Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Report on Industrial Training

At
CSEC
(Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Limited)

Name: Aafir M.M.

Registered No: EN 17407908
Course: Engineering
Field of Specialization: Civil Engineering
Period of Training: 12 week
Abstract

I got an industrial training opportunity from Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants (Pvt)
Limited (CSEC), Colombo. I think I was lucky enough to have my industrial training in one
of the leading local consultant company in structural engineering sector. I assigned as a
trainee at Lotus Construction Management Consultants (Pvt) Ltd (LCMC) which is under
CSEC. I appointed as a trainee at City Edge residencies at Kaleniya on 5th November 2018.
When I joined there, overall 90% project works have done. Rest of the works which are MEP
works, painting, water proofing, internal plastering in the bathroom, tiling work for duplex,
crack rectification, etc. carried out. Except the MEP works, I experienced with other works.

After finishing 2 month I transferred to a new building in Nawala. This also an apartment
complex which is named as Porshia Skyline Residencies. When I entered structural and
th
finishing works are ongoing. Already they finished the form work for the 11 floor slab and
the reinforcement work was going as a structural part. For the finishing part brick work,
plastering work, water proofing work, and MEP work are carried out. Except the MEP works,
I experienced with other works.

For both site I in charged as a site trainee and also managing workers. I got different
experience when compare both site. Overall from both site I learned lot of works; such as
time managing, site management, standards buildings works, what we have to care at site,
labor handling etc… Except the MEP work I got the experienced of civil works.

At both site my site engineer instruct me what are the works I have to do. When I got doubt I
ask to them and I clear it. When it’s the problem with the labors I report it to my site engineer
and I learnt from him how he controlled that situation. At the end of the training I understand
that I have to learn a lot in this industry.

i|Page EN17407908
Acknowledgement

Industrial training is playing an important part in our civil engineering studies. Every student
has to undergo for an industrial training while he/she reading B.Sc. engineering. This training
is helping us to improve our knowledge in theories and practical on construction activities. I
show my gratitude to those people who involved in my training period and people who
arranged this training session.

First of all, I would like to remind my god for bring me until this status and I would like to
express my deepest gratitude to Faculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka Institute of Information
Technology for providing us the foundation to have a valuable training program. The
internship opportunity I had with Civil and Structural Engineering Consultant (CSEC) was a
great chance for learning and experience. I am also grateful for having a chance to meet so
many wonderful people and professionals who lead me through this training period.

I am glad to express my deepest gratitude and special thanks to Mr. Ravindu Hettiarachchi
[Project manager] and Mr. Arthur De Alwis [Project manager] who are extremely busy with
their busy schedules, took time out to look after our presentation sessions every week, guide
and correct us to keep us on the correct path of knowledge. I express my deepest thanks to
Mr. Chamara [Project manager] for taking part in useful decision & giving necessary
instructions, advices and guidance. It is my radiant sentiment to place on record my best
regards, deepest sense of gratitude to Mr. Amila, [QAQC Engineer], Mr. Issara [Site
Engineer], Mr. Abdullah [Site Engineer], Mr. Charith [Site Engineer], Mr. Randesh [resident
Engineer] and Mr. Hiran [Resident Engineer] for their careful and precious guidance which
were extremely valuable for my study both theoretically and practically.

Finally, my deepest thanks goes to my parents. Moreover, this industrial training gives vast ideas
on engineering field works. I believe that this experience brings me to bright future. This training
program has changed my carrier path to a superb direction, therefore I would like to thank again
to all the people who had given me a great support in my industrial training.

ii | P a g e EN 17407908
Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………...…………. i
Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………………….. ii
Contents………………………………………………………………………………………iii
List of Figures……………………………………………………...……………………..…...v
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Mission and vision of CSEC ..................................................................................................... 1
1.2. About CSEC .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.3. Organization ............................................................................................................................ 2
1.4. Brief summary of work what I have done??? ......................................................................... 3
2. Training experience ......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Projects involved ..................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.1. Reinforcement ................................................................................................................ 3
2.1.1.1. Storage of steel ....................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1.2. Notation for the Reinforcement ............................................................................. 4
2.1.1.3. Cover and Spacers ................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1.4. Lap length ................................................................................................................ 5
2.1.1.5. Cutting, Bending & Fixing of bars ............................................................................ 6
2.1.2. Concreting ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2.1. Tests for concrete ................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2.1.1. Slump test ............................................................................................................ 7
2.1.2.1.2. Cube casting ......................................................................................................... 9
2.1.2.2. Compaction of concrete ........................................................................................ 10
2.1.2.3. Curing of concrete ................................................................................................. 10
2.1.2.4. Defects and overcome defects ............................................................................. 12
2.1.3. Brick work ..................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.3.1. Types of brick works .............................................................................................. 13
2.1.3.2. Advantages of brick work ...................................................................................... 13
2.1.4. Plaster ........................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.4.1. Offset ..................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.4.2. Checking quality .................................................................................................... 14
2.1.5. Waterproof ................................................................................................................... 14
2.1.5.1. Pre-work ................................................................................................................ 14
2.1.5.2. Application and water ponding ............................................................................. 15
2.1.6. Tile ................................................................................................................................. 15

