Final Report To Be Printed2

INTERNSHIP REPORT BY ESUBALEW GEZAHEGN
Acknowledgment
First of all I would like to thank God for his mercy, love, and care
throughout this internship program.
Next I would like to pass my deepest gratitude to my supervisors Ato

Ephrem, W/ro Zemen, Ato Kefyalew and Ato Abreham for their
continued assistance during my stay at the company. I am in grateful to
UNICONE consultancy for hosting me in their company for the last four
months. And I would like to thank Aksum University College of
Engineering and Technology especially Department of Civil Engineering
and Architecture for providing necessary assistance for successfulness of
this program.
This epochal internship not only gave me awareness on this project, but
also helped me to develop team spirit, leadership, complacency and
experience with my fellow friends.
Finally I would like to thank Ato Semere for his cooperation in printing
this report paper.
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Executive summery
I have been working as an intern student in a consulting company for the last 4
months. The internship program has increased my practical knowledge on the civil
engineering field and it also helped me to know the basic skills that I should have to be
a competent engineer in the practical world. And I hope that all the intern students
have gained enough knowledge about their future carrier.
This paper in general discusses the overall experience of this four months worth of
internship at a company called United Consulting Engineers P.L.C (UNICONE). The
paper consists of three main chapters.
The first chapter is where I discuss the company background. It consists mainly of
organizational setup of the company, Registration (to which governmental or
nongovernmental organizations is the company registered), Sectors of specialization,
Experience of the company in road consulting, Vision of the company etc…
The second chapter is where I discuss detail internship experience. I tried to disscuss
how I got into the company, sections of the company I have worked at, Work flow in
these sections, Tasks I have executed, and different laboratory and field tests that
were being used in the construction process of the project I was involved in.
In the third chapter I stated the overall benefits that I have gained from this internship
program. Especially in terms of improving my practical skills, upgrading my theoretical
knowledge, improving my interpersonal communication skill, improving my team
playing skill, improving my leadership skill, and work ethic.
In the last chapter I give conclusion and recommendation for the company based on
my observations.
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................... 1
1. COMPANY BACKGROUND.............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 ORGANIZATION ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Registration ................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 SECTORS OF SPECIALIZATION ....................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Outline of Recent experiences ...................................................................................................... 5
1.5 OFFICE ........................................................................................................................................... 9
1.6 The Vision of UNICONE ...............................................................................................................10
1.7 Mission Statement ......................................................................................................................10
1.8 The Business Objectives and Strategies of UNICONE ................................................................. 11
2. Overall Internship Experience...................................................................................................... 12
2.1 HOW I GET IN TO THE COMPANY ........................................................................................12
2.2 Sections of the company I worked at .........................................................................................13
2.2.1 Construction Supervision Division ......................................................................................13
2.2.1.1 Laboratory Division ........................................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 Design Office.................................................................................................................27
3. Over all Benefits Gained from the Internship ...................................................................................31
3.1 Practical Skills........................................................................................................................32
3.2 Theoretical Knowledge ......................................................................................................... 33
3.3 Interpersonal Communication Skill .....................................................................................33
3.4 Team Playing Skills ................................................................................................................34
3.5 Leadership Skills....................................................................................................................34
3.6 Work Ethic.............................................................................................................................34
4. Recommendation..............................................................................................................................35
5. Conclusion......................................................................................................................................... 36
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................................... 37
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Lists of figures and Tables

Table1: UNICONE’s Road Experience ......................................................................................... 5
Fig 1: Road way excavation.............................................................................................................. 21
Fig 2: base course preparation......................................................................................................... 23
Fig 3: formwork for retaining wall ................................................................................................... 24
Fig 4: steel reinforcement for preparing retaining wall .................................................................. 25
Fig 5: Concrete being poured to prepare retaining wall ................................................................. 26
Fig 6: drainage pipes.........................................................................................................................27
Fig 7: eagle point software................................................................................................................29
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INTRODUCTION
1. COMPANY BACKGROUND
United Consulting Engineers /UNICONE/ is a wholly independent private limited company

which was founded at the beginning of 1997 to give comprehensive multi-disciplinary
services for the management, planning and design of various kinds of projects.
The company was founded by a group of experienced engineers who specialized in various
disciplines including highway, structures, geotechnics and construction management.
UNICONE provides multi-disciplinary engineering consulting services and, since its

establishments in 1997, has successfully completed a wide range of assignments in Ethiopia
and Eritrea for international funding and aid agencies, for government organizations and for
the private sector.
To enable it to devote the best possible attention to every project, irrespective of its scale,
UNICONE is structured into a number of separate specialist entities. Each specialist divisions
are going to be flexible, human, in dimension and will enjoy wide-ranging independence.
Each will have in-depth knowledge of its own market and places special importance on a
clear understanding of expectations and objective of its customers.
The road consultancy work is being handled by a multi disciplinary group consisting of
highway, bridge and materials engineers, surveyors, technicians, environmentalist,
sociologist, economist, Traffic Engineers and CADD professionals. These experts have had
extensive exposure to various aspects of highway planning, design and construction
supervision in Urban and Rural sectors.
To ensure the best consultation services to its clients, the firm usually forms joint ventures
or associations with other consulting offices to acquire qualified personnel or other field and
office services. In addition, UNICONE maintains close relationship of various professionals
who could be drawn on project basis on short notice.
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1.1 ORGANIZATION
UNICONE is organized by a group of specialized personnel who were previously working in
different governmental organizations. They have been working in various disciplines and at
different levels during their stay in their respective organizations.
Initially, the team was organized in such a way that it will fulfill the key personnel required
to undertake, mainly transportation and water works studies. For this reason, it was
necessary to select experienced and specialized professionals that would form the core of
the company. These specialists provide the back-up support necessary for making
UNICONE’s operations more effective.
The road consultancy work is being handled by a multi-disciplinary group consisting of

highway, bridge and material engineers, surveyors, technicians, environmentalist,
sociologist, economist and computer professionals. These experts have had extensive
exposure to various aspects of highway planning, design and construction supervision.
To ensure the best consultation services to its clients, the firm usually forms joint ventures
of associations with other local consulting offices to acquire qualified personnel or other
field and office services. In addition, UNICONE maintains close relationship of various
professionals who could be drawn on project basis on short notice

