1 Daniel Getachew Internship Report
1 Daniel Getachew Internship Report
1 Daniel Getachew Internship Report
Tables page
Table 3.1 Project geometric control point…………………………………………………20
Table 3.2 Embankment material specification……………………………………………..22
Table 3.3 Minimum acceptable density……………………………………………………23
Table 3.4 Construction tolerance…………………..………………………………………23
Table 3.5 Grading requirement for sub base material………….…….…………………….24
Table 3.6 Type-B granular sub base material satisfy………………..……………………..25
Table 3.7 Aggregate for Asphalt & Bitumen binder………………...………..………..27&28
Table 3.8 The temperature of storage………………………………………………………29
Table 3.9 Temperature range of bituminous………………………..………………………29
Internship report 2021
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First I would like to thank GOD for the accomplishment of this internship program. Next I
would like to express my deepest gratitude and respect to my advisors Mr. Samuel Tesfaye
from the company and Mr. Aliyu from the university for valuable advice and in providing
relevant hint and encouragement for the completion of this work. I also want to thank my
families and my brother Resom Getachew for supporting me while doing this research.
Finally, I would like to say I am forever in debt to the all consultant and contractor side staff
members for their willingness to give me and sharing their knowledge.
Internship report 2021
Executive Summary
Sodo-Dinke section of the Jimma-Chida and Sodo-Sawla Road upgrading Project (Lot 2) as a
whole is located mainly in Wolayta and Gamo Gofa Zones of the Southern Nations,
Nationalities and People Regional State. The road starts at Sodo Town and proceeds via
South West part of Welayta Zone to Gamo Gofa Zone. This road linked to Addis-Sodo-
Arbaminch trunk road, lying in South part of the Country. The total length of project road is
about 86.3kms. After its completion, the upgraded road will facilitate the socio-economic
aspect of the Country in general and the Region in particular.
The economy in the project road corridor is dependent on small holder farming and livestock
keeping. Farming activities are practiced by using traditional hand tools and oxen plough.
The project area suffers from repeated drought, population pressure, shortage of rain falls and
arable land, soil degradation, and other factors. In general, the project road corridor is known
for its low level agricultural production.
1.1.1 General
First of all, I would like to explain the importance of the internship. An Internship program is
a short term as we all know but it gives as a short-term professional experience. Students
work a minimum of 8(eight) hours per week or a maximum of 40(forty) hours per week or
we call it full time for one academic term (one semester). The activities are performed by a
professional’s guidance and supervision of staff members. Within this short period, students
gain so much new information’s also new ideas and knowledge that put a lot of interest in the
student's minds to love their profession and are more interested to know much about their
field.
This experience not also gives the theoretical knowledge but also how to interact and
communicate with other people because in engineering teamwork has a big value than
individual work.
Overall an internship program gives the student a lot of advantage from these advantages
Personal: - when we say personal the students can compare and integrate the theoretical
knowledge with actual work experience and it also increases the students’ eagerness to
know and to learn further academic knowledge and experience. Not also that they gain
teamwork abilities, self-confidence; they will be open-minded and also understand what
will be expected of them when they begin work as a professional.
Academic: - within this process students increase and widen their academic knowledge
from the resource not available on campus.
Professional:- for the professionals also this internship also a good opportunity to refresh
their knowledge
To say the internship is successful the participants are three the University, the Organization,
and also the Student itself
Have to be interested
Eager to know something
Have to ask question
Have to be punctual
Communicate with the members
Not to say I know rather say tell me even if you know it
The company name is Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) who accepted my internship
request. The Road Authority (RA) was established by an act of Parliament No. 3 of 2006.
Under this setup, the Minister of Transport and Public Works represents the Government as
the ultimate owner of the national road network. The road Authority (RA) falls under the
Minister, and comprise a Board with a Secretariat.
Vision
To assure the most economic and social benefits of the customers by joining the Ethiopian
road network to middle-income countries in 2023.
Mission
By sustainably expanding, improving, and maintaining the road network timely with quality
and less cost, provides a quality road to Ethiopians to contribute meaningful support for the
universal development of the country.