iii | P a g e EN 17407908
 2.1.6.1. Pre- work ............................................................................................................... 16
2.1.6.2. Grout ..................................................................................................................... 16
2.1.7. Paint .............................................................................................................................. 16
2.1.7.1. Wall putty .............................................................................................................. 17
2.1.7.2. Filler & Paint application ....................................................................................... 17
2.1.8. Interlock tile .................................................................................................................. 17
2.2. Problems encountered and approach of solving .................................................................. 18
2.2.1. Crack .............................................................................................................................. 18
2.2.2. Honeycomb ................................................................................................................... 19
2.2.2.1. Rectification method ............................................................................................. 19
3. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 21

References…………………………………………………………………………………...22
Appendixes………………………………………………………………………………….. 23

iv | P a g e EN 17407908
List of Figures

Figure 1: bar notation............................................................................................................................4

Figure 2: types of slump........................................................................................................................8
Figure 3: cube casting......................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4: curing................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 5: plaster work......................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 6: applying waterproof material.............................................................................................. 15
Figure 7:applying fiber mess………………………………………………………………………….15
Figure 8: water ponding...................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 9:pouring quarry dust……………………………………………………………………………………………………………18
Figure 10: compacting quarry dust…………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
Figure 11: placing interlock................................................................................................................. 18

v|Page EN 17407908
1. Introduction

I did my training at CSEC, but I worked under LCMC which is under CSEC. Despite, CSEC
inspected us every week as a presentation session. I appointed as a trainee at City Edge
residencies at Kaleniya on 5th November 2018. It’s a 11 story luxury apartment complex which is
consist 61 apartments including 5 duplex houses and expected cost is 600 million LKR. Also,
they provide lot of facilities for their customers. CK homes is the client for this apartment
complex. In this site we played the construction and consultant role. When I joined there, overall
90% project works have done. Rest of the works which are MEP works, painting, water proofing,
internal plastering, tiling work for duplex, crack rectification, etc. carried out.

After finishing 2 month I transferred to a new building in Nawala. This also an apartment
complex which is named as Porshia Skyline Residencies. It’s a 12 story apartment complex
which is consist 63 apartments and expected cost is 800 million LKR. Home Lands Skyline
(Pvt) Ltd is the client for this building. Access Civimech (Pvt) Ltd is the contractor, CSEC is
the structural designers, and the LCMC plays as a management consultant. When I entered
structural and finishing works are ongoing. Already they finished the form work for the 11th
floor slab and the reinforcement work was going as a structural part. For the finishing part
brick work, plastering work, water proofing work, and MEP work are carried out.

1.1. Mission and vision of CSEC

 Vision

“To be the resource and knowledge base in the field of Structural Engineering.”

 Mission

“Maintaining professional standards for structural engineering, ensuring continued technical

excellence, advancing safety, creativity and innovation across the built environment and
promoting sustainable approaches in engineering solutions, supporting engineers as they
protect, influence and take forward our environment’s conservation responsibility.”

1.2. About CSEC

Civil and Structural Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, more commonly known as ‘CSE
Consultants’ is a state of the art consultancy firm comprising some of the prominent Structural
Engineers in the industry and academia. CSE strives to maintain a high level of quality in its
services and aims to be the trend setter in the industry through innovation, state of the art
technologies and excellence in engineering. Being able to undertake well over 100 projects

1|Page EN17407908
within a short span since its establishment reflects the unmatched potential of the dynamic
team.
CSE is Honorary Chaired by Prof. Priyan Mendis; a world renowned Structural Engineer
who has been a consultant for many prestigious and landmark projects across the globe
including Burj Kalifa, the world’s tallest building.
The Managing Director Eng. Shiromal Fernando is one of the leading structural engineers in
Sri Lanka, who has been the Principal Structural Engineer for many high-rise buildings
including the tallest building in Sri Lanka. He is the present Country Representative for
‘Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat (CTBUH)’, the apex body of tall building
professionals across the globe.
CSE is now engaged in some of the landmark projects in Sri Lanka and overseas. CSE
strongly intends to expand its services in the Civil and Structural Engineering and intends to
be one of the best engineering consortiums in the world and contribute to the development of
the country and world at large.