UNICONE’s Organizational Setup
Organization Structure of UNICONE
Shareholders Meeting
Board of Management
General Manager
Office Administration Finance & Administration
Internal Audit Service

Finance Section Personnel Section General Service Sec
Planning & Business
IT Services Security
Development
Accounts Library & Doc
Quality Assurance
Disbursement Office Service
Purchase
Legal Service
Property Admin
Liaison Service
Design Department Pavement & Materials Contract Admin. & Const

Department Supervision Department
Roads Section I Contract
Foundation Soil Investigation
Administration
Roads Section II Investigation Section Costing & Project
Pavement Design Laboratory Follow-up
Drainage & Struc. Construction

Testing
Section Supervision

1.2 Registration
UNICONE is registered in the following institutions:
 Ministry of works and urban development, (MoWUD)

 Ministry of finance and economic development (MEDaC)
 Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)
 Ethiopian consulting Engineers and Architects Association (ECEAA)
 Ethiopian Association of Civil engineers (EACE)
 Arab Bank for Economic Development In Africa
1.3 SECTORS OF SPECIALIZATION

UNICONE has a wide experience in transportation sector having worked in varying
topographic areas of the countries. It is the firm’s policy to expand and adjust the scope of
its activities to meet the requirement of a changing market. Therefore, earlier concentration
of the transport sector has tended to give place to diversification into water works sector.
The services of the company include:
HIGHWAY ENGINEERING: comprising of airfields; rural and urban arterial roads, trunk,
collector, local and access roads. The services include project identifications, feasibility
studies, topographic survey, detailed engineering design, preparation of bill of quantities,
engineering cost estimate.
Highways and Roads computer aided design (CAD) and drafting systems with terrain
modeling capability including STARDUST, Civil Designer, EAGEL PPOINT and other
microcomputer based software to allow a choice of the most appropriate design approach
for the particular project. These allow the rapic and cost effective evaluation of alternative
alignments to optimize earthworks as well as the production of detailed design plans and
tender documents.
BRIDGDES AND STRUCTURES: The services include design of major and minor drainage
structures and grade separated interchanges, condition survey and inspection of existing
structures and design of earth retaining structures.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING: Geotechnical investigations, foundations study, pavement

design, ground water control, landslides, slope stability and investigation of construction
material sites.
SOCIO ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: For roads and water works that
includes pre-feasibility study and road network planning.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: On contract management and construction supervision

projects UNICONE provides expertise in management, engineering inspection and quality
control. Our contract management and construction supervision service include:-
 Preparation of tender documents

 Development of quality assurance methods of construction

 Pre-qualifications of contractors
 Calling and analysis of tender and awarding of contracts
 Construction management and supervision services
 Quality control for earthworks, pavements and structures,
In addition to this, the company plans to give consultancy services in building designs and
construction building of regional administrations in the above mentioned sectors.
1.4 Outline of Recent experiences

A selection of work experience of the firm has been summarized in the table below. This list
is specifically related to:
1. Experience in Urban Roads study, design and construction supervision
2. Experience in other road design/design review and construction supervision projects
Table1: UNICONE’s Road Experience
SUMMARY OF ROAD RELATED WORK EXPERIENCES
Nature of Project
Urban Rural
No. Project Title

Study & Design
Study & Design

Construction
Construction
Supervision
Supervision
√
01 Design Review - Addis Ababa Ring Road, Phase I &II
Design review of Debremarkos - Gonder Road Upgrading √

02
Project
Feasibility & Inter Regional Network Study of Sixteen Road √

03
Projects, Eritrea
√
04 Engineering Design of Dembi - Chello RR 50 Project
Engineering Design of periodic maintenance operation of √

05a
Jimma - Dedessa Asphalt Road
Engineering Design for periodic maintenance operation of √

05b
Gimbi – Gambella feeder road project

Nature of Project
Urban Rural
No. Project Title
Study & Design
Study & Design

Construction
Construction
Supervision
Supervision
Construction supervision of Western Division Rural Road
Projects:
1. Ginchi - Kachisa RR50 Road Project

√
06a
2. Bako - Shambu - Fuliye RR50 Road Project
3. Lalo - Kile - Lega Birbir RR50 Road Project
Construction supervision of South-Western Division Rural

Road Projects:-
1. Gilgel Gibe - Dimtu - Keneni RR50 Road Project

√
06b
2. Antago - Alga RR50 Road Project
3. Hageyo - Sigmo RR50 Road Project
Foundation Investigation and Design of three bridges for

Addis Ababa – Jimma Road Rehabilitation Project √
06c
Engineering design and Tender Document Preparation of √

07a
Alem ketema - Yessa Rural Road Project.
Engineering design and Tender Document Preparation of √

07b
Alem ketema - Afezez Rural Road Project.
Construction Supervision of Alem ketema - Yessa Rural

Road Project. √
08a
Engineering study and Construction Supervision of Yayu √ √

08b
Elemo Rural Road & Haroshai River Crossing Projects

Nature of Project
Urban Rural
No. Project Title
Study & Design
Study & Design

Construction
Construction
Supervision
Supervision
Design Review and Construction Supervision of Dawnt - √ √
09
Lalibela Road Project
Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document

√
10 Preparation for Dembecha - Feresbet and Jiga - Quarit
Road Rehabilitation Projects.
Detailed Engineering Design and Tender Document

Preparation of Injibara - Guba Periodic Maintenance Road √
11 Project.
Feasibility Study, Preparation of Detailed Engineering √

12
Design of Addis Ababa Ring Road - Phase III Project
Road Network Design for SNNPRG-RRA √

13
Construction Supervision of Addis Ababa Ring Road √

14
Project-Phases I and II.
Construction supervision of Shikute - Kaschisse √

15
Design Review, Pre-qualification of Contractors and

√
16a Evaluation of Bids for the upgrading of Mekenajo - Mendi
Road Project.
Design Review, Pre-qualification of Contractors and

