THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

[Link]. (BUILDING CONSTRUCTION)

JEREMIAH MUNDIA KIMANI

EABI/00960/2018

PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A HOSTEL BLOCK

TUK FEMALE HOSTEL, UPPER HILL

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 DECLARATION

I hereby append my signature to declare that this project is my original work and has never been
presented anywhere, nor is currently being submitted in any other learning institution for the
award of certificate, diploma or degree.

Signature………………………………………. Date………………………………….

Jeremiah Mundia Kimani

EABI/00960/2018

APPROVAL

The under signed certify that they have read and hereby recommend for the approval of The
Technical University Of Kenya, a trade project “construction of the proposed hostel block at
upperhill, Nairobi County”

Madam Pauline Wafula

Signature………………………………………… Date……………………………………….

Mr. Richard Mbote

Signature………………………………………… Date……………………………………….

Dr. Omukaga O. Panyako

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Signature………………………………………… Date……………………………………….

DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to all construction workers, teachers, family and students and to the
almighty God. They have been the source of motivation towards pursuing of this dream of
impacting the industry.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I thank God for provision, health, strength and sustenance for the years I have studied
in TUK that have led to this concluding this moment of my undergraduate studies

Secondly, to the family and friends for the care and understanding I received on a daily basis.
Daily affirmations, financial, emotional and mental support that they have given me in difficult
times. I appreciate you wholeheartedly.

Finally, to the department of Building of Science and Technology, who have impacted me with
knowledge and skills for the years I have been attending The Technical University of Kenya.
Through supervision by Mdm. Wafula, Mr. Mbote, Dr. Omukaga, Mdm Olive and Dr.
Nyagwachi, I have completed this project. From the skills gained in this process, I have moved a
step closer to being an impacting member of the construction industry in Kenya and for that I am
grateful.

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 Table of Contents
DECLARATION..............................................................................................................................................2
APPROVAL...................................................................................................................................................2
DEDICATION................................................................................................................................................3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................................8
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................8
1.2 Location.............................................................................................................................................8
. Feasibility Studies....................................................................................................................................10
1.3 Technical Feasibility.........................................................................................................................10
1.4 Transportation & Accessibility.........................................................................................................10
1.5 Labour..............................................................................................................................................10
1.6 Scheduling.......................................................................................................................................10
3.0 Environmental Feasibility................................................................................................................11
4.0 Political Feasibility...........................................................................................................................11
4.1 Social Implication.............................................................................................................................11
4.2 Security...........................................................................................................................................11
5.0 Economic Feasibility........................................................................................................................12
1.1 Banks...............................................................................................................................................12
1.2 Credit unions...................................................................................................................................13
1.2 Government.....................................................................................................................................13
2.2 Demand...........................................................................................................................................14
3.0 Environmental Feasibility................................................................................................................14
3.1 Operational feasibility.....................................................................................................................15
6. Administrative Feasibility..................................................................................................................15
6.1 Legal Feasibility................................................................................................................................15
6.2 Construction Management..............................................................................................................16
6.3 Asset Management..........................................................................................................................16
Challenges.................................................................................................................................................16
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................18
Soil sampling..........................................................................................................................................18
1.3 Proctor test (modified proctor).......................................................................................................22

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 1.4 Shear test (Direct Shear Test)..........................................................................................................23
1.5 Grading / Particle Size Distribution..................................................................................................23
Sieve analysis.........................................................................................................................................24
1.6 Water content.................................................................................................................................26
1.7. Soil Bearing Capacity.......................................................................................................................30
1.8 Conclusions......................................................................................................................................30
CHAPTER FOUR..........................................................................................................................................31
ENGINEERING SURVEY...........................................................................................................................31
4.0 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................31
4.1 Methodology...................................................................................................................................31
4.1.1 Control Points...............................................................................................................................32
4.1.2 Actual Survey................................................................................................................................32
4.2 Levelling...........................................................................................................................................33
4.2.1 Surveying Procedure.....................................................................................................................33
4.2.2 Findings.........................................................................................................................................33
4.2.3 Contours.......................................................................................................................................36
CHAPTER FIVE............................................................................................................................................38
METHOD STATEMENT...........................................................................................................................38
5.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................38
5.2 Methodology...................................................................................................................................38
5.3 Roles and responsibilities of different project members.............................................................39
5.3.1 Client............................................................................................................................................39
5.3.2 Project manager...........................................................................................................................39
5.3.3 Architect.......................................................................................................................................39
5.3.4 Quantity surveyor.........................................................................................................................39
5.3.5 Structural engineer.......................................................................................................................40
5.3.5 Contractors...................................................................................................................................40
5.4 Site camp........................................................................................................................................41
5.5 Safety measures..............................................................................................................................41
APPENDIX ONE..........................................................................................................................................42
ENGINEERING SURVEY...............................................................................................................................42
APPENDIX TWO....................................................................................................................................42
ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS.....................................................................................................42

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APPENDIX THREE................................................................................................................................43
STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS............................................................................................................43
APPENDIX FOUR..................................................................................................................................44
BUILDING SERVICES......................................................................................................................44

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

Technical University of Kenya has experienced a big problem in accommodation of students

especially female students. The current hostel block in Upper is not enough to accommodate
even a quarter of the female students. This forces most of them to look for accommodation
elsewhere, which is expensive. Due to this, The Technical University of Kenya has decided to
build a hostel block in Upper Hill next to the existing block. The block is expected to
accomodate a minimum of 300 students.