1.3. Organization

PD
PM

QAQC
engineer

Site
engineer

Trainee

2|Page EN 17407908
1.4. Brief summary of work what I have done???

For the first site which is in Kaleniye, I played as a trainee for construction and consultant.
th th
There mostly I have to manage the floors which is under my site engineer. Its 9 ,10 and
th
11 floor which is roof top. Mostly the site engineer assigns the labor for the works and I did
the supervising and controlled the labors. When he is not there I have to assign the labors for
the work and take the all responsibilities by getting helping from my site engineer through the
call and also from the PM. Also, I filled the checklists which is given by our PM for the
respective units.

For the second site which is in Nawala, I played as a trainee for consultants. There mostly I
have to go for inspection. I made every day time line since I have been there. When I have
doubt I clarify it with my engineer. If there any problems I reported it to the engineer,
sometime he wanted me to create the EOR (Engineering Observation Report).

Apart from all, every Tuesday I have to go head office of CSEC for the presentation session.
That is compulsory for us. From there I got knowledge of other works when my colleagues
present their site works and experience.

2. Training experience

2.1. Projects involved

2.1.1. Reinforcement

Reinforcement is the most important part of the structural concrete. Tensile strength of the
structural element is depending on it. If a plain concrete member is loaded so that tension is
induced, it will fail in tension.

If this weakness in tension can be reinforced in such a manner that the tensile resistance is
raised to a similar value as its compressive strength, the member was able to support a load
ten times that of plain concrete or alternatively for any given load a smaller section can be
used if concrete is reinforced. For that steel rods are using as a reinforcement rebar.
According to the design and purposes there are many rebar are specified by its diameter.

3|Page EN 17407908
 2.1.1.1. Storage of steel

Steel bars were stored in a proper way at the site under covering. They were stacked
separately according to the diameters for ease the identification and that places were free
from oil, mud or any other substances, which can be effected to the steel because it causes to
change the properties of steel.

2.1.1.2. Notation for the Reinforcement

In drawings of layer structures, it is very hard to include reinforcement details by words.

Therefore, the use of bar notation is very important as it makes the identification of
reinforcement details easier.

Figure 1: bar notation

Bar location: This is noted the position of the bar. I.e. top or bottom

T1-Top first reinforce layer

T2- Top second reinforce layer

B1- Bottom first reinforce layer

B2- Bottom second reinforce layer

Bar spacing : This is the space between centers of the reinforcement.

Bar mark : Bar mark are used to identify the reinforcement.

Bar type : Several type of steel is used for structural condition.

2
R-mild steel (strength of 250N/mm )

2
T-high yield steel (strength of 460N/mm )
No of bars : This is noted the number of bars at particular place.

4|Page EN 17407908
 2.1.1.3. Cover and Spacers

To protect the reinforcement from corrosion and for the composite action of the
reinforcement and the concrete to be effective, it is absolutely necessary for the steel bars to
be surrounded by sufficiently impermeable strong concrete. If moisture and chlorides
penetrate into concrete the steel bars will rust and due to formation of ferrous oxide or
ferrous hydroxide there will be expansion in the volume of steel. This increase in volume of
steel creates tensile forces in concrete especially in the cover portion and causes swelling of
concrete and exposes the concrete to further attack.

All reinforcement steel has to be embedded to a certain minimum distance from the surface.
This distance is called 'cover'. It is important to use the correct size cover blocks to give the
required depth of protection to steel reinforcement.

Note: in our site we used

1. 30mm size cover for both site of the beam

2. 20mm size cover for bottom of beam, column and slab

2.1.1.4.Lap length

The lap length of the bars given by structural engineer according to the BS code or the
requirement of the structure. The typical lap length has to use is mention in the General Notes
of the construction drawings. Otherwise it clearly stated at the relevant drawing. For our firm,
that is 52 times the lower diameter and otherwise it clearly stated.

If we used the 6 m length bars to the large scale project it will affect the total project cost and
duration. To minimize the time consuming and the cost they have used 12 m bars to the
fabrication. And also this is helps to minimize the off cuts.

Lap length

D1 (16mm) D2 (12mm)
Crank length

5|Page EN 17407908
 Lap length = 52× smaller bar diameter (D1>D2)

= 52*12

= 624mm

Crank length = (D1+D2+5) * 10

= (16+12+5) *10

= 330mm

2.1.1.5. Cutting, Bending & Fixing of bars

For this purpose, bar bending schedule is prepared first according to the drawings. Bar
bending schedule contains bar mark, no of bars in a member, Type and size of steel bars,
length of each bar and the shape of the bar.

