Aksum University

College of Engineering and Technology

Department of Construction Technology and Management

Internship Final Report

By: Helina Tsegaye

ID Number: AKUR1564/07

Hosting Company: Taye Asfaw Building Contractor PLC

Project: Construction of 3B G+10 Residential Building
Place: Addis Ababa
Company Supervisor: Mr. Sadik Adem
University Supervisor: Mr. Welday Tsegay

Submission Date: 21 FEB 2019

Aksum, Ethiopia
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Declaration of the work and approval

I hereby declare that I, Helina Tsegaye: ID No Akur1564/07 student of Construction Technology

Management at Aksum University had been working for Taye Asfaw Building Construction
private limited company at Addis Ababa, project for about four months under the supervision of
Mr.Sadiq Adem and my mentor Mr. Welday Tsegay. And this final internship report is written
based on the experiences I had acquired during that time.

I honestly declare that this is my original work and all sources of materials used in this Internship
Report have been acknowledged. And this Report is not submitted to any other institution
anywhere for the awards of any practical work.

Student Name: HELINA TSEGAYE

ID No: - AKUR1564/07

Signature:

This Internship Report has been submitted for the course Internship. The approval of Internship
advisor

NAME:

Signature:

Date:

HELINA TSEGAYE I
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Acknowledgement

First of all I would like to praise the almighty Lord for all the time in my internship experience.

I would like to thank everyone at Taye Asfaw Building Construction for providing me this
opportunity to learn and gain this priceless experience. I owe a great debt of appreciation to the
staff, especially the project manager Mr. Sadiq Adem. And also I would like to acknowledge the
help rendered to me by workers in the site, my partners when I was in the site, Nahom Tadele (site
engineer), Daniel Hailu (office Engineer), Sewit Abrham and Selamawit G/Tsadiq who helped
me in providing necessary explanation during my stay in the company. The support provided at
the site has exceeded my expectations and I am very thankful for it.

I also wish to record my gratitude to AKSUM UNIVERSITY department of construction

technology and management for arranging this field practice session based on my interest on the
allocation of site. Last but not least I would very much want to thank my advisor Mr. Welday
Tsegay for his advice and support.

At all it’s with a sincere gratitude that I acknowledge every single help provided in my four month
stay at TABC.

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Executive summery

An internship is a short-term, mentored work experience related to a student’s major field that
allows the student to bridge from academic study to industrial application. Internships provide
real world experience to those looking to explore or gain the relevant knowledge and skills
required to enter into a particular career field. Internships are relatively short term in nature with
the primary focus on getting some on the job training and taking what’s learned in the classroom
and applying it to the real world. Being a 5th year student at Aksum University, Institute of
engineering and technology directs us to enroll into an internship program with an extended
period of four months. Accordingly I was able to carry out my internship program at Taye Asfaw
Building Construction. This report discuses my overall internship experience that lasted for four
months. It has five main portions. It starts from introducing the company and ends by giving
recommendation. Through this it describes the work procedures executed during the intern
program and the benefits and challenges of the program. In short this report explains the
experiences I have acquired on my stay as an intern in Taye Asfaw Building Contractor. And I
have tried to relate them to what I have learnt in the classroom for the past four years.

HELINA TSEGAYE III

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Contents
Declaration of the work and approval ....................................................................................................... I
Acknowledgement ....................................................................................................................................... II
Executive summery .................................................................................................................................... III
CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the company ............................................................................................................ 1
1.2 General profile of the company ....................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Strategic intent of Taye Asfaw Building Construction .................................................................. 2
1.3.1 Mission ........................................................................................................................................ 2
1.3.2 Vision........................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.3Core values .................................................................................................................................. 2
1.3.4 Goal ............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Main products and services.............................................................................................................. 3
1.5 Overall organization ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Work flow of project implementation ............................................................................................. 5
1.7 General brief about the project ....................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2. OVERALL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE .......................................................................................... 6
2.1 Entrance to the company.................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 My Section of the work ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Project of Taye Asfaw building contractor site work flow chart .................................................. 7
2.4 Procedures I have been using while performing tasks .................................................................. 7
2.4.1 Office works ................................................................................................................................ 8
2.5 How good I have been to accomplish my task ................................................................................ 9
2.6 Work tasks executed ......................................................................................................................... 9
2.6.1. Construction of sub-structure part.......................................................................................... 9
2.6.2. Construction of the super structure part .............................................................................. 13
3.1 In terms of improving practical skill ............................................................................................. 25
3.2 In terms of upgrading theoretical knowledge.............................................................................. 26
3.3 In terms of interpersonal communication skill ............................................................................ 26

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3.4 In terms of work ethics issues ........................................................................................................ 27

