at Federal Housing Authority, despite all productive efforts, still had several

challenges and problems I encountered during my industrial training. Listed below were the challenges

I encountered in the course of my SIWES program;

i. Due to long hours of transporting materials needed on site, there were days whereby petite

activities took place, thus limiting work progress on site.

ii. Also due to regular inspection and needed approval from the building team of the Federal

Housing Authority, work progress was greatly limited.

iii. On arrival I had a Difficulty in Reading Structural Drawings.

iv. Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak (Covid-19 Pandemic), I was unable to successfully complete

6 months of the SIWES program as all firms and Federal Government Organizations in the

Federal Capital Territory were asked to shut down to curb the spread of the virus, being that it

was amongst the states in Nigeria Affected by the virus. This occurred from 24 th of March and

so reduced my training time by over a month.

v. Breakdown of some machines which caused delay in some construction works.

3.2 Problems Solved

Providing solutions to some of the listed problems encountered, I took a step to fully understand and
interpret structural drawings using the internet and the engineers on site. During the pandemic, I took a
brief course on quantity survey that helped me learn more about estimation of items Which was a big
help to my assistant engineer when I returned from the pandemic.
 CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

4.1 Conclusion
This report has been able to break down the total experience gained by me during my SIWES program

at the Federal Housing Authority F.C.T. Abuja which is a core scheme in the Industrial Training

Fund (ITF) saddled with the responsibility of strengthening the effective teaching and learning of

skilled based courses such as Civil Engineering and several others. I believe that the knowledge and

practical experience gained during the course of this program would go a long way in supporting and

complementing further knowledge to be gained in my final year in school and future career. I therefore

conclude that SIWES is of great benefit to students in tertiary institutions because the proper and

effective administration of SIWES will go a long way in boosting and enhancing the competencies of

the workforce of the country.

4.2 Recommendation
i. All Organizations should always accept students for SIWES and subsequently assign them to

relevant jobs.

ii. Experienced staff should always be made to train the students on attachment

iii. There should be more funding of the scheme by the government in order for it to be more

effective.

iv. The companies should put in place all the necessary facilities needed to enhance the

knowledge of the student in industrial attachment.

v. Adequate facilities (and safety gears) should be made available for students during the

course of their SIWES programme.

vi. Policies should be put in place to make sure that students are treated well and not taken

advantage of during their SIWES program.

 REFERENCES

FHA, (2020), About Us- Federal Housing Authority Nigeria, [online] Available:

https://www.fha.gov.ng

SIWES Unit, (2020), SIWES- History, Objectives. [Online] Available:

https://www.funai.edu.ng

Aziza Nigeria, (2017), Industrial Training Fund- History, Objectives. [Online] Available:

https://www.aziza.com.ng