Internship Report

Prepared by - Zekariyas Abusha(UU79415R)

Supervisor – Eng. Eyuel ( OFFICE )

_Eng. Yidnekachaw (SITE)

Advisior- Birhanu G/Yohannes

Unity University Department of

Civil Engineering October 2023,Addis Ababa

 Acknowledgements

I am deeply grateful to my internship supervisor Engineer Eyuel, Enginer yidnekachaw,

the design team manager Engineer Ephrem and the company Alpha post tension plc. and
the staff members , for their invaluable guidance and support throughout my civil
engineering internship.

Throughout the internship, the company provided me with invaluable insights and advice
that helped me to grow as a professional. their extensive knowledge of the field on both
office and site works and their mentorship helped me to understand the instruction of civil
engineering and allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience. I am deeply thankful for
the company staffs time and effort, and for their commitments to my professional
development.
 Table of content

Internship Report on software Training.......................................................................................................1

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1
Week 1: Software Training( ETABS tutorial videos)..................................................................................2
1.1How to Define, model and analyzing a structure................................................................................3
1.1.1. Defining material and section properties..............................................................................3
1.1.2. Modeling a structure.............................................................................................................5
1.1.3. Analyzing the structure.........................................................................................................5
Week 2: Modeling Superstructure...............................................................................................................6
2.1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................6
2.2. Defining material and section properties.................................................................................6
2.3. Modeling a superstructure......................................................................................................13
Week 3: Modeling Superstructure.............................................................................................................19
3.1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................19
3.2. Defining material and section properties..............................................................................19
3.3. Modeling a superstructure......................................................................................................25
Week 4: Foundation Modeling..................................................................................................................26
4.1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................26
4.2. Defining material and section properties...............................................................................27
4.3. Foundation Modeling.............................................................................................................31
Internship Report on software Training

Introduction
Alpha Post Tension PLC is a grade one specialized post-tensioning company registered in
Ethiopia by expertise with extensive knowledge and experience in the Middle East. Both bonded
and un-bonded post-tensioned structures are designed, supplied, installed, and supervised by
professionals.

For construction and infrastructure projects, they offer effective structural solutions. They are
engaged in post-tensioning projects such post-tensioning slabs, beams, mat foundations, transfer
slabs, industrial floors, and bridges. To provide their clients a suitable structural solution, Alpha
has a core team of management professionals who have been supported up by a design team
with potential

The company offers a system and technology of construction with the aim of reducing
construction costs by 25%, 30% of concrete, 75% reinforcement, and save 50% of the
construction time when compared to the conventional systems of construction. This company
introduces and provides an efficient structural solution to building and infrastructure projects,
from residential to commercial structures.

For students studying civil engineering, the firm offers an internship option. I have the chance to
work under this company's internship program thanks to this opportunity. The firm offers
software training in the office and site visits to observe how construction is built on actual
grounds that we learnt about throughout the four-year civil engineering study at the university
and post tension system. The internship program has 15 weeks and this week is divided equally
for both software training in the office and site work.

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 Week 1: Software Training( ETABS tutorial videos)

The first week of the internship program was dedicated to software training and acquainting
participants with the program, as per the internship plan presented by supervisor Engineer Eyuel.
In order to model and analyze structural designs of buildings, the software training is mostly
conducted using the Etabs application.

The schedule begins with watching an Etabs helpful video, which is provided by the supervisor,
to get a background on how to use the program and grow accustomed to it before advancing on
to the next phase.

During the tutorial video of the software, I get some insight on how the software program
works and this will be listed below step by step.

The first step to starting the program is to choose from either a new file if we need to start
working on a new project or an existing file to continue working on a project that we have been
working on. After choosing this, the next step is to get model initialization. Under this, we get
the options to choose from: The first is using the saved user default setting; this option gives us
the option to define our own settings; the second is using the setting from a model file; this
option gives us the option to use an existing file that has been previously used; and the third is
using a built-in setting with an option to choose from the required code for our design for steel
and concrete and the preferred unit

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After the model initializations are finished, we get new model quick templates. This option
allows us to edit grid dimensions and story dimensions, and it also gives us the option to add
structural objects. Once this stage has been completed, a new window is opened to design,
model, and analyze a structure.