3.5 In terms of team playing skill......................................................................................................... 27
3.6 In terms of leadership skill ............................................................................................................. 28
3.7 In terms of entrepreneurship skills ............................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER FOUR..................................................................................................................................... 29
4. CHLLENGES FACED AND MEASURES TAKEN ......................................................................... 29
4.1 Challenges faced by the company .................................................................................................. 29
4.2 challenges I faced ............................................................................................................................ 30
4.3 Measures taken by the company.................................................................................................... 30
4.4 Measures I have taken .................................................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER FIVE ...................................................................................................................................... 32
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATON .................................................................................... 32
5.1 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 32
5.1.1 Conclusion about the company ............................................................................................... 32
5.1.1.1 Strength .................................................................................................................................. 32
5.1.1.2 Weakness ............................................................................................................................... 32
5.1.2 Conclusion about the internship program ............................................................................. 33
5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................................. 34
5.2.1 Recommendation for the hosting company ........................................................................... 34
5.2.1.1 Health and safety issues ........................................................................................................ 34
5.2.1.2 Increase daily laborers.......................................................................................................... 34
5.2.1.3 Supervision ............................................................................................................................ 34
5.2.2 Recommendation for the University....................................................................................... 35
Reference ................................................................................................................................................... 36

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List of figures

Figure 1 organizational structure .................................................................................................................. 4

Figure 2 work flow........................................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 3 work flow in the site ....................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 4 pit braced with the beam laying and columns bars erected .......................................................... 11
Figure 5 After the masonry wall is built ..................................................................................................... 12
Figure 6 Column layout .............................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 7 Reinforcement of column ............................................................................................................. 14
Figure 8 improperly vibrated column (honey combing) ............................................................................. 15
Figure 9 beam form working and bar laying............................................................................................... 16
Figure 10 bar layout for slab ....................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 11 concrete casting .......................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 12 the maximum height to be built at once...................................................................................... 19
Figure 13 Beam which was out of alignment ............................................................................................. 20
Figure 14 First coat plastering .................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 15Hammered wall for conduits ....................................................................................................... 21
Figure 16 Cracked wall ............................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 17 Hammered wall for water supply pipes ...................................................................................... 23
Figure 18 Installed pipes ............................................................................................................................. 23
Figure 19 Installed drainage pipes .............................................................................................................. 24

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CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the company

Taye Asfaw building contractor founded in 1993 is Addis Ababa based Construction Company
that has provided building construction services to a broad range of governmental projects
throughout Ethiopia.

Starting with only 2 staff handing small projects and sub- contracting works, Taye Asfaw Building
contractor has grown into a formable organization. It is now registered with the Ministry of urban
Development, Housing and Construction with a Grade One status as a Building Contractor
which allows to tender for public sector building projects of unlimited value.

Currently, the head quarter is in Addis Ababa and with business operations both in Addis Ababa
and the regions focusing on public Building Construction.

The company started having one Suzuki which was a transporting means as well as office there
were about 10 working staffs. Currently the company has machineries worth of 6,495,900.00 and
Heavy Duty Machineries of 2,450,000.00. Engineers and General Forman more than 200 trade
men. It has its own Head Office located at the center of Addis Ababa near Lem hotel. Since its
establishment the company has completed about 30 projects throughout the country

1.2 General profile of the company

Name of the company; Taye Asfaw B.C
It was established in: 30/02/1986 EC
Owner and general manager of the company: Wzo Fantanesh Mesfin
Place of registration: Addis Ababa
Principal place of business: Addis Ababa
Local address: Yeka Kifle Ketema, Kebele 16, house No. 960
Country: Ethiopia
Capital of the company: 19,167,723.00

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1.3 Strategic intent of Taye Asfaw Building Construction

Thus TABC vision, mission and core values are described as follows:

1.3.1 Mission

 The company is committed to deliver quality products, services and value to the customers.
 The company aim to provide a platform for our staff and develop their potential and excel
with the organization.

1.3.2 Vision

The company aim to be leading builder of choice that consistently achieve excellence.

1.3.3Core values

B- Building excellence

u- Unity of purpose

I – innovative

L - leadership

D – Dedication

E- Enterprise

R- Responsibility

1.3.4 Goal

 Uncompromising commitment to Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment

 An open relationship with our employees based on mutual trust, respect and success
 Transparency, accountability and discipline in our business
 Best in class risk awareness
 Integrity in all we do

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1.4 Main products and services

Since the establishment of the company, it has taken and successfully completed numerous
consulting projects on time. In the last eighteen years TABC has participated in different huge
building construction projects. Among the various constructions undertaken most recently by the
company major projects are listed below

 Multi purpose hall and office building--- at Borena zone

 Secondary school ---at Diredawa
 Training center --- at Asayta
 Agriculture research center ----at Adama
 Primary school --- at Addis Ababa
 Training center---- at chiro
 Catholic church ---- at Addis Ababa
 Teachers training college hall --- at Adama
 Secondary school--- at Illibabur
 Coffee Museum --- at Bonga
 Regional Office Building--- at Awasa
 Apartment building--- at Addis Ababa

1.5 Overall organization

The general organization of the company is represented as below

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Figure 1 organizational structure

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1.6 Work flow of project implementation

Awarded
Commencing the project
proposal

Site take over

Advance payment

Mobilization

Construction supervision
& contract administration

Progress payment

Monthly progress report

Project hand Project completion

over report

Figure 2 work flow

1.7 General brief about the project

Location ….......…Addis Ababa, kirkos sub city

Client …............ ODUAS
Consultant……...... Taycon Real estate
Contractor………....Taye Asfaw Building Conractor
Typology…………........3B+G+10 Residential and Shopping Building
BILL OF QUANTITIES (For each block)……..…………………………….29,408,000.00 Birr

Features of the project

 Three basement floors for parking purpose

 Ground and first floor will give a service for shopping.
 Second up to tenth floor is for living purpose.