√
16b Evaluation of Bids for the upgrading of Nazareth – Assela
Dodolla and Shashemene - Goba Road Project
Construction Supervision of Contract 1: Nazareth – Assela √

18
Road up grading project
Construction Supervision of Mekenajo – Nejo - Mendi Road √

19
upgrading contract 1: Mekenajo –Nejo

Nature of Project
Urban Rural
No. Project Title
Study & Design
Study & Design

Construction
Construction
Supervision
Supervision
Construction Supervision of Periodic Maintenance
Operation of Jimma – Dedessa Asphalt Road Project. √
20
Road Area Community Development and Poverty Impact

Assessment Study of Transport Infrastructure and √
21a
Operations on WEoreta Woldiya, Dera Mechara, Assosa
Gobas and Alemgena Butajira Sodo Road Cooridors
Road Area Community Development and Poverty Impact

√
21b Assessment Study of Transport Infrastructure and
Operations in Ethiopia-Kombolcha-Mekaneselam
Consultancy Services of the Detailed Engineering Design

√
22 and Tender document preparation of Semera- Dedigsala-
Alaba Road project
Consultancy Services of the Detailed Engineering Design √

23
Phase I: Tongo-Begi-Mugi Road project
Consultancy Services of the Detailed √

Engineering Design (Phase I) and Construction Supervision
24
(Phase II) DireDawa-Dewelle Road Junction-BiyoAnod-
Goqti- Qoljeit Road Project
Consultancy service for the design, contract

administration, and supervision of (Package III) Minilik
Square-Pushkin Square-Kolfe Ring Road, Mexico Squre –
Pushkin Square –Mekanisa RR (including Grade Separation √ √
26
Structure at Pushkin Square) and Abune Petros Square-
Sansusi Bridge Roads Projects
Construction Supervision of Addis Ababa Ring Road Phase √

27
III, Winget to Deberemarkos Road Junction

Nature of Project
Urban Rural
No. Project Title
Study & Design
Study & Design

Construction
Construction
Supervision
Supervision
Consultancy Services Detailed Engineering Design Review √ √
28 & tender Document Preparation and construction
Supervision of Addis Ababa –Tarmaber Tunnel
Consultancy Services of Detailed Engineering Design √ √

29 Review, Tender document preparation and Construction
supervision of Mille-Chifra Alewuha upgrading project.
Consultancy Services Construction Supervision of Gonder-

√
30 Humera Road upgrading Project, Contract I, Gonder
Dansha
Consultancy Services Construction Supervision of
Kombolcha- Gondewein Road upgrading Project √
31
1.5 OFFICE
The company’s main office is a villa house located along Mickey Leland road, near Atlas
hotel. It has a compound area of about 500m2 with office and storage area of 80m2. The
office is equipped with quality furniture and latest engineering hard and software to provide
quality and cost effective engineering consulting services. In addition to this it has the
duration of the subject project.
UNICONE has already acquired a land along the main Bole Road (near Rwanda Embassy) to
establish a permanent headquarter in Addis Ababa. The head office will be organized with
laboratory and other necessary facilities that will help the company in giving complete
services for concerned institutions.
Computer aided design works are the major attention’s of the company since they provide
neat, accurate and fast results that could easily be modified, removed or added without any
difficulty. For this reason, the company is equipped with various software’s like SAP,
STARDUST, CIVIL Designer, Eagle Point and AUTOCAD.

1.6 The Vision of UNICONE

 To become one of the best multi-disciplinary civil engineering consulting firms in the
country that provides a range of consulting services in roads and structure, water
resources, geophysical investigations, contract management and comprehensive
construction materials testing laboratory;
 To expand its business coverage to all African regions and become an effectively
competitive and internationally recognized and registered consulting firm.
1.7 Mission Statement
The business of UNICONE is providing consulting services in the broad area of civil
engineering including, but not limited to, roads and structures, water resources, geophysical
investigations, contract management and construction materials testing. As it is
development oriented the company recognizes that its success hinges on how effectively it
meets its responsibilities to its customers and to other important group of stakeholders.
The specific missions and operating philosophy of UNICONE are summarized as follows:
 The company’s future success is dependent on meeting the customers’ needs better
than its competitors. Thus, it requires that the entire organization be continuously
customer oriented.
 It strives to provide its clients/customers with continuous offerings of consistent and

reliable civil engineering consulting services.
 It plans to constantly maintain and upgrade its facilities as modern and dependable to
make them conducive for provision of superior engineering services.
 It recognizes that there are always better ways to perform many of its functions. It
always, thus, strives for improvement and growth.
 It always maintains a management team that demonstrates capabilities to plan

objectives, motivates people, control operations, and achieve results measured against
planned objectives.

 It seeks to attract, develop, and motivate employees who demonstrate professional

competence and integrity in performing their duties.
 It strives to operate at all times in a responsible manner which means fair and honest
treatment of all those with whom the company deals, including customers, employees
and the general public.
 It provides an atmosphere of challenge and opportunity for employees of the firm; to

encourage each employee to develop his abilities to their fullest.
 It maintains a sound financial plan that provides capital for growth of the business and
provides optimum return for its shareholders.
1.8 The Business Objectives and Strategies of UNICONE

The business objectives and strategies of UNICONE are:
 To generate a return on investment that will allow a reasonable dividend to the

shareholders as well as ensure continued growth of the enterprise.
 To provide comprehensive civil engineering consultancy services to its current and
future potential clients.
 To capture a fair share of the civil engineering consultancy service market in the country
and expand its services to East and other African countries.
 Increase its service level and revenue at an average yearly growth rate of at least 10%.
 Improve the decision making process of UNICONE by introducing up to date operating
and management information systems.
 Enhance the company's capacity to provide comprehensive civil engineering consultancy
services.
 To provide stable employment to its workers.

