CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This report is based on the knowledge acquired during my three months’ student industrial

work experience scheme (SIWES).

Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is an integral part of degree in

National Diploma program in the Higher Institutions of learning in Nigeria. The scheme

designed to bridge up the gap between the theory learning in the school and industrial

practical skill, which enhance self-reliance in the nation and consequently reduced

unemployment. It also prepares students to have courage and confident to meet and stand to

face the future challenges in their choosing career.

1.1 Background of Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)

Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is an accepted skills program, which

forms part of the approved academic standards in the degree programmed for Nigerian

Universities. In 1974, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced the national policy on

Industrial Training called the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). This

program is under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education through the Industrial Training

Fund (ITF). It was design to help students acquire the necessary practical experience in their

fields of study and other related professions.

This is an effort, which was created in order to bridge the existing gap between the theory

taught in the classroom and practice of science, agriculture, medicine, engineering,

technology and other professional programs in the Nigerian tertiary institutions. This

program is aimed at exposing the students to the use of various machines and equipment,

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professional work methods and ways of safeguarding the work areas in industries as well as

other organizations.

The program was established basically to impact elaborate practical understanding to students

with respect to their various disciplines. It also intended that the student through a process of

relation to academic knowledge and practical industrial application would understand the

underlying principles, become better focused and acquire the practical applications towards

excellence in his or her discipline.

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) program involves the student, the

Institution, and the industry. This training is funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria,

and jointly coordinated by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Universities

Commission (N.U.C), National Board of Technical Education (N.B.T.E), and National

Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

1.2 Aim and Objectives of SIWES

Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme aimed to provide an avenue for students in

institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial skills and experience in their approved

course of study and by interacting with people of more experience in the field under

consideration.

The specific objectives are, to:

1. Prepare students for the industrial work situation, which they are likely to meet after

graduation.

2. Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery

at are mostly not available in their various institutions.

3. Provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real world situation

thereby reducing the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical work.

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 4. Enlist and strengthen employers’ involvement in the entire educational process and

prepare students for employment in Industry and Commerce

1.3 Bodies involved in the Management of SIWES

The bodies involved in the management of SIWES are: Federal Government of Nigeria,

Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Other Supervising Agencies are: National University

Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) & National Council

for

Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The functions of these agencies above include among others to:

1. Ensure adequate funding of the SIWES scheme;

2. Establish SIWES and accredit SIWES unit in the approved institutions;

3. Vet and process students’ logbooks and forward it to ITF Area office;

4. Ensure payment of Allowances for the students and supervisors.

Therefore, the success or otherwise of the SIWES depends on the efficiency of the Ministries,

ITF, Institutions, Employers of labour and the general public involved in articulation and

management of the program. Thus, the evaluation of SIWES in tertiary institutions in

meeting up with the needs for the establishment of the program is necessary.

1.3.1 IMPORTANCE OF SIWES TO CIVIL ENGINEERING

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

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

knowledge to real life situations.

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

machineries

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

creativity and interpersonal skills through software design techniques.

5. It one of the requirement for the award of National Diploma (ND) in Civil

Engineering.

1.4 Brief History of Corns Nigeria Limited, Araromi-Obu

Corns Nigeria Limited, Araromi-Obu is a construction company which has been in existence

since 2015, located at araromi obu, Ondo state under the control and ownership of Engr

Alfred Oladipupo. The company work with public and private sector entieties to promote

sustainable economic development by combining industry-specific expertise with proven

technologies.

The company provides solutions that addresses client needs to reduce costs, improve quality

and ehance competitiveness, Corns Nigeria Limited, Araromi-Obu provide a full range of

services from feasibility studies through design and construction, supervision,cost planning,

monitoring, maintenance and training of our clients. We are also involved with building,

operating and transfer of project schemes.

The establishment has three members of staff because of the size and also SIWES and IT

students.