The company is not Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) of course because ERA is the
Employer of the Project under ERA the working companies are the Consultant and the
Contractor both of them are accepted me to work with them
Under the project, there is two consultant company working with Joint Venture because it is
un international project one from the Sudan company called NEWTECH Consulting Group
Co., Ltd. and the other is Local company called Net Consult Consulting Engineers and
Architects PLC let we see their backgrounds
Vision
Newtech is the pioneer in the consulting engineering service and one of the most important
firms in Africa and the Middle East operating in the field.
Mission
They seek to provide a variety of high-quality service by highly qualified, well-trained, and
fully loyal professionals working in an attractive environment that is up-to-date with the
evolution of technology while expanding locally and globally to achieve sustainable growth
of our owners’ equity in full compliance with corporate governance and social responsibility.
LINES OF ACTIVITIES
Newtech provides integrated consultancy service in the following field:
First the Soda-Dinke project is entirely in Southern National and Nationalities people
Regional State (SNNPRS). The proposed road-upgrading project basically follows the
existing alignment. The Sodo-Dinke road section starts at Sodo town and passes through the
town of Gasuba, Selamber and ends at Denki village. The contract includes the construction
of Gasuba town by pass. The project starting point is at Wolayta Sodo town located at about
330KM from Addis Ababa through Hossana or 390KM through Shashemene from Addis
Ababa.
The project also include construction of 7 bridges, 19 box culverts, 5 slab culverts, 139 pipe
culverts, and other drainage facility and auxiliary needs. The start of the project, Wolayita
sodo town located approximately Northing 756250 and Easting 362500 on the other hand the
end of the project, Dinke village is located approximately at Northing 711228 and Easting at
321031.
The project is funded by the African Development Fund. Contract Agreement for the Work
Contract was signed on the 26th of December 2017 between the Ethiopian Roads Authority
(ERA) and China Railway Seventh Group Co., LTD to perform the Construction work of the
project for the sum of ETB 1,054,003,610.30 including 10% contingency, specified
provisional sums, and 15% VAT.
The Contractor was given Notice to Commence the work on the 14th of May, 2018 through
the Engineers letter Ref.no JV/NEWTECH-NET/SDRD/OFFICE/018/015.Accordingly, on
the 14th of May 2018 is recorded as the effective commencement date, as per the GCC
mobilization period end 15th of September-2018. The Original Period is 48months plus 12
months of defect liability period.
On the other hand, NEWTECH CONSULTING GROUP in a joint venture with Net Consult
Consulting Engineering and Architects PLC for the construction supervision of this project
and Contract Agreement were signed between the Ethiopian Roads Authority and the
Consultant on 30th day of March 2018.
The mobilization period is four months from the commencement date of the works Contract
on 14th May 2018.
Typical cross-section of the road Type 1……., Type 2……, Type 3……Type 4…..
Ethiopian Roads
Authority
Employer
(client)
Professional Staff
NEWTECH Consulting Group in JV
with NET Consult
Supporting&Junior Staff
Secretary
A/Resident Engineer Administrative
Zehara Jemal
Samuel Tesfaye Support Staff
Inspector
Prepared By: - Daniel Getachew
Draft OfPage 10
works
Person (2)
Moham Wondessen
med Birhanu &
Surveyors Material
Structural (2) Inspector (2)
Soil Laboratory
Inspector (2) Yohannes Zelalem Abera
Technicians (2)
Fitsum Sisay Yilma &
Wondmu Tebeje
mulugeta
Chapter Two Worknegn Endale
Alem
2.1 Overall Internship Experience
2.1.1 How I Get to the Company
First of all, to accomplish this I decided many things on my own and also by asking people
related to the field like which field is really I want is it High way? or is it
Structural(building)? And also where I should attend this intern program in Addis Ababa or
Outside Addis Ababa? And also which company plays a big role to increase my practical
skill and also my knowledge?
After all the decision I decided to visit Ethiopian Roads Authority(ERA), but they mentioned
that they have no project at the time in Addis Ababa and asked me if I was willing to move
and work outside Addis Ababa.
Finally, I decided to work outside Addis Ababa for so many reasons the first one is the
eagerness to know much in the field of High Way, second of all the project is an international
project so that's why and also my brother work there for the consultant side so there will be
freedom to know and ask, the last but not least when after graduation my career does not
always continue in Addis Ababa so I decided to face it the challenge.
After all, I received an acceptance paper from the main office of ERA and I started the
internship program at wolayita (SODO –DINKE PROJECT).