For bar cutting, power assisted bar cutter is used. When cutting the bars, it is important to
have enough working space around the machine and the operator due to safety reasons.

The bent reinforcement was fabricated in to cages for columns and beams and in to mats for
slab. Where the bars cross or intersect one another they were tied with soft iron wires to
maintain their relative positions.

Before placing reinforcement in to the form work it was brushed free of all loose rust and
mill scale and be free of grease oil, as the presence of any of these on the surface could
reduce the bond and hence the strength of the reinforced concrete.

Where top reinforcement such as in a slab has to be retaining in position, "stools" made from
reinforcing bar may have to be used. All forms of spacers must be of a material which will
not lead to corrosion of the reinforcement or cause sapling of the hardened concrete.

To prevent bond failure bars was extended beyond the section where there is no stress in the
bar. This extended length is called “lap length”. Stirrups or binders are provided in structural
members to provide shear resistance, to minimize shrinkage cracking and to form a cage for
easy handling.

6|Page EN 17407908
 2.1.2. Concreting

Concrete is the most common material used for the building structure work. Concrete is
essentially a mixture of cement, water, sand, metal and in addition to that there may be some
admixtures. The proportion of each material controls the strength & quality of concrete.
Cement reacts chemically with the added water to produce a mass of high compressive
strength. When water added to mixture it is beginning the reaction of strength. It is mainly in
2 setting times.

 Initial setting time: - In using concrete, initial setting time is about 2 hours
 Final setting time: - Final setting time is about 10 hours of maximum,
after concreting
 Before concreting, the area must be approved by the consultant after the
inspection
In Nawala site, they used C30 concrete. This is the ready-mix concrete which is prepared in
the batching plant. Before pour the concrete we did slump test, cube casting for test which are
to find the concrete workability and the strength of the concrete respectively.

2.1.2.1. Tests for concrete

2.1.2.1.1. Slump test

The slump test is used as a rough measure of the consistency of concrete, plasticity and
ability to flow while it is being placed in to the form. Slump tests are conducted before
placement of the concrete in the site. Concrete samples are taken from truck mixers.
Variations in the results of slump tests indicate changes have occurred in the grading or
proportions of the aggregate, or in water content.

A slump cone made of galvanized metal and it is used to perform slump tests. The slump
cone is 200 mm in diameter at the bottom, 100 mm in diameter at the top and 300mm high.
The cone is dampened immediately before use and placed on a smooth, nonabsorbent surface.
Normally 500mm x 500mm steel plate used for this. 16mm x 600mm plane steel rod is used
as a tamping rod and for level the top surface of concrete cone. Steel ruler or measuring tape
used for measure the height.

Procedure of the slump test

 First steel plate, slump cone, tamping rod, plate knife should be clean and wash properly.
 Then lay the steel plate in leveled ground and place the slump cone on it.

7|Page EN 17407908
  Next take the concrete sample in stationary truck.
 After that fill the cone with concrete in three layers of equal height and each layer should
have compacted in a standard manner. (Tamping should be done in 25 times for each layer).
 The mold must be firmly held against its base during the entire operation. This is facilitated
by handles or foot-rests brazed to the mold.
 Immediately after filling the cone lifted carefully without tilting or jarring the cone, from the
concrete. Then unsupported concrete cone slumps down by its own weight.
 Measure the difference between the height of the cone and the highest point on the concrete.
(The decrease of in the height of the slumped cone is called the slump of concrete and is
measured by mm).
 In order to reduce the influence on slump of the variation in the surface friction, the inside of
the mold and its base should be moistened at the beginning of every test, and prior to lifting
of the mold the area immediately around the base of the cone should cleaned from concrete
which may have dropped accidentally.

Figure 2: slump test

There are three kinds of slump can be occurred as follows.

 True Slump (Sufficient Water)

 Shear Slump (Less Workability)
 Collapse Slump (Too Much Water)

Figure 2: types of slump


Result
Slump should be 200 ± 25 mm. (depending on site)

8|Page EN 17407908
 2.1.2.1.2. Cube casting

Test cubes are made to check the strength of concrete. Molds made of steel. The separate
metal plates form the base of each mold, internal dimensions are 150 x 150 x 150 mm. Mold
consist of bottom steel plate and four side plates. Steel tamping hammer which weighting 1.8
2
kg, 380mm long and having are moving face 25 mm use for concrete compacting and level
the top surface of the concrete mold. Plate knife used to cut off the top concrete surface.