1.2 Location

The proposed site is located along Haile Sellasie avenue Upper Hill Clos is next to Forodha
House and Madison Insurance. It is a few metres from milimani commercial courts. Its
neighbourhood has various government institutions and offices like National Hospital Insurance
Fund N.H.I.F Building, Ministry of Water and Irrigation offices. Other ministries offices that are
in close proximity include the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Lands. Kenya NAtional
Library is not far from the hostel block. It is 2.5 kilometres from the central business district and
also 2.5 kilometres from the main institution. It is about 5 minutes drive from the central
business district. It is also 700 metres from the historic Uhuru Park. The proposed site is
surrounded by quality infrastructure making it easy to access.

The overall topography of the Upper Hill is hilly. Tuk women hostel is not an exemption, it is
sloppy

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 . Feasibility Studies.
1.3 Technical Feasibility.

Technical feasibility involves the technical aspect of the project. This include the soil properties
of the site, availability of the material required, and infrastructure and services required and
labour.

1.4 Transportation & Accessibility

There are good access roads available to the site, and especially from The Technical University
of Kenya. Haile Selassie Road, which will lead you to the site from the main institution, is well
tarmacked. Upper Hill Clos that leads to the main entry of the site is also in good condition. This
will ease the movement during and after construction. The ease of movement of materials and
equipment in various stages of construction will also be easy. Since it is near town, it will be
easy to access the site from Nairobi CBD.

1.5 Labour

Labour is very important in any project. In Upper Hill there is enough labour supply from the
surrounding areas. There are many informal settlements that provide cheap and readily available
labour. Examples of these settlements include Kibera, Kawangware, Shauri Moyo and
Makadara. According to statistics, most of the youths living in these areas are unemployed hence
being readily available. This means that the proposed project will not experience any shortage of
labour. Furthermore, skilled labour is also readily available here in Nairobi. Availability of
labour will reduce the time needed to complete the project and also reduce the cost of
construction.

1.6 Scheduling

In assessing the probability of this project to be completed within an acceptable period of time, a
schedule will be drafted. All tasks to be conducted will be listed and time to be taken calculated
and the information analysed in a bar chart based on timescales, contingencies and milestones.
To obtain technical expertise, the client will use a competitive tendering method in order to get

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the right contractor for the project. The contractor will then ensure they work towards delivering
the project in the time frame agreed upon with the client. The contractor will also devise a
method such as using Excel Spreadsheet or Microsoft Project, which will easily track the
progress of the project.

3.0 Environmental Feasibility.

The construction area is located in Upper Hill, which is surrounded by various government and
private institutions. Noise pollution is therefore an impact, hence measures will be taken to
reduce it. Initial Environmental Impact analysis shall be executed in the planning stage before
the actual construction of the building begins. NEEMA report shall be carried out on all the
feasible approaches and constraints due to the environment. The construction process is likely to
affect the environment in ways such as; Noise pollution, air pollution and soil pollution.
However, reports on all these shall be made to make sure they don’t affect the project in a
negative way.

To curb soil and water pollution, the client will follow NEMA regulations of disposing
construction waste, and general environment conservation to ensure there are no complaints and
inconveniences to the neighbouring dwellers.

4.0 Political Feasibility.

Political feasibility entails implication of the project to the society, political goodwill, social
aspect and the security of the place.

4.1 Social Implication

Construction of this project is expected to have a big impact on society during and after
completion. After completion of the project, it is expected a good number of students will
occupy the facility. This will increase the population of students in Tuk women hostel hence
increasing economic activities between the students and the surrounding community. With
increase in population there will be a need for more services like shops and kiosks around the
facility hence boosting the economy. Under existing political and social conditions the contractor

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should ensure that every activity is being conducted according to the law and regulation that
govern the land.

4.2 Security

Security is very important during and after construction of this project. Tuk women hostel is
located in Upper Hill where there are low crime rates. There are many government bodies and
offices which are highly protected. This leads to low cases of insecurity. There are police stations
nearby which have greatly improved security, for example the recently built Green Terminus
police station. During construction however, security should be provided throughout the day and
night to prevent any form of vandalism and theft. After completion of this project, the school
should also have security guards from trusted security firms to make sure there is enough
security all the time. The current hostel block is usually under security throughout day and night.

5.0 Economic Feasibility

The analysis will be based on how much capital the project requires, sources of capital and the
return of investment (ROI). This will include all expenses including maintenance costs, salaries
etc. The project will be funded by The Technical University of Kenya, but extra funds will be
sought from the local government. This is because of the contribution of the project to the
economic growth of the country. A team of professional quantity surveyors will analyse the total
cost of the project to completion. The estimated cost of construction of an indoor gaming block
in Nairobi is about 25,000 per square metre. This data is obtained from IQSK Cost Handbook,
2018-2019. Since the project will be a total of 155.84 square metres, the cost of construction is
estimated to be 38,896,000, as illustrated in the table below:

Other costs such as hiring consultants and obtaining legal documents to be added to the
construction cost.