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CHAPTER TWO
2. OVERALL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
2.1 Entrance to the company

It is known that, all higher educational institutions of our country send their engineering
department students to different companies for a practice. Based on this, our institution (Aksum
university)had given us an application letter. After university industry linkage office gives me the
request for internship placement paper, I started to search to get a company that fulfills the criteria
given by the office in my mind. And I applied to three companies.

Among those Taye Asfaw building contractor was more approachable and the staffs were very
willing to share their knowledge. So I asked them to give me an acceptance paper. They gave me
an acceptance paper and I gave it to the department. Since the department accepted the acceptance
paper from the company, I start to practice there on 28/01/11 EC.I continued my internship
program to work there for about four months. And finished on 01/06/11EC.

2.2 My Section of the work

As a new intern, the first few weeks were dedicated for introducing me to the personnel around
the construction and getting to know the environment I was supposed to work in. After
familiarizing with everyone around, I officially began my practice as intern student.

I have been blessed with the chance to practice both in the office and on the site, even though I’ve
spent majority of my time on site. And I was the only intern in the company so I was working with
the other staffs. Most of the time the tasks we were performing were measuring. Which include
measuring the plastering and the HCB works, measuring the conduits installed on the site and
estimating the remaining, estimating the ceramic and skirting works by taking measurement of the
actual bathroom size and rooms’ size respectively. The other tasks were guiding the sub-
contractors by showing what to be performed and putting marks (this is for the threshold).

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On the second site I was working tasks like data collecting. For example the excavation for shoring
was done by sub-contractors so I were recording the amount of soil excavated and give to the
finance. And collecting the tasks performed every day.

2.3 Project of Taye Asfaw building contractor site work flow chart
project
Adminstration

Construction financial Human

Department Department Resource

Office
site engineer Cashier Guard
Engineer

data collector
Forman Purchaser Driver

Skillled
store keeper
labour

lift opertator

mixer
operator

daily Labour

Figure 3 work flow in the site

2.4 Procedures I have been using while performing tasks

A construction is something made by group of professionals for one purpose. It may be a road, a
tower, a bridge, a dam, an airport, or a building, etc. among these my intention is to talk about

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buildings. A building is a structure consisting of floors, walls and roofs erected to provide covered
space for different uses such as residence, business, entertainment, meeting halls, worship,
commercial centers, public service like hospital, school, and the like.

As I stated above the site I were spending my internship period was on residential building
construction. Since, construction technology and management students are responsible for both
site and office works, I have been trying to execute both site and office works.
2.4.1 Office works
During the times I spent on the office, I have been enrolled with some tasks. Since office works
are integral parts of the project, I can say those tasks have helped me improve my overall
knowledge aspect. Some of them are:
 Data collecting- on this task I were given a format for recording the daily activities
performed by both the sub-contractors and the company labors. The format include the
materials used in each day, the number of labors present on the site and the tasks performed
in that day.
 Taking measurement of the work executed at the end of the day
 Recording on the prepared format
 Direct cost analysis- this is done with the help of the data collected. Direct cost analysis is
done to record the direct cost done actually and to compare with the contract price. To
check whether the tasks are bringing profit or loss can be determined here and the
correctives measures can be taken. Procedures followed were
 Fist collecting the data actually performed
 Calculating the direct cost
 Comparing with the planned price (contract price)
 Taking corrective measurement
 Recording tasks performed – on this task I were organizing the collected data from actual
measurement works like the sanitary and water supply system fittings used, and the conduit
length installed on each floor and related tasks. Procedures followed were
 Measuring the length of the conduits and the pipes and counting the fittings
 Organizing the measured value according to their type and location

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 Recording on computer

2.5 How good I have been to accomplish my task

Although it is not common to say I am good at performing tasks in our culture in this case I am
going to say “I were good at performing the tasks given to me on time”. I am not saying that I were
perfect but as an intern I were good enough. As I am told finally when I complete the internship
program may strength were punctuality, interest in doing tasks, availability, and the like in the
opposite my problem was my communication skill.

2.6 Work tasks executed

Basically, any construction practice has a two phases of construction which are;-
1.Construction of sub-structure part
2. Construction of the super structure part

I have seen some procedures both on sub structure and super structure works during my internship
program. Among those the main tasks performed from construction of sub structure I have seen
bulk excavation, shoring, borrow fill and demolishing of existing building if it is considered as
substructure. I have seen finishing work like plastering, installation works and HCB works. In
addition to that I have seen structural works from the neighboring site.

2.6.1. Construction of sub-structure part

On the sub structure part I have seen starting from demolishing of existing building up to mat
foundation reinforcement.

Sub structure is one part of a structure which is found below the ground surface. It is used to
transfer load from super structure to the ground. In this stage of construction work the following
works stated below were completed during my internship program.

2.6.1.1 Demolishing the exiting building and mobilization

This activity is considered as site clearance for construction. The existing building was G+1
residential building and it was made in a very nice way that even the demolishing was not easy.