Procedure of cube test

 First mold should be cleaned by removing all set concrete and other impurities.
 Next the mold oil should apply on the internal faces of the mold for maintaining fine
smooth finish of the concrete cube.
 Then fixed the mold correctly and place on the bottom steel plate. These are should be
in the leveled surface.
 After that concrete should be taken and filled in three layers and each layer should be
compacted by using tamping hammer.
 Each layer should be compacted uniformly distributed manner by 35 times of hammer
blows.
 After four numbers of molds are filled with concrete top surface should be leveled by
square type tamping rod and cut by plate knife.
 Then after few hours take place concrete get hard, the cube should name and marked
on the top surface.
 After casting the cubes, the test specimens shall be stored in a damp atmosphere for
the next 24 hours.
 After 24 hours mold should be removed carefully without any damage.
 Then the casting cubes should be immersed in a tank containing clean fresh water
during 28 days.
 After 7, 28 days these are should be test for strength testing.

Result
Cube strength should be 65% of actual concrete strength in 7 days and 100% of actual
concrete strength in 28 days.

9|Page EN 17407908
 Figure 3: cube casting

2.1.2.2. Compaction of concrete

After the concrete has been poured, it contains with trapped air in the form of voids. The
object of compaction is to get rid of as much as possible of this unwanted trapped air down to
less than 1%, is the aim. Fully compacted concrete will be dense, strong durable and
impermeable. Badly compacted concrete will be weak pores and honey combed.

When concreting, concrete should be well distributed. For Proper compaction of the concrete,
poker vibrator is used. Maximum strength of concrete can be achieved by proper compaction.
When concreting, poker should be immersed vertically beneath the layer of concrete. Poker is
held vertically in position until air bubbles comes to the surface. Then slowly withdraw the
poker & allow to concrete to flow in to the spaces.

Proper compaction should be done using poker vibrator. Over compaction may cause
problems. Because of over compaction,

Grout can be leaked.

Formwork can be loose.

The concrete strength will not be achieved.

If compaction is not done properly, honey combs can be formed. In my training period I
checked more honey combs in my site. Most of them are occurred because of the improper
compaction and also low quality of concrete. Also repairing of honey combs are not properly
done in my first training site which is in Kaleniya but in Nawala my training period is
finished before they start to rectify.

2.1.2.3. Curing of concrete

The process of keeping the concrete damp is known as “curing”. After casting concrete, the
surface drying was prevented a sufficient temperature maintained until the required strength is
attained. The growth in the strength is more rapid during the first few days and progressively

10 | P a g e EN 17407908
it becomes slow. Therefore, gaining strength is essential and concrete should damp at least for
7days. It depends on the type of cement mix, proportions, required strength and the size and
shape of concrete.

After concreting if the loose of water can be prevented there is no need to cure the concrete
further. But always after placing concrete in position, water evaporates to the atmosphere. This is
not good for concrete and it should not be allowed to dry quickly or it will lose part of its strength
and surface cracks will develop particularly in hot weather or during winds, direct sun light and
so newly placed concrete should be kept off from these conditions, for several days after the
concrete is placed in order to give support until the concrete has developed sufficient strength to
be self-supporting. There are several methods of curing. Adoption of these methods depends on
the nature of work and the climatic conditions. These methods are as follows.
 Shading of concrete.
 Covering the surface with wet gunny bags.
 Sprinkling water.
 Ponding.
 Membrane curing.
 Stream curing.
In our site we used Sprinkling water and covering the surface with wet gunny bags method
used to cure horizontal surfaces such as slabs and rendered floors. For the vertical surface
such as column they used membrane curing, but unfortunately I did not get a chance to see
that. Because, they were planned to concrete on the next week which is after finishing my
training weeks.

Figure 4: curing

11 | P a g e EN 17407908
 2.1.2.4. Defects and overcome defects

 Honey combs
Honey combs may occur by insufficient vibration of the concrete.

(brief explained below)

 Cracks
Cracks may occur by insufficient curing of concrete and low slump of concrete and
also low quality of concrete. Immediate actions should be made for cracks. Otherwise
it will lead to leakage; corrosion of reinforcement, etc...

 Segregation
Concrete should not be dropped from a height more than 1.5 m, otherwise small
particles and big particles get separated. Then concrete loses its strength. Normally
when doing column-concreting segregation could occur. It can reduce by proper
compaction of concrete. Concrete should flow into the forms around reinforcement
without segregation of coarse aggregates and fine aggregates.

2.1.3. Brick work

It is defined as a small, solid building unit in the shape of a rectangular block composed of
inorganic, non-metallic substances of mineral origin and hardened by heat. In Kaleniye site
brick work done mainly for partition wall and make guard room. In Nawala site brick work
done for wall, there I gone for inspection for brick work and confirm the alignment of
brick work form the offset and the room size given in the plan.