Sources of Capital

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1.1 Banks

The Technical University of Kenya can look for banks to partner with and fund the project. An
example of a partner can be a bank or other private organisations. There are two ways banks can
finance the proposed project. One, Technical University of Kenya can borrow money from and
pay back in instalments as agreed. This means Tuk has to meet all the requirements needed to
take a loan. This means the project will be funded by The Technical University of Kenya but
with borrowed money from banks. Two, Tuk can agree to partner with local banks and fund the
project as equal partners. This means the bank will fund half of the total cost of construction
while the other being contributed by Tuk. After completion, the revenues generated from the
hostel block will therefore be shared equally between the two partners for a given period of time
where the bank will have made profit. However, this will depend on how much money the
project will be generating. THe agreed time can be years. A third scenario is, the bank to fund
the whole of the project from beginning to end and then collect all the revenues generated by the
project after completion to repay itself. This means Tuk will not be collecting any money from
the project for an agreed period of time say 10 years. A good example of this scenario is the
express way recently built, that is between the Kenyan government and a Chinese

1.2 Credit unions

A credit union is a non profit financial institution that's owned by the people who use its
financial products. The TEchnical University of KEnya can join one and if already it belong to
one of them, they can take loan and fund the proposed project. Although credit unions will also
require security, proof of project viability and evidence of repayment ability, they are generally
smaller, more community-based organisations and have missions that are more aligned to those
of many not-for-profit organisations. As a result, you may find a more receptive audience to your
project and find that it is reviewed at a higher level within the organisation.

1.2 Government

Since The Technical University of Kenya is under the government of Kenya, the school can get
funds from the government to finance the construction of the hostel block. The government will
therefore finance the whole project from beginning to the end.

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Community funds

Technical University of Kenya has a good relationship with the community which means they
ask for support from the community to facilitate the project, in completion of the project it will
give back to society, money raised by the project will be used to improve schools’ facilities
hence favouring the community under the organisation.

2.2 Demand.

The project is very viable especially due to its strategic location and due to the current land use.
The current population of female students in school is enough demand to occupy the hostel.
Also, the continued increase in the number of students yearly will continue to increase the
demand. The existing hostel has a capacity of less than 400 students while the number of female
students is more than 7000. Annually, the school admits a minimum of 800 female students
which means every year the demand will be high. This is enough demand for the proposed
hostel. Its strategic location will attract many students, since it will be a key consideration in this
project. There are other learning institutions that are not very far from the proposed hostel. This
includes Kenya Medical Training College. Furthermore, there are very few hostels located in
upperhill. This results in low competition and increase in demand. It will lead to a long-term
demand due to student satisfaction and operating efficiency.

There is also low competition from other hostels. This is because most of the existing similar
entities are expensive and most students cannot afford them. Also they are not strategically
located. Most of them will require one to commute from school to where they are located. Tuk
women hostel is strategically located and near to town which will increase the demand.

3.0 Environmental Feasibility.

The construction area is located in Upper Hill, which is surrounded by various government and
private institutions. Noise pollution is therefore an impact, hence measures will be taken to
reduce it. Initial Environmental Impact analysis shall be executed in the planning stage before

14
the actual construction of the building begins. NEEMA report shall be carried out on all the
feasible approaches and constraints due to the environment. The construction process is likely to
affect the environment in ways such as; Noise pollution, air pollution and soil pollution.
However, reports on all these shall be made to make sure they don’t affect the project in a
negative way.

To curb soil and water pollution, the client will follow NEMA regulations of disposing
construction waste, and general environment conservation to ensure there are no complaints and
inconveniences to the neighbouring dwellers.

3.1 Operational feasibility

Sports facilities in Technical University of Kenya in the past decade have been in high demand
but affected by lack of spacious sports grounds to accommodate most games if not all. This has
been caused by grabbing of land formerly used as fields and change of use of community halls
that could be used for sports and other games making people opt to look for privately owned
sports facilities. For Technical University students, they lack convenience of training and always
opt to train in nearby sports facilities such as the City Stadium which they have to pay extra fees
for membership. Putting up an indoor sports arena will help the surrounding community to live
healthier lives when participating in sport and using the arena gymnasium, reducing abuse of
drugs by youth during free time and having that time and energy channelled to sport. It shall be
accessible from Mombasa road so that other institutions can also hire the facility if need be.

6. Administrative Feasibility

6.1 Legal Feasibility

Legal feasibility is the study to know if the proposed project conforms the legal and ethical
requirements. It is important that the project or business is following the requirements needed to
start a business or a project including business licences, certificates, copyrights, business
insurance, tax number, health and safety measures, and many more. There are some things to

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consider in legal feasibility study including ethical issues and some social issues. Main
Objectives of legal feasibility analysis: To ensure that the project is legally doable, to facilitate
risk management, indicating the risks and obstacles that need to be addressed within the
technical analyses, the financial model and/or the Value for Money analysis. examples of
requirements needed to propose a construction project are architect contract, bid bond, bid form,
equipment lease, guarantee agreement, flooring contract, electrical service agreement,
construction contract, construction agreement, warranty bond, certificate of final completion,
change order, contract extension agreement, and many more. These documents should be able to
be provided once the project commences.

6.2 Construction Management

For the construction to be successful and easily manageable, it will require a high level of
specialization in all the parties that will be involved. A project management team will therefore
coordinate with engineers and consultants to actualize the project. The team shall be made
responsible for coordinating with the client, the engineer and the contractor while ensuring
quality and working schedule. Tasks like regular construction supervision, preparation of
detailed construction drawings other than provided by the engineer, checking of the bill of
quantities and invoices, preparation of project report etc., shall be undertaken by the Project
Management Team. Good management will lead to the completion of the project in good time. A
good contract to procure the work must be considered, to satisfy the needs of all parties involved.
Lump sum contracts will be the best in this project, since the scope is well defined. It will
necessitate completion of the project in time on a fixed budget, hence minimizing losses.

