Internship Report

Spring 2014 Internship at Bachy Soletanche Singapore

February March 2014


Bodhinanda Chandra
1TE12854Y
Civil Engineering, Year 2
Department of Earth Resources, Marine and Civil Engineering
School of Engineering
Kyushu University


i

Acknowledgement
First of all I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Alistair Sim, the Managing
Director of Bachy Soletanche Singapore Pte Ltd, for giving me the opportunity to do a 6
week internship during the 2014 university spring break. In my opinion, it was a unique and
wonderful experience to be in Singapore and to study as well as see firsthand the everyday
work life of a construction company. This internship experience has given me a lot of positive
understandings related to geotechnical and foundation engineering industry that I believe
could be beneficial while determining my future career.
I also would like to thank the Project Manager, Mr. Kusno Akbar, Senior Engineers,
fellow colleagues and all the people who worked together in both Headquarters and
construction site of Bachy Solentache Singapore during my internship. With their patient
guide and explanation, they created an enjoyable yet constructive working environment.
At last I would like to thank my class advisors, Associate Professor Kiyonobu
Kasama and Associate Professor Shinichiro Yano, for supporting me to do this internship.
In addition, I also would like to say thank you to Kyushu University International
Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Ms. Mika Tamura, for the continuous help and support
from the beginning of finding the internship to the end of writing this report. I hope this
internship experience could be a motivation for me to study harder throughout the completion
of my degree.

ii

Contents
Acknowledgement ...................................................................................................................... i
Contents ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Summary .................................................................................................................................. iii
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1
2. Description of the Internship .............................................................................................. 3
2.1 The Company: Bachy Soletanche Singapore Pte Ltd ................................................. 3
2.2 Schedule of the Internship ........................................................................................... 5
2.3 Internship Activities .................................................................................................... 8
3. Reflection of the Internship .............................................................................................. 23
4. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 26
References ................................................................................................................................. iv
Appendices ................................................................................................................................. v


iii

Summary
Within my study in Civil Engineering, I had an opportunity to experience a 6 week
internship in Bachy Soletanche Singapore Pte Ltd (BSS) on spring vacation 2014. BSS is a
construction company originated from France in Singapore whose specialization is in
geotechnical and foundation engineering field. One of them is a diaphragm wall construction.
At the beginning of the internship I had set several learning goals regarding the development
of knowledge and understanding on life and environment in a construction company.
The internship was mainly concentrated on SP PowerAssets Jurong Island to
Pioneer Transmission Cable Tunnel (JIPCT) project under main contractor, Penta Ocean
Construction Co Ltd., and consultant, AECOM. In order to build a 5 kilometer transmission
cable tunnel in about 45 meter depth, three permanent shafts are made with diaphragm
walling method to ensure a safe entry of TBM and other machineries. I have participated
mostly in the diaphragm wall construction as a Site Engineer whose responsibility is to
realize and implement the structural design on ground.
A diaphragm wall is a reinforced concrete wall that built to hold nearby soil pressure
while a deep excavation is conducted. Each panel construction begin with the construction of
guide wall, followed by the excavation process with the support of bentonite slurry. The panel
finally will be casted by using tremie pipes after the reinforcement cages and CWS joint are
installed. I mostly spend my internship works at JIPCT Shipyard Site, however, I also did
minor job such as planning and design for West Jurong Island sites project.
Overall, the internship is a very useful experience and has given me a lot of new
skills, knowledge as well as insight about civil engineering world generally both related to
my academic life as a student or not related, such as management and practical skills that also
required to solve any problems which might delay the project.
1