There are so many types of bricks

1. Fired clay brick

2. Sand lime brick
3. Concrete brick
4. Cement brick

Both site fired clay brick was used which is 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm in size. Between
two brick 10mm space maintained for the mortar application. Underneath the beam 0.5
inches rigifoam placed when the brick work reaches the beam. Its kept to avoid the crack
forming on the brick wall.
12 | P a g e EN 17407908
 2.1.3.1. Types of brick works

There are many types of brick work in the industry. Within those the most commonly used
brick works are:

 Stretcher bond
 Header bond
 English bond
 Flemish bond

2.1.3.2. Advantages of brick work

 Reasonably priced (Raw material is easily available)

 Hard and durable
 Compressive strength is good enough for ordinary construction
 Different orientations and sizes give different surface textures
 Very low maintenance cost is required
 Demolishing of brick structures is very easy, less time consuming and hence economic
 Reusable and Recyclable
 Highly fire resistant

2.1.4. Plaster

Plastering is the process of covering rough wall and uneven surfaces in the construction of
houses and other structures. Also it is done for achieve for a smooth surface for an aesthetic
look. There are many types of plaster from the beginning of construction work. Nowadays in
Sri Lanka cement plaster is mostly using in the construction.

In Kaleniya site, they used cement plaster as a cover for the waterproof in the bathrooms. In
Nawala site, they did for bathroom as a cover and to achieve a smooth surface in other areas.
For both side 1:5 cement, sand ratio is used to prepare for plaster cement mixture. The
chicken mess placed where the structural and the brick wall met.

2.1.4.1. Offset

Generally, we use offset for many purposes. Its depend on the platform where we using it. In
Kaleniye site, it used in the bathroom to mark the thickness of plaster. Because of the plumbing
work the surface would not be even and also its too hard to predict the thickness of plaster. So

13 | P a g e EN 17407908
that is why we drew the offset line at 200 mm line from the wall. After that I got the
minimum gap which can give from the offset and mark it on the wall. The difference between
the offset line and the length I marked is the plaster thickness. After that skilled labor mark
the spot level marking for the plaster and finally I checked it whether it is placed proper.

In Nawala site, the offset and the other stuff are done by the quantity surveyor from the
contractor. After the brick wall construction they placed the spot level mark. After these work
done we have to go for the inspection for pre plaster inspection but unfortunately I did not get
the chance because most of the place which were ready for plastering are inspected already.

2.1.4.2. Checking quality

After plaster work finished, we go for the quality check such as plaster de-bonding and the
alignment. For plaster de- bonding we checked it by using a rubber mallet hit on the wall and
listening the hollow sound. The places which are hollow sound heard were marked it then
demolished and redone the plaster. For the alignment check we used the straight edge bar.
Placed the straight edge bar on the wall as much as maximum area could cover on the wall. If
there any space between the bar and the wall, we marked it then demolish it and redone the
plaster.

Figure 5: plaster work

2.1.5. Waterproof

We can simply say waterproofing is a kind of barrier for water which not allow water to not
get in and out. This process done by chemical materials but there are lot of materials in the
market. The Lanko 226 is the material used in Kaleniye site.

2.1.5.1. Pre-work

Before start waterproof, we have to prepare the surface.

1. Fillet: Basically we put fillet for floor and wall edge. Because it is the most possible place
for water leakage. We make it as curve which can intersect the point from the corner

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 at 25mm. we apply it is as a curve because of the easiness and the accuracy of apply
waterproof material.
2. Surface preparation: Before waterproof we have to make sure the place is even, smooth
and no more place for patch. Finally, the place should be clean clear.

2.1.5.2. Application and water ponding

 To apply water proof, prepare the lanko226 material according to the manual guide.
 Apply the first coat of the material vertically and let it dry for 24 hours.
 Apply the second coat of the material and meantime place the fiber mess on the fillet and
panel joint or it can be placed when you applied the first coat. The uses of fiber mess are
to help to bond with the surface and then protect from the crack. For the panel joint the
crack tape was placed on the joint. The crack tape placed to avoid the crack.
 After 24 hours of applied second coat, water is ponded in the bathroom to check
whether there is any leakage in the waterproof. The height of the water level is
100mm. After 3 days we visit the underneath floor of the bathroom and check the
water leakage and also check the water level which is marked already when ponding.
 If there any leakage or difference of water level the waterproof should be redone

Figure 6: applying waterproof material Figure 7:applying fiber mess Figure 8: water ponding

2.1.6. Tile

Tile are generally used for covering roofs, floors, walls or other object such as table tops and
also for the aesthetic view. Tiles are two types of tile based on material manufacture that are
ceramic tile and porcelain tile, they are glazed for internal use and unglazed for external and

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the place where water using. Nowadays in the market the designers introduced interlock tiles
for an aesthetic appearance.