6.3 Asset Management

Management of the facility will be under the care of Technical University of Kenya. All the
assets including the structure, installation of entertainment amenities will be taken care of. The
asset management firm will adopt the practice of managing the block. This includes servicing it
where necessary. Management of the facility should be done properly to optimise its
functionality.

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 Challenges
The following report is not comprehensive of all project costs and actual construction dates and
scope of work will also comply later.

Bearing in mind that the site is located in Nairobi, a few challenges are expected during the
construction period. One, heavy traffic is sometimes experienced in the capital, especially Ngong
Road, which is in close proximity with the site. This can delay the arrival of materials to the site.
This can cause inconvenience in times such as when the slab is being cast. The solution can be
delivering materials a day before to reduce delays. There may be forecasting errors and planning
oversights, which may be a risk to the project. Since the site has no good fence and is next to a
busy road, hoarding should be done properly to curb theft. A good security firm must therefore
be budgeted. Huge capital investments must also be kept aside to deal with environmental
impacts.

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 SOIL INVESTIGATION REPORT

PROJECT

SOIL INVESTIGATION FOR THE PROPOSED TUK WOMEN HOSTEL

UPPER HILL-NAIROBI

JEREMIAH MUNDIA KIMANI

EABI/00960/2018

INTRODUCTION
Sub surface investigation and laboratory tests for proposed outpatient healthcare post in
Jeevanjee Gardens as referred to by the county government. The objective of the exploration
work was to determine the probable sub surface conditions such the Atterberg limits, Proctor
test, Direct shear test to determine the properties of soil necessary to describe the soil’s bearing
capacity.

The main objectives for the soil investigation were:

a. To describe and classify the soil samples.
b. To identify the nature and properties of the soil samples.
c. To establish the load parameters.
d. To establish soil reaction to humidity.
e. To determine suitability of materials.

Soil sampling.

Soil sampling was done by digging a pit of 1.5m deep and 1.5m wide, and the disturbed samples
weighing around 80kg were collected and taken to the soil lab for testing. The average
geotechnical characteristic of the silty clay which are present in this report was derived from the
analysis of more than two samples relative from trial pits TP 1, TP2, TP 3, TP 4 TP 5 and TP6.
Tools used includes:

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 a. Spade
b. Sacks
c. Steel pipe (100 mm diameter, 200mm height.)
d. Mattock
e. Sledge hammer

The soil samples were received in the lab, payments made and sample labelled.

1.1 Atterberg limit

To determine the Plasticity Index of Soil.

Atterberg limit tests consist of;

i. Shrinkage limit
ii. Plastic limit
iii. Liquid limit

The tests determine the consistency of clay and are used to characterize the fine-grained fractions
of soils. The liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index of soils are also used extensively,
either individually or together with other soil properties, to correlate with engineering behavior
such as compressibility, permeability, compatibility, shrink-swell and shear strength.

Equipment needed;
i. Liquid limit device
ii. Ceramic bowl
iii. grooving tool
iv. Spatula
v. Wash bottle
vi. Distilled water
vii. Balance (0.01g sensitivity)
viii. Drying oven
ix. No. 40 sieve, pan and lid
x. Plastic limit glass plate
xi. Aluminum moisture cans

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xii. Rod comparator (3 mm diameter rod, 10 cm long) or calipers for measuring
xiii. Test forms
xiv. Indelible black ink pen
xv. Beaker for mixing sample with DI water
xvi. Para-film to cover beaker overnight

Test procedures;
a. Liquid limit test

i. Adjust the height of drop of the cup so that the point on the cup that comes in contact with
the base rises to a height of 10mm with 0.2 mm at its maximum range. The block at the end
of the grooving tool handle is a 10 mm gage. Place the 10 mm block edge at the worn spot on
the base. Rotate the handle – there should be no discernible click or bump of the cup.
ii. Before starting this test, remove approximately 20 g of material and place it on the glass plate
to be used for the plastic limit test.
iii. Place a portion of the prepared sample in the cup of the liquid limit device; smooth it with the
spatula to a uniform thickness along the cup vertical center. The soil pat should fill the cup to
the same level that water would stand without overflowing the edge of the cup. The soil pat
should not be over 10 mm deep.
iv. Using the grooving tool, cut a groove in the soil from back to front. The tool is held
perpendicular to the inside surface of the cup, beveled edge toward the front, as the tool
follows the curve of the cup while making the groove.
v. Verify that no crumbs of soil are present on the base or the underside of the cup. Lift and
drop the cup by turning the crank at a rate 2 drops per second until the two halves of soil pat
come in contact at the bottom of the groove for a distance of 13mm
vi. Remove the soil from the liquid limit device and remix it. Wash and dry the LL cup at this
time. Then repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 until three consistent blow counts are achieved for the
water content.
vii. Record the number of drops required to close the groove. Take a moisture sample by
removing a portion of the sample the approximate width of the spatula across the area where
the soil pat is in contact. This sample should extend from edge to edge across the soil pat
perpendicular to the groove. Determine its water content according to the SOP

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viii. 40 (gravimetric moisture content).