1. Introduction
During the university spring vacation 2014, start from mid-February to the end of March,
I had an opportunity to go to Singapore and experience a 6 week internship which was carried
out in Bachy Soletanche Singapore Pte Ltd. Bachy Soletanche Singapore, or usually
abbreviated as BSS, is one of the leading construction companies in Singapore specialized in
geotechnical and foundation engineering. Realizing that my major is Civil Engineering and
dream to be a professional engineer in the future, I would like to involve myself directly to a
construction company in the time between my studies as an intern to learn as much as
possible about life in a construction company. In this opportunity, I was assigned to become a
Site Engineer in a Singapore Powers project, named Jurong Island to Pioneer Transmission
Cable Tunnel.
At the beginning of the internship I formulated several learning goals, which I wanted to
achieve. The goals are listed as follows:
- to have a first image and impression of working in a construction industry;
- to understand the functioning and working conditions of a construction company;
- to be aware of what is like to work in a professional civil engineering environment;
- to apply my gained skills and knowledge in industrial application;
- to acquire knowledge in various stages of construction process, such as project
management, team work, site experience;
- to see what skills and knowledge are necessary to work in a professional construction
industry;
- to learn about the management of a construction project (planning, preparation, design,
application, etc.);
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- to get fieldwork or site experience in a civil engineering environment which was
unknown for me;
- to get experience in working in another country/with persons from another cultural
background;
- to enhance my communication skills;
- to build a network;
- to understand which area of specialization of civil engineering is suitable for me;
- to see what kind of work is possible for my future career.
This internship report contains my activities that have been contributed to achieve a
number of my stated goals. In the following chapter, a description of the company, Bachy
Soletanche Singapore Pte Ltd, weekly schedule of the internship and the internship activities
are given. In the third chapter, a reflection or self-assessment of my functioning, the
unexpected circumstances and the learning goals achieved during the internship are described.
Finally, the report is closed with conclusion and final thoughts of the internship experience
according to my learning goals.


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2. Description of the Internship
2.1 The Company: Bachy Soletanche Singapore Pte Ltd
Bachy Soletanche Singapore Pte Ltd is one of the most famous construction
companies in Singapore who has been providing advanced geotechnical and foundation
engineering solutions since the mid-1970s. During the first decade, Bachy Soletanche
contributed to developing water infrastructure projects in Singapore. The company was then
incorporated in 1982, and has been involved in the development and construction of
Singapores Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) from its earliest phases to date. The company
diversified into geotechnical and foundation works for the private sector on major projects
such as SUNTEC and Bugis Junction, malls and shopping centers in Singapore, while
continuing to participate in public sector construction projects such as the Central Ministries
Building and the new Supreme Court. All the while, Bachy Soletanche has continued to
innovate with the introduction of specialist equipment, such as the Hydrofraise, and award
winning designs, such as the retaining walls for The Sail@Marina Bay. An uncompromising
commitment at a corporate level to prioritize safety performance also has resulted in
award-winning initiatives developed by Bachy Soletanche Singapore.
Bachy Soletanche Singapore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Soletanche Bachy
group of companies, the worlds largest geotechnical engineering group employing over
9,000 permanent staff comprising 60 nationalities. Drawing on the groups network of more
than 1,000 engineers and managers and project executed in over 100 countries, Bachy
Solentache Singapore provides clients with the full range of the techniques and services of an
internationally renowned specialist.


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At Singapore itself, there are approximately 160 employees working in both
Headquarters and construction sites, including managers, designers, engineers, supervisors, as
well as staffs and workers. The majority of works inside the companys Headquarters are
usually the works which have to be done before and to support the ongoing construction
projects that are mostly paper works. There are several departments working there, for
instance, the board directions, the tender team, design team, administration department,
human resources, and etc. On the other hand, in each of the construction project, there is
another team led by a Project Manager consist of various smaller divisions, such as site
engineer team, design engineer, supervisor, safety, mechanic, electrician, welder, operator,
bentonite plan supervisor, rigger/signalman, and general worker. In most of the projects,
especially my assigned project, the project teams are divided into two shifts, day and night,
cooperating with a number of sub-contractors and suppliers.
During my 6 week internship, I was assigned to join a construction project team
under a Singaporean Project Manager, Mr. Kusno Akbar. I was then guided by site engineers
to learn as much as possible the process and terms related to Diaphragm Wall construction.
As have been mentioned in the Introduction chapter, the project Jurong Island to Pioneer
Transmission Cable Tunnel, or usually abridged as JIPCT, is a Singapore Power
PowerAssetss project to build an approximately 5 kilometer transmission cable tunnel in
about 45 meter depth. Three permanent circular shafts Benoi Shaft (20.4m), Shipyard
Shaft (20m) and West Jurong Island Shaft (20m) to accommodate the entry of power
circuit and Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is going to be constructed by Bachy Soletanche
Singapore as has been engaged by Penta Ocean Construction Co. Ltd. (
Goy Kensetsu Kabushiki-gaisha), the Main Contractor, with the method of Diaphragm
Walling (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013). These three shafts are on-line and connected
directly to the tunnel with the alignment of contract commences from Benoi Shaft and ends at
5

West Jurong Island Shaft. In addition, there are also one Equipment Building as well as two
temporary escape shafts (9m) will be constructed concurrently with the construction of the
above three permanent shafts (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013).