How to Define, model and analyzing a structure

Defining material and section properties

In defining the material properties that is used in the structural design of a project like
concrete ,reinforcement steel and so can vary from country to country due to the code used and
for our case ESEN code can be used to define the material properties.in defining the material
properties of different materials different parameters are considered like material type, the code
to use, grade, ,mechanical properties of the material like poisson ratio ,modulus of
elasticity ,material weights are some of the considerations to define in the material properties.

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The other thing we defined based on the code we use is the section properties of the structural
elements like beam, column, slab, walls and so on can be defined under this section and different
things are considered in defining the section properties the structural elemnts like stiffnes
modification factors, the dimensions, clear cover, concrete grade, and so on.

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Modeling a structure

The main components of the building, such as the walls and columns, were laid out according to
a grid system. Each level's floors were designed, and the location of structural components such
as columns, core walls, and beams were chosen.

This is the main important section to place the architectural drawing into the structural drawing
and help or be used for analyzing the structural design.

Analyzing the structure

This step is done after completing the defining material ,section properties ,defining the load
combination, load patterns and mass diagram and assigning the permanent load ,live load , the
imposed load .

The analysis is done to get the shear force ,bending moments and also help us to check if the
design we made is safe or not.

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Week 2: Modeling Superstructure

INTRODUCTION
According to the schedule above, modeling superstructures is introduced during the second week
of software training and also materials and sections are also defined base on the ESEN.

Modeling a superstructure is the act of representing superstructure elements like frames (beams
and columns), walls, and shells (slab, openings) by using architectural drawing layout as a
reference in the Etabs software. Since the analysis is iterative, it is important to model the
superstructure like the architectural drawing, but the dimensions of the frame, wall, and slab
depend on the analysis; only the architectural drawing is used as a reference to model the layout
of the building design.(what is your intent here?) in the Etabs software.

Defining material and section properties

Since we are designing a reinforced concrete structural building, we only define concrete and
rebar when defining the material properties for this training.

The software allows the user to choose a country for the code they want to use in defining the
material; in our case, we chose Europe when defining the concrete material, as the ESEN code
and the Euro code are the same. after selecting the concrete-grade material. The data is
automatically filled in by the software; however, we have the option to change this property.
Most of the time, poisson’s ratio is changed because it helps us to analyze either un-cracked or
cracked concrete in the design stage, so to consider cracked concrete, poisson’s ratio must be
taken as 0 and 0.2 for the un-cracked concrete analysis, as the code allows in ESEN.

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The other material defined under this stage is a reinforcement bar grade as per ESEN. For the
modeling project, we used S-400 as the rebar grade. In defining the rebar grade, the minimum
yield strength (fy) is the only value that is needed for our design, so we make it fy = 400. The
other parameters are not that important for a normal design.

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The defined concrete grade and rebar for our modeling are shown in the figure , the materials are
not applied directly to structural members; instead, they are applied to the frame section, slab
section, wall section, and so on during the definition of the section.

The second thing that is defined is section properties. Under this category, we define frame
sections like beams and columns, wall sections, and slab sections, which are important for both
modeling, design, and analysis of the structure.

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In defining the frame section of beams and columns, dimension, concrete and rebar material
grade, property modifiers (stiffness modification factors), design type, and cover are the
parameters that need to be defined for both beams and columns.

when defining the section properties of the beam and columns, the stiffness modification factors
must be changed since we are considering cracked concrete, so the parameters that are found
under this must be adjusted as per the code, and these modifiers affect only the analysis, not the
design.

In our case, the stiffness modifiers for the frame sections are 0.5 for shear stiffness, 0.1 for
torsional stiffness, and 0.5 for bending stiffness. But for false columns, their stiffness change
since they don’t contribute to lateral stiffness, so in our case, the C40x25 column is a false
column, and its shear and bending moment stiffness becomes 0.05, as well as its torsional
stiffness becoming 0.05.