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The demolition has taken almost one month to be completed some of the factors that makes the
demolishing hard were

 The soil bearing capacity was very low. In order to improve this the previous building
masonry was deep and hard to demolish.
 The bars used for ground floor slab was 14mm and the concrete was thick, and it was very
hard to dismantle to it was breaking the bit of the jack hammer.

While demolishing this building they were demolishing it with a good care so that some raw
materials for the shoring was obtained. These were the bricks, Ega sheets, and bars. The brick
obtained were used for the masonry of the shoring between the columns. So all the masonry work
for the shoring was done using these bricks. The bars were also at good status meaning it was free
from rust so it was used for the shoring columns and beams. The Ega sheets obtained were used
for making the temporary store. In addition to all these the remains of walls were filled on site one
like a borrow fill and it was compacted. The only thing that was dumped was the soil.

2.6.1.2 Shoring

Shoring is the process of temporarily supporting a building, structure or trench with a shoes when
in danger of collapse or during repairs, alterations, or construction. The shoring may be vertical
horizontal or angled.

Among these the shoring used on this site was vertical, and it was built to support the existing
building of neighbors, because the soil on the site is so weak, that making the shoring was essential.

The procedures they followed was

 First 1.8 meter wide and 3 meter long rectangle with a depth of 4 meter was going to be
excavated. But the collapsing of the soil make this hard so to minimize this 3.2meter depth
was excavated then the remaining 80 centimeter depth was excavated with 40 centimeter
width for the beam laying.
o The main thing that challenges the excavation was the falling back of the soil. This
is due to the presence of water from underground and on the right side from

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neighbors’ septic tank. This makes the soil weak so the soil was supported after 3m
depth was reached. This makes the removal of the excavated soil hard for the daily
labors. In addition to that on every morning water is pumped out and removed
 After that beam reinforcement laying will succeed and 3 columns reinforcement bars was
erected for each pit. The columns center to center space was 1 meter.

Figure 4 pit braced with the beam laying and columns bars erected

 Following this the formwork for the columns was done

o Here the beams are not supported by formwork rather they were shaped by the soil
which was not excavated to minimize the falling back of the soil.
 Finally the concrete pouring was done and then the columns was vibrated
 On the next day the formwork was removed
 After concrete works, on the gap between two consecutive columns, brick masonry was
built until the trench of the exiting fence is reached to support the soil

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Figure 5 After the masonry wall is built

2.6.1.3 Bulk excavation

After the shoring work is completed and the walls, columns and beams achieve their full strength
some of the pits excavated were backfilled to open the way for the cart away. Succeeding all these
the bulk excavation stated. Here it was not possible to cart away the excavated soil in the day time
so the bulk excavation was done during the night time to avoid traffic jam in the area. The
procedures they follow was

 First they set out the area to be excavated. Here setting out means a process of laying down
the paper lines to ground, before excavation is started. The setting out is done correctly
with proper measuring tape and accurate leveling instrument total station.
 Then they start to excavate. The depth of the excavation was 4meter. While doing this the
shoring at the guard house on the front side of the site was not able to bear the load and
collapsed. And failed in to the excavated burrow

2.6.1.4 Borrow fill

After the bulk excavation work is completed the borrow fill from started. Borrow fill is to mean
replacing excavated soil by another selected material from another place and compacting. Well
compaction is necessary because reduces voids, approve strength of soil which creates safe
condition for buildings. Compaction is carried out in layers of appropriate thickness. Because the
thickness of the borrow fill was 150centimeter which is not easy to compact at once. To know the
required amount is reached at the leveled height the use of theodolite was necessary.

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2.6.2. Construction of the super structure part

Structural works like beam, column, slab and finishing works like plastering, painting, electrical
installation, sanitary installations and the like are included in the super structure works. Among
these the site I was practicing on was at its finishing stage so I was more exposed to the finishing
works. Although there was no structural work on our site I was able to see some structural works
from neighboring site. And I will try to describe the works I have observed from both sites below

2.6.2.1 Structural works

The company I was working on was at its finishing stage and the second site was at its excavation
state so there was no structural work on my intern company. Due to this I were observing structural
works from neighboring site. And the explanations given to me were from my site crew, this has
some gap but I have tried to explain my observations as follows. The activities I observed from
our neighbor site among those structural works are explained below.

2.6.2.1.1 Column

Columns are vertical structures that transfer loads from beams to the foundations. The column
I observed is reinforced concrete column. The procedures were as follows

First surveyors came and put the layout of the column (crachery). On other sites the column layout
is done by site engineers with the help of rope but on this site this was not possible because the
columns doesn’t have the same alignment in addition to that some of the columns were not even
rectangle. So to get the exact points of corners they used skilled surveyor. The surveyor marked
the corner points of the columns.

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Figure 6 Column layout

After completing the layout of the columns, reinforcement work was started. The bars to be used
the number the length and center to center spacing are done according to the structural drawing.
While executing this works the main things we consider was the spacing of the stirrups and the
diameter of the bars used. In addition to this the overlap of the next floor column should be
considered this must be at least four times the diameter of the bars.

Figure 7 Reinforcement of column

Exactly after the reinforcement work we proceeded to form working. The plywood to be used as a
formwork was painted a mold oil to prevent the sticking of the concrete on it. Then it was erected.