Figure 1: Site Layout Plan (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013)

2.2 Schedule of the Internship
Hereby is the weekly overview of the 6 week internship schedule and activities. All
works, studies, and observation are done in Singapore mostly in Jurong Island to Pioneer
Transmission Cable Tunnel (JIPCT) Shipyard Site.
Week 1 (February 17-21, Singapore)
Diaphragm Wall procedures and technical terms study by reading Method Statement
and Risk Assessment for the Construction of Diaphragm Wall.
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Discussion about the method statement as well as internship schedule and objectives
with Project Manager.
Introduction to Design and Tender department at Headquarters.
Introduction to Foundation Engineering and Diaphragm Wall by Design Engineer.
Introduction to CAD drafting in AutoCAD by CAD Drafter.
Week 2 (February 24-28, Singapore)
Construction Safety Orientation Course for Workers at Safety Council Pte Lte.
Having a safety Induction at Jurong Island Pioneer Transmission Cable Tunnel
(JIPCT) Shipyard site by Penta Ocean Construction safety department.
Reinforcement bar study and practice (shop drawing reading, bending, fabrication,
marking, and inspection).
Week 3 (March 3-8, Singapore)
Together with Senior Engineer attending the project Daily Meeting with main
contractor and other sub-contractors.
Observing the process of diaphragm wall construction with direction from Senior
Engineer.
Bentonite study and observation.
Reduced Level (RL) study and surveying by reading the Temporary Bench Mark in
the construction site with Senior Engineer.
CWS joint study as well as lowering and lifting observation.
Concreting study and concrete testing (Slum Test, Cube Test, and Temperature Test).
7

Taking part of the completion of Panel Report with direction from Senior Engineers.
Week 4 (March 10-15, Singapore)
Attending the project Daily Meeting.
Following the Project General Inspection.
West Jurong Island Equipment Building diaphragm wall layout planning.
West Jurong Island Equipment Building panel volume estimation and polyfoam
covered with plywood for T-panel price estimation.
West Jurong Island site silo slab calculation, measurement and planning.
Installation of polyfoam for future hacking job at West Jurong Island Equipment
Building T-panels design and drafting.
Concrete testing (Slum Test, Cube Test, and Temperature Test).
Week 5 (March 17-22, Singapore)
Attending the project Daily Meeting.
Helping Project Manager to make a presentation for project safety review meeting
about Safety Work Procedures for Diaphragm Wall Construction.
West Jurong Island bentonite silo slab construction price estimation and comparison.
Designing the detail drawing of knock-out box for West Jurong Island Equipment
Building Diaphragm Wall Panel.
Week 6 (March 24-28, Singapore)
Attending the project Daily Meeting.
West Jurong Island silo slab construction.
8

Conducting concrete bleeding test on fresh concrete.
Reinforcement bar lowering observation.
Introduction to soil improvement and Grout Mix Piles method by Deputy Project
Manager.

2.3 Internship Activities
In this chapter, the explanation of the whole activities during the internship are
described. The internship was mainly focused on the construction of Diaphragm Wall for
JIPCT project, mostly in Shipyard Shaft. Due to the time limitation, I could not actively
participate in the construction of neither Benoi Shaft nor West Jurong Island Shaft.
2.3.1 Construction of Diaphragm Wall: Jurong Island Pioneer Transmission Cable
Tunnel Project at Shipyard Site
This paragraph explains briefly the construction of diaphragm wall by Bachy
Solentanche Singapore at JIPCT Shipyard Site which I participated in. First, some
background of the diaphragm wall construction is given, followed with the description of the
construction method.
Diaphragm Wall
A diaphragm wall is a reinforced concrete wall that is cast in panel sections
excavated in the ground. The trench held open during excavation and installation of
reinforcement bar and concrete by using a supporting slurry which is based on the use of
bentonite. A diaphragm wall is made primarily to hold the unstable soil pressure which may
cause the surrounding soil to collapse while doing deep excavation. In the case of JIPCT
project, the circular wall or shaft are used to provide a safe entry for access way of 5
9

kilometer tunneling and underground project.
Construction of a diaphragm wall is divided into several panels section depends on
its shape and size or diameter. Each panel begin with the construction of guide wall and
followed by the excavation which will be performed using rectangular grabs (cable operated
and/or hydraulic) under bentonite slurry down to the founding levels. Alternatively,
Hydrofraise machine may also be used. Later on, reinforcement cages and CWS joint will be
installed into the trench upon completion of excavation and then concrete is poured into the
trench using tremie pipes. When the construction of a panel is finished, the whole cycle will
then consecutively be done to the next panel (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013).