2. Overall Internship Experience
2.1 HOW I GET IN TO THE COMPANY
As the end of sixth semester the students were told to find a hosting company for the
internship program at the student’s home town. At about this time I had the idea to enroll
myself into a construction company or consultancy company that works on road and bridge
construction and design. After asking different people, I was able to find a company that
was willing to accept me as an intern. The company was United Consulting Engineers
(UNICONE).
After three month, at first day of the internship program, I reported to the company
UNICONE. I was introduced to the general manager Mr. Tesfaye. I explained briefly what
was expected from me during the internship experience. I gave the contract agreement
papers that were given by the university to be signed by the company.
After this, I was assigned to work at a project where the company was involved in
construction supervision. I was given a letter from the head office describing that I was
admitted as an intern student. I was given a brief outlook of the schedule that was lined up
during the internship experience. A work schedule was arranged. For the first month it was
expected from me to undertake my internship experience on the site. It consisted of
observing the construction works and construction supervision.
The first day of the internship work has been characterized by the introduction of the
engineers and Site workers. I was introduced to the Resident engineer Eng. Zemichael,
Office engineer W/ro Zemen, Work Inspector Ato Ephrem, Material inspector Ato Abraham,
and Senior Surveyor Ato Kefyahew.
The site was a road project that was assigned by Addis Ababa City Road Authority (AACRA).
The contractors were Tid-har excavation and earth moving P.L.C. The company United
Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) was in a joint venture with Pan-African consulting
engineers. The two companies took the detailed engineering design of the project. And
UNICONE was in charge of construction supervision. The name of the project was ABUNE
PETROS SQUARE– PASTER – SANSUSI BRIDGE ROAD PROJECT.

2.2 Sections of the company I worked at

Like any other consulting firms, UNICONE has different divisions in the company. I was able
to work at the two major divisions of the company. The two divisions are: -
1. Construction Supervision Division

2. Design Office Division
2.2.1 Construction Supervision Division
The Supervision division is the part of the company that usually controls the of road and
bridge works that are being carried out by the contractors. The company as mentioned on
the background has a very good experience in supervision projects. The company supervises
project throughout Ethiopia starting from gravel roads to asphalt roads. The company works
in joint with Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA) and ACCRA.
One of the sites that the company supervises is ABUNE PETROS-PASTOR-SANSUSI BRIDGE
ROAD PROJECT. I was assigned at this site to work and observe the supervision work carried
out by the consulting firm and road works that are carried out by the contractors.
Work Flow at the Supervision Team
During the construction period the Consultant supervises fully the construction of the works
with due diligence and efficiency and in accordance with sound technical, administration,
financial and economic practices. They perform all duties associated with such tasks to
ensure that only the best construction practices are followed and that the final product is in
all respect equal to or better than the minimum specified, at optimum costs and in full
compliance with the specifications.

The main activities performed by the supervision team
1. Review and Approve Working and as-built Drawings
2. Soils / Materials Inspection, Sampling, Testing and Analysis
3. Engineer’s Instructions
4. Site Inspections
5. Quality Control
6. Quantity Surveying
The main principle of supervision work is to check the qualities of material and road and
bridge that are brought or produced at the site. Based on this principle we can classify the
supervision into three divisions. These divisions are
A. Laboratory Division
B. Site/Road Work Division
C. Surveying Division
2.2.1.1 Laboratory Division

The laboratory division is the division that is headed by the Material Inspector. It consists of
different site material inspectors. This division is head by the consultant group. The main
aim of the laboratory is to check the qualities of the materials that are to be used and also
check the qualities and proportions of the materials that have been casted or put into use
are in the right order. The laboratory division uses different kinds of criteria, tests and
manuals to certify the quality of materials.
For this project UNICONE did not provide the laboratory. Instead it collaborated with CORE
consult for the laboratory tests. CORE consult performs different tests based on the type of
materials. Asphalt materials, concrete materials, and soils will be tested in the conventional
methods and the test results will be clearly communicated to the UNICONE and the
contractor Tid-Har.
In this site the laboratory division (CORE consult) checks the quality of different materials
such as
 Sub grade Materials

 Sub base and base Materials
 Asphalt Concrete Materials

 Cement Concrete Materials

 Grouting Materials and etc
The laboratory performs different kinds of laboratorial tests to assure that the qualities of
materials are consistent with the standards stated within the contracts and manuals.
Tests Performed at the laboratory
The major task that I had been executing in the laboratory was assisting with tests. In
supplementary I had been observing and analyzing the different tests. Based upon the types
of tests that I have performed I have divided them into three. They are: -
1. Soil Tests
2. Concrete Tests
3. Asphalt Tests
1) Soil Tests
A) CBR Test
The CBR Test is the test Known as California bearing ratio. This test is performed on the
different layers of the road pavements. This test is applied on Sub grade, Sub base and base
course. The main aim of this test is to get the minimum strengths of the different layers in
their worst condition. According to AACRA manual the design strength for sub grade is of a
minimum of 30% and for Sub base course is a minimum of 80%. For Base course The CBR
test result should be 100%. According to AACRA manuals the sampling is based upon
volumes.
Procedure for the test
b) Proctor Test
Compaction means to press soil particles tightly together by expelling air from void spaces
between the particles. Compaction increase soil unit weight, thereby producing three
important effects:
1. Increase in shear strength,

2. Decrease in future settlement,
3. Decease in permeability.
The main aim of this test is to find the maximum dry density and optimum moisture
content. This test is used for sub grades, sub bases and base courses. It is after proctor value
test parameter has been known that we can proceed to the CBR test. Using this test at the
site the engineer can calculate the amount of water that needs to be added at a volume of
soil. Since by nature the soil has its own water content, it is by subtracting the OMC – NMC
we can find the amount of water that can be added.
C) Plastic Limit Test
Plastic limit is the dividing line between the plastic and semisolid state. It is quantified for a
given soil as specific water content, and from a physical stand point it is the water content
at which the soil will begin to crumble when rolled into small threads. It is identified in
laboratory as the water content at which the soil can be rolled in treads 3.2mm in diameter
without the treads breaking into pieces. The plasticity index is the difference between the
liquid and plastic limits. It is important to find to plastic limit in order to find the PI which is
an important tool in the design of pavements.