Observation
The first thing in project is observation the project of the road alignment passes mostly
through flat and rolling terrain and on the final section in mountainous terrain. Sharp curves
with low visibility are encountered at some locations and areas of steep gradients are noted.
The project road at the sta. 17+400 diverges into 2 alignments a main alignment leading to
the Gesuba and a by-pass which join together at Sta. 32+729. The alignment passes through
other urban/peri-urban areas most notably Selam Ber at Sta 64+400. No standard road and
information signs are visible along the road except in the vicinity of 3 schools where children
crossing sign was observed. Another non-standard sign was seen however the placement did
not provide adequate warning to the motorists. Animals were seen to pass across the road.
Fig 1. Start of road at Sta. 0+000 Fig 2. Alignment passing urban area to be
upgraded To dual carriageway Sta.0+000 and 1+500
Fig 5. Gesuba By-pass shall require design of Fig 6. Animals crossing will require special
attention Intersection at Sta. 17+400&32+700
Before starting any work on the site the first thing is to investigate the site as i said before the
road project is upgrading so we have to identify which part of the road is going to be
demolished or need a new supplement or which part of the road keep as it is and which part
needs upgrading.
Fig 9. View of triple span bridge Fig 10. Deck slab holes on the superstructure
So like this analysis at the same procedure, the rest of the road part is studied in detail and put
the weakness and how it should be constructed
Overall of this site investigation has revealed the following defects that have occurred during
the service life of the structure;
Fig 11. Existing pipe vegetation overgrow Fig 12. Existing pipe culvert half silted
2.2.1.2. Surveying
Surveying also one of the important activities which determine the horizontal alignment,
vertical alignment and so many important measurement are taken and inserted to the software
which is called eagle-point after inserting the result the software will show up and get the
proper measurement which implemented on the field on the implementation the surveying
activity also play a big role to put precisely
Works that I have performed while I was working with the surveyor
First setting out the total station instrument
By using the total station plotting the left hand side of the road(LHS),center line of the
road(CL), and the right hand of the road
Read using level instrument
Recording data on the paper sheet and calculating it
While I performed this activity I understanding it easily because there is some knowledge I
gained from the university and after seeing it once the procedure are the same throughout the
end.
The challenge I have faced while I was working with the surveyor is lack of knowledge for
understanding the structure drawing and operating the total station to put the alignment where
the structure is going to be constructed.
I solved this kind of confusion and misunderstanding by asking and by practicing daily with
the surveyors.
According from the original designer used primary and secondary (GPS&BMS) Reference
points almost 80% were changed in case of near to offset distance for design center line,
damaged or disappeared.
After completing this setting we can start the clearing & grubbing work.
In general clearing shall consist of the removal of all trees, brush, and other vegetable all
other objectionable material including the disposal of all material resulting from clearing and
grubbing. It also includes the removal and disposal of structure that obtrudes, encroach up on
Except at borrow area the cavities resulting from grubbing shall be backfilled with approved
material and compacted to a density not less than the density of the surrounding ground
The approved soils from roadway excavation/borrow areas shall be excavated and transported
to the site of embankment. The material shall be spread in layers of uniform thickness not
exceeding 200 mm compacted thickness over the entire width of embankment by mechanical
means and finished by motor grader. The selected sub grade 200mm below the bottom of sub
base shall have a maximum compacted layer thickness of 200mm.The moisture content shall
be checked and if found to be out of limits, the same shall be made good. If the moisture is
high, it shall be dried, by aeration and exposure to the sun, till the moisture content is brought
down to the required level. Compaction shall be suspended in inclement weather.
If the moisture content is less, water shall be sprinkled from a water tanker having sprinkler
attachment and mixed thoroughly in soil by blading, dishing or borrowing until uniform
moisture content is obtained.
Vibratory or other rollers shall be used for achieving the required results. Around structures,
compaction shall be done to achieve 95% of Modified
The surface of the embankment shall be maintained at such a cross slope as will shed water
and prevent ponding. Compaction tests shall be conducted to confirm the field dry density by
sand replacement method used to measure field moisture content.
The next layer shall be placed only after achieving the required test result and due approvals.
