TITLE PAGE

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICE COMPLEX WITH

FACILITIES FOR SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES

GROUP

A TECHNICAL REPORT PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY.

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE, OWERRI.

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS; FOR THE

AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND), IN BUILDING
TECHNOLOGY.

DECEMBER, 2020
 APPROVAL

This project has been approved by the department of Building Technology

Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State.

………………….………………..
Bldr. Ethelbert Onwuka
Head of Department

…………………..………………………
Udeh Barnabas I.
Project Supervisor

…………………………………
External Examiner
 DEDICATION

We dedicate this work to God Almighty for his loving kindness to

humanity.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This book could not have been completed without the keen supervision of

our able supervisor Bldr. Udeh Barnabas I.; we are grateful sir, for all your

efforts to bring this work to a success. We are also grateful to our

undefeatable lecturers Bldr. Andy Osuagwu, Bldr. Matthew Ogbede, for

their academic impact on us during the period of our study.

Lastly, our appreciation goes to our course mates, senior professional

colleagues and other well-wishers in school of environmental design. God

bless you all in Jesus Name, Amen.

 TABLE OF CONTENT

Title

Approval

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Table of Contents

Abstract

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Aim and Objectives

1.2 Significance of the Study

1.3 Limitation

1.4 Feasibility and Viability study

1.4.1 The geographical factor

1.4.2 The Climatic Factor

1.4.3 The Accessibility of the site

1.4.4 Environmental factors

1.4.5 The Economic/Socio-Cultural Factors

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Taking off and bill of quantities

CHAPTER THREE

Construction Methodology in form of specification writing

3.0 Working process and procedure

3.1 Site preparation

3.1.1 Site cleaning/top soil excavation

3.1.2 Site layout planning

3.2 Substructure

3.2.1 Setting out

3.2.2 Excavation and earth work support

3.2.3 Concrete in foundation

3.2.4 Masonry work

3.2.5 Back filling

3.2.6 Filling

3.2.7 Damp proof course (DPC)

3.2.8 Over site concrete

3.3.1 Super structure

3.3.2 Reinforcement

3.3.3 Roof

3.4 Finishes

3.4.1 Plastering/Rendering
3.4.2 Doors and windows

3.4.3 Flooring

3.5 Test for construction materials

3.5.1 Test for sand

3.5.2 Test for cement

3.5.3 Test for gravel

3.5.4 Temperature Test

3.5.5 Service

3.5.6 Internal and External Plumbing

3.5.7 Electrical Service

3.5.8 Painting and Decoration

3.5.9 Testing Clearing and Inspection

3.5.10 Handing over

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Working Programme

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Recommendation

5.1 Conclusion

References
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction: The construction of a building requires much time,

effort and attention. The involvement of the building team is to strike a

perfect erection of the building. Aside from that, other construction

activities relating to this our project work were adequately carried out.

This project work is titled “DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICE

COMPLEX WITH FACILITIES FOR SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES”. It contains

the procedures, sequential needs for realizing the construction of an office

complex. Stating the step by step action that should be undertaken at

each point in time, with good explanations on how they are to be carried

out. Tools to be used, equipment and material and how to use them are

stated.

The transaction of financial reports, exchange in communication, flow of

ideas and coordination are seen from the clients to the least persons in the

building team. The client could be an individual, the government or even a

corporate body that makes or presents briefing to the architect.

The responsibility of the architect is to ensure that he produce what the

client wants, It is the duty of the client to reveal the location, size and

shape of the land he has for building, to the architect, this he does
through an accurate survey of the proposed land, which is been carried

out by a professional surveyor.

After the production of the architectural drawing by the architect, the

structural engineer produces a structural drawing which analysis the

structural strength of the building, the mechanical and electrical drawing

also done by a mechanical and electrical engineer respectively. A builder

is responsible for the entire construction process of the building. He does

this by taking charge of the activities on the building construction site in

translating designs, working drawings, schedules and specifications into a

physical structure. He uses his production management expertise, coupled

with the necessary resources such as money, manpower, material and

machineries, in the site execution of building project.