Procedure for test
D) Liquid Limit Test
The liquid limit is the dividing line between the liquid and plastic states. It is quantified for
the given soil as specific water content; from a physical stand point, it is the water content
at which the shear strength of the soil becomes so small that the soil “flows” to close
standard groove cut in a sample of soil when it is jarred in a standard manner. The liquid
limit is identified in the laboratory as that water content at which the groove cut into the
soil pat in standard liquid limit device requires 25 blows (drops) from a height of 1cm to
close along a distance of 13mm( Casagrande method). This liquid limit is important in road
construction. It is important in finding the Plastic Index (PI). The liquid limit in base courses
should not exceed 25% and PI should not exceed 6%.
E) Specific Gravity Test (In Situ density by Sand Cone Method)
This test is a compaction test that is used for determining the dry density of compacted Sub
base, base and back fills so that they can be compared with the maximum dry density. The
dry density of the pavement materials are expressed in terms of percentage. For example
the minimum compaction percentage for the sub base course is 95% and for base course is
98%. And also we will determine the water content.

Procedure for test
2) Concrete Tests
A) Gradation Test
The Purpose of this test is to find the particle size distribution of coarse and fine aggregates
of Concrete. This test is also conducted on Asphalt aggregates and Soil aggregates. This
means this test is conducted for base course and sub base courses. The importance of
Gradation is that it has important role in segregation and consistency in the fresh concrete.
The gradation curve should lie in between the minimum and maximum mentioned curves.
If the curve passes out from the curve, it will be blended or discarded from the site.
Procedures for the Test

B) Flakiness Test
This test was applied on materials coming from quarry site at Kality. The test was applied
for coarse aggregate particles. Aggregate particles are classified as flaky when they have a
thickness (smallest dimension) of less than 0.6 of their mean sieve size. This size being taken
as the mean of the limiting sieve apparatus used for determining the size fraction in which
the particle occurs. The flakiness index of the aggregate sample is found separating the flaky
particles and expressing their mass as a percentage of the mass tested.
C) Compression test
Specimens are loaded to failure in a compression testing machine. The maximum load
sustained by the specimen is recorded and the compressive strength of the concrete is
calculated. This test is done on concrete structures to know the maximum compressive
strength that it withholds. The samples are taken when the trucks delivering concretes
from the batch to the structures.
Procedures for Test
D) Slump Test
Slump Test is a test that is done on Fresh Concrete. This test is performed to know the
workability of the fresh concrete. The usual results that is acceptable in 150mm to
250mm. If the result is less than what is anticipated then it needs water to be added to
the mixture and if it is more than the result the aggregate needs to be added.

Site / Road Work Division
The site division of consultancy team is headed by Resident Engineer. This site other than
the road works consisted Culvert Works.
A. Tasks Accomplished
During at my stay at the site division I had been observing and assisting in any kind of way
the supervision team asked me of. During my stay at the site division I had been assisting
mainly the survey team. I had been performing these tasks
 Handling the staff
 Assisting in observing through the leveling equipments
 Assisting in observing through the Total Station
 Assist in leveling process
Sometimes, when the work inspector is very busy, he would assign me to work a simple task
of controlling the activities of the labors and contractors. Other than my main task at the
site was observing and learning from the different kinds of tasks being performed on the
site. In this site I had been able to observe a lot of things. I will try to explain them in detail
in the next pages below.
Tasks that I have seen being performed at the site are
 Roadway and Borrow Excavation

 Sub Base Preparation
 Base Course Preparation
 Structural Excavations
 Back Filling
 Formwork
 Steel Reinforcement for Structures

 Concrete for structures

 Road Drainage
Roadway and Borrow Excavation
In connection with road way, the dimensions of cutting and other excavations were checked
to be in accordance with the cross sections and details that have been specified on the
documents submitted by the consultants. Where sufficient quantities for suitable material
were not available from roadway excavations as planned, additional material were
excavated from borrow pits approved by the Engineer. Equipments used of excavation of
cuttings were chose based upon suitability of the equipment for the type of material to be
excavated. Sufficient tests would be carried out on the material being excavated from the
borrow pit in order to satisfy the specified requirements for the particular layer for which it
will be used.
Fill material were compacted by the use of purpose mad compaction equipment which
applies uniform compaction effort across the full width of the machine. Each type of fill
material was compacted by equipment, which suitable for the purpose. Fill other than rock
fill were deposited in layers not exceeding 200mm compacted thicknesses. Each layer would
extend over the full width of the embankment. The moisture content for fill material at the
time of compaction was the optimum used.
Fig 1: Road way excavation

Sub Base Preparation

Sub base materials were obtained from sources located and approved by the consultant.
The materials used for the construction of sub base layers were natural gravel and crushed
stones of maximum size 2/3 of layer thickness or 80mm whichever is less. The sub base
material should comply with the grading described in the manuals. If the sub base material
from one source did not meet the grading & PI requirements it would be blended with other
material from other sources or would be discarded.
The sub base material was spread on the approved sub grade by mechanical means (grader)
without segregation. The material was loosely spread in layers to give a compacted
thickness not exceeding 200mm and not less than 100mm. The compaction and level
requirements for gravel sub base should meet as set on the manual before proceeding to
the placing of base course material.
Base Course Preparation
The material to be used for crushed stone base was derived from a parent rock or gravel
that is hard, sound, and durable and unweathered. It was obtained from sound rock from an
approved quarry. The crushed base course material complied with the specified
retirements. The grading of the crushed stone base course material met the grading
requirement of the contract or as approved
The material was spread on the approved sub base layer by mechanical means grader
without segregation. The material was loosely spread to give a compacted thickness
exceeding 200mm and not less than 100mm.
The material was compacted by the use of rollers progressing gradually from the outside
towards the center of the layer except on super elevated curves where the rolling will begin
at the low side and progress to the hinge side. Rollers used to roll from the sides to the
center, along curbs, headers, walls, and all places not accessible to the roller, the material
will be compacted with approved compactors. Rolling was continued until the entire
thickness of each layer is thoroughly and uniformly compacted to the specified density.

