HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN QUANTITY

SURVEYING
International College of Business and Technology

TRAINING REPORT
Basic Industrial Training Report

At

Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd.

Name : R.K.Sachini Nikeshala

Admission No : GL/HNDQS/02/16
Acknowledgement
During my industrial training period I gathered lot of experience and good knowledge

in construction field and quantity surveying. I owe my heartful gratitude to numerous

individuals for their encouragement in this training.

I must thank to all the lecturers and the staff of ICBT campus and facilitating me to

have a good training period. The theoretical knowledge that I have gathered equipped

me to do my best and complete my Higher National Diploma successfully.

I am highly debated to Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd for providing establishment to my

training within 6 months period and facilitating me to obtain maximum benefits and

experience regarding construction industry.

Further I must thank to all the staff of Trio Ruhuna site including Mr.Herath; Project

Manager, Mr.Suranga; site engineer, Mr.K.Rajapaksha; assistant engineer, Mr.Afras

and all the trainees for assisting me do my best within this training period.

Also I must thank my parents and all my friends for helping me through any means to

do this industrial report.

2
Table of content

Acknowledgement2

Table of content..3-5

List of figures.6-8

List of tables...9

1.0 Profile of the project.10-11

2.0 Description of the project..12-15

2.1 Project location

2.2 Organization chart

2.3 Overall scope of the project

1.0 Knowledge and the experience gained from the training

4.01 Setting out16-18

4.01.1 Instruments used for setting out

4.01.2 Setting out for columns

4.01.3 Setting out for slab

4.02 Formwork..19-28

4.02.1 Column formwork

4.02.2 Beam formwork

4.02.3 Slab formwork

4.02.4 Staircase formwork

4.02.5 Retaining wall formwork

3
4.03 Reinforcement29-31

4.03.1 Covering

4.03.2 Stools

4.03.3 Lapping of reinforcement

4.03.4 Column and beam reinforcement

4.03.6 Slab reinforcement

4.04 Concrete32-39

4.04.1 Types of concrete

4.04.2 Mixing concrete

4.04.3 Ready mix concrete

4.04.4 Manually mixed concrete

4.04.5 Transporting and placing concrete

4.04.6 Admixtures

4.04.7 Curing of concrete

4.04.8 Defects in concrete

4.05 Brick work.40-43

4.05.1 Lintels

4.05.2 Stiffners

4.05.3 Sill beams

4.06 Plastering44

4.07 Health and Safety and security..45-46

4.08 Quality controlling47-49

4.08.1 Cube test

4.08.2 Slump test

4
 4.09 Handling documentations.50-51

4.10 Tools and machinery.52-55

4.11 Sub contract billing...55-56

4.12 Direct labour billing...57

5.0 Observations made58-59

5.1 Delay in the project time

5.2 Variations

6.0 Problems encountered and solutions found..60-62

6.1 Problems encountered

6.2 Solutions found

Conclusion....63

Appendices64-66

Remarks....67

5
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 Construction Project...8

Figure 2.1.1 Ruhuna University....10

Figure 2.1.2 Sky image of the Ruhuna University11

Figure 2.1.3 The satellite image of the site area12

Figure 2.2.1 Organization chart.13

Figure 2.3.1 Vision and Mission...14

Figure 4.01.1 Theodalite...17

Figure 4.02.2 Engineering level17

Figure 4.02.1 Steel formwork20

Figure 4.02.2 Timber formwork for column.22

Figure 4.02.3 Adjusting column formwork...23

Figure 4.02.4 Plumb bob...23

Figure 4.02.5 Beam formwork..25

Figure 4.02.6 Slab formwork26

Figure 4.02.7 Staircase formwork.27

Figure 4.03.1 Lapping of reinforcement...30

Figure 4.03.2 Slab reinforcement..31

6
Figure 4.04.1 Concrete mixer33

Figure 4.04.2 Ready mix truck..35

Figure 4.04.3 Pump car.35

Figure 4.04.4 Curing of concrete...37

Figure 4.04.5 The effects of proper curing....38

Figure 4.04.6 Honeycombing39

Figure 4.05.1 The standard size of a brickwork....40

Figure 4.05.2- stretcher bond...40

Figure 4.05.3 header bond.41

Figure 4.05.4 Lintels.42

Figure 4.05.5 Stiffners...43

Figure 4.05.6 Sill beam.43

Figure 4.06.1 Laying chicken mesh..44

Figure 4.08.1 Test cubes47

Figure 4.08.2 Slump test49

Figure 4.10.1 Excavator52

Figure 4.10.2 Tractor.52

Figure 4.10.3 Dumper...53

7
Figure 4.10.4 Wacker........53

Figure 4.10.5 Poker vibrator..54

Figure 4.10.6 Bar cutting machine54

Figure 4.10.7 Bar cutting machine55

Figure 4.10.8 Tile Cutter...55

Figure 5.1 Impact of rainy weather condition...60

8
List of Tables

Table 4.02.1 Dimensions of formwork.21

Table 4.02.2 De-shuttering period of formwork...28

Table 4.04.1 Grades of concrete32

Table 4.08.1 Cube testing..48

Table 4.11.1 Measuring of items.......55

9
1.0 Profile of the project

Figure 1.1 Construction Project

1. Project Name : Construction of Building Complex for

Faculty of Management and Finance

2. Name of the Client : Vice Chancellor- University of Ruhuna

3. Name of the Consultant : Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau

4. Name of Contractor : Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd

5. Duration of the project : 450 days

6. Official Handing over : 2013/09/23

7. Commencement date : 2013/10/09

8. Intended completion : 2015/01/01

9. Extended completion : 2015/02/03

10
10. Estimated cost : LKR 235,834,699 (Excluding VAT)