1.1 Aim and Objectives

A good planning is essential for proper execution of the project. The main

aim of this work is to design and construct an office complex with modern

facilities for school of Humanities.

The aim of this work is achieved through the following objectives.

  To produce a building that will provide safety and comfort to its

users.

 To facilitate a good finishing, appearance and attractive aesthetics

views.

 To carry out a proper to ensure construction will be carried out

properly to ensure the maintainability, functionability and

serviceability of this building.

 To carry out the construction in a manner that people will appreciate

and emulate the design and construction pattern.

1.2 Significance of the Study

This project work is done to provide and ensure privacy, protection and

security for the occupants and properties. To provide habitation and

residence and equally shelter the occupants. It has promoted the

development of the area in which the construction will take place.

1.3 Limitation

It was carried out as specified and programmed. In the cause of this

project work some limitations were experienced, such limitations includes;

Financial challenges, time factor, as it shares the time which was meant

for other school activities.

1.4 Feasibility and Viability Study of the Site Including Soil and

Site Analysis: This is critical investigation that establish, examines,

evaluates, highlight and structure the advantages and disadvantages over

time of alternative solution to a given problem. Taking all construction

projects as problems with alternative solution that have advantages and

disadvantages over time, the benefits of engaging professional builder to

conduct feasibility and viability studies of a building project are to examine

option, evaluate proposals, establish capital outlay, time table and cash

flow, availability of resources lost control, set target for future,

maintenance manager and preparation of documents that could be used to

approach financial institution for loan funding.

The study of the proposed site is carried out to ascertain the suitability of

the site for the project.

The site for this proposed building is located at School of Humanities,

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri. The site proposed for the construction

work measures is a 1,234sqm.

1.4.1 The Geographical Factor (Soil Type): The soil type of the site is

coarse-medium-fine soil and observed from the soil test. From the

observation and test, the soil is found suitable to withstand the load

bearing pressure of the building and it also defined the type of foundation
to be used for the building. The topography of the site is leveled and

hence suitable for strip foundation.

1.4.2 The Climatic Factor: The site is not prone to excessive harsh

weather condition which includes sun, wind, etc which may affect the

building and the choice of building material and also the entire

construction activities. The climatic condition of the area is well conducive

for the occupation of the building.

1.4.3 The Accessibility of the Site: During the site investigation, we

accessed the site through which we found that there are the presence of

some certain amenities around the site, such as already made buildings,

water supply, access roads that surrounds the area and there are also

availability of service of electricity (Electric power authority) and

telecommunication. We also inform the physical planning authority that

investigated and finally reported that the nature of the building

development is permitted to build on the proposed location.

1.4.4 The Environmental Factors: Being an already developed place

with building around it, the safety of the users is assured. Also, the site is

located closer to a another complex which proves that the existing soil
condition is quite good and has no history of structural danger, the

availability of skilled and unskilled labourers is possible because its located

close to a town.

1.4.5 The Economic/Socio-Cultural Factors: Since the soil is alright

to carry the bearing pressure of the building, we choose to deploy machine

for site clearance and excavation due to the hardness of soil. We also

choose to adopt the strip foundation because of its economical and less

expensiveness and high durability.

 CHAPTER TWO

TAKING OFF/ BILL OF QUANTITY

 CHAPTER THREE

Construction Methodology in Form of specification writing

3.0 Working process and procedure: This involves the work section,

the method of specification and explanations employed on the require

standards for this project. This includes all processes involved in the

execution of work.

3.1 Site Preparation: Before the actual construction of the building

should commence, certain site activities are to be taken into consideration

to ensure that the proposed project will be effective.

3.1.1 Site Clearance/Top Soil Excavation: This involves the removal

of all rubbishes on the site, vegetable materials, shrubs, and stones, small

trees not exceeding 600mm girth and grub up from their roots. This should

be done manually by the use of local tools like; knife, shovel and hoe.

Removal of top soil average 150mm deep should be done mechanically

using an automatically operated scraper. The excavated materials should

be deposited in a temporary spoil heap away from site.