Figure 2: Diaphragm Wall Construction Method (http://www.bachy-soletanche.com)
Guide Wall
The temporary guide walls are constructed for each panel before the commencement
of trench excavation and consist of two reinforced-concrete sections each about 0.3 meter
thick and 1 meter depth. The guide wall is proposed mainly for two purposes, firstly to guide
the grab in the designed positions and to ensure the verticality of the trench being excavated,
10

and secondly to provide a fixed support for the suspension of reinforcement cages. The guide
walls can also maintain the trench stability at the topsoil layer and help to maintain the
bentonite slurry level during excavation (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013).

Figure 3: Typical Section of Guide Wall (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013)
Trench Excavation
In the trench excavation, bentonite slurry is used for temporary support of the trench
until the concreting process is completed. In JIPCT Project, the excavation is done with the
shape similar to a circular arc, consist of left and right bites as well as one center bite for
about 45 meter depth and 1 meter width. One trench excavation is normally taking about 3-4
days of day and night shifts, however, in fact, the duration of the process is depend on the
machine condition and operator availability. The excavation is done with two categories of
excavating tools; cable operated and hydraulic grabs, and Hydrofraise.
Cable operated grabs were the original tools employed for diaphragm wall
excavation. However, when the ground becomes too hard for the unaided grab to progress, a
Chiseling process is required. Hydraulic grabs benefit from the versatility of this power
source allowing greater productivity, monitoring and correction of the verticality if necessary.
Excavating with grab is considered effective and efficient only for the first 17 20 meter
11

excavation. After the grab hits the rock strata, the excavation process will turn to be slow,
hence inefficient.
In order to overcome the problem, Hydrofraise is used to excavate the hard strata. A
Hydrofraise consists of two counter-rotating drums on horizontal axes fitted with cutting
teeth. The machine can penetrate very hard ground (with compressive strength of up to 80
MPa) without the need for chiseling. A pipe in between the rotating drums is used to suck the
spoil produced together with the dirty bentonite. Despite the fact that Hydrofraise is very
advantageous to destroy the rock strata, the machine is, otherwise, unable to excavate the
shallower soft soil or clay. Since the clay may get into, stick and fill the space between the
rotating drums, the cutting teeth may become pointless and unable to penetrate. Therefore,
grab is more efficient in the beginning of excavation.
The diaphragm wall construction is divided into three type of panels; primary panels,
successive panels, and closing panels. Primary panels are excavated in the very first time to
begin a circular sequence of a shaft. The design length of the primary panels is consistent
with the minimum length possible for the size of grab necessary to excavate and have two
CWS joints in the end of the left and right bite. Successive panels are to be constructed upon
completion of one concreted panel on one side. Lastly, the closing panels are to be
constructed upon completion of two concreted panels on both side (Bachy Soletanche
Singapore, 2013).

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Picture 1: Excavation with Grab Type KL
Picture 2: Excavation with Hydrofraise
Bentonite Slurry
Start from the beginning of trench excavation until the end of concreting, bentonite
slurry is used to support the opened trench. A trench that would collapse due to the hydraulic
pressure in the surrounding soil does not collapse as the slurry balances the hydraulic
pressure. The bentonite slurry is then kept to be above the designed bentonite level by
pumping fresh bentonite necessarily into the trench (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013).
Bentonite itself is actually an absorbent clay formed by decomposition of volcanic
ash and composed mainly of Montmorillonite (International Programme of Chemical Safety,
2012). An indicative mix for the bentonite slurry is approximately 25 kg bentonite for every
990 liters water. The bentonite is mixed by high turbulence mixers and the slurry is stored in
storage silos until being used in the trench excavation (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013).
With the size of 3m circular base and 12 meter height, one silos storage capacity is about
13

80 m
3
, by extension, with 12 silos on site, the total storage capacity is nearly 2.5 to 3.0 times
the volume of largest diaphragm wall panel.
In addition, there is a small laboratory on site for testing of the bentonite slurry
regularly. The tests conducted are, for instance, pH test, density test, test on fluid loss as well
as viscosity and sand content test. The acceptable range of bentonite slurrys physical
characteristics are attached with this report in Appendix A.