11. Type of Contract : Re-measured

12. Defect Liability Period : 365 days

13. Percentage of Retention : 10% of certified work done

14. Limit of retention : 5% of initial contract prize

15. Performance security : 5% of the initial contract prize

16. General conditions : ICTAD/SDB 02

17. Liquidated damages : 0.05% of initial contract prize per day

18. Maximum limit of LD : 10% of initial contract prize

11
2.0 Description of the project

2.1 Project location

Figure 2.1.1 Ruhuna University

Ruhuna University is one of the most beautiful constructions in Sri Lanka. It is one of

the most famous designs by the well known architect Geoffrey Bawa. He is the Sri

Lankas most influential architect who linked our architecture with the modern world.

His creations are well designed accordance with the cultural heritage.

When considering about the Bawass architecture, he concerns about the tropical sun,

ocean breeze, lush greenery and flowing water. Ruhuna University with all these

sceneries. There is the saying: In a rainy day, it is capable to travel from one end of

the university to the other end without getting wet.

12
 Figure 2.1.2 Sky image of the Ruhuna University

The location of the project was such a marvelous place. It was needed to construct

the management and the finance faculty. As it is a main section in the Ruhuna

University the project needed to give a full consideration regarding its architecture

and construction works to keep the existing standard. That was the main challenge

that has to be fulfilling in this construction.

When considering about the site location. It is inside the university premises and it

covers a big land area. From one side it has a sea view as it is very much closer to the

A2 main street. From another side there is a view of greenery with lot of trees. On

other sides there are lots of university buildings. There is a good access to the site as

the it is closer to the main street. There is a fare climate for the Southern area of the

country and as this is located in Matara district.

13
 Figure 2.1.3 The satellite image of the site area

2.2 Organization chart

Project organization is vital for a successful construction. There must be a good

manage in human resources. There should be a perfect hierarchy and the duties and

responsibilities must be equally divided among them. But to reach the success each

and everyone from to top bottom should work for by sharing their responsibilities. In

this project too, the human resource had been properly manage and there was no

faults in the organization.

14
Figure 2.2.1 Organization chart

15
2.3 Overall scope of the project

The contractor of this project is the Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd. It is a ICTAD M1

C-2 Grading graded company.

Vision To invest in work, projects

Mission
& services related to the
construction industry in an
effective & efficient
manner, to enhance the
degree of quality in human To be the most
& technological prestigious leading
development to reach organization in the
National & International construction
standards by creating a industry
pleasant & comfortable
environment to every
member of the organization
and to our clients by
providing outstanding
services

Figure 2.3.1 Vision and Mission

This report is prepared by the experience and the knowledge that have gathered from

the training period. The train establishment, Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd helped to

reach the following objectives of this project.

To cover whole civil engineering knowledge from substructure of a building

to the super structure.

To get an idea about taking measurements.

To prepare a sub contractors bill.

To know and help to prepare interim payment certificates.

To have an idea about prize fluctuations, variations and construction claims

16
2.0 Knowledge and the experience gained from the training

Six months industrial training is compulsory to complete the Higher National

Diploma in Quantity Surveying. This Industrial training report has been prepared

during the training which has been gained under the Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd. The

training was a very good opportunity as, the construction field is a practical field.

Though there are lot of academic knowledge they could be easily understand by this

training.

During this six months period of time, Lot of experience could be collected regarding

constructions. It is important to highlight that training assist to obtain lot of

knowledge in particular parts which could be covered and those sections are described

in the following.

Setting out

Formwork

Reinforcement

Concrete

Brickwork

Plastering

Health and Safety and Security

Quality controlling

Handling documentations

Tools and machinery

Sub contract billing

Direct labour billing

17
4.01 Setting out

The basic instruments that use for setting out are steel tape, Theodalite and the

engineering level. There are important aspects to be considered when doing setting

out.

Tapes should not be sag when taking measurements.

Steel tape should be aligned and parallel to the line along which measuring

require.

Every measurement should take from a fixed datum.

The instrument errors must be considered.

Instruments should be leveled properly and centered.

To check the accuracy, cross checking is important.

4.01.1 Instruments used for setting out

The main instruments that used for setting out are

Steel tape
Figure 4.01.1 - Theodalite
Theodalite

Engineering level

Figure 4.02.2 Engineering level

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4.01.2 Setting out for columns

Firstly, the setting out should be done for lining grids of the building. Then the pecks

are erected for all the grids. First threads are fixing to the pecks and the centre of the

column is taking as the intersection point of threads. Then level line is drawing by

plotting two points on either side using plumb bob. Then the distances are measured

and four lines are drawing. This method is used for all column shaft, kicker and

column setting outs.

4.01.3 Setting out for slab

1000mm level setting out is very important for slab works. Normally it is 1m up from

the existing floor level. First the level machine should be fix and level properly. Then

the temporary bench mark reading must be taken first. After that the level of columns

are determining by the drawings and 1000mm should be added for that. Further the

TBM reading must be added for them. Then those levels are marking in every

column.

Two points are marking in each column in order to draw a line. Then that line is

drawing around the column by using the speed level. Drawing 1000mm level line is

very useful when taking measurements for the slabs. Especially when adjusting beam

bottoms.