Acceptance Criteria
Test Description Selected Sub
Ordinary Fill
Grade (Capping)
Liquid Limit (LL) <55% _
Plasticity Index (PI) <30% _
Compaction (% of Modified AASHTO >95% >95
Density)
Soaked CBR compacted at OMC >5% >15%
(Modified AASHTO at 95% of MDD)
CBR Swell at Modified AASHTO <2% <2%
Density
Table 3.2 Embankment material specification
Capping layer is provided to support the sub grade. Before implementing the capping layer
first any weak point and defected part of the sub grade corrected to satisfy the density and
smoothness requirement as specification after that the dumped material is mixed and placed
using grader.
Shower trucks are used providing water to attain optimum moisture content of the material
when the moisture contain of soil is less than (OMC-2%) in this case additional water is done
by a water tanker (water spreading) but the moisture content of soil greater than (OMC+2%)
in this case the soil is skewed if required and left under the sun to get the moisture content
under the desired limit.
D. Sub base
Sub base is a pavement layer which is laid on top of sub grade or if capping layer is required
the sub base laid on the top of capping layer. The materials used for the construction of sub-
base layers shall be either:
1. Natural Gravel;
2. Scoria (Cinder Gravel);
3. Weathered Rock;
4. Crushed Gravel;
5. Crushed Rock or crushed Boulders;
Any other granular material complying with the requirements of this clause.
The sub base material is spread in layers to give a compacted thickness not exceeding 200mm
and not less than 100mm. The final compacted layer shall be free from concentrations of
coarse or fine materials. The compaction is completed as soon as possible after the material
has been spread. A vibratory roller is used for achieving the required results. The compaction
shall be done to achieve minimum mean density 97% of Modified AASHTO MDD. Around
structures, compaction shall be done by using small vibratory roller/plate vibrators.
The material for granular sub base material Type-B shall satisfy the requirements as specified
in Table as given below
Description Requirement
The underlying gravel sub-base layer shall be checked immediately before placing the
crushed stone base material for any damage or deficiency which shall be made good as
directed by the Engineer.
The approved Crushed stone material after mixing shall be transported from the approved
plant site and dumped in quantities sufficient to ensure that after construction the compacted
layer will comply with the requirements of layer thickness and levels as per approved cross
section.
The material spread in layers of uniform thickness not exceeding 200 mm compacted
thickness over the entire width finished by motor grader. Any excess crushed stone material
shall not be spread over the side fill, but shall be loaded and removed from the road.
The moisture content shall be checked and if found to be out of specified limits, the same
shall be made good. If the moisture is high, it shall be dried, by aeration and exposure to the
sun, till the moisture content is brought down to the required level. Compaction shall be
suspended in inclement weather. If the moisture content is less, water shall be sprinkled from
a water tanker having sprinkler attachment and mixed thoroughly by blading, dishing or
borrowing until uniform moisture content is obtained. The moisture content of each layer
shall be checked. It shall be in the range of 1% above or 2% below OMC.
The compaction shall be done as starting from the edge of pavement to center where road is
in normal camber and from the inner edge to the outer edge in case of super elevated sections
with sufficient overlapping. Vibratory or other rollers shall be used for achieving the required
results.
The finally compacted layer shall be free from surface laminations, portions exhibiting
segregation of the fine and coarse aggregate, corrugations or other defects. The finished
surface of the base course shall be maintained at such a cross fall as per the approved cross
section.
The tests conducted to confirm the field dry density by sand replacement method. Rapid
Moisture Meter shall be used to measure moisture content.
Before commencement of the actual construction of any base course, a trial section of not less
than 1000sqm shall be demonstrated so that the equipment and processes that are proposed to
Only when such a trial section has been satisfactorily laid and approved by the Engineer, the
actual crushed stone base layer work shall commence
In this project the asphalt part of the road constructed very well because every activities done
by as the specification required for example when we see
The aggregate shall consist of approved crushed stone complying with the requirements the
grading, flakiness index and hardness shall be as given in Table for each nominal size of
stone.
I. grading
I. The Prime Coat: material shall be MC-30 cutback bitumen complying with BS3690
and/or AASHTO M82.