Fig 2: base course preparation

Structural Excavations
Prior to commencing with any excavation, levels of undisturbed ground surface will be taken
jointly with the consultant for measurement of excavation. Where suitable stable material
was encountered during excavation, it was excavated to the dimensions of the base of the
structure. In areas where unsuitable materials were encountered at foundation level, such
material was removed and replaced with foundation fill.
Back Filling
Excavated areas around structures were backfilled with approved materials in horizontal
layers not exceeding 150mm in thickness. Backfilling materials were placed at one side of
the retaining wall. But at some parts of the site backfilling materials were placed
simultaneously to approximately the same elevation on both sides of abutment or retaining
walls at some parts of the site. This was carried out only after assuring that concrete had
attained sufficient strength to safely withstand any pressure extended by the backfill or by
the method of construction.
Formwork
Formwork was provided to produce hardened concrete to the lines levels and shapes shown
on the drawings or specified elsewhere. The formwork had adequate strength to carry all
applied loads, including the pressure of fresh concrete, vibration loads, weight of workers
and equipment, without loss of shape. Forms were mortar tights designed to allow removal
without risk of damage to the completed structure. Materials used for formwork were
sound and suitable for the purpose intended and surface finish specified. The formworks
were provided with firm support of fittings, bolts, anchorages. Temporary fittings used for
the support of the formwork were arranged to permit removal without damage to the
concrete. The formwork construction had permitted accurate erection and easy stripping
without shock, disturbance or damage to the cast concrete.
Fig 3: formwork for retaining wall
Steel Reinforcement for Structures

Deformed steel bars as per specified on the drainages were used for concrete
reinforcement. Reinforcement was identified based on type of structure and its final
location in the works. Reinforcements were cut and bent to the dimensions shown on the
bending schedule. It was positioned as shown on the drawing and accurately secured in
these positions within tolerable limit with the help of tie wire, support chairs, spacer’s
supplementary reinforcement and the like. Spacer block will be used to provide cover as per
requirement of specifications. It was ensured that the reinforcement is clean free of mud,
oil, grease, paint, rust any other unwanted materials before the concrete is placed. If Over
lapping was required, lap length was spread out as equally as shown drawings.

Fig 4: steel reinforcement for preparing retaining wall

Concrete for structures
Before execution of this activity a mix design was prepared by trail mixes in the site
laboratory by using the material from specified sources. Quality test were conducted at each
of the ingredient as per requirement of the specification. Minimum compressive strength,
nominal sizes of aggregates and water cement ratio would accord the specifications. All
materials were stored and handled in a manner that prevented segregation, contamination
or other harmful effects.
The concrete was mixed at a batching plant. The quantities of cement, fine aggregate and
various sizes of course aggregate was measured by weight and put into the computer
controlling the batching plant. . The quantity of water required to be added to the mix was
measured by volume. First all this components were put together and were mixed in the
batching plant. Then, the concrete was mixed and transported using truck mixers. The mixer
would be emptied completely before it was recharged.

Fig 5: Concrete being poured to prepare retaining wall
The compaction rate was in such way that fresh concrete was always placed and
consolidated against previously placed concrete. All concrete was cured for at least seven
days. Curing was done by sprinkling of water and a Shera was sometimes used to cover the
concrete in order to retain its moisture for a longer period by avoiding or reducing
evaporation. Concrete specimen cubes/cylinders were formed at site and later on after
delivered to camp laboratory for curing and afterwards will be tested for crushing strength
of the seventh and twenty eight days.
Road Drainage
Box Culverts and Paved ditches were constructed including all excavation required to the
shape channels with side slopes as defined on the drawings. Paved ditches were constructed
true to line, grade, and cross section and were maintained. Care was exercised to avoid
excavation below the required grade for the drains and any excavation carried below the
required grade were backfilled Material resulting from the excavation of road drainage were
be used in construction of fills banks or for other purposes or disposed.

Fig 6: drainage pipes

2.2.1 Design Office
The design office is located at Bole at the headquarters of UNICONE. The company has a
good track record on the design aspects like that of the supervision. The company has an
experience in design in designing of road from Gravel roads to Asphalt Concrete Roads. It
also has a unit that deals with structures such as Bridges and culverts. Even though the
company is mainly concerned on the design of road projects it also has a unit that
specializes in the design of buildings.
The design office has a diversified skilled manpower that ranges from surveyors to
bridgeworks specialist. The organizational feature of the design team differs from an
ordinary company in that the organizational structure of the unit may vary from project to
project. As an example a resident engineer or a material engineer who is assigned to a
project may be a CAD engineer or structural engineer in another project. But the
organizational structure of the managing body and other units vary with that of the design
team.
In the last six weeks of the Internship experience, I had been working on the design office. I
was able to see and learn in a great depth the design aspects of road construction. In the

paragraph below I have summarized the tasks that I had accomplished during my stay at
design office.
A) Tasks Accomplished
Tasks that were executed in the design office: -
 Observing and learning on the preparation of bid documents on the design of road
projects.
 Observing and learning on the reporting of design review of documents.
 Observing and learning the methodologies that were undertaken during the design
process.
 Observing and learning computer design software called Eagle Point which is the
main software used for the different purposes of Road Construction.
 Running a gravel road project on eagle point that took four weeks to finish.
 Interviewing of different types of Engineers ranging from Resident Engineers to
Material Engineers.
B) Software Computing
The major task that I had been performing on the design office is the learning of Eagle Point
software which is one of the crucial software that is used for road design. The software is
multipurpose software that coordinates the use of Auto CAD and Microsoft Access database
with the software. The major task that I had been learning and practicing using the Eagle
Pont software are

Fig 7: eagle point software
A. Starting of Eagle Point Software
In the first days of learning Eagle Point software, I was learning and studying: -
 How to start the Eagle Point Software (requirements and how to install the software
on the computer)
 Creating and starting an Eagle Point Software
 How to use and when to use the different kinds of project settings
 Seeing projects that were completed using this software previously
B. Surface Modeling
Surface Modeling consists of importing of the data that was collected by surveyors,
triangulating to creating a network of irregular triangles and making of contours & Spot
Elevations. The purpose of surface modeling is for creating the actual surface of the project
into 2D and 3D using the survey data that has been collected from surveyors.