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4.02 Formwork

Formwork is a structure which is usually temporary but can be whole or part

permanent, it is used to contain poured concrete to mould it into required dimensions

and support until it is able to support itself. (Groundforce.uk, 2014) Formwork

construction takes more time as well it expenditure up to 25% of the structure.

Formwork is the single largest cost component of a concrete buildings structural

frame.(Oberlendar, G.D. and Peurifoy, R.L., 2010) So it can be known as a most

important part.

A good formwork should satisfy the following requirements:

It should rigidly constructed and efficiently propped and braced vertically and

horizontally in order to retain its shape.

The joints of the formwork should be tight as not to leak any concrete from

them.

The formwork material should be cheap, easily available and could be

reusable.

It should light as much as possible.

The formwork should be set accurately to the lines and levels and it should be

a plane surface.

Formwork should withstand for all types of loads.

The formwork should be possible to remove without any damage to the

concrete.

The material should not be warp or distorted when expose to elements.

There are several types of formwork by considering the formwork material

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For slabs, beams, column sides and beam 25mm to 40mm thick

bottoms

Joints and ledges 50*70mm to 50*150mm

Posts 75*100mm to 100*100mm

Table 4.02.1 Dimensions of formwork

Timber formwork

The timber formwork used for any application should be well seasoned and it should

be light in weight. Formwork should be easily workable with nails without cracking.

It should be free from loose knots. Timber which is exposing to concrete work should

posses smooth and even surface on all faces. The normal sizes for the timber

formwork are as follows.

Plywood formwork

Resin bonded plywood sheets are attached to timber frames in required sizes. There is

a no cost for surface finishing as it is possible to have smooth finish. Also plywood

formwork can be use of larger panels so that it reduces the labour cost for fixing and

dismantling. This is profitable as plywood formwork can be reusable than the timber

formwork.

21
Steel formwork

Figure 4.02.1 Steel formwork

This type of formwork is consisting of steel plates which consist of fabricated panels

stiffened along edges by steel angles. These can be held together by using suitable

clamps, bolts and nuts. These steel formworks are largely used for large projects and

where large number of reuses can be uses. Further this can be considered as most

suitable for circular or curved structures.

When compare with timber formwork steel are stronger and can be highly reusable.

Also these can be shuttered and de-shuttered easily and speedily. The quality of the

surface which is exposed to the concrete surface is very high. So no more treatments

are needed for steel formwork. Also it is advantageous as steel formwork does not

absorb the moisture from the concrete and does not shrinkage.

There are several situations where formwork is used. They are as follows.

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4.02.1 Column formwork

All types of formwork can be used for column formwork. To keep these columns

steadily, 50mm diameter GI pipes, T jacks, Form ties and tighten brackets can be

used. Further thread bars, 2*2 timber bars are normally used for this purpose. Firstly

the formwork panels are made accordance with the given dimensions. Then it is fixed

to the kicker which is about 100mm height. The height of the kicker can be also

varied.

Column formwork

Figure 4.02.2 Timber formwork for column

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 300

2X2
Pipe timber
700
support Plumb bob

700

bob
GI pipes
700
Column formwork
300
188

Figure 4.02.3 Adjusting column formwork

To check the verticality of the, plumb bob is

used. It is placed vertically from the top to

bottom of the formwork at a known

distance. That distance must be same when

measured in any place along the line.

Figure 4.02.4 Plumb bob

4.02.2 Beam formwork

There are three sides in a beam formwork. Beam bottom formwork is thicker than the

other side boards. It is because the bottom formwork carried concrete and the

reinforcement weight of the beam. In the training site there were beams wide 225mm

and 300mm. The depth of the beams changed as 300mm, 500mm and 550mm. Beam

24
formwork lengths are equal to the length between the columns. Further slab thickness

too considered when designing the beam formwork.

Additionally 50mm 2*2 timbers must be fixed for the bottom boards in order to give

the rigidity. Before placing the boards 1000mm level must be checked and kicker

must be placed. Then the beam boards must be fixing with relevant to the kicker

formwork in the column. Then only all the beam formworks are in same level. Beam

bottoms should be adjusted in 600mm intervals with adjustable props. After adjusting

the bottoms the side boards are fix to that using nails. The depth of the side board

must be

Depth of side board = Beam depth Slab thickness Thickness of ply wood of slab.

The side boards must be drilled in 600mm intervals and in order to lock the beam.

That process is as follows.

Figure 4.02.5 Beam formwork

25
4.02.3 Slab formwork

In slab formwork 3*4 are placed in along the shorter span. 2 diameter GI pipes are

laid and fix by nails on 2*4 timber joists along the longer span at 300mm intervals.

Then the plywood sheets are laid on these for the slab.

The standard size of a plywood sheet is 1240mm x 2440mm x 12mm

It is very important to consider about the wastage when laying plywood sheets. The

slab formwork is done on the side boards of the beam as the weight of the slab is

distributed to the beams. 2*2 timber pieces are used to connect those plywood sheets

each other. For further safety masking taps are sticks along the joint of two plywood

sheets.

Figure 4.02.6 Slab formwork

26
4.02.4 Staircase formwork

Stair case formwork is so much similar to slab formwork. The bottom level of the

staircase is marked and a chord is drawn along that inclined line. Joist on adjustable

props are places in 750mm intervals, 50mm below the chord. Then the GI pipes are

laid across those joists in 300mm intervals. Two side boards are fix to the bottom

board and then a chord which is parallel to bottom board is drawn with keeping waist

thickness in side boards. Rise and thread is drawn by using the spirit level and the

tape. Then stop boards are placed between side boards along the marked lines.