b. Plastic limit test

i. Use the 20 g portion of soil from the prepared sample that was removed before the Liquid
Limit test.
ii. Reduce the water content of the soil to a consistency at which it can be rolled without
sticking to the hands by spreading and mixing it continuously by hand on the glass plate.
iii. Select a 6 to 7 g specimen for testing.
iv. Roll the specimen between the palm or fingers on the ground glass plate to form a thread of
uniform diameter.
v. Add little amounts of distilled water, if necessary, and continue rolling the thread until it
reaches a uniform diameter of 3.2mm (1/8 in) and a length of 10 cm (4 in) within 2 minutes.
Use the rod comparator to check the diameter and length.
vi. Once the diameter is reached break the thread into pieces, gather the portions of the crumbled
thread together and roll them back into a ball. Roll this ball out until it reaches 3.2 mm (1/8
in.) in diameter and repeat the procedure until the thread is crumbling and cannot be rolled
back into a ball. Repeat steps 4 through 6 until approximately 6 g of material is available.
Collect the pieces and place them in
vii. a container to determine the soil moisture according to SOP 40 (gravimetric moisture
content).
viii. Repeat steps 3 through 6 two times to compute an average plastic limit for the sample.
ix. If the difference in moisture content between the two trials is greater than 1.4%, the plastic
limit test should be repeated.

a. Plasticity index
This is the range of moisture content over which soil sample is plastic numerically expressed.

Plastic index=liquid limit-plastic limit

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 Referring to the average value of the Atterberg Limits, it appears that the results are very
consistent between the different trial holes and the plasticity of the silty clays and can be
characterized by the following values;

Liquid Limit (LL) = 49

Plastic Limit (PL) = 28

Plastic Index (PI) =21

Significance of Atterbergs limit test

i. Important to describe the consistency of fine – grained soils

ii. The knowledge of the soil consistency is important in defining or classifying a soil type or
predicting soil performance when used as a construction material.
iii. A fine-grained soil usually exists with its particles surrounded by water
iv. The amount of water in the soil determine its state or consistency
v. Four states are used to describe the soil consistency; solid, semi-solid, plastic and liquid.

1.3 Proctor test (modified proctor).

Significance
i. Used to determine relationship between water content and establish maximum
density of soil needed for a fill area.
ii. Standard7/ Proctor Test is used to determine the optimum moisture content at
the maximum dry density. This test gives the relation
between dry density and moisture.

The step-by-step procedure of standard proctor test is as follows;

i. First, upon, take the sample of 16 kg of air-dried which passes through 20 mm IS sieve.
ii. Applied water to bring the water contains about 10 % which is less than the estimated
optimum water content.
iii. Keep the soil sample in the airtight container for about 20 hours to ensure thorough
22
 mixing of the water with the soil.
iv. Divide the sample into the six equal parts and clean the mould and take the weight of it.
v. Apply grease to the inside of the mould base plate and collar and assemble properly the
mould and the Base plate together.
vi. Take one part of the sample and filled mould in three layers and apply 25 number of
blows to each layer.
vii. The hammer which is used for blowing should weight 6 kg any two-beat drop from
the height of 310 mm.
viii. Then scratch each layer with a spatula before putting in the next layer.
ix. Remove the collar and trim the compacted soil flush with the top of the mould with a
straight edge.
x. Take the weight of the mould with the soil to the nearest gram and extract the soil from
the mould with the extruder.
xi. Cut the soil sample in the middle and take the represented you sample in the airtight
container from the middle of the cut surface.
xii. Calculate the water container and bulk density.
xiii. Then calculate the dry density using bulk density and water content values.

1.4 Shear test (Direct Shear Test)

Shear strength of a soil is the maximum internal resistance to applied shearing forces.
Test is to determine effective angle (a measure of the shear strength of soil due to friction) and
cohesion (measure of the intermolecular forces.)
Significance
i. In the design of foundations, the evaluation of bearing capacity is dependent on shear
strength and also for the design of pavements.
Test is to determine effective angle (a measure of the shear strength of soil due to friction) and
cohesion (measure of the intermolecular forces.)

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 1.5 Grading / Particle Size Distribution

This is a mechanical analysis is used to determine size range of particles present in a soil,
expressed as a percentage of the total dry weight of soil.
In any soil mass, the size of the grains varies greatly. The particle sizes of soils are divided into
two groups – coarse grained and fine grained soil.

Different soils components based on particle size classification chart are as follows

Clay<0.002mm
Silt<0.002-0.06mm
Sand-0.06-1.00mm
Finegravel-1.00-2.00mm
Gravel>2.00m

Sieve analysis

This method covers quantitative determination of the particle size distribution in a soil from
coarse sand to clay size.

Sieving Test Procedure

Equipment needed:
i. Specimen sieve shaker
ii. BS410 Standard sieves
iii. 0.1g accuracy balance
iv. Oven
v. Porcelain dish and spatula
vi. Receiving pan
vii. Cleaning brush and clock.
Procedure:
i. Clean the sieves of sieve shaker using cleaning brush if any particles are struck in the
openings.
ii. Record the weight of each sieve and receiving pan.

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 iii. Dry the specimen in oven for 3-4 minutes to get the dried specimen (ignore, if the specimen
is already dried).
iv. Weigh the specimen and record its weight.
v. Arrange the sieves in order as the smaller openings sieve to the last and larger openings sieve
to the top. (Simply, arrange them to the ascending order of sieve numbers – No.4 sieve on top
and no.200 sieve at bottom)- Sieve numbers and the particle sizes are provided below in a
chart for further understanding.
vi. Keep the weight recorded specimen on the top sieve and then keep the complete sieve stack
on the sieve shaker
vii. Allow the shaker to work 5 -10minutes – use the clock here...!
viii. Remove the sieve stack from the shaker and record the weight of each sieve and receiving
pan separately.
ix. Results are computed and recorded on the table as attached herein.