For the beams, we need to define the clear cover for longitudinal rebars, and for the columns, the
reinforcement configuration, the longitudinal bar, and the confinement bars must be adjusted
based on the code recommendation.

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For the frame section the defined column and beams are illustrated in the figure below.

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Other than the frame section, the wall is also defined, and when we define the wall section, we
must adjust the wall material, modeling type, thickness, and stiffness modification factors based
on the code recommendation.

For the modeling, we defined different thicknesses of walls, and the stiffness modification factor
also differs in that some of the bending stiffness is 0.5 and for others it is 0.1. When we took 0.1,
we were trying to avoid excessive longitudinal reinforcement because, most of the time, walls
are not designed for out-of-plane bending. The other membrane and shear stiffness are the same
in the defined wall sections.

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The defined wall section for the modeling is shown in the figure below.

The other section defined is the slab section. In defining a slab section, we need to define the
thickness, slab material, slab type, and stiffness modification that must be defined for the slab.
We take the membrane, shear, and bending stiffness as 0.05 because we can’t rely on the slab’s
stiffness against lateral loads. But for the flat slab case, the stiffness modification factor for the
membrane, shear, and bending will be 0.25 as the (ACI code) recommendation. This is due to the
fact that the flat slab does not have any beams that support it, so the slab is considered to resist
some shear and bending moments.

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Modeling a superstructure
Modeling a superstructure is the act of representing superstructure elements like frames (beam,
column), walls, and shells (slab, openings) by using architectural drawing layout as a reference
in the Etabs software.

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This is the main focus of this training week, and under the training session, I just worked on
modeling a building that consists of 1 basement, ground floor, and 16 floors above the ground
floor (1B+GF+16). The structure has a flat slab system throughout the entire building floor.

In the modeling process of the superstructure, we start by importing an architectural drawing

from AutoCAD, and to import this drawing first, we must save the architectural drawing as a
DXF file. Then, we can import the drawing to the Etabs software to start the modeling, taking the
AR drawing as a reference.

After we complete importing the AR drawing, the grid system must be drawn, and we must
modify the story height as per the AR drawing. After that, put the columns, beams, slabs, and
walls in their positions; some time they may deviate from the architectural drawing, like the
dimensions of the columns, beams, and walls, which may not satisfy the architecture after the
analysis is made.

Modeling a superstructure is a more time-consuming task than the other tasks made in the Etabs
software, and it is an important part of keeping the architectural drawing layout.

Following the completion of modeling the given structure for the training session, the advisor's
feedback is stated below:

Dear Zekariyas

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I’ve seen your model and commend you on the work you’ve done. Going on with our training I would
like to point out the following issues to further improve your skills.

 A deck section was assigned instead of an RC slab

 A 50cm thick shear wall is assigned on 5th floor above a 40cm thick shear wall on the 4th floor

 A missing wall on the 8th floor

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 The model has the following warnings please correct them. only some are listed here
Model has been checked, 125 warning messages
13F, F123 & B15 are parallel and too close.[0.0002]. Check at (7.527 7.255 46.94)
13F, F123 & B15 are too close.[-0.0001]. Check at (7.528 16.809 46.94)
13F, 151 & B15 are too close. Check at (7.528 16.809 46.94)
13F, 1 & F123 are too close. Check at (7.527 9.255 46.94)
12F, F55 & B18 are too close.[-0.0001]. Check at (18.177 28.364 43.71)
12F, 11 & F55 are too close. Check at (18.177 28.364 43.71)
12F, 1 & F57 are too close. Check at (7.527 9.255 43.71)
12F, 3 & F57 are too close. Check at (7.527 7.255 43.71)
12F, 12 & F17 are too close. Check at (35.294 7.255 43.71)
12F, 2 & W3 are too close. Check at (7.528 8.255 43.71)
12F, 143 & F2 are too close. Check at (19.922 6.608 43.71)
12FF33 & F2 are too close. Check at (19.922 6.608 43.71)
12FF6 & F2 are too close. Check at (19.923 5.111 43.71)
12FF55 & F56 are too close. Check at (7.528 20.009 43.71)

After the comment given by the advisor engineer, Eyuel, I just corrected the modeling that was
not correct, and then the model was finalized and accepted. The corrected model is shown
below in the figure.