Figure 4.02.7 Staircase formwork

27
4.02.5 Retaining wall formwork

Ordinary plywood boards are used for retaining wall formwork. As the height of

retaining wall in the site is high, several steps of formwork have made for concreting.

Normally the height of a one step is 1.2m to 1.1m. Form oil, Form ties, Pre cones, GI

pipes, T and U jacks, scaffoldings are also necessary for the formwork procedure.

Removing of formwork

After laying the concrete, the formwork is de-shuttered when concrete is hardened.

Special consideration must be done when removing them as the formwork can be

reusable.

Formwork De-shuttering period

Side boards of beams and columns 24 hours

Soffit of slab up to 4.5 m span 14 days

Soffit of slab above 4.5m span 21 days

Beam bottoms up to 6m span 21 days

Beam bottoms over 6m span 28 days

Table 4.04.2 De-shuttering period of formwork

After the de-shuttered formwork, the nails and other attachments must be removed

from the boards. Further the concrete or mortar should be also cleaned and prepare

them for re using. Then the formwork should be horizontally stored and covered. This

reduces the wastage in the site too.

28
4.03 Reinforcement

In generally there are two types of reinforcement. They are mild steel and yield steel.

Reinforcement bars are one of the most widely using materials in the site. So it is

important to do all the reinforcement works in accordance with the drawings

approved. There is a special way to demonstrate the bar details in a drawing and that

is called as bar notation.

16 Y 12 5 150 B

No. Of bars

Type of the bars

Diameter of the bars

Bar mark
Bar spacing

Bar location

4.03.1 Covering

This is very important because the reinforcement get corrosive if covering is not done.

The reinforcement reacts with the air. Covering is depending on the condition where

concrete is laying and its environmental condition. To get the covering space, the

cover blocks are used. They are also made from concrete. The normal sizes for the

cover blocks prepare in the site are as follows.

Ground floor beam : 40mm

Ground floor slab top and bottom cover : 25mm

29
Beam bottom, Side and top : 25mm

Upper floor slabs : 20mm

4.03.2 Stools

Stools are used to separate top reinforcement mesh and the bottom reinforcement

mesh. T/10 bars are used to bind stools and the strength must be enough to bear the

load without changing the distance between the two layers.

4.03.3 Lapping of reinforcement

If the full length exceeds the normal length of a bar, laps are provided. Normally the

lap length is 50 times of the diameter of the bar.

Assume d1>d2
Crack length = off x 10mm

d2 d1
Lap length = 50 x d2

Figure 4.03.1 Lapping of reinforcement

4.03.4 Column and beam reinforcement

In columns there are main bars which lie to the top of the floor height. There are laps

as it is not practicable to bind straightly without lapping. The stirrups in the columns

are bind in regular intervals as mention in the drawings.

A length of stirrup is normally similar to the perimeter of the column. But the

covering space should be deducted and the 20 x diameter is added for binding.

30
Further in 400 x 400 columns more two stirrups are bind in the middle of the column

to give more rigidity. The stirrups tightened the column and keep it vertically.

When binding reinforcement in beams an extra consideration must be given as the top

net and the bottom net is connecting to the beam. According to drawings L shaped

bars and plain bars are use for beams in this site. The main beams should be laid first

and the rest must be laid after that.

4.03.6 Slab reinforcement

In this site all the slabs used T/10 bars for the top net and bottom net of the slab

reinforcement. Mainly there are tension and compression bars starting from beams.

The top bars overcome the hogging moment. When there is a slope between slab

levels in toilet areas and balconies the bend of the reinforcement is done at beams.

4.03.2 Slab reinforcement

31
4.04 Concrete

Concrete is a remarkable material that can be cast in to almost any shape. It will

sustain and transmit tremendous loads and once hardened. It is practically

indestructible. (Editors of Fine home building, 2008)

4.04.1 Types of concrete

There are various grades in concrete which are specified for particular constructions.

According to the grade of the concrete, characteristic strength, aggregates size and

cement content is set out. Generally the grade of the concrete is the strength in

N/mm2 after 28 days of curing. The mix proportions are varies according to the grade

of the concrete.

Grade Mix proportion

(Cement: Sand: Aggregates)

30 1: 1: 2

25 1: 1 : 3

20 1: 2: 4

10 1: 3: 6

Table 4.04.1 Grades of concrete

32
4.04.2 Mixing concrete

Concrete mixing is the blending of materials which are required for the production of

a homogenous concrete. (Mindess,Sidney and Young,1981). There are materials and

equipments for this purpose. Concrete is made by mixing the aggregates, Portland

cement and water.

Figure 4.04.1 Concrete mixer

Normally concrete mixer is using when moderate amount of concrete is required.

There are three types as drum mixer, pan mixer and continuous mixer. Also concrete

can be obtained by ready mix plants.

Determining of correct proportions of materials needed for the concrete helps to

secure the strength, durability, workability. Locations, shape, horsepower of the

machine, mixing time are important in this.