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1.5.Objectives of Corns Nigeria Limited, Araromi-Obu

The objectives of Corns Nigeria Limited, Araromi-Obu are:

i. Designing structure

ii. Constructing building

iii. Maintaining building

1.6 Organizational Structure of Corns Nigeria Limited, Araromi-Obu

Fig 1

Figure 1.1: Organizational Structure o Corns Nigeria Limited, Araromi-Obu

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 CHAPTER TWO

EXPERIENCE GAINED (SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED)

INTRODUCTION TO SITE MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERIES

In the process of my work experience program I was introduced to various materials,

equipment’s and machineries used in the construction and development of a building.

2.1 MATERIALS

Example of materials used in building construction is as follows;

Cement: This is a powdered substance that develops strong adhesive properties when

mixed with water. It is used in Block work, Plastering, Rendering and Concreting. The

establishment of Cement is achieved by burning a mixture of clay and chalk or limestone

in a kiln. A proportion of the raw materials in a definite proportion are converted into

liquid state by grinding, mixing and watering, termed Slurry. The slurry is then conveyed

through a set of pipes to rotary kiln which dry and burn the constituent in a high

temperature to form hard lumps.

This process changes the slurry to hard lumps called Clinker, which afterwards pass on

through a conveyor belt to the grinding mills for grinding to a fine powder in its final

process. During the final grinding, small quantity of gypsum of between 2 and 5% of the

whole materials is added to retard the setting time. Tests are usually carried out on the

finished product occasionally to ensure high quality.

This process is mainly on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) used for general purposes.

There are other types of cement made for special purposes, including Rapid Hardening

Portland Cement (RHPC), Sulphate resisting Portland cement and Low Heat Portland

Cement, Water repellent Portland Cement, and other varieties of cement such as; higher

alumina cement, quick setting cement, white cement and so on.

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 Reinforcement: Reinforcement is provided in concrete structures to enhance its tensile

strength. Therefore in all structural elements, the reinforcement is provided in the region

of the element that will be subjected to tension. Standard bar diameters ~ 6, 8, 10, 12, 16,

20, 25, 32 and 40 mm.

Aggregates: This consists of sand, ground crushed stone, pebbles, broken blocks and

similar such materials. Aggregates may either be light or heavy weight and also All-in-

Aggregates. Aggregates must be clean, structural sound, well graded, weather resistance

and inert in the presence of water.

Aggregates are of two types:

Fine Aggregate; this should be clean, sharp and passes through the sieve size of 4.5mm.

Coarse Aggregate; aggregate which consists largely of particles over 5mm in diameter.

This is usually gravel or crushed stones.

2.2 EQUIPMENTS

The following are examples of various tools used in construction;

Trowel: This is a flat metal blade fixed to a short handle used for the application,

jointing, smoothing and shaping of mortar in masonry. It is also used in the trimming of

block/bricks. Trowel sizes ranges from 225-350mm measuring from the blade.

Straight Edge: The kind of straight edge that was used on the construction site is an

Aluminum frame of about 2m in length. The straight edge is used to check the fairness of the

newly laid piece of a wall and to ensure that all the blocks are laid to the same level of each

course.

Iron Square: This is a hand tool of angle 90 which measures 600mm by 450mm long. It

is used for setting out walls at right angles to check for square nature of a section of work.

2.3 MACHINERIES

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The machineries that were used on site were brought into considerations so as to promote

high standards required particularly in the context of structural engineering works.

Machineries are used on site to eliminate heavy manual work thus reducing fatigue and as

a consequence increasing productivity. Such machineries that were used include;

Tilting Drum Concrete Mixer: This is a type of concrete mixer with a rotating hinged

drum in which the constituent materials are mixed thoroughly and can be tilted to enable

emptying. Choice of Mixer ~ the factors to be taken into consideration when selecting the

type of concrete mixer required are …

1. Maximum output required (m3/ hour).

2. Total output required (m3).

3. Type or method of transporting the mixed concrete.

4. Discharge height of mixer (compatibility with transporting method).

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Poker Vibrator: This consist of a hollow steel tube casing in which is a rotating impellor

which generates vibrations as its head comes into contact with the casing. It is immersed in

fresh concrete to provide compaction through gentle agitation

2.4 CONCRETING

This is generally referred to as Casting. It is a

process of working with freshly mixed concrete

especially the placing of concrete. Before the

establishment of the second floor some procedures where undertaken. Such procedures

include;

1. Material Supply and Storage: This is the receiving on site of the basic materials namely

cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate and storing them under satisfactory conditions.