Picture 3: Bentonite Silos
Chiseling and Desanding
Once the excavation reach the planned depth, which is about 45 meter, in the whole
area of opened trench, the next process will be chiseling and desanding.
Chiseling is done in order to create a flat bottom surface inside the trench, since the
rotating drums of the Hydrofraise is only able to shape a double circular look like surface in
the end of excavation. Chisel is need to be dropped several time in order to destroy the
unwanted part and create a uniform horizontal surface. Hydrofraise then will be sent down to
pull up the spoil produced by chiseling. This process is the beginning of desanding procedure.
14

Desanding is a process of changing and recycling all of the slurry inside a trench
before the concreting started. The recycling process is done by lowering down a submersible
turbine pump attached to a tremie tube to the bottom of the panel. Then, the bentonite slurry,
which loaded with soil particles in suspension, is drawn off from the bottom of the trench and
re-cycled through a desanding unit nearby the bentonite silo plan. The process is continued
until the slurry arriving from the trench base satisfies the specification given in Appendix A,
or in other words, until the slurry in the trench is completely replaced with fresh slurry
(Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013). Used bentonite slurry which is no longer suitable for
re-use will be disposed to the designated locations in Singapore.
CWS J oint
CWS joint is a type of formwork section or stop end former which is made from
steel with dimension of about 0.8 meter width and isosceles trapezoid-like cross sectional
area (Soletanche Bachy, 2003). This joint former provides space for placing the water stop
rubber within the construction joint. Two CWS joints are placed at both ends of a primary
panel and only one at the end of successive panel prior to placing the reinforcement cages
(Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013). A CWS joint is pulled out after the next successive
panel is completely excavated, leaving the water stopper remained in the connection between
two panels.
The CWS method is used to ensure several necessary factors for the construction of
better quality diaphragm walls. First and foremost, the joints unique shape is designed to
create an interlock between panels that will strongly overcome any deformation due to lateral
earth movement. The joint also can be used as a guidance of the excavation grab that will
ensure adherence to verticality tolerances and guarantee geometrical continuity. CWS method
is significantly more efficient and flexible since it has lesser dependency on concrete setting
times. Furthermore, the 15 centimeter water bar blade could also provide an effective
15

barrier to water ingression in the diaphragm wall construction (Soletanche Bachy, 2003).

Picture 4: As-Constructed Joint (Soletanche Bachy, 2003)
Picture 5: CWS Extraction (Soletanche Bachy, 2003)
Reinforcement Bar
The reinforcement cages for every panels are fabricated in a fabrication yard on
Shipyard site by assigned sub-contractor. Generally, the fabrication works are divided into
two parts; rebar bending and cage fabrication. Firstly, the cage components, such as link,
stiffeners, or couplers, are shaped and prepared by cutting and bending the reinforcement bar.
There are several diameters of reinforcement steel used, mostly is 20 mm (T20) or 25 mm
(T25), but sometimes T13, T32, or T40 types are also used when necessary. Afterward, the
components are then fabricated with steel wire as designed in the shop drawing of
corresponding panel. Soon after the fabrication is finished, the cage will be moved to storage
area and additional installation and marking will be done there. For instance, polyfoam and
plywood installation to protect couplers as well as the cage lapping zone marking. A panel
rebar cage inspection with main contractor and consultant will be arranged after the whole
panel section-cages are completely fabricated.
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According to the size and depth of each panel, the cages may be made in sections
that details are specified in each panel shop drawing. Most of the panels, especially Shipyard
Shafts, are divided into 12 sections, 3 type laterally and 4 type vertically. These reinforcement
cages are then lowered into the excavated trench by crawler crane upon completion of
bentonite slurry desanding operation (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013). The steel cages,
which are generally composed of 12 meter long main bars, will be connected by steel
screwed U-bolts to the designed lap length during the lowering process into the excavation
trench. Additional concrete spacers which grade are the same as the diaphragm wall will be
installed to ensure the specified concrete cover, which is about 75 mm. Once all the sub-cages
are lowered, they are suspended to the required level from the guide walls by measured
hanging bars which lengths are calculated during the preparation time of concreting (Bachy
Soletanche Singapore, 2013).