4.04.3 Ready mix concrete

Ready mix concrete is already mixed concrete and delivered to the site by ready mix

trucks with the quantity that client required. Concrete is batched in a batching plant

under computerized controlling mechanism. The quality of ready mix is very high as

well a greater quantity could be prepared. It saves the time, reduces the labour hiring

costs and it lessen the material wastage. The disadvantage of ready mix is the

33
problems effect while transportation. Also there is a no proper way to check the

concrete quantity when they are carrying from trucks.

Figure 4.04.2 Ready mix truck Figure 4.04.3 Pump car

4.04.4 Manually mixed concrete

When there is no need of larger quantities of concrete, it is better to use manual

mixing of concrete. But it is difficult as labour power is required. Before mixing

concrete all the necessary materials should be transported to the mixing place. The

quality controlling of manual is a difficult task and a good supervision must be

needed.

4.04.5 Transporting and placing concrete

Transporting is the ringing of mixed concrete to the location or the site. It may take

few hours or few minutes. It is very important to transport concrete before the setting

time of the concrete. While transporting Delay, Segregation, Slump loss, Wastage

must be avoided.

34
There are several methods of transporting concrete such as dumper, crane, buckets,

trucks, conveyor and hoist.

Placing of concrete is also a very good step in the concreting procedure. It is very

important to obtain durability, strength and good appearance. It should be planned to

avoid segregation and formation of cold joints.

4.04.6 Admixtures

Supercrete

This is a fourth generation admixture which is formulated to give high water

reduction with retarding effect for hot whether constructions. This can produce

highly fluid concrete with extended workability for placing.

The advantages of this are

Reduce the segregation and bleeding in plastic concrete

Reduces porosity and permeability of hardened concrete

Reduces the placement time and cost.

Adcrete

This is liquid water which reducing the set retarding admixture for concrete. It contain

lignosulphonates and this has formulated to give a good performance in concrete by

reducing the water and controlling setting time. The advantages of adcrete are as

follows.

35
 Improve workability

Reduce segregation

Reduce water requirement and control rate of setting

Increase strength

Reduce cracking

4.04.7 Curing of concrete

Curing is maintained proper concrete moisture content and temperature long enough

to allow hydration of the concrete and development of the desired properties

There are several methods for curing concrete. They are,

Using wet gunny bags

Making water spray or pond on the surface

Keeping formwork

Submerge in water

Apply curing compound

4.04.4 Curing of concrete

36
 Better
durable
concrete
Lessen the
chance of Achieving
concrete high strength
scalling

Proper
Lessen the Curing Avoid
surface surface
dusting cracking

Having good
Improve
surface
water
wearing
tightness
resistance

4.04.5 The effects of proper curing

4.04.8 Defects in concrete

Defects of the concrete are highly effect for the concrete structure. It may cause minor

and major damages to the strength, durability and serviceability of the structure. Few

common defects in concrete are

Colour variation: Appearing different colour or dark or light patches on the

concrete surface due to the usage of different brand of cement change in mix

ratio or by uneven curing. Can be repaired by surface coating.

37
 Dusting: White powders come on concrete surface due to finishing during

rain, not curing well, use of low grade concrete etc. This can be repaired by

applying surface hardener.

Cracking: cracks are due to various reasons and that will effect on durability,

and strength. Some can be eliminate by proper workmanship and curing.

Honeycombing:

Figure 4.04.6 Honeycombing

Appearing too much aggregates on some places in concrete or no concrete in

some spots and these are effect to strength and durability. This may due to

poor compacting, less cohesiveness, segregations, poor workability, leakage in

formwork etc. This can be prevented by compacting well, using good water

tight formwork, avoiding segregation and using proper workable mix.

Blistering: These are hollow; low profile bumps on concrete surface filled

with either air or bleed water. This is occurring in thick slabs or on hot or

windy days. This can be repaired by grind off the weakened layer to an even

finish.

38
4.05 Brick work

It is important to consider about the size of the bricks. The standard size of a brick is

as follows.

4.05.1 The standard size of a brickwork

The cement sand ratio used for the mortar in masonry is 1:5. Other than those factors

brick bonding is very important in masonry works. Generally bonding of brick is

arrangement of bricks in a pattern to take the strength and to distribute the load. There

are different types of bonds. Though there are four types of main bonds, this

construction covers only two types and they are as follows.

Stretcher bond

Figure 4.05.2- stretcher bond

Bricks are laid with the length along the wall.

Mostly used for half and single brick walls and cavity walls as the bond needs
less number of cuttings and is economical.

39
Header bond

Figure 4.05.3 header bond

Bricks lay with the lengths across the walls.

Use for curved walls.

When considering about the brickworks, there are some important other items too.

They are

Lintels

Stiffners

Sill beams

4.05.1 Lintels

Lintels are small concrete works done above the openings. Lintels are made in order

to avoid the load passing to the door or window frame. In this site normally the lintel

height is 150mm. the lintel lays along the opening and extra 300mm are kept in both

either sides. But the height of the lintel increases to 225mm when there is a canopy

for the window.

There are 225mm and 112.5mm width lintels. 112.5mm lintels are most often laid

when there is a high brick work. It is not possible to build the brickwork up without a

40
support in the middle. So a lintel is also laid in such cases too. The lintel is laid

normally 2350mm up from the floor level.

Four T/12 reinforcement bars are laid in 225mm wide lintels while two T/12

reinforcement bars are laid in 112.5mm lintels. Stirrups for them are laying from R/6

reinforcement bars. The lintels are also concrete by using grade 25 concrete.