Cement is supplied in bags form and was stored on racks to prevent moisture penetration from

the ground in a dry store free from draughts which can introduce moist air and cause air set of

the material. Cement should not be stored on the site for long period of time on site; therefore

provision should be made for rotational use so that the material being used comes from older

stock.

Aggregates were stored in a truck container together with the other equipment.

2. Batching: Before mixing was carried out, the ingredients have to be measured in their

correct proportion to enhance the quality of the concrete. Volume batching was used in this

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process with the aid of a head pan with a ratio of 1:5:7 and 1:3:6 and this was supervised by

the site engineer.

3. Mixing: The purpose of mixing is to coat the surfaces of Aggregate particles with cement

paste and to make it a uniform mass. The quality of mixture depends on the accuracy of

proportioning of the materials and the method of mixing. The method of mixing was carried

out mechanically through the use of a Tilting Drum concrete mixer.

4. Transportation: This involves the means of conveying concrete from the point of

mixing to the point of placement. The choice of transportation depends on the size and

complexity of the site, weather condition and the height of the placement of the concrete. The

mode of transportation used was the manual method with the use of head pans and labour. A

mason’s ladder made of both bamboo and timber was constructed to enhance vertical/inclined

movements.

5. Placing: Before the concrete was placed in the formwork, the inside of the formwork is

thoroughly cleaned and a release agent (lubricant) was applied after the formwork was blown

off of dust. The concrete was placed at a reasonable height of not more than 1m so as to avoid

the segregation of its component materials.

6. Compacting: The Compacting of freshly placed concrete is to make it a unit mass by

eliminating voids within it. The method and the type of compaction given to concrete depend

on the nature of work. Poker Vibrator was used for the compacting.

1. Curing: After the placing and compacting of the concrete it is allowed to sufficiently

harden for a day then the curing process comes in which involves the prevention of the

evaporation of moisture in the concrete. The concrete was watered for 7days with use of a

hose pipe connected to a tank. This was done to avoid shrinkage of the concrete and cause a

more pe rmanent and durable material produced.

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2.5 BLOCKWORK

The walling system was mostly carried out using sandcrete hollow blocks. The sizes of

blocks were used in respect to their functions. The 6 inches blocks were used mostly for

internal walls while the 9 inches blocks were used in load bearing areas and external

walling. The bonding process used in the union of these block is Stretcher Bond; which is

when the stretcher faces of the blocks appear on the front or rear elevation of the wall.

2.5.1 PROCEDURE FOR BLOCK WORKS

BUILD A SOLID BASE OR CONCRETE FOOTING

Block walls must be built on a solid base. Poured concrete footings for walls should be twice the

width of the wall, flush with the ground, and as deep as local

codes require. Building codes might also call for concrete

reinforcement.

[1] MAKE LINES

Set a block at each end of the footing and center the width of each block on the width of the

footing. Mark the edges of the block on the footing and snap chalk lines on the surface of the

footing. Make sure your chalk lines extend to the ends of the footing.

 [2] ESTABLISH THE CORNERS

Use your batter boards and mason’s lines to mark the corners of the wall on the footing. Drop a

plumb bob from the intersection of the lines and mark the footing clearly. Then snap a chalk line

between your marks. Check the corners for square using a 3-4-5 triangle or framing square, and

adjust as needed.

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 [3] MAKE A STORY POLE

A story pole helps you space the courses more quickly. To make one, cut a piece of straight 2×4

to the height of the finished wall. Then mark the courses on the board, separating them by 3/8

inch for mortar joints.