II. Bituminous binder: for Asphalt Concrete shall be 80/100 Penetration Grade Bitumen
complying with the requirements of AASHTO M20-70:
The bitumen shall be homogeneous, free from water, and shall not foam when heated to
1750C (3470F). 80/100 Penetration Grade Bitumen shall conform to the requirements given in
Table 3.7
Note: (1) The use of the spot test is optional. When it is specified, the Engineer shall
indicate whether the standard naphtha solvent, the naphtha-xylene solvent, or the heptane-
xylene solvent will be used in determining compliance with the requirement, and also, in the
case of the xylene solvents, the percentage of xylene to be used.
G. Prime Coat
No longer than 24 hours before spraying, the layer to be primed shall be broomed and
cleaned of all loose or deleterious material by means of a rotary broom and hand brooms. A
light spray of water, sufficient to dampen the surface, shall be uniformly applied to the layer
immediately before the application of the prime. If the water is over applied the layer shall be
allowed to dry until a uniform damp surface is obtained.
Before any prime material is sprayed the layer to be primed shall be checked for compliance
with the surface and other requirements specified. Any sections not complying with the
specified requirements shall be corrected as specified.
Suitable approved material shall be used at all joints at the beginning and end of all sprays in
order to obtain a neat start and cut-off.
Table 3.8 The temperatures for storage and spraying shall be in accordance with
All prime materials stored in a heated condition stored in a container with a properly
functioning circulation system and having a securely fitting lid. No heat shall be added to
materials delivered above storage temperature until the temperatures are below those
specified above unless the materials are intended for immediate use.
H. Asphalt Concrete
The areas to be surfaced shall be cleaned of all dust, dirt, dung, oil, or any other foreign
materials that may be deleterious to the surfacing by air compressor.
The areas shall be checked for compliance with the surface tolerances and all other require-
ments specified. Any portions that do not meet these requirements shall first be either
corrected or removed and reconstructed, before they are surfaced.
The temperature ranges between which bituminous binders are to be heated shall be as given
Recommended
Maximum storage Heating and spraying
temperature,
Temperature, oC Temperature, oC
Materials o
C
Over 24 Up to 24
Minimum Maximum
hours hours
80/100 115 165 150 175 165
After the bituminous binder has set-up sufficiently to prevent any aggregate from being
dislodged, the surface shall be slowly dragged with a broom drag in order to ensure even
distribution of the aggregate. If there are areas, which are deficient in stone chips, additional
material shall be added by hand so as to leave the carpet with one layer of stone shoulder to
shoulder.
If there are areas having an excess of stone chips such excess shall be removed by hand so as
to leave the carpet with one layer of stone shoulder to shoulder. The importance of applying
only a single layer of stone is stressed. Every care shall be taken to avoid an over-application
of stone.
When the spreading of aggregate is completed, the surface shall be rolled with a 15 ton
pneumatic-tired roller for two to four coverage’s. Final rolling shall be done with a flat
Total
No.of Item
Remark length( Width(m) Location(s Name of
Spans NO
m) tation) structure
Concrete bridge 9 9 1 5+350 Bridge No.1 1
Ditto 20 20 1 30+500 Bridge No.2 2
Ditto 20 20 1 37+020 Bridge No.3 3
Ditto 60 20 3 43+050 Bridge No.4 4
Ditto 60 20 3 52+220 Bridge No.5 5
000+62
12 12 1 Bridge No.6 6
Box culvert
Pipe culvert
Slab culvert
Box culvert
Pipe culvert
Pipe culvert is most economical for small drainage crossings. It is constructed in a diameter
of less than 1.8 diameters
Pipe culvert is laid on either lean concrete when the foundation is black cotton soil (low
bearing capacity) or directly on the foundation soil when the does not show differential
settlement and swelling also if the discharge of water is more two pipe cells can be used. It is
surrounded by the masonry at the inlet and out let. This is done to preserve the pipe from
erosion.
Slab culver
When we see the sub structure of the project bridge the foundation starts below three meter
from the ground and also before the pad foundation construct the is one meter rock fill after
that there is two meter cyclopean which mean the construction of 60% rock and 40%
concrete to make bond between rocks
In the office I try to grasp different kinds of office works especially how to organize daily
Since performing such kinds of tasks connects you with other members of the company I
make a smooth relationship with all of the office, as well as the site workers.
In surveying the main task is setting out design works to the ground. Instruments used for
setting out works include total station, GPS, and leveling. I have been with the survey and
work and in those days I have tried to cover all survey works.
