FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

INHOUSE TRAINING REPORT

BY

MIRAMBO BARUANI CHANCARD

18/189/BSCE-J

UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR: MR. LUMBASI FRANCIS

SUBMISSION DATE…………….

This report is submitted to the Department of Civil Engineering as a result of what transpired
during my industrial training between 29 th May 2023 to 28th July 2023 in partial fulfilment of the
university requirement for the award of a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

AUGUST 2023
 APPROVAL

This report has been done by MIRAMBO BARUANI CHANCARD under a good supervision
and invigilation and is now ready for submission to the university.

Sign……………………………………………. DATE…………………………………

UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR: MR. LUMBASI FRANCIS

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 DECLARATION

I, MIRAMBO BARUANI CHANCARD, declare that the information and contents of this report
are the results of my efforts and my hard work undertaken during my industrial training and have
not been presented anywhere for the award of a bachelor’s degree of science in civil engineering.

MIRAMBO BARUANI CHANCARD

SIGNATURE………………… DATE: …………………………...

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this report to the INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF EAST AFRICA for granting
me the opportunity to improve my skills in different spheres of the construction industry and to
my family for supporting me during the whole industrial training period.

To my supervisor Mr. Lumbasi Francis for his guidance during the period of the training.

Lastly, to my fellow trainees who also helped me in various ways during the training.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPROVAL.....................................................................................................................................i
DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION...............................................................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS...............................................................................................................iv
LIST OF FIGURES.........................................................................................................................v
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................vi
1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1
1.1 Background.......................................................................................................................1
1.2 Objectives of in-house training.........................................................................................1
2. CHAPTER 2: THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE GUARD HOUSE.................2
2.1 Safety on site.....................................................................................................................2
2.2 Tools and equipment used on this site..............................................................................2
2.3 Activities that were carried out on site..............................................................................2
2.3.1 Site investigation.......................................................................................................3
2.3.2 Architectural design...................................................................................................3
2.3.3 Calculation of the materials to be used for the construction of guard house.............4
2.3.4 Site preparation/clearance..........................................................................................4
2.3.5 Setting out..................................................................................................................5
2.3.6 Repair of the tractor...................................................................................................5
2.3.7 Excavation of a foundation........................................................................................6
2.3.8 Building a plinth wall................................................................................................7
2.3.9 Backfilling.................................................................................................................8
2.3.10 Floor slab formwork..................................................................................................9
2.3.11 Floor slab casting.......................................................................................................9
2.3.12 Curing and striking of formwork.............................................................................10
2.3.13 Insertion of the Damp Proof Course (DPC)............................................................10
2.3.14 Offloading of the blocks..........................................................................................10
2.3.15 Building a superstructure wall.................................................................................11
2.4 Electrical installation.......................................................................................................13
2.4.1 Lecture on electrical installation..............................................................................13
3. CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.................................................14

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 3.1 Challenges.......................................................................................................................14
3.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................14
3.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................14
4. References..................................................................................................................................15

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1 shows the excavation of foundation trenches................................................................7

Figure 2-2 shows the construction of the plinth wall......................................................................8
Figure 2-3 shows backfilling...........................................................................................................8
Figure 2-4 shows a cast slab............................................................................................................9
Figure 2-5 shows the insertion of a DPC.......................................................................................10
Figure 2-6 shows the mixing of mortar.........................................................................................11
Figure 2-7 shows blockwork or construction of the wall..............................................................12
Figure 2-8 Blockwork....................................................................................................................12

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 ABSTRACT

This report contains information that was compiled during my inhouse training period which was
carried out at the International University of East Africa. Information was compiled after total
participation in the different activities at site. These included site investigation, design of the
structure that is guard house, setting out, excavation of foundation trenches, Masonry works.

This report is divided into three chapters. Chapter 1 covers a general introduction, and the
training's objectives.

The many tasks that were completed while on site are described in detail in Chapter 2.

The third chapter includes observations, suggestions, difficulties encountered during the inhouse
training period, and a conclusion.

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 1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Inhouse training: This a university-based program that introduces students to the engineering
field before they can go out and practice with other engineering companies.

In-house training, or internal training, is a type of corporate training that involves the use of a
company’s own expertise and resources. The activity of training employees is carried out by
internal staff and employees. (Peoplehum, n.d.)

1.2 Objectives of in-house training

• To instruct students in the development, management, and upkeep of civil-based

infrastructure.
• To introduce the students to the workplace so they can understand the many professions
and their duties before, during, and after the completion of work.
• When engaging with various people on site, students learn how to handle work pressure
and how to take criticism well.
• The training aids the students in understanding the theory that was covered in lectures.
• Additionally, the training enables students to comprehend the value of effective
interpersonal and communication skills and later cultivate these abilities, which are
crucial in the engineering sector.
• The training helps the students increase their problem-solving capacity using the limited
available technology appropriately.
• To enable students, to appreciate the importance of teamwork in the construction
industry.