 [4] SPACE THE BLOCKS

Starting at one end of the footing with either an end block or half-corner block (depending on the

length of the wall), set blocks without mortar. Place the edges on the chalked lines, spacing them

with 3/8-inch-wide plywood. When you set the last block, snap perpendicular chalk lines to mark

the ends of the row.

[5] NAVIGATE THE CORNERS

If your wall turns a corner, establish the corner with your layout lines. Then start the second leg

of the trial run with a full corner block. Check the corner with a framing square. Lay out the rest

of the blocks along the chalk lines.

 [6] PREPARE THE CEMENT MORTAL

Take the bag of dried concrete and measure out one dosage. Look on the bag’s specifications for

the brand you choose. Prepare a container to mix the dried mortar with water. Use a five gallon

bucket that you don’t mind damaging.

 Never mix more mortar than you can use.

[7] APPLY MORTAL TO THE SIDE

Apply mortar to each side of the concrete block using your trowel. You’ll need to apply at least

an inch to each side. Once applied, position the stone in the desired location. Try to align the

corner to the string set up earlier.

 Don’t apply mortar to outer edge of the corner.

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  Try not to leave any gaps when applying mortar, or it’ll weaken the bond between the

blocks.

[8] CONTINUE TO LAY THE CONCRETE BLOCKS

Start laying blocks from the corner or edge of the wall so you can work in one direction.

 Apply mortar at the end of the block before you place the block adjacent to it.

 [9] CHECK THE ALIGNMENT

Before stacking more concrete blocks on top of your initial foundation, check if everything is

aligned. Use your mason’s level by laying it on the first set of blocks. Check both the outside and

center section of the bricks.

 Tap the blocks for any alignment adjustments while the mortar is still wet.

 Do not try to move a block after the concrete has set.

 Measure the length and height every two or three layers.

 [10] APPLY MORTAL TO THE TOP

Place the mortar 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and use the same width as the width of the block. You can

then spread the mortar so it covers the length of about 3 blocks in the direction that you are

laying the bricks.

  11,. STACK THE BLOCK

Lay the block down on top so the edge of the top block aligns with the halfway mark of the

bottom block. You’ll recognize the pattern as a standard among the construction sites. The top

block will fit in between two bottom blocks.

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 CHAPTER THREE

CONTRIBUTION TO CORNS NIGERIA LIMITED

The following are the major contribution to CORNS NIGERIA LIMITED

i. Data collections: I assisted in collecting data for ongoing projects

ii. Assisting the contractors in site .

iii. documentation: I helped in creating reports, preparing projects schedules, and

developing documentation for a projects

CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 Conclusion

The training exposed me to the fundamental procedures and knowledge in surveying and also

in civil engineering technology

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This industrial training also enlightened me more on theoretical aspect and practical aspect of

how to diagnosis patience

In conclusion, the industrial training has greatly changed my way of thinking and it has

transformed my career to be a better engineering student

PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TRAINING

I. The problem I encountered during my 14 weeks training at of CORNS NIGERIA

LIMITED, ARAROMI-OBU mainly centers on financial challenge.

II. Adapting to work environment and work schedule of the company.

III. Lack of motivation

4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the experience acquired and the training received during the SIWES programme, the

following recommendations suffices.

i. The students should have proper understanding of the goals and objectives of the

industrial training programme before embarking on it. Lack of direction and focus has made

many students to waste this precious opportunity.

ii. Students should set their priorities right, that is, do not seek for money at the expense of

knowledge.

iii. I recommend upcoming Civil Engineering Technology student to choose CORNS

NIGERIA LIMITED, ARAROMI-OBU as there SIWES placement because I guarantee you

100% Training and you we able to know all the practical aspect you need to know.

iv. Students should keep a journal or record of one’s experiences during the program

v. Students should pay attention to the work environment and observe how things are done

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 REFERENCES

1. Information and guidelines for Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme

ITF(2004) .Reviewed, Jos, Nigeria.

2. Yaasiin , J. B IT Technical report carried out at integrated engineers associates .

kaduna (2020).

3. American Society of Civil Engineers.(2022). http://www.asce.org/civil-engineering-

resources/.

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