Using this product I was able to understand

 How the road network looks like
 How to indicate to which parts of the road network that a culverts or bridges should
be assigned.
 How to create the horizontal and vertical alignments of the road.
 The plan and profile of the original ground.
C. Using of Road Calc
This part of the Eagle Point product is the part of the software which is used for mainly
designing of geometric design of the road. Using this product I was able to
 Create a horizontal alignment

 Extract cross section
 Create vertical alignment
 Create Typical Sections/Templates
 Processing of the design
 Entering of Curve data
 Entering of Super Elevation
 Running of the design
D. Output
This part of the software product is the crucial part of the software that is used for creating
the outputs needed in finishing of the project. This outputs help from estimating costs of the
project in the design phase up to the finishing phases of the road concrete. I had been able
to create different types of finishing products such as Tables and annotations of curve data.
The main parts of the output unit that I had been able to put forward during the project are:
 Volumes of Earthwork and Pavement Materials.

 Creating of cross section sheets.
 Generating of plan and profiles.

3. Over all Benefits Gained from the Internship
During my internship experience at UNICONE Consulting Engineers, I had benefited from the
internship experience. During these four months of my internship program I was able to
bridge the gap between student life and professional life. This internship program provided
me a platform to introduce myself in professional field. These past months I had been given
an idea on how road projects start from the initial phases of designing projects to finishing
phases of a road project.
UNICONE consulting engineers is a perfect platform for a student who wants to have
awareness on road construction. I greatly benefited from working with the dedicated
professionals in the company. The company has provided a conductive working atmosphere
among the staffs. This not only enabled me an experience sharing but also develops what I
know, seamless work flow and harmonious communication Since the company is a
supervision and design company, I had the opportunity to participate at the at the sites and
at the design office. This has opened doors for me to understand what is waiting for me
when I finish my graduate studies at this field. This internship experience has made me
respect the civil engineering stream more and more throughout these four months. I am
very glad to get opportunity to be a part of this internship program.
Having dedicated supervisors made the outcome of this experience very fruitful. I had the
opportunity to ask and make plans for the internship experience. Using the helps and
experiences of supervisors I had made a schedule to work on the different aspects of the
road project. It is by having a schedule that made this internship work more interesting
rather than being tedious and routine. By having a schedule I had the opportunity to
observe and tour the different aspects of the road construction.
In overall within these four months I had the opportunity to improve my practical skills,
theoretical knowledge, my interpersonal communication skills, team playing skills,
leadership skills and etc. I also had the opportunity to understand about the work ethics and
gain a great knowledge in entrepreneurship skills. In the next pages I will try to describe
what I have learnt in the different aspects that I have mentioned before.

3.1 Practical Skills

During these four months, I got the opportunity to learn different aspects of practical skills.
They are: -
 I was able to operate at different survey tools such as Total Station, Leveling
equipments. I am now able to collect data using the leveling equipments and up to
some level operate total station.
 On how to bend reinforcement bars using drawing given from the Engineers. Using a
simplified machine that can bend bars I am now able to bend reinforcement bars as
given by drawings.
 I have been able to use EXCEL program for different aspects of road construction
from handling laboratory results up to maintain data’s recorded from surveyors. As
some engineers say “EXCEL is the blood line of Civil Engineer” I had been working on
this program designing some formulas up to handling data collected from surveyors.
Also in the design office I was able to see different engineers using this software for
estimating from quantities up to the design of bridges.
 I was able to learn the different techniques used by laboratory technicians from
collecting samples up to on how to report the daily activities occurring around the
site work. For example I have learnt how to make a representative sample from site.
 I have been able to observe the works concerning
 Structural Aspects Such as Bridge, Retaining Walls, Drainage
 Preparation of Sub base Material ( Spreading to Compacting)
 Preparation of Base course Material (Spreading to Compacting)
 Comparing of Structural Drawings and as built structures.
 Drilling of Rocks (Excavations)
 Erection of Formworks
 Formation of box culverts and etc
 I was able to exercise the software Auto CAD which is used for designing of
different structures.

3.2 Theoretical Knowledge

I have been able to gain a great deal of knowledge in this internship experience. Here I have
mentioned some of them.
 Learning the different tests and their application in road construction. For example
CBR test is used to measure strength of soil products such as sub grade and sub base
materials.
 Learning the methodologies used in preparation of whole design of a road from
road surveying up to pavement design.
 Using the Eagle point software I was able to understand different aspects of road
construction which we have learnt in Highway one. This includes from the way
o How one should choose the Horizontal Alignments of road,
o How one should choose the Vertical Alignments
o How one should choose the curve data
o And many other technical aspects of the software
 Learning and reading different manuals that were used as guidance. These manuals
mainly consisted of ERA and ACCRA manuals. These manuals stipulate why and how
a type of road type should be adopted.
 Observing different construction works their importance in the theory of a road
 Learning different kinds of construction machineries and their use in real life.
3.3 Interpersonal Communication Skill
During the site work I had been able to ask different kinds of people from all walks of life. In
the design office, I had been given the chance to talk and interview important people from
different sites. Through these interviews I had been able to talk to Resident Engineer, Work
Inspector and Material Inspector. During these interviews I had the opportunity to learn on
the communication skills that I had been striving for a long time.
During the fourth months I had to make friendship with other intern students from other
universities. So communicating skills had to come handy at these times. I have been able to
make conversation with the different students that were from different universities. In
conclusion, during these four months I had been able to upgrade my communication skills.