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Week 3: Modeling Superstructure

INTRODUCTION
This week was also dedicated to modeling a superstructure, and under this week I just modeled
two buildings. The first one is a building that has a basement, ground floor, and 16 floors above
the ground floor. This building has ribbed slabs from the basement to the 8 th floor, and above that
8th floor to the roof slab, it has a solid slab system. The second one that is modeled is a
5B+GF+33 building structure that has a flat slab system.

Both buildings were modeled using advanced software that allowed for accurate representation
of their structural components. The detailed modeling process involved considering factors such
as load distribution, material properties, and architectural design requirements. This enabled the
creation of comprehensive models that can be used for further analysis and simulations to ensure
the structural integrity and safety of the buildings.

In modeling the first superstructure, material and section properties are defined, but for the
second model, I just use an existing model-defined section and material properties done in the
second week of modeling . This approach saves time and effort as there is no need to redefine the
section and material properties for the second model ,but we may modify the dimensions and
also add new material properties if needed.

Defining material and section properties

Since we are designing a reinforced concrete structural building, we only define concrete and
rebar grades for our modeling done this week. So for the first building that has both ribbed and
solid slab systems, concrete grades of C16/20, C25/30, and C30/37 are used, but for some
sections, the concrete grade for design is taken from the core test. Since the structure design is
revised and additional floors are added above the 8th floor, jacketing is done below the 8th floor
to increase the strength and resisting capacity of structural elements due to the addition of floors,
which cause additional loads. Jacketing involves adding a layer of reinforced concrete to the
existing structural elements, such as columns and beams, to enhance their load-bearing capacity.
This process ensures that the structure can safely support the increased loads imposed by the
additional floors. Additionally, careful consideration is given to the compatibility of the jacketing
materials with the existing concrete to ensure optimal performance and durability.

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The other structure that is being modeled this week is a structurally reinforced concrete building
with a flat slab system. C40/50 and C32/37 concrete grades are being employed, along with S-
400 rebar grade, to ensure strength, durability, and long-term structural integrity.

For the structure that contain ribbed and solid slab system , we define columns ,beams ,slabs and
walls for the modeling and a ribbed is also define under frame sections ,in defining the ribs we
need to fill the total depth, total width, flange thickness and web thickness at tip and flange must
be defined as like dimensions and we take them as a beam section .

For the structure that contains a ribbed and solid slab system, we define columns, beams, slabs,
and walls for the modeling, and a ribbed is also defined under frame sections. In defining the
ribs, we need to fill in the total depth, total width, flange thickness, and web thickness at the tip
and flange must be defined. The ribbed system provides additional strength and stiffness to the
structure, allowing for larger spans and reduced deflections. By treating the ribs as beams, we
can accurately analyze their behavior and ensure proper load distribution throughout the
structure. Additionally, the flange thickness and web thickness at the tip of the ribs play a crucial
role in determining their overall performance and resistance to bending moments.

In defining a wall section, we have to choose between piers and spandrels. The choice between
piers and spandrels is crucial as it determines the structural integrity and load distribution of the
building. Piers, being able to support vertical loads and provide stability, play a vital role in
transmitting the weight of the building to the ground or foundation. They also offer resistance
against lateral forces such as wind or earthquakes. On the other hand, spandrels contribute to the
overall aesthetics of the building by creating a smooth and uninterrupted facade, enhancing the
visual appeal of the structure.

In defining the sectional properties of the structural elements like beams, columns, walls, and
slabs, the different criteria’s in the defining of the elements must be as euro code. The Euro code
provides a comprehensive set of criteria for defining the sectional properties of structural
elements such as beams, columns, walls, and slabs. These criteria include factors such as
material strength, geometric dimensions, and load-bearing capacity. By adhering to the Euro
code standards, engineers can ensure that the structural elements are designed and constructed in
a safe and efficient manner, meeting the required performance and durability standards.