Significance

i. To know the relative portions of different grain sizes

ii. The particle sizes and their distribution within a soil mass indicate the appropriate
engineering use of that soil and give qualitative estimates of the soil’s load bearing capacity.
iii. Not important in fine grained soils.

Test Analysis on the soil was recorded in reference to a sieve analysis test conducted during
IBL. Reading were as follows;

Sieve size Material retained (g) % retained % passing

(mm)

4.0 0 0 100

2.4 4 0.57 99.43

1.2 48 6.89 92.55

600µ 440 63.21 29.33

25
 300µ 140 20.11 9.22

150µ 30 4.31 4.89

pan 34 4.88 0.01

Fig 1.3 Graph of %passing against sieve diameter size produces a smooth curve as shown
above.

The Hydrometer Method

Finer materials such as silt and clay are normally determined by a sedimentation technique called
hydrometer method where a suspension in water is placed in cylinder and allowed to settle out,
each particle settling at a rate according to its size and specific gravity.

26
1.6 Water content

Soil-water content is a measure of the amount of water (volume or mass) contained in a unit
volume or mass of soil.

In order to establish water content of soil, the following materials are used;

a) Weighing machine- Used to measure weights of samples before and after drying.
b) Oven- Used to dry soil samples.
c) Containers- Contains soil samples.
d) Tray- Holds samples after drying and measuring.

Procedure

a) Obtain six containers with labelled numbers, measure their weights and record them.
b) Place the different soil samples in the containers, and fill till it reaches the marked line
for each sample.
c) Take the weights of each sample plus container and record them.
d) Place the samples in the oven and wait till 100 degrees (Samples are normally left for 24 hrs.
but took us a few minutes because of unavoidable circumstances).
e) Take the samples out, measure their weights and record them.
f) Pour the samples in a tray and clean the containers, dry them in the oven.

The results obtained from the above procedure, in reference to a soil report done during the
IBL, were as follows;

Tin Tin Weight of wet Weight of dry Weight of Moisture

number weight soil plus soil plus water content
content
container container

17 4.80 42.95 41.10 1.85 5.10%

25 4.95 44.85 42.70 2.15 5.71%

28 4.90 50.45 48.85 1.6 3.64%

24 4.85 52.25 51.35 0.9 1.91%

27
 46 4.95 51.60 50.50 1.1 2.41%

Moisture content was given by;

(mass of wet soil – mass of dry soil) ÷ (mass of dry soil – mass of tin) × 100%

A) (1.85 ÷ (41.10 - 4.80)) ×100% =5.10%

B) (2.15 ÷ (42.70 - 4.95)) ×100% =5.71%

C) (1.60 ÷ (48.85 - 4.90)) ×100%=3.64%

D) (0.90 ÷ (51.35 - 4.85)) ×100%=1.91%

E) (1.10 ÷ (50,50 – 4.95)) ×100%=2.41%

F) (0.75 ÷ (47.25 - 4.85)) ×100%=1.77%

Average moisture content is given by;

(5.1+5.71+3.64+1.91+2.41+1.77) ÷ (6) = 3.42%

Findings from secondary data sources.

The following information is from an internal memo from the Ministry of Works on geotechnical
investigation done at the current Government Press location prior to its construction. They dug
Six trial pits which presented findings as follows;

Trial Pit 1

0’-1’0” top soil and silty gravelly soil.

1’0”-2’6” hard brown marram.

2’6”-3’4” light brown marram.

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3’4”-3’9” yellow hard tuff

Trial pit 2

0-0’6” imported marramy material

0’6”-1’3” local marram soil

1’3”-3’4” light brown marram

3’4”-5’8” black cotton soil

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Trial Pit 3

0-1’3” marram soil

1’3”-3’0” Hard brown marram

3’0”-5’0” Light brown marram

5’0”-5’7” Stiff black cotton

5’7”-6’3” Brown marram and grey tuff inclusions

6’3”-9’6” Mixed yellow and grey tuff

9’6”-11’6” Hard dark grey tuff

11’6”-12’0” Soft and slightly moist dark green tuff

Trial pit 4

0-1’6” marram soil

1’6”-4’2” soft light brown marram

4’2”-4’10” hard brown marram

4’10”-5’6” stiff black cotton

5’6”-7’9” Grey tuff

7’9”-8’0” black tuff

Trial pit 5

0-1’6” Marram soil

1’6”-3’10” Hard brown marram

3’10-6’5” Light brown marram

6’5”-6’9” Grey tuff

Trial pit 6

0-1’10” Top marram soil

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1’10”-4’0” Hard brown marram

4’0”-4’4” Black cotton soil

4’4”-4’8” Weathered rock

4’8”-4’10” Hard green tuff

1.7. Soil Bearing Capacity

The following information is from an internal memo from the Ministry of Works on geotechnical
investigation done at the current Government Press location and a report on the geological and
the geotechnical conditions of Nairobi subsurface, design load maximum allowable bearing
capacity of 204.64kN/m2.

1.8 Conclusions

The soil profile was found to consist of up to 1 m of black cotton soil followed by weathered
rock with a lot of groundwater flow. The pad footing foundation of the proposed structure will be
designed at a depth of 1.8m on weathered rock strata.

31
 CHAPTER FOUR

ENGINEERING SURVEY

4.0 INTRODUCTION

This topic covers surveying exercise for developing a contour map and site layout showing all
existing services and access routes.