3.1.2 Site Layout Planning: The position of some necessary items on

the site should be allocated in this work section for effective access and
proper execution of the project and to facilitate the work in the site. The

item includes temporary accommodation, site store, location of the main

building, work areas, temporary toilet and bathroom etc.

The mixing bay should be located near to the material storage, like

cement, sand aggregate as to avoid double handling which increase the

project cost. All these items should be located/installed before the

execution commences.

3.2 Substructure: At this section, work should be carried out below the

natural ground level. It involves the trench excavation.

3.2.1 Setting Out: The construction of an office complex should be

accurately positioned in the ground by having reference to the drawing. All

the dimensions and shapes should be accurately marked out round. The

builder square method should be adopted in this work section. This should

be achieved by the use of some necessary working tools as listed; 30m

tape, ranging poles, wooden pegs, hammer, spirit level and plumb rule,

builders square, line (rope) and 50x50x3600mm wooden profile. The

wooden profile should be jointed with 75mm nail and 50mm nail for

showing excavation on line and block line.

The building line with the site accomplished set back should be considered

and determined during setting out exercise. Earth support, concrete in

foundation, block in foundation, back filling, column reinforcement and

oversight concrete should be done accurately. All this should be achieved

at a required depth and thickness as described in foundation.

3.2.2 Excavation and Earthwork Support: The type of foundation to

be adopted in this work section is strip foundation with a depth of 150mm

and 600mm respectively. The excavation materials should be placed

beside the trench to be used for back filling while the excess materials

should be taken to spoil heap. The bottom of the excavation trench should

be leveled and compacted adequately to be ready to receive concrete. The

trenches are to be supported by timber boards and purlines of 75x50mm

thickness to achieve a firm and rigid space for work.

3.2.3 Concrete in Foundation: The component of the concrete in use

should be as described. Cement, sand and aggregate with the mix 1:3:-

38mm aggregate to be batched as described. They should be carried out

properly and place adequately to the thickness of 150mm and consolidated

appropriately. The concrete should be cured to maturity.

3.2.4 Masonry Work: 450 x 150 x 225mm hollow concrete block

should be used in this work section. The block use has good crushing

strength laid and jointed with cement and sand mortar of mix 1:4.

The block must be laid accurately in the stretcher bond with mortar joints

plumbed and leveled. The mortar joint should not exceed 12mm thick.

3.2.5 Back Filling: The backfilling should be done with excavated

material from site by the use of shovel. All the opening in between the

newly laid blocks should be back filled.

3.2.6 Filling: Filling should be done with laterite to make up level and

this should be done room by room, the passage with 300mm thick laterite

filling. The laterite should be well compacted with the use of land rammer.

150mm thick hardcore filling should follow the makeup level. The hardcore

used in this work section should consist of natural stone, crush stone

sufficient strength.

3.2.7 Damp Proof Course (DPC): Adequate measure should be taken

in constructing the damp proof course (DPC) to prevent moisture

penetration from the ground. This is achieved using polythene sheet laid in

two courses.

3.2.8 Over Site Concrete: A firm and rigid work should be constructed

around the external walls of the foundation with a depth of 150mm to

weight and the weight, pressure of the wet concrete. The frame work

must be adequately braced before the compaction of the concrete. The

hollows of the sandcrete block should be covered with weak concrete

before placing of concrete.

Concrete mix of 1:3:6 should be placed to the thickness of 150mm over

the whole area of the building. The newly laid concrete is fully compacted

with 50 x 75mm wooden to ensure that air bubble is completely removed.

Curing will commence after the initial setting of the concrete.

3.3.1 Super Structure: As the name implies this section of work

involves the work from top to the over-site to the rod level of building and

it deals with block work includes laying of blocks to the over-site concrete

to roof level with creation of opening for doors and windows as described

in the drawing. Mortar mix of ratio 1:5 is to be used in laying blocks.

Casting of beams, lintel columns, slab is to be carried out at required stage

of work. The column has a measurement of 150 x 150 x 225mm (length

and width). Each of this reinforced with 16mm high yield rod with 8mm

stirrup and to be casted with 1:2:4- 19mm aggregate.