In kaleniya site, 600mm*600mm*10mm tile is used for the floor, for the bathroom floor
600mm*150mm*10mm and for the bathroom wall 600mm*300mm*10mm tiles were used.
For the tile work we have to mark the starting point. It is called cross line or tile line. To drew
the cross line, the straight wall selected and from that wall drawn the 605mm offset. By using
the Pythagoras theorem (3,4,5 relation) the next line was drawn to perpendicular for the first
line. From the starting point (the point the lines intersect) the work would start. For the tile
adhesive 5mm thickness is maintained for all area. The 2mm spacing is maintained between
two tiles.

2.1.6.1. Pre- work

Before start tiling cement surface is created it is called bed. Because the concrete surface is
not even everywhere. For tiling the surface should be levelled and smooth to achieve a great
finish. To put the bed spot level mark placed on the surface by using the laser leveling
machine. 1:5 is the cement sand mixture which is used to put the bed. After 24 hours the cross
line is marked and the tiling work is started.
2.1.6.2. Grout

Grout is a thick fluid which is used to fill gaps or used as reinforcement in existing structures.
Mostly grout is filled between two tile to avoid the tile damages and fill the cavities. Two
types of grouts were used in the site those are polymer and super grout, but when I was there
they used polymer grout. The polymer grout is mostly used in the area where the water
activities or water impact could occur.

2.1.7. Paint

Paint is a liquid which is apply as a thin layer on the surfaces. When it applied on the surface
its form a solid layer. This film protects the surface from many dangers like corrosion,
weathering, chemical attacks etc., not only its protect from the dangerous also it gives an
aesthetic appearance for the viewers. Paint is playing the major role in the building
construction. For different purposes different paints are in the industry. In Kaleniya site,
emulsion, weather shield paints were used. Dulux is the brand they used. Emulsion is used for
internal and weather shield for external. There they applied the paint in 3 & 5 coats.

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The paint coat is used in our site are:

 External painting: 3 coats (1 coat filler, 2 coats paint)

 Internal painting: 5 coats (2 coats wall putty, 1 coat filler, 2 coats paint)

2.1.7.1. Wall putty

Wall putty is a kind of paste which is apply on the wall before painting to fill the porous,
cavities and to achieve a smooth surface. To make the all putty paste 35-40% water by
volume is mixed with wall putty powder. Hand drill mixing machine is used for 5minutes to
have lump free and uniform putty paste. Apply first coat using putty trowel on wall bottom to
top. After 12 hours second coat applied. Let it dry for 2 days and smoothen the wall putty by
using the sand paper. The thickness of the applied putty should maintain at 1.5mm after
smoothen because if the thickness is more it could be crack or peel off.

2.1.7.2. Filler & Paint application

Filler is a fine coat which is applied on the wall putty after smoothen. It is necessary because
it ensures a good adhesion of the paint with the surface. Also, applying filler before the paint
coat will will provide a smoother finish appearance. Mixed the filler with water by 1:4 ratio
and mixture applied over the putty using roller or brush. Let it dry for 4 hours.

Paint is diluted according to the product specification. First coat paint applied by using the
brush or roller on the wall. After paint dried cover the small patches by using the wall putty
and let it dry. After that sand it and apply second coat paint. After all work done touchup
works carried.

2.1.8. Interlock tile

The interlock is the high thickness product which thanks to their strength. These tile are
resistant to any type of vehicle loads. Mostly these tiles are using for an aesthetic external
floor appearance. To apply this tile cement mixture or adhesive is not used to bonding. There
so many interlock design in the market like cube, cuboid, hexagonal prism etc…

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Application:

 Level the surface (in our site it done on the concrete surface, so it is not necessary to
level.)
 Pour the quarry dust and compact it by using the plate compactor machine.
 Level the surface by using a homogeneous straight edge.
 Pave the interlock design according to the design
 Compact the interlock tile by using the plate compactor machine.
 Finally pour the quarry dust on the interlock and sweep it.