Figure 4.05.4 Lintels

4.05.2 Stiffners

Stiffners are also small concrete structures which are constructed in the joining places

of brick walls (Brick wall edges). Normally a stiffner is 225mm x 112.5mm. The

height is the floor height of the particular floor.

Stiffners are placed in the corners of the brick walls in order to give a proper bondage

and strength to those walls. 2 bars of T/12 reinforcement are laying for this stiffners

and R/6 S shaped stirrups are binding. They are also concrete by grade 25 concrete.

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 Figure 4.05.5 Stiffners

4.05.3 Sill beams

Sill beams are also so much similar to the lintels. But they are small concrete works

done under window. Sill beam lies under the window frame. Sill beam not only lies

along the opening, but also it extends to 300mm on either sides of the opening.

The normal height of a sill beam in this construction is 225mm and the width is also

225mm. the length depends on the length of the window. For this 4 T/12 bars must be

bind and R/6 stirrups must be bind. But in some case the sill spread along the wall

where the rest of the sill is concrete to only 100mm height. There only 2 bars are used

as reinforcement.

Figure 4.05.6 Sill beam

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4.06 Plastering

After finishing the brickwork plastering of walls are starting. The mortar which is

taken for plastering is to the cement sand 1:5 ratio. Laying of plastering in this site

was done as normal by using trowel, wooden batten, delivering float, water etc.

The most significant thing is laying of a mesh which is generally called as chicken

mesh for the wall before plastering. That mesh is an aluminum mesh. The reason for

that is to equalize the expansion co-efficient This is specially laying at the ends of

walls which there is brickwork connecting to the concrete. As the expansion co-

efficient of bricks and concrete is different, when the heat comes there are trying to

expand different quantities. Then the plaster could not bear and it will crack soon. In

order to get rid of those the chicken mesh is laid. Then aluminum is getting expand

and it is same at every location. So there are problems for the plastering.

Figure 4.06.1 Laying chicken mesh

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4.07 Health and Safety and security

H&S has become the one of the most important parts in a construction project. To

ensure that the construction work is under taken in as safe manner there should be a

safe system of work.

During this training, it was easy to identify the places where the accidents could be

happen and the most possible places are

On scaffoldings, ladders, roof

Falling objects from upper floor

Falling erected steel structural frames

Demolition works

From hoisting machines

When working with electricity

When doing excavations

There were many safety measures that have been taken in the site, construction of

building complex for faculty of management and finance in university of Ruhuna.

Safety clothes All the employees were provided with safety helmets, safety

goggles, boots, gloves, and everything.

Safety nets The entire building area was protected by safety nets.

Safety PolicyThe project deals with a H&S policy. Each and everyone who

involved in the construction have a better understanding about the safety

policy.

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 Safety boards Safety boards were hanging at every side of site. There were

some instructions given to workers when doing material handling, using

scaffolding etc.

Risk assessment The H&S representative finds out about all hazards and

risks that could happen and record those in suitable formats and take control

measures.

First aid box A well maintained first aid box was keeping in the site and

each and everyone had given knowledge about first-aid.

Fire extinguishers They were hanging at the walls in order to access

quickly in a sudden circumstance.

Reduce the pollution Working area is a urban area very much closer to the
town. Further it should be clean as it is a university and the surrounding is

very clean. So the construction itself had a good garbage disposal system,

sanitary facilities etc.

There was a safety officer and a security officer in order to maintain the safety and

security in the site.

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4.08 Quality controlling

Trio constructions (Pvt) Ltd is highly concerning about the quality of the

constructions. Further the consultant, Ceylon Engineering Bureau is always

considering about the quality of the work done.

The Quality policy of Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd :

We at Trio Constructions (Pvt) Ltd always strive to meet the highest quality levels in

timely manner in all civil constructions. We undertake by effectively and efficiently

managing our human capacity and other resources. We also take every possible step

to continually improve our systems, standards and delight our most esteemed

customers and which in turn help our company to grow.

Following are the tests which are use in the site to maintain the proper quality.

4.08.1 Cube test

Figure 4.08.1 Test cubes

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Casting

There are 150mm test cube moulds which the concrete is filled in three layers.

Approximately 50mm deep layers must be filled and each must be compacted either

by manually or by vibration. After compacting, the third layer the surface must be

finished by using the trowel.

When compacting manually, the standard rod weighing 1.8kg, 380mm long and

having ramming face 25mm2 is used. When making strokes it should distributed in

uniform manner over the mould. Normally each layer is subjected to 35 blows and it

is depending on the concrete.

Curing

After making them they should be kept in a damp atmosphere at temperature about 20

C for next 24 hours. Later the moulds are removed and the test cubes are taking off

and merged in water tank as soon as possible until they are taking out just before the

testing. When they are transporting to the laboratory they must be covered with wet

sacks.

Testing

The test cubes are tested in a machine approved by the engineers. That clean the test

cube and load is spared to two opposite sides of test cubes other than top and bottom

cast. The load is applied without shocking by continuous rate approximately

15MN/m2 per minute until the maximum load applied as crushing load.

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 Grade Minimum cement Min 28 days compressive strength N/mm2
Content in concrete Minimum target Characteristic
Kg/m3 Strength strength

30.00 315 40.00 30.00

37.5 335 47.5 37.5
45.0 360 55.0 45.0
52.0 405 62.5 52.06
Table 4.08.1 Cube testing

4.08.2 Slump test

Slump

Figure 4.08.2 Slump test

This is also a simple test for controlling workability. A standard slump cones top

diameter is 100mm, bottom diameter is 200mm and the height is 300mm. the tamping

rod I 16mm diameter and 600mm long. Also 450mm2 waterproof base plate is using

for this test.