Works that I have executed while I was working with the surveying crew are operating the
total station instrument; this instrument is helpful in setting out of Centerlines, slope stack
limits, and excavation limits. While this section I have performed good, this is because I have
already got a good Understanding of survey works in the university and almost the same
procedure is used in the Practical world.
The challenge I have faced while I was working with the surveyor the surveyors have no
enough time for me because they have to cover all the daily work and the other challenge is
most of the work executed is far from where I am so lack of transportation also one of the
challenge.
For example with the survey inspector to check the asbuilt by using leveling check the actual
elevation with the design elevation if it ok the work approved but when there is a gap
between the actual elevation and the design the engineer ask to be worked again from this
proses I perform reading the leveling and cross check it.
In general Road construction is not fixed at a specific place and time. Every task is carried
out at different station. It needs movement from one station to the other station. To do this,
When there is no task I try to go to the site and observe the practical view and try to ask
questions and collect data. Also I ask the quantity surveyor office by which I try to learn
some software’s like Auto CAD and Eagle point.
CHAPTER THREE
III.1 Benefit of the internship
The internship program is very essential for students. The student who works in the
internship can get much more benefits. This benefit is in two ways the first one is in
theoretical knowledge the other is by practical practice knowledge. I have gained many
benefits from the internship program. The benefits that I gained are:
Organizing
Work ethic
Coordinating
Leadership skill
Team work
Upgrading knowledge
Development of guiding life
Organizing
When I say organizing responsibilities of each man power either skilled or unskilled have to
be defined. This also helps you to test the manpower performance and handle the work but
this organizational skill comes with in experience.
Work ethics
Punctuality
Reliability
Accountability
Loyalty and
Responsibility
Road construction needs a team work and good communication. It needs communication of
the team members. The contractor and consultant streams communicate each other in order to
run their activities effectively. But, the project will not attain the required standard if there is
no communication within the team and the project is not completed within the specified
time. So I understand that interpersonal communication is very necessary to run the project
work effectively.
Upgrading knowledge
When I say upgrading of knowledge I obtain different manuals such as AASHTO, ASTM,
ERA, Tanzania Manual and Kenya manual. These manuals have their own material quality
specification, method test, method of construction specification, structural analysis, and
traffic design specification. So I get such a theoretical knowledge. I also develop the mix
design knowledge and I know the parameters which should be satisfied when mix design is
done.
4.1.1 Recommendation
My recommendation for the company and for the university.
For company
There should be traffic sign post on the road to Gide the road because when at the
night time you can’t see anything if there is a curve in front of you and also there is
also some restricted place they just dump the material there so there should be a
traffic sign post which can reflect at night time
When the base course is finished the motorist inter in that area and ride on it that
means they make small segregate on the road so when the base course is finished they
should assign traffic police to keep the road safe
Regarding health and safety regulations all the construction company’s should strictly
implement the rules to wear helmets, providing safety shoes
It better for the company to have and use machineries and modern working equipment
to run its projects on schedule and to made possible speedy, accurate and less cost
work.
The other one is on the specification it say when one layer is finished and proceed to
the other layer the finished layer have to be checked if there is some uncertainty is
happening but in this project the first finished layer is not secondly checked just
continued it may cause a deformation
There is lack of vehicle for inspector engineers that also affect the work because many
times the inspectors approved the work that they doesn’t see
I saw some carelessness on traffic count day the people that assigned to count
sometimes they are not there for more than 2 hours that means there will be error data
From the good side this internship program gives as a lot of opportunity to me and to
the other students also by increasing our knowledge by experiencing the real world
work this kind of student training program must continue
Like I said in the recommendation part this internship program must continue strongly in
organized manners because this program try to summarize all the four years we cover during
that time
I have learned that road construction needs high financial strength. Investment on road
construction needs very high capital. Road construction needs a lot of machine to be run. The
machines are also very huge and their cost is counted in millions. A number of professions
are participated. It also needs a large number of labors. The construction materials of road
construction have high cost and even sometimes the materials are not available near to the
project. So road construction needs financial strength to resist the challenge of different type
of costs
Some works are time consuming and others are done fastly when you work in rock part of the
road to get the design elevation you may need drill machine or small bombs for blasting and
so many knew knowledge that didn’t seem easy.