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 2. CHAPTER 2: THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE GUARD HOUSE

2.1 Safety on site

Every worker is expected to be fully outfitted in safety gear at any site since everyone's health
and safety is a priority.

On-site safety equipment and tools included;

 Safety shoes with a steel toe cap to protect the toes in the event of an injury and a hard
sole to prevent workers from treading on sharp objects on the job site.
 Helmets to protect workers' heads from injury in the event of falling objects
 Reflective jackets for quick identification of on-site personnel
 Workers should wear safety gloves to protect their hands from injury or if hazardous
substances are being used on the job site.
 Overalls for easy identification of workers and to prevent their own clothes from being
dirty.

All the above safety gears or equipment were firmly emphasized by our supervisor.

2.2 Tools and equipment used on this site

On-site, a number of tools and equipment were employed, including the following:

 Spades: During the casting process, these were used for mixing, scooping, and
distributing concrete. In block masonry, spades were also used to mix mortar.
 Wheelbarrows were great for moving small amounts of concrete, mortar, and earth about
the job site.
 Trowels were useful in block work because they scooped mortar before putting the
blocks.
 Plumb bob: It was used to ensure the verticality of structures like block walls, columns.
 Spirit levels: are designed to indicate whether a surface is completely level.

2.3 Activities that were carried out on site

This describes the work performed on the construction of the guard house during my in-house
training period.

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2.3.1 Site investigation
This is the process of acquiring information regarding the planned placement of any
structure/building, in this case, a guard house. We carried site investigation in order to know
where the guard house was to be constructed.

Before beginning any project, it is critical to conduct a thorough site study. The following are the
goals of the site investigation:

 Determining the nature of the ground

 Site accessibility
 Service availability

2.3.2 Architectural design

Architectural design in construction contributes to the creation of functional and aesthetically
beautiful structures that satisfy specific needs.

Following a site visit, the architectural design of the structure was completed in three groups of
10 to 15 individuals each. The groups created various designs, and the final design was chosen
from one group and authorised by the professor before being moved to the ground. ArchiCAD
software was used to create the design using computers.

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2.3.3 Calculation of the materials to be used for the construction of guard house
The major goal of a Bills of Quantities is to standardise the process of preparing a firm cost to
carry out the works for tendering contractors. Give tendering contractors a fair and reliable
mechanism for pricing the project using the same information.

We completed our BOQ for the guard's house and determined the number of items required.

In total, 780 bricks were used for the plinth wall, 437 blocks were used for the superstructure,
and 34-wheel barrows of sand and 9 bags of cement were utilised for the construction of the
guard house.

2.3.4 Site preparation/clearance

The following activities are involved in site clearance:

• Cutting down trees and bushes on the intended site and removing root systems that may
interfere with building construction.
• Removal of top vegetation, soil, and any foreign matter in order to provide a firm or
stable ground for carrying out setting out.

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For the case of our site, there were no trees so we just removed the top vegetation, soil and any
other foreign matter that was present.

Site clearance tools and materials

• Pick axe
• Hoe
• Spade
• Wheelbarrow
• Handsaw

2.3.5 Setting out

This is the practice of translating the building design into the land itself so that construction
workers can follow it. The goal of setting out is to ensure that the construction stays within the
legal boundaries while also guiding workers as they begin building.

We carried out setting out and several pegs are pushed into position along the area where the
building was to be positioned and guarded by long poles.

The guard house was of dimensions 4m by 2.5m so it was set out according to those dimensions.

Materials and tools used

• Building square
• Building line
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Profile boards
• Nails

2.3.6 Repair of the tractor

Repair is the process of restoring by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken.
The tire of the tractor was repaired by fixing one of its mortars which was removed for some
experience in electrical lab.

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Tools used in repairing the tractor;

 Wrenches
 Screwdrivers
 Sockets
 Locking pliers and
 Hammers

2.3.7 Excavation of a foundation

A building structure's lower portion that disperses its gravity loads to the earth is referred to as a
foundation. Deep and shallow foundations are the two types of foundations. Since the building
designed was as a guard house which would not carry heavy loads and the land was firm, it could
handle the loads put on it. As a result, a shallow foundation was utilised for the site.

Any construction project's foundation must ensure the efficient and balanced transmission of
structural loads to the ground in order to support the building without overloading the subsoil,
which could cause settlement.

Because the soil had an excellent load-bearing capacity and could hold all the loads put to it, a
strip foundation was chosen to build the guardhouse.

Tools used

• Hoe
• Spade
• Wheelbarrow
• Pick axe

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Figure 2-1 shows the excavation of foundation trenches
2.3.8 Building a plinth wall
A plinth wall is a wall that separates the superstructure from the substructure by separating the
ground level from the ground floor level. It gives masonry projects a level surface.

Over the foundation concrete, a plinth wall is positioned in the centre. This was accomplished
with a 1:4 mix ratio, or one-part cement to three parts sand, which was adhered to using properly
burned clay bricks. A plinth wall was built using a head bond, a particular kind of bond.