The slump cone is filled with three layers and each layer is tamped with 25 strokes by

tamping rod. The top layer must be leveled. When it is completely filled, the slump

cone is removed and it is vertically raising. The height difference of the concrete and

mould is measured by using the ruler to the nearest 5mm.

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4.09 Handling documentations

There are different types of documents in a site office. The basic documents at the site

office which assist in construction works are;

Detailed drawings and specifications

Bills of Quantities

Monthly program and other bar charts

Company rates sheet

Inspections and checklists

Other than the above documents there are daily maintaining records in the site office.

They are;

Weather records

Daily progress sheets

Daily site reports

Labour attendance chart

Test cube reports

Further there are number of files that are maintained at site office in order to have

proper management of work.

Minutes of meetings

Monthly bill file

Head office correspondence file

Staff attendance file

Consultant correspondence file

Sub contractors file

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Other than site documents there are several valuable documents maintained in the site

stores. They are

Goods Received Note (G.R.N)

Goods Departure Note (G.P.N)

Gate Pass

Material Requisition and Issue note

Material book

Stores requisition

All the documents are highly valuable and it is important to maintain them properly in

order to do the works easily. The copies of some above documents are attached in the

list of appendices.

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4.10 Tools and machinery

Tools and machinery also plays an important role in a construction project. They

make the works more effective and easier. Those help in saving time, labour cost. As

well machinery reduces the wastage too. However with the development of the

technology, construction field is also renewing due to these tools and machinery.

Excavator

Figure 4.10.1 Excavator

This is heavy construction equipment consisting with boom, stick, bucket and a

rotating platform known as the house. This accomplishes the movements by winches

and steel ropes. In this site basically and regularly excavator helps for loading sand,

aggregates for the tractor or the baby dumper to carry to the sites.

Tractor

Figure 4.10.2 Tractor

Tractor makes all the transportations. This can carry some large amount than the

dumper. Specially in this site tractor helps for transporting cement, sand aggregates

51
and most vitally to transport the machinery to the site. Concrete mixtures could also

transported from tractors.

Dumper

Figure 4.10.3 Dumper

A dumper is a vehicle designed for carrying bulk material, often on building sites. In

this site sand, aggregates and cement is transport to by dumper. It is useful as it take a

small space. So it can go through the site easily than other big vehicles.

Wacker

Figure 4.10.4 Wacker

Wackers are small compactors which produce an impact force at very high rate (450 -

800 blows per minute) due to the impact force they are good for compaction. These

are used for the compaction of small areas where access is difficult and for the

compaction of backfill in trenches. Wacker consists of two main parts, the upper part

includes the engine and lower part includes the base plate with a vibrating mechanism

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Poker vibrator

Figure 4.10.5 Poker vibrator

Poker vibrator is a device, which is used to vibrate and compact concrete to obtain a

well-compacted cast. poker vibrators were used in the site and both were powered

by kerosene oil.

Water pump

The water pumps are usually needed for bridge sites for de-watering purposes. Those

were powed by kerosene oil or diesel.

Bar Cutting machine

Figure 4.10.6 Bar cutting machine

The bar cutting machine was used to cut bars. It is also powered by 3-phase

electricity.

Power Saw

The power saw was used by the carpenters to saw timber for formworks. This is also

electrically powered.

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 Figure 4.10.7 Bar cutting machine

Tile cutter

Figure 4.10.8 Tile Cutter

The tile cutter is used to cut tiles.

4.11 Sub contract billing

As this project was very big, several sections of work is divided for several sub

contractors. The sub contractors are taking money for their work done monthly. In

every month they must be paid. For that a detailed bill demonstrating all the work that

has done must be prepared and hand over to the site engineer. That is the duty of the

quantity surveyor. From this it develop several things such as knowledge of taking

measurements, criticizing company rates, awaring the units to measure particular

items.

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 Item Unit Dimensions should be taken

Concreting m3 Length x Width x Height

Formwork m2 Length x Height

Reinforcement kg Diameter 2 x Length x No: of Bars / 162.162

Columns m Height

Brickwork m2 Length x Height

Plastering m2 Length x Height

Rubble masonry m3 Length x Width x Height

Floor concrete m2 Length x Width

Excavation m3 Length x Width x Height

Lintel m Length

Cutting and Filling m3 Length x Width x Height

Compacting m2 Length x Width

Table 4.11.1 Measuring of items

After preparing the sub contractor bills their quantity surveyors are comparing the bill

with their own bill. Sometimes if there are any variations joint measurements has to

be taken with them for a final conclusion.

An example for a prepared sub contractor bill is attached in the following.

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4.12 Direct labour billing

Other than giving sub contracts for the sub contractors, the company itself employing

for some workers. They are paid for a per day rate for every 15 days. Every day those

direct labours obtain a target from the technical officers. Then they cover that from

their maximum. If the worker has to work over time, the company pays for that too.

So in every 15 days it is needed to prepare a bill for direct workers. That task also has

to fulfill by the quantity surveyors. After that a complete report of every worker with

their work done should be submitted to the head office for valuation and check

whether about the covering of labour wages by the work done. Normally they are

paying in 15th of every month and in 30th of every month.

An example for a prepared direct labour salary sheet is as follows.