Figure 9:pouring quarry dust Figure 10: compacting quarry dust Figure 11: placing interlock

2.2. Problems encountered and approach of solving

Except the structural problem the most important problem is amount of workers and materials.
Sometimes workers get leave, so we couldn’t finish particular work for that day. Also
controlling the labor is a tough challenge to me when I entered in the industry, later on I got
experience to control them. The major problem in the Kaleniya site is crack. Nawala site, major
problem was major honey comb which is occurred in slab. For that rectification the site
engineer said that the method of rectification method should give by the ready-mix providers
because of their low quality of the concrete. Finally, I left from the site but I could not have an
experience how they rectified it. But in the Kaleniye site, I have seen the method of rectification
for small honeycomb.

2.2.1. Crack

Hair line cracks were observed in the site. These cracks have occurred on the wall where the
panels were joints. Crack can be caused by variety of problem which might suit here are
climate changes, vibrations, shrinkage, etc… this crack can be visualized after the wall putty
work start, because it forming less than a millimeter in width. The material used in the site is
Crack bridging wall primer and Glidden pre-coat from CIC Dulux.

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Rectification method done in the site:
 Identify the crack formed area.
 Grind the area of the appeared crack to a width 50mm at 25mm offset both sides to a
depth of 1-1.5mm by using the grinder machine.
 After grinding the area cleaned by using the brush and made sure it is free from dust.
 Applied the crack bridging wall primer (CIC Dulux) one layer on the same area
by using 50mm roller.
 Then let the threated area for 24 hours to settle the crack wall bridging primer.
 Mixed the Glidden pre-coat (CIC Dulux) and crack bridging wall primer
(1kg:35ml) and apply on the respective area.
 Finally, threated area is levelled and smoothed.

2.2.2. Honeycomb

Honey combs are hollow spaces and cavities left in concrete mass where concrete could not
reach. These look like honey bees nest. It is occurred due to non-reaching of concrete to all
places due to which cavities and hollow pocket are created, main reasons are:
 improper vibration during concrete.
 Less cover to reinforcement bars.
 Use of very stiff concrete. (this can be avoided controlling water as per slump test.
 Places like junction of beam to beam to column and to one or more beams are the
typical spots where honeycombs are observed. This is due to jumbling of
reinforcement of beams and columns rod at one place, special attention required
at such place during concreting and vibrating.
 Presence of more percentage of bigger size of aggregate in concrete also
prevents concrete to fill narrow spaces between the reinforcement.

2.2.2.1. Rectification method

For normal honeycomb:

 Clean the area
 Removing loose particle & water wash the surface.
 Let it dry.
 Put construction grout.

For major honey comb:

 Clean the area.
 Remove the loose particle and water wash the surface.

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  Remove corrosion on the metal.
 Remove corrosion on metal.
 Clean the area and let it dry.
 Put anti corrosion on metal.
 By use construction grout forming chip concrete and fill the honeycomb.

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3. Conclusion

CSEC is the one of the leading companies in Sri Lanka’s consultant company. As a trainee I
was sent to a building site. During my 3-month training period, I was able to gather a vast
knowledge on construction procedures and equipment, which I cannot get in lecture room.
And the industrial training program gave me an opportunity to come across various
technologies. The civil engineers, technical officers; supervisors in different sites were
helpful to me to understand the construction procedures within their busy schedule.

When working in site, I obtained the knowledge about how to do handling the labors, how to
give technical assistance to their work at required moment, what are the mistakes done
usually by them & how to overcome those, how to minimize the wastage of materials etc. I
think labor handling is the most important and the most difficult part in the construction field.
I got superb experience about that part.

Apart from the technical aspects, the industrial training program gave me chance to being
familiar with the industry. This industrial training period helps me to identify the industrial
requirements and how I was prepared to meet them. This was one of the important things that
I learnt from my industrial training. In the university, we can study the theoretical principals
and do the possible experiments inside the laboratory. These experiences are very important
to us before coming in to industry. This enables a newcomer to the industry to overcome the
problems, which arise due to lack of understanding.

When I was working as a trainee, all the staff members, labors & sub-contractors helped me a
lot. I thank them very much to help me to make a successful industrial training period.
Specially, my senior officers gave me a lot of encouragement at working.

Other important think I learnt my second language Sinhala as much as possible and I learnt
most of techniques from head mason. Finally, I thank everyone, who helped me to obtain a
very successful industrial training period.

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References

Csec.lk. (n.d.). Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Limited. [online] Available
at: http://csec.lk/about_us.php [Accessed 15 Feb. 2019].

Aboutcivil.org. (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Bricks in Construction | Uses

& Applications. [online] Available at: https://www.aboutcivil.org/bricks-advantages-
disadvantages-uses.html [Accessed 16 Feb. 2019].

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Appendixes

 Reinforcement work in Nawala site

 Concreting for slab

 Brick work

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24 | P a g e EN 17407908