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After erected the formwork was supported using eucalyptus wood (kerebat).The good thing I
observed here is the spacers were 2centimete thick woods which were nailed on the top of the
formworks. Finally after the formwork is completed we checked the vertical alignment using the
plumb bob (tumbi), for the rectangle columns we checked the perpendicularity of the sides of the
formwork (squadra).

At last the concrete was poured and vibrated. On this site the one column was not properly vibrated
due to this it was demolished and refilled again.

Figure 8 improperly vibrated column (honey combing)

2.6.2.1.2 Beam and slab

Beam is a structural element that transfers load applied from slabs and walls to the columns. The
basic construction procedures to be followed for beam has some common things with the column
construction procedures but there are also some differences as listed below.

First the position of the beam will be marked. And supporting false works will be prepared
to put the formwork of the beam. After this is completed the form work meaning the soffit
(phondo) and side formwork (sponda) will be installed. The width and length dimension of the
soffit is the same with the beam dimension. But the side form work depth may not be the same

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with the beam by the internal side (on the side it is connected with the slab). The length of the
side form work will be the difference of the total beam depth and the slab thickness. While the
carpenters are doing this the bar benders prepare the bars to be used for the beams. Then after
completing one side of the form working the bar benders start to fix in position. This means
that the tasks are performed almost parallel. Then after this two parallel tasks are completed the
concrete casting can be started but in most cases solid slab and the beam is casted together so
the casting will wait till the form working and bar laying work is completed.

Figure 9 beam form working and bar laying

Procedures and consideration to be taken while form working and bar laying of solid slab are
mentioned below

 As it is known that slab is horizontal suspended element before the laying of formwork
the supports are must to be installed first. These vertical supportive units were H-frame
on the neighbor site. Then the laying of the horizontal supports (modino) were laid. Nails
and black wires are the basic tying materials to these supportive units.
 After these is completed formwork construction was succeeded. And here the form work
to be used is painted mold oil. Then the same with the beam bar provision was started
after some part of the formwork was done and the two tasks were done parallel. While
doing the bar the main things to be considered are the top/ negative bars must cover one
third length of the span on both sides, bottom/positive bars should overlapped at inside
the column. A also observed that there are some bars to be installed on addition to the

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structural drawing. These bars were two types the first one was to maintain the space
between the top and bottom bars like what we call z bar for column. And the second one
is the bars used to connect top bars. The next step is concrete casting so spacers were
provided.

Figure 10 bar layout for slab

Finally the beams and slabs were casted monolithically. Here while doing these the thing
to be considered is where to stop the casting. It should be as much as possible to minimize
numbers of cold joint and we should not terminate casting inside 1/3 of a section from
support. Also it’s better to use bonding agent and adhesive chemicals, (cement paste was
used) to continue casting in the next day.

Figure 11 concrete casting

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2.6.2.2 Finishing works

2.6.2.2.1 Masonry work

Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by
mortar. The common materials of masonry construction are brick, stone, marble, cast stone,
concrete block, lime stone and now a days plastic bottles as we have seen even in our university.
Masonry is generally highly durable form of construction. However, the materials used the quality
of the mortar, workmanship and ,the pattern in which the units are assembled can significantly
affect the durability of the overall masonry construction. As walls are part of building used to
separate rooms, carrying load, security and the like. Walls can be retaining wall shear wall load
bearing or non- load bearing and partition wall. Among these walls the type of wall I observed the
procedures is partition wall which is constructed using hallow concrete blocks.

Partition wall

Partition Walls are used to separate rooms having different purpose and the exterior ones are to
protect the rooms from weathering. HCB walls were used for the partition and exterior walls. The
HCB elements we have been using are 10 and 15 centimeter thick, for internal and external walls
respectively. HCB was preferred due to the following reasons.

 HCB blocks are regular in size, requiring no dressing work. Hence construction is rapid.
 Blocks are light and therefore easy to handle.
 Because of their lightness, the loads transferred to foundations are much less than the stone
masonry.
 Because of larger size of the blocks, the number of joints in the masonry is less. This results
in saving in mortar.
 Because of hollow space, the resulting wall has better insulating properties against sound,
heat and dampness.

The procedures are as follows

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 First the mason observe the drawing in detail and ask for additional information or any
suggestion for the site engineer. Then after when they agree and the mason got clear
information he will start to put the first layer accordingly. While laying the first layer the
horizontal alignment will be assured using a rope (ligna) and taking the adjacent column
as reference.
 The laying will continue up to 5 or 6 layers then it will be stopped. And the masons shift
to other wall till the mortar settle. But if they continue and build the whole height without
waiting till it settle. The wall will not attain the desired strength. When they are laying the
layers they assure the horizontal alignment using rope as I mentioned earlier and the
vertical alignment will be maintained using plumb bob.

Figure 12 the maximum height to be built at once

The other thing to be considered is at connection and intersections of the walls the blocks must be
crossed with each other this helps to give internal walls more strength.