In masonry construction, header bond is commonly utilised and regarded as the strongest. The
major goal of using this bond is to securely sustain or bear the upper structure's weight and
transfer it to the ground through the foundation.

Equipment and materials used

• Plumb bob
• Trowel
• Spade
• Hoe
• Wooden float

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Figure 2-2 shows the construction of the plinth wall
2.3.9 Backfilling
This refers to the practice of strengthening and supporting a structure's foundation or any other
structural part by replacing or reusing the soil that is removed during building development. The
soil that was taken out during excavation was used for this project, and the soil was then
manually compacted. This was done to achieve a high level of compaction and prevent the
structure from settling.

Figure 2-3 shows backfilling

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2.3.10 Floor slab formwork
Formwork is the term used to describe the temporary mould into which concrete is poured and
allowed to take shape while setting. The loads imposed during the placement and curing of
concrete should be supported by formwork that is strong enough to do so.

Formwork comprised of a decking constructed of wood planks (100mm thickness), anchored by

pegs to keep them in place and prepared for receiving concrete.

Tools and equipment used: Hammer, Builder's Square

2.3.11 Floor slab casting

Before casting, Concrete materials were batched by volume using a mix ratio of 1:3:4 which is
one part of cement to two parts of sand to four parts of the aggregates

With the aid of a spade, fresh green concrete was scooped, loaded onto a wheelbarrow, and
moved to its destination. After that, it was put into the formwork that was shuttered, where it was
carefully levelled and compacted to fill any gaps in the concrete.

The cast concrete was evenly levelled and thoroughly compacted to match the top of the
formwork.

Figure 2-4 shows a cast slab

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2.3.12 Curing and striking of formwork
This is done to finish the hydration process and also aids concrete in fully developing its
strength. In order for the concrete to sufficiently harden and build strength, water was applied to
its surface daily for seven days. Concrete must not be loaded before it has hardened since
hardening is a long process and it takes at least 21 days for concrete to harden.

Formwork was carefully removed with a claw hammer once the concrete had fully solidified in
order to safeguard the edges of the floor slab.

2.3.13 Insertion of the Damp Proof Course (DPC)

The damp proof course (DPC) is generally applied at basement levels, which restricts the
movement of moisture through walls and floors

Figure 2-5 shows the insertion of a DPC

2.3.14 Offloading of the blocks
This is the process of offloading tracks that carries the blocks from where it was bought to the
construction site for the commencement of the building

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2.3.15 Building a superstructure wall
The superstructure wall was constructed using blocks and the blocks used at this site were
concrete blocks. A cement-sand mortar mix ratio of 1:4 was used and just the appropriate amount
of water was added. The mixing was done using a spade.

The wall was constructed using a plumb bob to ensure that the wall was straight and a spirit level
ensured that the wall was well leveled.

Utilised equipment and materials:

• Wheelbarrows
• Spirit level
• Building line
• Trowel
• Plumb bob
• Spade

Figure 2-6 shows the mixing of mortar

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Figure 2-7 shows blockwork or construction of the wall

2.4 Electrical installation

2.4.1 Lecture on electrical installation

Electrical installation refers to the process of installing and connecting electrical components and
systems in a building or structure. This includes everything from wiring, switches, outlets, and
lighting fixtures, to larger electrical components like circuit breakers, transformers, and
generators.

The purpose of electrical installation is to provide safe and reliable electrical power to a building
or structure, and to ensure that all electrical systems are installed and maintained in accordance
with local building codes and safety regulations.

Electrical motor: is a device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy.

Generator: is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy for use in an electrical
circuit.

ATS- Automatic Transfer Switch: is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its
primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source.

Electricity generation

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Electric power generation is the generation of electricity from various sources of energy, like
fossil fuels, nuclear, solar, or wind energy. Electric power is generated at a power plant and then
transmitted, often over long distances to our homes, buildings, and businesses.

Sources of electrical power generation

 Thermal power generation

 Nuclear power generation
 Solar power generation
 Wind power generation
 Hydro power generation

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 3. CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

3.1 Challenges

• I failed to attend all the days of this in house training because it was set at the same
period whereby, I was concluding with my final year project tests and I was having
another industrial training out of the university.
• Lack of adequate supervision and guidance to the trainees as most of the times we did the
work without any guidance.
• Lack of cooperation among some trainees; some trainees were unwilling to learn from
those with more construction experience.

3.2 Recommendation

• The university should prepare adequately for this training such that students can learn a
lot during this period.
• Students should learn to cooperate as it will help them in the future.
• Proper supervision and guidance should be given to the students during this training
which will allow them to learn much better.

3.3 Conclusion

Even if there were a few difficulties, the in-house training time was beneficial since I learned a
lot from the site. I developed into a practical person and discovered the value of teamwork and
how to get along with a variety of people.

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 4. References

Peoplehum. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.peoplehum.com/glossary/in-house-

training#:~:text=In-house%20trainings%2C%20or%20internal,by%20internal%20staff
%20and%20employees.

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