3.4 Team Playing Skills

In the site it is very important to play as a team. If there are disagreements between the
contractor and the consultants it is very difficult to go ahead with the construction works. In
order to have working environment at a site the consultant and the contractors should have
a “give and take” approach towards resolving problems that occur at the site. During these
past four months I had been able to see how different stake holders in the construction of
road project play as a team.
3.5 Leadership Skills

At the site I have been able to see different engineers in hierarchy work and lead the site
workers and the engineers under them. During these times I have been able to observe that
one should have great skills to be a leader. Among them: -
 Good speaking ability.

 To have the ability to listen to others.
 To be decisive.
 Good management skills.
 To know the subject one is working on thoroughly etc…
3.6 Work Ethic

My supervisor was always advising me that I should be an ethical and responsible
professional for the future. He has been showing how to develop this good behavior during
my stay on the site with him. And also he told me lots of practical cases that related to work
ethic that he could see when he was working in different places during his stay with the
construction industry related with ethics.
On my stay on the site I was very punctual, daily attendant of the work & responsible to my
profession. During this program I had developed my work ethics

4. Recommendation
For the past fifteen years the progress of UNICONE has been increasing rapidly in terms of
the type, number and complexity of design and supervision projects handled by the
company and the number of professional and non-professional staffs working in it.
The path through which UNICONE has passed in the last fifteen years was not smooth; it
demanded uninterrupted effort from its entire staff.
Transport policy in Ethiopia relates predominantly to the road sector. Thus, the road sector
development program (RSDP) is the government’s strategy for achieving this policy. During
the first phase (1997-2002) and the second phase (2002-2007) of RSDP, the road network of
Ethiopia has increased to 39,477 km, as reported on June 2006, with a road density of 35.9
km per 1000sq km. the classified road network is one of the least in Africa region with
average 50 km per 1000 sq km. RSDP III is an integral part of RSDP I & II ; launched almost 11
years ago and has a time frame work of 2007 to 2012 with a target of increasing the road
density 35.9 km per 1000 sq km to 50 km per 1000 sq km.
Therefore, by looking at the current trend, the future road/infrastructure market in Ethiopia
will demand more professionally competent and ethical companies to be involved in the
construction industry. This companies should aim to serve their clients to the highest level
of satisfaction, providing the most appropriate and desired solutions with the best
international standards of quality, safety and environmental care to maximize the benefits
of their stake holders, clients and the community without overlooking ethical values on the
professional and personal development.
UNICONE, as a consulting company, has to strive harder in order to become a key player in
the sector. For the future, the company has to keep the current momentum by undertaking
challenging and prestigious projects that are available in the road/infrastructure market,
harmonizing innovative and progressive technology with its experience, excellence and high
caliber work.

5. Conclusion
This Internship program is proved to be a bridge between the student life and professional
life. The various types of orientation programs, tasks and trainings that I have been
undertaking during this past four months on the site and the office enhanced my knowledge
in road construction. I am very glad to see that what I have learnt in the university can be a
repeated in the working world. I was able to apply my theoretical knowledge of surveying,
designing and construction works in the real life situation.
This program played an important role to break the conventional thought that field works
can be only implemented by students who hold a degree or people who have an experience
in road construction. I was able to acquire a high level of confidence to deal with problems
that arise in a road construction.
During these past four months I had been able to see the different theoretical aspects,
methodologies and how to design road network. In the supervision session, I had been able
to see the important theoretical and practical aspects of road construction. I had been
fulfilling my curiosity into road construction takes to this internship program.
Overall the internship program laid sound foundation for me to start my career. I am proud
to be able to contribute towards nation building during the country's extremely critical
period of the history. It will be definitely sensible to scale this practice up and to replicate in
other disciplines as well.

REFERENCES
1) ERA Standard Technical Specification – 2002

2) The contract document for Abune petros – Paster – Sansusi Bridge Road Project
3) Lab manual form core consulting engineers’ plc.
4) Standard detail drawings

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INTERNSHIP REPORT BY ESUBALEW GEZAHEGN

Next I would like to pass my deepest gratitude to my supervisors Ato

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page I

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page II

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page III

Lists of figures and Tables

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page IV

United Consulting Engineers /UNICONE/ is a wholly independent private limited company

UNICONE provides multi-disciplinary engineering consulting services and, since its

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page 1

The road consultancy work is being handled by a multi-disciplinary group consisting of

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page 2

UNICONE’s Organizational Setup

Organization Structure of UNICONE

Office Administration Finance & Administration

Internal Audit Service

Design Department Pavement & Materials Contract Admin. & Const

Drainage & Struc. Construction

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page 3

 Ministry of works and urban development, (MoWUD)

1.3 SECTORS OF SPECIALIZATION

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING: Geotechnical investigations, foundations study, pavement

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: On contract management and construction supervision

 Preparation of tender documents

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page 4

 Development of quality assurance methods of construction

1.4 Outline of Recent experiences

1. Experience in Urban Roads study, design and construction supervision

2. Experience in other road design/design review and construction supervision projects

Table1: UNICONE’s Road Experience

SUMMARY OF ROAD RELATED WORK EXPERIENCES

No. Project Title

Study & Design

Design review of Debremarkos - Gonder Road Upgrading √

Feasibility & Inter Regional Network Study of Sixteen Road √

Engineering Design of periodic maintenance operation of √

Engineering Design for periodic maintenance operation of √

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page 5

No. Project Title

Study & Design

Study & Design

1. Ginchi - Kachisa RR50 Road Project

3. Lalo - Kile - Lega Birbir RR50 Road Project

Construction supervision of South-Western Division Rural

1. Gilgel Gibe - Dimtu - Keneni RR50 Road Project

3. Hageyo - Sigmo RR50 Road Project

Foundation Investigation and Design of three bridges for

Engineering design and Tender Document Preparation of √

Engineering design and Tender Document Preparation of √

Construction Supervision of Alem ketema - Yessa Rural

Engineering study and Construction Supervision of Yayu √ √

AKU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Page 6

No. Project Title

Study & Design

Study & Design

Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document

Detailed Engineering Design and Tender Document

Feasibility Study, Preparation of Detailed Engineering √