2.6.2.2.2 Plastering

Plastering is to cover uneven surface and to make it smooth and easily decor able. When a wall is
plastered it will be able to resist dampness and dirt this helps the walls to have longer life and
durability. In addition to this it develop decorative finish and prepare the surface for painting.
Procedures to be followed are as follows

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 First the surface to be plastered was cleaned and in the case of concrete structures they
were chiseled and structures which were out of the vertical alignment were treated
separately. This type of chiseling can remove the concrete cover of the beams and may
expose the bars. As shown in the figure below the beam which was out of alignment and
the bars were exposed while chiseled.

Figure 13 Beam which was out of alignment

 After this the first coat were done on the prepared surface. While doing this gaps between
blocks were also filled to avoid cracking and peeling out of the mortar due to the void
spaces .The reference for giving even thickness is called dots (fasha) is also performed
while doing the first coat. This is done with the help of ropes.

Figure 14 First coat plastering

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 Thirdly the second coat was applied till it becomes even with the dots.
 Finally the last coat (fino) is applied to give fine surface. It may be made by spreading cement
powder on the wet mortar of the second coat. The corners at the edges of the building and at
the openings are also done on this stage.

After this the plastered surface is sprinkled with clean water to achieve its maximum strength.

2.6.2.2.3 Electrical installation

First the conduit way was hammered for switches, socket outlets telephone outlets and TV outlets.

Figure 15Hammered wall for conduits

After that the conduits was installed on the prepared places then plastered. The conduits on our
site are installed after the HCB wall is plastered and achieved its full strength. The reason behind
is if the hammering is done before the plastering the wall may not have the capacity to bear the
applied load.

The other thing I observed is that the conduits are not installed on the slabs. This is to make the
maintenance easier, in addition the conduits will not be damaged while pouring the concrete and
vibrating it. Although it needs a special care after installing the junction boxes if it is not cured
properly it may crack.

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Figure 16 Cracked wall

The junction box (scatola) is installed after the conduit is installed and plastered. While installing
junction box the things to be considered are the horizontal alignment with the nearby junction
box and the level from the wall which is done with the help of rope (ligna) and water hand meter
(wehalik), the vertical height from the ground must be at the same level.

All these works are installed according to the drawings so before all the works mentioned above
are executed after observing the drawings.

After completing all these the installation of electric cables was started after some days later. The
procedures they follow was
 First they elongate the conduit till it reaches the distribution board.
 They check the line weather the cables can pass or not using another cable like rope
(sneak wire)
o This prevents the cables from damage because if there are obstacles that clogged
the way the will be removed while they checked it out.
 Finally they install the cables.

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2.6.2.2.4 Water supply

The same with the electrical installation the pipe lines paths are hammered on the walls after the
plastering achieved its full strength not on the slabs.

Figure 17 Hammered wall for water supply pipes

On our site the pipes used have a diameter of 20mm and 25 mm. the fittings used on the site
include reducer, chrome gate valve, elbow, female elbow, tap, mixer, bridge, tee and socket. We
also used C- clamp with its fisher and screw to attach the pipes with the ceiling.

Figure 18 Installed pipes

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2.6.2.2.5 Drainage system

For drainage system the wall was hammered only for 50 mm PPC pipes which are placed at
the kitchen sinks and hand wash basins.

The fittings are attached with the pipe using silicon and solvent. Here solvent is used when
there is no rubber band on the on the fittings end. While silicon is used when the fittings have
rubber band.

The fittings used are elbow (450 ,900), tee, cross tee, y-branch, clean out, reducer (110mm-
75mm), floor drain, socket. All these fittings have diameter of 50, 75, 110 mm.

Figure 19 Installed drainage pipes

The drainage system installation is the same with the installation of the water supply the main
difference is we considered slope of the pipes. The slope given was 1 centimeter for 1meter
length, meaning 1%. The permissible slope for drainage pipes is between 1% and 2.5%.

In addition to that cleanouts for every fixture was provided. Risers also have their own cleanouts
these is very helpful for removing clogs and make the maintenance easier.

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CHAPTER THREE
3 OVERALL BENEFITS GAINED FROM THE INTERNSHIP

In my opinion the four months internship program was actual summary of the four years
theoretical courses. Although some of our lecturers took the initiative and tried to give practical
part of their study, it failed to give us the exact picture as it is compared to the internship
program.

In this section the benefits gained from the four months internship program is discussed. In fact it
is too difficult to list out all benefit gained, it is better to summarize in a systematic approach to
describe them.

3.1 In terms of improving practical skill

All the courses I have taken gave me the hints how the construction industry is going. On the
actual site works I have learned some practical skills like

 Improved my ability of understanding and reading working drawings.

 I had observed how equipment are stored after use for the next work.
 Know how to check the formworks of concrete structures
 I have got knowledge and participation on concrete mix ratio and mixing of concrete at the
site.
 Know the steps of finishing works like
o Electrical installation,
o water and sanitary supply lines
o plastering
o block works
o marble works
 Get the know how to operate simple machineries like water pump, compressor, vibrator,
jack hammer,

 On the earth works of a the site I was able to learn

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o How to reduce the risk of back falling of soil while excavating

o How to give support for existing neighbors building before starting excavation

3.2 In terms of upgrading theoretical knowledge

In addition to the benefits I have stated above about practical skill, this intern program also
helps me to strengthen my theoretical knowledge and gain meaningful engineering experience.
Both theoretical and practical experiences go hand in hand, i.e. one can’t stand by itself. A
theoretical knowledge without practice and vice versa is a waste. Knowing the practical world has
helped me expand my range of knowledge. It helps to visualize while performing theoretical tasks.