3.3.2 Steel Reinforcement: The approved steel reinforcement for this

magnitude of work is hot rolled mild steel deformed bars conforming to IS

1139 – 1966. The arrangement of the bars and spacing between bars and

diameter of steel reinforcement should conform to the structural

engineer’s specification.

3.3.3 Roof: The roof for the project have a hip and eave projection of

600m. The roof consist of the following members namely;

- 100 x 50mm wall plate

- The beams 50 x 100mm at 1500mmc/c

- Rafter 75 x 50mm at 1500c/c

- Strut 75 x 50mm

- Purling 50 x 50mm at 900c/c

- Fascia board 25 x 300 x 3600mm

- King post 50 x 75mm

- 9mm thick long span Aluminum roofing sheets

- 600mm Aluminum ridge cover

The roof operation commences with the fixing of wall plates. 5 x 100mm

hardwood timber laid on top of the blocks wall with concrete. The wall

plates were held firmly by the rag bolts and laid on the two longitudinal

sides of the dwelling wall.

The tie beams of 50mm x 100mm were fixed across the wall plate

spanning across the width of the building. These rafters were of 50 x 100

mm height. The height of the roof is 300mm. The rafter were held firmly

by the struts of sizes are nailed on the rafter using 100mm wire nailed at

an intervals of 900mm center horizontally. Aluminum roofing sheets of

thickness 9mm are nailed to the purling using galvanized iron-roofing nails

and finally, 600mm aluminum ridge cap used to cover the ridge gaps.

3.4 Finishes: The finishing operation should start with the fixing of

doors and window frames in their respective positions, and this must be

followed by the fixing of ceiling noggin and joist using 50 x 50mm purling.

The ceiling to be used is asbestos ceiling board of size 1200 x 1200mm;

fixed to noggin with copper nail.

3.4.1 Plastering/Rendering: Rendering should be done using 1:5

cement sand mortal mix to slurry. Application on wall should not exceed

13mm using wooden float and then using foam for final finishing.

3.4.2 Doors and Windows: The doors and windows should be

constructed according to the measurement indicated in the drawings. The

wings of the doors shall be made of frame with adequate stiffness and

covered with 3mm plywood. The plywood shall be of the best quality and

free from all defects.

All the ironmongery, bolt, hinges etc shall be of the best quality and should

be of the engineering specification. The windows shall be made of frame

meal louvers carried and glass louvers. The louvers for the toilet should be

four (4) number blades and others should be eight (8) number blade.

3.4.3 Flooring: The flooring should be of a 19mm thick terrazzo finishes

with crushed natural stone as approved by the engineer. The flooring of

the toilet should be made of 300 x 300mm glazed floor tile.

3.5 Test for Construction Materials: Adequate test is necessary to

be carried out on the materials to be used in construction of the project to

ascertain their suitability of the material that will be used in construction.

Any material found to be unsuitable for the purpose of the construction is

not adequate to be used for the building. This is to avoid structural fails in

the course of the building process.

3.5.1 Test for Sand: The sand in use must be tested so that it will be

suitable for construction. This can be done by handling the sand to check

its suitability or using a standard sieve test. If 20% of the sand is retained

in a 1:25mm sieve, it should be unsuitable for use. The sand must be

clean, sharp, and free from impurities, it must be of the mixture of fine

and coarse aggregate from 5.00mm downwards.

3.5.2 Test for Cement: The test for cement is to be done to determine

its suitability for work. This will be achieved by placing hand in the cement

to check head pan. The newly laid concrete are to be compacted to expel

air bubble. The cement to be used is Portland Cement with British

Standard (BS12). It should be stored in dry place and stocked above

ground level to avoid moisture generation.

3.5.3 Test for Gravel: The gravel must be clean and sourced from

approved location and must be free from loamy, clay and other organic

matters. The gravel should be graded for general concrete 38mm to

downward to 5mm – 19mm for reinforced concrete.

Deposition of concrete should be as quick as possible after fixing to avoid

the setting of concrete. The mixing bay should be located near to the area

where concrete is required to avoid segregation of the components of the

concrete. All leveling pegs are to be removed as soon as the concrete is

placed on every section of work. The mixing should be performed by a

mixing machine of capacity 0.005m3 and the placing should be done

manually using head pan. The newly laid concrete are to be compacted to

expel air bubble.