Some of the defined material and section properties defined in the modeled structures in this
week are show in the figure below as follows

Some of the defined material and section properties defined in the first modeled structures are
show in the figure below as follows;

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For the second modeled structure the figures are show below as fllows;

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Modeling a superstructure
As demonstrated in the previous week's modeling introduction, I simply begin by importing an
AutoCAD architectural drawing. In order to import this drawing, it must first be saved as a DXF
file. The modeling process may then be initiated by importing the design into the Etabs program
and using the AR drawing as a guide to place the structural components. Once the design is
imported into Etabs, the structural components such as columns, beams, and slabs can be
accurately placed based on the AR drawing. This allows for a precise representation of the
architectural design in the structural model. Additionally, the use of an AR drawing as a guide
ensures that the structural components are aligned correctly with the architectural drawings

The Etabs program offers a range of tools and features that streamline the modeling process and
ensure the accuracy of the structural model. One notable feature is the ability to import
AutoCAD drawings, as mentioned earlier. This allows engineers to use the architectural drawing
as a guide and accurately place the structural components in the model. Additionally, Etabs
provides tools for automatically generating structural elements such as columns, beams, and
slabs based on the imported design. This saves time and reduces the chances of human error.

The modelled structure done in this week is show in figures below.

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Week 4: Foundation Modeling

Introduction
A foundation is part of a structural system that supports and anchors the superstructures of a
building and transmits its loads directly to the earth. There are two types of foundations: shallow
foundations and deep foundations. Shallow foundations are typically used when the soil near the
surface has sufficient bearing capacity to support the structure. They are constructed closer to the
ground level and spread the load over a larger area. On the other hand, deep foundations are used
when the soil near the surface is weak or unstable, requiring support from deeper layers of soil or
rock. These foundations penetrate into the ground to transfer loads to more stable layers and
provide additional stability for taller or heavier structures.

Foundation modeling is the most important thing after the design and analysis of the
superstructure are completed, since all the loads that come from the structure are transferred to
the soil using this structural element. The foundation modeling process involves determining the
type and size of the foundation based on factors such as soil conditions, building codes, and
structural requirements. It also includes analyzing the behavior of the foundation under different
load scenarios to ensure its stability and durability. Additionally, proper foundation modeling is
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crucial for preventing issues such as settlement, differential movement, and structural failure in
the long term.

During this training session, I just modeled four foundation types: isolated footing, combined
footing, mat foundation, and pile foundation. These foundation types are commonly used in the
construction industry to support various structures. Isolated footing is typically used for
individual columns, while combined footing is employed when multiple columns need to be
supported by a single footing. Mat foundation, on the other hand, is used for large and heavy
structures that require a uniform distribution of loads. Lastly, pile foundation is utilized in areas
with weak soil conditions or when there is a need to transfer heavy loads to deeper layers of soil.

In foundation modeling, the same procedure is followed as in modeling the superstructure, like
defining the material properties and section properties. After that, we can model the foundation
structure. This involves creating a geometric representation of the foundation elements, such as
footings or piles. Additionally, it is important to consider the soil properties and interaction with
the foundation structure to accurately simulate its behavior under different loading conditions.

For foundation design, we use safe software to model and design foundation structures for this
training. This software allows us to accurately analyze the soil conditions and calculate the
appropriate dimensions and reinforcement required for the foundation. Additionally, it provides
us with detailed reports and visualizations that aid in presenting our design proposals to clients
and stakeholders

Defining material and section properties

Since reinforced concrete structures are what we design, reinforced concrete is also used in
foundation modeling. Concrete and rebar are defined under material properties based on the
required strength. The combination of concrete and rebar provides the necessary strength and
durability for foundation modeling. By incorporating reinforced concrete, engineers can ensure
that the foundation can withstand the anticipated loads and provide a stable base for the structure
above. Additionally, the use of reinforced concrete in foundation modeling allows for flexibility
in design, enabling engineers to create custom solutions tailored to specific project requirements.