The theories I have developed are mainly related to human resource management. Some of them
include how to resolve dispute among workers, motivational theories and the like. In addition to
this I have known some theories about reinforcement bar considerations while laying and casting.
These include overlap, substitution of unavailable bars by the available ones, and the like.

3.3 In terms of interpersonal communication skill

Interpersonal communication skill is very vital in the construction world. Due to the job’s
character, we are supposed to meet different personnel. For the successful accomplishment of
tasks, good communication is obligatory with those personnel we face.

At first, as a beginner, I was somewhat passive during communications. But after my first
month of the internship, I have been able to realize interpersonal communication skills necessary.
Without a good communication skill I wouldn’t be able to learn from others successfully. I also
realized that while communicating with others self-disclosure and respect are important because
this becomes the basis of effective work relationship. So I tried to improve my communication
skill although it was not good enough for the site while I were compared to others. But in my
opinion I have improved from my previous status.

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3.4 In terms of work ethics issues

A work ethic may include being punctual, reliable, having initiative, or pursuing new skills, time
schedule for entrance and exit, respecting power of leaders, accomplishing tasks appropriately,
cooperate with colleagues ….etc. so that in this point of reference I were testified by our project
manager at the end of the internship program. From the paper I conclude that I was ethically good
during intern time. Specially my time respect for entrance and exit

3.5 In terms of team playing skill

Team work is very useful in achieving the planned objectives within a shorter time than individual
work meaning working in groups is more productive. In essence, each person on the team aside
his or her individual needs to work towards the larger group objectives. So it needs respect for
individual contribution.

Considering these I have improved my team playing skill. While taking measurements of executed
works, checking for works completed and the like. And also I were able to observe the productivity
of team works in excavation works. I have basically learned that a team will only work best when:

 There is high level of interdependence among the members,

 Each member is capable and willing to contribute their information skills and
experience,

 All team members are prepared to take risks,

 Roles of each team member are defined and

 Team members know how to correct individual errors without making personal
attacks.

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3.6 In terms of leadership skill

Leadership, a critical management skill, is the ability to motivate a group of people towards a
common goal. So you need to be responsible, optimist, non-judgmental, conceptual with rational
reasoning, aware and sociable. Unless and otherwise things go be wrong. Leaders are capable of
killing or rising the motive and work rates of their workers. This is the basic concept what I have
learned about leadership and that was why I have has been trying to improve my leadership skill.
Sometimes we were assigned for tasks. In this case we tried to create a favorable condition with a
daily labors. The last two months of internship period were also a time of improving my leadership
skills. Even if it was difficult to order and lead both the skilled and un skilled labors at the site
because I did not have much practical experience which enable to show the workers what to do, I
was trying to develop my leadership skills by giving comment and participating in the works I
already knew or experience.

3.7 In terms of entrepreneurship skills

This issue is related with the systematic approach of using the capacity of our mind to observe
our surrounding in a special way to have a job. From the beginning I had no idea to work as an
employee on my entire life. My internship strengthens my idea and helped me to saw the plenty
of work opportunities present on the construction sector.

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CHAPTER FOUR

4. CHLLENGES FACED AND MEASURES TAKEN

4.1 Challenges faced by the company

On my internship program I have observed that on a project it is common to face a problem that
challenges the project tasks and activities. If it is solved and managed in a wisely manner it may
a be changed to good opportunity in reverse. On the project I was spending my intern I have seen
the following challenges

 On excavation and earth works:

 there was underground water on the first site which challenges the excavation by
decreasing the bearing capacity
 on the second site there was water from the neighboring septic tank. And the
sewerage system of the previous building was not known until the bulk
excavation was done. These challenges to remove the water from the site.
 Falling back of the soil while excavating for pits to construct shoring.
 On the electrical installation: the thickness of the cable was greater than the thickness of
the conduit.
 Plumbing: due to improper ordering of tasks it was delayed for some days. And the
hammering of walls take along period of time.
 Wall finishing:
 Variation of some actual works from the drawings like plastering and HCB works
which makes change in payment of the executed works
 Some beams were out of the vertical alignment which challenges the plastering.
 In the internal plastering the water supply line installation was done after
plastering so they were forced to do plastering again in the hammered areas.

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4.2 challenges I faced

The challenges I faced were mainly related to being new for practical knowledge and lack of
experiences to professionalism. Due to this I have been challenged by the following issues.