3.5.4 Temperature Test: Concrete work should be carried out at

normal temperature ie. 30 – 400c in dry weather. The sand and aggregate

are to be kept in damp condition by washing them. All concrete work

should be protected from inclement weather damage and from rapid

drying by using Hessian matting which should be sprinkled intervals of

time.
3.5.5 Service: Service work of a required standard should be adopted in

completion of the building. This is to provide all the necessary facilities

required by the building and its occupants, to computer the work plan of

the building and its functional requirements.

3.5.6 Internal and External Plumbing: A qualified plumber should be

employed to carry out the installation of pipes and fittings such as water

closets (WC) and cistern. 100mm PVC pipe should be used to discharge

the waste from the WC to the septic tank. Fittings such as urinal should be

discharged to suck away by using 50mm PVC pipe. Surface water from the

building should be discharged to the suck away pit using 100m PVC pipes.

All the PVC pipes should be approved by the engineer.

3.5.7 Electrical Service: Power points including earthing was adhered

with accordance with the electrical drawing and specification. The electrical

method adopted in this work section should be surface wiring system. This

is in accordance with the specification of the engineer. All the lighting point

should be carried out using 1.5mm PVC wire. The distribution box should

have beside it a charge – over circuit, for use of generator during power

failure.
3.5.8 Painting and Decoration: The internal parts of the building

should be painted using two (2) coats of emulsion paints and the external

with two coats of texcoats paint. The ceiling should be painted with white

emulsion paints in coats; all the paints should be of approved standard.

The doors and windows frames together with the fascia boards should be

painted with (2) coats of gloss paints. This work section should be handled

by a qualified and approved painter whose performance has been noted.

3.5.9 Testing, Cleaning and Inspection: The electrical and plumbing

work should be tested to ensure that they are in good condition. The keys

and other components are to be inspected prior to handover.

The window louvers should be cleared and tested. The floor are to be

scrubbed and cleaned thoroughly to remove paints spot and surrounding

tidied up and ready for handover.

3.5.10 Handling Over: After handling over follows after critical tested

inspection with relevant resulting rectification of all the faults and

confirmation of the functionality of all components of the building. The

three bedroom apartment was formally handed over to the client with a

handover note schedules part of the contractors fee i.e. 10% of the central
sum was retained by the client as retention fee for a period of 6 months

known as defect liability period.

 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 WORK PROGRAMME

 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Recommendation: Having carried out this project successfully and

noted some pit – falls involved in executing a project, we hereby

recommend the following to subsequent builders who will wish to execute

a project of this form.

a. A test for coarse and fine aggregate is necessary to avoid using an

aggregate, a test is necessary to know the bulk of the mix

proportion recommended or specified.

b. To execute a project according to drawing and specification, so that

the measurement on drawing will not vary the actual on one site.

c. To carry out the feasibility study of the project which will help to

know the viability of the project.

5.1 Conclusion: The construction of the three bedroom bungalow

facilities for flat living house or bungalow carried out in this project has

made us realize that the building constructed as planned by the physical

planning of the polytechnic. Adequate drainage was provided to drain both

surface and foul water. This is achieved by laying an underground pipe of

considerable diameters that can safely and economically discharge the

waste to the sewer. The pipe is laid with a considerable cross fall (slope)

of about 1.50 for effective drainage.

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Nash .W.G. (1979) Brickwork (2nd Edition) London: Hut Chinson and

Co. (Publishers) Ltd.

Anyeni J.O. (Esq) (1986) Principle of tendering and Estimation.

London: Richard day (Publishers) Ltd.

Barry, B.N. (1982) The construction of Building (vol. 4). London:

Richard day (publisher) Ltd.

Nash W.G. (1974) Brickwork. London: Hut Chinson and Co.

(Publishers) Ltd.

Dr. B.C. Punmia, Er. Ashok K. Jain, Dr. Arun K. Jain (2017) Building

Construction (11th Edition) India: Laxmin Publications (P) Ltd.