In defining a concrete grade for foundation design, we take the poisson's ratio as 0.2, which
indicates that for foundation design and analysis, we considered un-cracked concrete sections.
This assumption is based on the fact that un-cracked concrete sections have a higher stiffness
compared to cracked sections. By considering un-cracked concrete, we can ensure more accurate
calculations and predictions for the foundation's behavior under various loads and conditions.

The other thing defined is section properties. In defining section properties for foundation
design, we define them as slab sections. During defining this section, the type of foundation that
is used can be chosen from the software since it gives an option to choose. From the options
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provided, we only use stiff, mat, and footing for the foundation design in defining the section
properties. These options are selected based on the specific requirements and loads of the
foundation design. The chosen foundation type will determine the appropriate section properties,
such as thickness, width, and reinforcement details, to ensure structural stability and adequate
load-bearing capacity.

When we define sections as stiff, The stiffness modification factors for the membrane, bending,
and shear are chosen as 1, 100, and 100 respectively. This is because we define the section as a
stiff region in connections, where high rigidity and confinement are present.

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In defining the footing and the mat foundation, the stiffness modification is taken as 1. This
means that the stiffness of the footing and mat foundation is considered to be unchanged or
unmodified. This assumption simplifies the analysis and design process by assuming that the
foundation behaves as a rigid body without any flexibility or deformation.,

The other important thing that must be defined are the spring properties. These properties help us
consider the soil properties of the site where the superstructure is built. By understanding the
spring properties, we can accurately model the behavior of the structure under different soil

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conditions. This information is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of the superstructure
throughout its lifespan.

In defining the spring properties, we have three options. The first is the point, which is used in
pile foundation design; the other is the line and areal, which are used for mat, isolated, combined,
strip, or strap foundations. The point option is suitable for pile foundation design as it represents
the stiffness and settlement characteristics of the soil at a specific location. On the other hand, the
line and area options are more appropriate for other types of foundations as they consider the
overall behavior of the soil along a line or within an area. These options provide a more
comprehensive understanding of how the soil will interact with the foundation system.

In defining the spring properties, the subgrade modulus must be adjusted; this parameter depends
on the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil that is obtained from the soil test and the load of the
superstructure. To fill this value, there are different empirical formulas given in the code, but the
most commonly used one is the bowls equation, which can be calculated for different foundation
types. Some of the equations are listed below

K= 40 x SF x Qult ( for isolated footing)

K= 20 x SF x Qult (for mat foundation)

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Foundation Modeling
Foundation modeling is the process of laying out the types of foundations in safe software to
design and analyze a foundation structure. This process involves considering factors such as the
soil conditions, load-bearing capacity, and structural requirements to determine the most suitable
foundation type. Foundation modeling helps engineers to ensure that the foundation can support
the weight of the structure and withstand various external forces, such as earthquakes or wind
loads. Additionally, it allows for accurate analysis and prediction of potential issues or failures,
enabling necessary modifications to be made before construction begins.

In the modeling of the foundation, the load from the superstructure must be known to be
designed and analyzed so we can import the Etabs file to Safe to save time. To import this file,
first we must export the Etabs file to Safe, and then after that, we can import it to Safe. Importing
the Etabs file directly into Safe allows for efficient transfer of load information, eliminating the
need for manual input. This seamless integration streamlines the foundation design process and
ensures accurate analysis results.

After importing the loads from the Etabs software, we can model the foundation type that is
required for the superstructure. These modeled foundations are essential for accurately analyzing
the structural behavior and ensuring the stability of the superstructure. They provide a basis for
evaluating the structural response to various loads and determining the adequacy of the
foundation design. For the training session, the modeled foundations are shown in the figure

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Internship Report on site
During my internship on site, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real work
environment. I was able to apply the knowledge and skills I acquired in my academic studies to
practical situations, which greatly enhanced my understanding of the industry. Additionally,
working alongside professionals in the field allowed me to observe their expertise and learn from
their valuable insights.

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