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5.0 Observations made

Throughout my training period several observations could be done. Among them the

most significant observations are listed in the following.

5.1 Delay in the project time

In the beginning of my training there was a big delay in this construction project. The

identification of delay events is one of the more difficult, time consuming and yet

important aspects of delay analysis. Delay to planned work scope can occur in only

three forms:

1. Delay to commencement
2. Extended duration
3. Suspension during performance

In this project there are frequently multiple potential causes of delay to be

investigated which can number in the hundreds. Common causes for delays are:

Delay or deferment in granting possession of the site

Unforeseeable ground condition
Instructions (additional works, etc.)
Variations or changes to work scope
Increase in quantity
Inaccurate quantities in contract bill
Late design information
Suspension of work
Delay caused by statutory undertakers
Exceptionally adverse weather conditions
Delay caused by the employer or his representatives
Strikes or industrial action
Unforeseeable shortage in the availability of personnel or material

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5.2 Variations

A variation is an alteration to the scope of works in a construction contract in the form

of an addition, substitution or omission from the original scope of works.

Variations may include:

Alterations to the design.

Alterations to quantities.

Alterations to quality.

Alterations to working conditions.

Alterations to the sequence of work.

There were some variations in this project too. The timber for the whole building was

to be from Class I timber. Then there was a variation to use jack timber instead of

class I timber. Variation gives rise to an addition or deductions from the contract sum.

When valuing the variations it should not only the direct expenses. All the expenses

that result because of variation must be added. In this project the variation quotation is

prepared by the contractor and accepted by the client.

Variations can cost lot of time, money of a contract. Other than unavoidable

variations it is important to minimize potential variations by ensuring the

uncertainties.

Following is a variation prepared in the site for timber.

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6.0 Problems encountered and solutions found

6.1 Problems encountered

In any construction, there are so many problems happen. Those are arising when the

construction project is going. Some problems are predictable and some are not.

During my training period there were so many problems that the project has to

undergo. They can be listed as follows

Rainy weather condition

Figure 5.1 Impact of rainy weather condition

As there was an adverse weather during two months the progress of the project was

very slow. Every excavation has filled with mud and sometimes water. So more

labour cost and doubling of time for such activities have resulted by that.

Lack of machinery In the company there were only limited machines, vehicles and

tools. So sometimes two contractors may need the concrete mixture and poker at same

time. But when there are no two mixtures at the site the concreting is delaying. Those

impacted highly for the project.

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Lack of skill labour Skill labours are needed for barbending, masonry and

carpentry works. But there were lot of unskilled labours. So working with them was

completely difficult task and it wastes the time. The technical officers faced lot of

problems due to unskilled labours.

Sub contractor delays Though the works are divided among sub contractors whole

contract and its responsibility is under the company. There were so many delays

which occurred by the sub contractors. Then the project organization has to forced

them for delay otherwise the total project would face for liquidated damages.

Changes in drawings Lot of drawings were changed after the first set of drawings.

So it was not easy to arrange the necessary differences in those drawings.

Lack of tools and equipments in the stores Sometimes there is a scarcity in the

tools and equipments. The stores must be rich with all necessary tools and

equipments. The working time is reducing because of the lack of machineries.

Mechanical problems in machines Such cases were happen in very urgent

situations. There was a big mechanical problem in the hired JCB and because of that

the workers could not work that day. Further concrete mixture and pokers are the

same. There was only limited number of those. One day all concrete works has to be

stopped due to problems in pokers. The consultants did not allow to continue

concreting without a poker.

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6.2 Solutions found

During this training period, lot of solutions too found for the above problems. They

are listed as follows.

Always the rain water should be de watered and cleaned as soon as possible

after the rain.

The professionals regarding machinery should be aware about the site

problems and try to get all required machinery for construction activities.

The sub contractors should aware to employ skilled labour for tasks and to

minimize unskilled labours. Further lot of skilled labours should be introduced

through the company itself from direct labour basis.

Sub contractors should given targets for fixed dates to finish several tasks and

that could wipe out the project delays.

There should be a direct contact between the drafting section to solve the

problems that undergo because of drawings.

There should be a skilled mechanic to repair and maintain all the machinery,

tools and equipments of the stores. Always he should be stay in the site and

then it will easy in case of machinery failure.

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Conclusion

Civil Engineering construction works are not only an academic subject. Academic

subjects like text books, tutorials, and notes can only provide the necessary theoretical

background to the construction work on site. Therefore practical experience is a very

important factor. Through his it was able to identify the ways of industry developing

talent and attitude and what are the responsibilities that should be recognize as a

professional quantity surveyor in the future.

As a student of trainee quantity surveyor, the wish was attached to the TRIO

CONSTRUCTION LIMITED to gain a practical experience during my Basic

industrial Training. It was able to gain a wide knowledge and great experience about

construction work from sites. There was excavation, foundation, structural, masonry,

concreting, leveling, reinforcement, and finishing works for learnt there technical

side. And also the training covered all the billing and measuring that needed to be

aware as a QS.

The site construction work has been temporary slow on several times due to delay of

payments and bad weather conditions. There were some delay in provide relevant

details and drawings also. This assisted to get a great practical knowledge in civil

engineering and practical knowledge in Quantity Surveying. Further this gives the

opportunity to solve my problems encountered with our project managers and Site

engineers. Overall the training period enrich me with lot of skills and experience in

the construction field.

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Appendices

63
64
65
Remarks

66