 Unable to understand some local jargon words- like slab(soleta),false work(modino), side
formwork (sponda), soffit formwork (phondo), stir up (staffa), spacer(cabeleto) etc.. were
new words to me and unable to understand them until I familiarize myself.
 Weather of the first site was very cold and the second one was very sunny.
 Sometimes lack of works to be executed and having nothing to observe on the site.
 As we know construction sites are very dangerous by its nature and when you are present
without the proper safety equipment it is even more dangerous. I didn’t have any safety
equipment when I work on the site which increased the risk of being injured.
 “Mistakes increases your experiences and experience decreases your mistakes “due to
lack of experience I have also made mistake while executing my work tasks.
 Inferiority complex, i.e. convincing myself that I am in an inferior position than everybody
at the company as I am the only intern on the site. This decreased my self-confidence and
affected my communication skill. I were not that much sociable with others at first.
 Availability of transportation system was very low

4.3 Measures taken by the company

 On the excavation works the soil was braced using plywood

 While building the foundation they have done damp proofing that collect the whole water
at one place and the water is pumped out and used for mixing concrete. So instead of
challenge the water became resource.
 The actual work measurement for every floor is done.
 The beams were chiseled and plastered by varying the thickness of the plastering to
maintain the aesthetic value of the building.
 The cables additional cover was peeled off and installed.

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4.4 Measures I have taken

As I mentioned above I have faced some problems so I quickly tried to overcome my challenges
to complete the intern program without being bored and exhausted although some of them didn’t
work out. I have tried the following actions.

 I tried to study the site words for the materials and tools
 Adjusted my time to reach on time by waking up early
 Adjusted my wearing style with the sites
 Asking the crew more question to get more experience in shorter time. To remove my
inferiority complex.

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CHAPTER FIVE

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATON

5.1 Conclusion

5.1.1 Conclusion about the company

During my stay at the hosting company (Taye Asfaw Building Contractor), I have been
able to observe the different aspects of their construction. Here are some of the pros and cons I
have been able to register:

5.1.1.1 Strength

 Good wage schedule for the staff and Daily labors

 The motivation of the whole crew
 Presence of sufficient number of qualified personnel
 Good status of materials such as scaffolds, formworks
 Proper storage of materials after use
 Proper usage of material resource and time

5.1.1.2 Weakness

 Relatively less number of daily labor

 In adequate protection of health and safety
 Supervision on sub-contractors like plastering and HCB works
 The use of new technologies and huge machineries was low

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5.1.2 Conclusion about the internship program

It has been clearly stated in the previous four chapters that an internship program is a vital part of
a student’s life. Without practical knowledge, theory can’t stand by itself. So a student sufficiently
qualified with internship experience will definitely succeed in his/her academic life. Thus the
internship experience has helped me to:

 In giving clue about what real working environment looks like

 In knowing what my future stream of work will be like
 Learn Practical consideration for building construction
 Upgrade my theoretical knowledge and visualizations
 Improved my communication skill
 Upgrading my ability to be problem solving

The whole experience of working at Taye Asfaw Building Contractor was great. This
organization has a great work culture and very good quality of work. The work I was able to
complete here was very satisfactory. I have tried to develop as many add-ons as possible on my
current knowledge and even got very encouraging results.

I am perfectly happy with the willingness of the staffs to give explanations for the interns.
In my opinion all days of the four months were a capacity building days. They have been very
friendly. Last but not least I can say that Taye Asfaw Building contractor is an excellent school
where students can learn an uncountable practical knowledge and unforgettable life experience.

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5.2 Recommendation

5.2.1 Recommendation for the hosting company

Here are some remedial measures I recommend to be taken by Taye Asfaw Building Contractor
so as to prevent the above mentioned drawbacks.

5.2.1.1 Health and safety issues

Health and safety are the responsibilities of everyone at work it is of particular importance to the
construction industry where it is one of the major employers of the work force of the country.
The rules and regulations for safety of workers should be strictly implemented once they are
written. Having a safety engineer who is responsible to make sure all safety procedures are
applied. Even if having safety engineer is not possible I recommend that the top management and
those who are concerned including the Site engineers and the Forman’s should strictly reinforce
the rules to wear helmets, masks and the company should provide safety shoes and other healthy
working conditions.

5.2.1.2 Increase daily laborers

For a construction project to go on its pre-defined time frame, daily laborers play a huge part. After
all, it’s their number which would enhance the speed of the project. Although the first site has
sufficient number of labors, there was a shortage on the second site. I suggest a little bit of
modification should be made on the current number of daily laborers on the second site.

5.2.1.3 Supervision
Although subcontractors use their time properly these doesn’t mean that they also use
material properly. For example the subcontractors that are doing the HCB work cut new
blocks for pensi instead of using the broken ones, on plastering works if the mortar is lot and
if working hour ends they dispose instead of working till it consumed totally. In addition to
this the sub-contractors that are doing the pipe installation threw the pipes with one or more
fittings when there is mistake in measurement instead of using for another floor or position.
This is may lead finishing of materials before the planed tasks are performed.

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5.2.2 Recommendation for the University

I have also found it would be better to put forward the following feed backs for the University
(AKUR).

 The University should have frequent and strong communication with the hosting
organizations and with the students so as to follow up intern students properly

 The university should try to make all the courses given with practical aid so that the
students can have the knowhow what the practical application of the profession is.

 Monthly reports have to submitted or sent to the university at the end of each month to
strengthen the involvement of the intern students in their work

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Reference
 Ministry of works and urban development. (1995). “EBCS-6, Design of masonry structure”. Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
 Construction material hand out
 Documents of the background of Taye Asfaw Building Contractor
 http://en.m.wikipedia.org

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