The contour map was developed from the leveling procedure. The significance of contour map
was to establish the topography of the land an essential information for setting out drainage
systems which involves identifying highest and lowest points.

4.1 Methodology

This topic provides the basic knowledge on surveying which were critical for generating the
intended data.

Apparatus

1. Pegs
2. Profile Boards
3. Hammer
4. Marking Tools
5. Rope/Lines
6. Nail
7. Measuring
8. Ranging Poles

Surveying being the art of measuring distances and angles near or on the earth surface has to be
done for the successful construction of any structure. In construction works the main purpose of
surveying is to ensure there is setting out of the ground and the positions of the proposed
construction works.

32
At this stage of surveying we have to do the topographical and geological survey on the site.
Topographical is done by taking measurement of the site with an aim of creating topographic
maps and plans of the site.

The uses include;

i. Used to obtain permission of the construction of the structure from the authority.
ii. Used to design capital construction objects.
iii. Used for site communication.
iv. Used in creation of site master plan.

In addition to that geological survey is done to determine the soil reliability and minimize the
probability of engineering mistakes that may arise during the design.

In order to achieve these tests we shall have obtain the following from the site;

i. Control points.
ii. Contour maps.
iii. Site plan.

4.1.1 Control Points

To obtain the points the following process were carried out;

i. Reconnaissance
ii. Field operation
iii. Actual survey
iv. Levelling
v. Surveying procedure

4.1.2 Actual Survey

This survey was carried out on 25TH/06/2022. The weather was conducive for survey operations
as the day was calm with clear vicinity.

The instruments used in the process were as follows

i. Theodolite
ii. Levelling staff

33
 iii. Tape measure
iv. Ranging rode
v. Steel tape
vi. Tripod stand

4.2 Levelling

The objective of levelling is to find the elevations of given points with respect to a given or
assumed datum, and to establish points at a given or assumed datum. Levelling as the method
adopted deals with measurements in a vertical and horizontal plane. The survey was done with
an assumed bench mark of 1000mm above the sea level.

4.2.1 Surveying Procedure

i. Establish points at intervals of 5m along the length and intervals of 5m along the width.
ii. Ensure the points are accurate and perpendicular, mark the points with pegs as “1-6”
along the length and “A-I” along the width.
iii. Set up the levelling instrument.
iv. Hold the staff vertically on the datum and take a reading. This reading will be the back
sight, because it is the first staff reading after setting the instrument.
v. Move the staff to point “I1” and take a reading. This will be an intermediate sight.
vi. Move the staff to the other intermediate points “H1” to “H6” and take the readings.
vii. Move the staff to point “I6” and take a reading. This reading will be the fore sight,
because after this reading the level will be moved.
viii. Measure the distances of the trees on the site and record in a field book.

4.2.2 Findings

Height of instrument method was used to determine the reduced levels. The height of instrument
was obtained by adding the elevation of the bench mark point (100m) with the staff reading 18
observed at point “I1” (1.36m). The elevation of other points were obtained by subtracting the
intermediate sight or the fore sight from the height of instrument (101.36m). The following was
the data obtained at the site during the practical exercise on 25TH-06-2022;

34
Table 2 Height of instrument method

HEIGHT OF INSTRUMENT METHOD.

BACKSIGHT INTERSIGHT FORESIGHT HEIGHT OF REDUCED REMARKS
INSTRUMENT LEVELS
1.500 101.40 100.000 A1(TBM)
1.140 100.250 A2
1.027 100.371 A3
0.615 100.760 A4
0.185 101.209 A5
1.990 0.169 103.226 101.267 A6(CP)
0.705 102.876 B6
0.886 102.437 B5
1.250 101.890 B4
2.010 101.228 B3
2.227 100.765 B2
1.985 2.629 102.597 100.965 B1(CP)
1.379 101.199 C1
0.851 101.738 C2
1.890 0.357 104.120 102.250 C3(CP)
1.769 102.490 C4
1.428 102.687 C5
1.085 103.085 C6
0.257 103.790 D6
1.139 102.965 D5
1.559 102.621 D4
2.010 102.050 D3
2.775 101.400 D2
3.641 100.499 D1
3.365 100.749 E1
3.063 101.049 E2
2.310 101.824 E3

35
 1.743 102.375 E4
1.009 103.120 E5
1.299 0.425 105.017 103.741 E6(CP)
1.375 103.652 F6
1.390 103.632 F5
2.947 102.084 F4
3.393 101.579 F3
3.890 101.119 F2
4.325 100.589 F1
∑ BS=8.660 ∑ FS=7.905
Arithmetic check:

∑ BS-∑ FS= Last reduced level – First reduced level

8.566 - 7.905= 0.66

Table 1 Chain surveying Field book

CHAIN SURVEYING FIELD BOOK.

OBJECT Distance from starting Distance from chain to Girth

point(SP) object

Tree 1 3000 6030 610

Billboard 6050 10900 1500 by 500

Tree 2 11400 11750 1250

Tree 3 12400 11520 2400

Tree 4 16400 1800 750

Tree 5 17500 10500 850

Tree 6 18200 3600 780

Tree 7 18770 1100 700

Tree 8 20100 7770 2600

Tree 9 20500 24700 1300

Tree 10 22350 25300 3300

36
 Plaque 25400 8800 600 by 600

Tree 11 26500 8000 1200

Tree 12 26500 11100 1380

Tree 13 26670 4870 2400

Tree 14 29900 16250 1350

Tree 15 30500 21800 260

Tree 16 34800 8760 2500

Comm. mast 38500 7790 12000 by 12000

Tree 17 48760 14530 3450

Table 1: Reduced levels

Arithmetic check:

∑F. S - ∑B. S = 1.710 – 1.360 = 0.350

R.L first – R.L last = 100 – 99.65 = 0.350

4.2.3 Contours

The reduced levels calculated above, were used to come up with a sample contour map for the
site (See contour map attached)

37
38
 CHAPTER FIVE
METHOD STATEMENT

5.1 Introduction

The method of statement is a proper work document that breaks down work that will be executed
during excavation stage of the project .The excavation work shall comprise of site clearing, pit
excavation, tree cutting and disposal of the soil.

5.2 Methodology.

This chapter covers the methodology to be implied during the excavation process. The process
includes:

i. Before excavation works begin the surveyor shall ensure that the current excavation level
by taking a As-built survey and finish the site taken for their preference.

ii. Solid barriers are installed around the places of excavation over 1.2 m deep at distance of
approximately 1.2m deep.

iii. The surveyor shall keep a close monitor of the excavation to ensure that it reaches the
correct formation level.

iv. Dust generated from the excavation shall be controlled by regular spraying of water

v. Excavation will be carried out using a combination of excavators and break hammers.

vi. All personnel working in the excavation site shall wear adequate ear protection, respirator
facemasks and required PPES.

vii. All extracted materials from site excavation shall be properly be hauled by loading them
into a dump truck.

viii. All equipment to be used during the operation shall have an operational AC unit
especially during summer period.

39
5.3 Roles and responsibilities of different project members.

5.3.1 Client.

i. Funding the project

ii. Ensures suitable arrangement are made for the project

iii. selcets and appoints a competitive and resourced principle designer

iv. Makes sure that suitable faccilities are provided for the duration of the project.

5.3.2 Project manager

i. Ensures stakeholder satisfaction

ii. Evaluates project performance

iii. Monitor project progress and set deadlines

iv. Plan and arrange visits to existing clients ensuring that each client receives sufficient
suppport

v. Assess manpower ,equipment and other resources requiresd.

5.3.3 Architect

i. Suggest and choose the contractors for the different activities

ii. performs site visits and meeting during construction stage and negotiate with contracts
and dealing with and resolving any problem that might occur.

iii. Responsible for creating detailed drawings and testing project feasibility

iv. reviews detailed plans from smaller construction teams just to make sure they stay true to
the original design.

40
5.3.4 Quantity surveyor

i. Advices on the type of contract.

ii. Preparation of tendering document

iii. cost control and preparation of financial statement

iv. Valuing completed work and arranging for payments

v. consult with client about cost of building project

5.3.5 Structural engineer

i. Making calculations about loads and stress

ii. responsible for organisation and delivery of materials and equipments for the need of
construction project,

iii. Prepare reports ,designs and drawings.

5.3.5 Contractors

i. Responsible for acquiring all the necessary permits and licenses for the project

ii. Ensures that workers they employ have skills ,knowledge ,training and experience to
carry out work

iii. Ensures that adequate resources are available

iv. identify hazards and manage risks

v. ensures a constant supply of materials and scheduling purchases well in advance

Health and safety officers

i. ensures that health and safety regulations are followed

ii. responsible for first aid and personal protective equipment

iii. He/she is responsible for sensitization of the different communities on health and safety.

41
Foreman

i. Plan and obtain required manpower and resources in coordination with site engineer

ii. Arange and supervise day to day excavation activities

5.4 Site camp

This shall consist of stores for storing tools, fuels and lubricators and site office ,it shall also
consist of storage yard for heavy equipments

5.5 Safety measures

i. All machinery has to be checked be operators every morning before start of work and to
fill the check list with siganture.

ii. All the workers at the excavation shall wear PPEs at all times.

iii. All workers have to be briefed about the excavation and safety measures required for
excavation.

iv. Proper access with hand drilling to be provided to the botttom excavations

v. The speed limit of the dumpers to be controlled

vi. each worker should wear high visibility clothes for easy feasibility of the construction
site at night.

42
 APPENDIX ONE

ENGINEERING SURVEY

Attached are all findings drawn from engineering survey conducted for the anticipated project

and it includes:

i. Site grid layout

ii. Contour map

iii. Site Layout

APPENDIX TWO

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

Attached are all architectural drawings made in an effort to satisfy the clients requirements and

are;

i. Site plan

ii. Ground floor plan

iii. First Floor plan

iv. 2nd Floor Plan

43
 v. Roof Plan

vi. Elevations

vii. Sections

APPENDIX THREE

STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS

In this section, the structural documents are arranged and include;

i. Calculations of structural elements such as beams, columns, foundations and slab

ii. Slab Detailing

iii. Beam Detailing

iv. Stair Detailing

v. Column Detailing

vi. Column base detailing

vii. Foundation Layout

44
 APPENDIX FOUR

BUILDING SERVICES

Attached are:

viii. Mechanical works

i. Lay out drawing

ii. Water reticulation

iii. Pipe sizing

ix. Electrical works

i. Lighting

ii. Ring cicuit

45
 APPENDIX FIVE

MEASUREMENT OF WORKS

All measured works for substructure and staircase in the building are attached in

this section, and they include

i. Take off sheets

ii. Bar bending schedule

iii. Abstract sheets

iv. Bill of quantities

46