Picture 6: Fabrication Yard
Picture 7: Reinforcement Cage Lowering and Lapping

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Concrete Tests and Placement
As soon as the excavation, desanding, and cage lowering process is finished, panels
will be filled with a high workability mixed concrete that fulfills relevant specification by
using tremie pipes. There are one to three pipes are used to place the concrete into the bottom
level of each trench depends on the size of the panel. Before concreting process is carried on,
several tests are also conducted to understand the concrete characteristic and strength.
On JIPCT site, there are several Engineers from main contractor and Bachy
Soletanche doing numerous tests on the concrete before casted. The most important one
would be the Slump test, which is conducted to understand the concretes workability and
consistency (A.M. Neville, J.J. Brooks, 2010), or in other words, to check that the correct
amount of water has been added to the mix. Since the diaphragm wall construction requires a
tremie mix, the slump is allowed for 200 25 mm. Furthermore, the Engineers also done a
temperature check and aggregate observation on the supplied concrete. The temperature
allowed is around 30 2 degree centigrade and stone aggregate size is about 20 mm. To
measure and understand the concrete compressive strength, concrete cube test is also done for
each panel. Since grade 40 concrete (G40) is prerequisite, it is estimated that the concrete will
be able to withstand load of 40 N/mm
2
or 40 MPa in 28 days. Last but not least, a bleeding
test on concrete is also conducted to determine the relative quantity of mixing water that will
bleed from a sample of concrete. By understanding the bleeding rate, Engineers can
concurrently predict the probability of plastic settlement cracks on concrete cause by excess
bleeding (A.M. Neville, J.J. Brooks, 2010).
As mentioned before, concrete is poured into the trench through tremie pipes and
each panel will normally use one to three tremie pipes of 270 mm diameter fitted with a head
hopper. The tremie pipes used are made up by segments of cylindrical tubes of coupled
sections with 0.5m, 1m, 2m, and 3m length and their connections are watertight. Since the
18

depth of the excavation is about 45 meter, there are 15 of 3 meter length sections are used, by
extend, 45 pipes for one full trench.
In general, the concreting process is started simultaneously in all of the tremie pipes
by pouring concrete with the highest speed from the truck mixers. This conditions are set in
order to push out the bentonite slurry inside the tremie pipes which have been covered before
with a vermiculite, a lightweight mineral that are always floating above the slurrys surface.
Therefore, the chance of initial concrete being polluted by the slurry is avoided. As the level
of concrete in the trench rises, the tremie pipe columns are shortened whilst always ensuring
a minimum 2-3 m embedment into the concrete surface in order to avoid bentonite inclusions.
During concreting, a log of delivery times, volumes and concrete levels is kept by assigned
Site Engineer. After concrete reaches the ground level, the concreting process is stopped and
the next successive panels are available to be excavated minimal 24 hours after concreting. A
panel report consist of the whole records, tests and activities have to be made and submitted
to the main contractor once the concreting process of corresponding panel is completed.
When the whole diaphragm wall concreting is finished, main contractor will hack the top
level concrete until the cut of level and start the shaft excavation.

Picture 8: Concrete Placement
Picture 9: Tremie Pipe in the Rack (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013)
19

2.3.2 West Jurong Island Equipment Building Design
During the 6 week internship, as have been mentioned, I could not participate
actively on the diaphragm wall construction in Benoi Site and West Jurong Island Site due to
the time limitation. However, since the planning of the project has been started, I also gave a
little bit contribution by helping the engineers to design and plan several things such as; West
Jurong Island Equipment Building layout plan and volume estimation, T-panel boxout
hacking plan, and polyfoam installation plan.
Since the companys design section had introduced me to engineering drafting with
AutoCAD on my very first week, I was assigned to draft and consult with project manager
and senior engineers about the above mentioned plans. These plans are then used to present
the idea of the construction method as well as to ask any feedback and opinion from the main
contractor and consultant. If the plan is accepted, the corresponding plan will be sent to the
design team in Headquarters for official design, calculation and shop drawing. Otherwise,
revision of the plan will be made base on the discussion. The drawings of each plan are given
in Appendix B.
2.3.3 West Jurong Island Silo Slab Construction
In the middle of my forth week, I was assigned to help the site and design
engineering team to plan, measure, design and construct a Silo Slab in West Jurong Island
Site. This reinforced concrete slab with 40m x 10m surface area is planned and designed to
hold a huge compressive load from 14 bentonite silos with capability to store 80 m
3
bentonite
each and other supporting equipment.
Before the design process started, measurement and planning of the bentonite silo
plant is required. Site engineers have to measure and check with bentonite foreman the length
and area needed to capacitate all the bentonite plant machines and equipment, such as genset,
20

pumps, desander machine, mixing plant, as well as 14 bentonite silos. Once the measurement
is done, the layout plan is made and sent to the design engineer in the Headquarters for the
official design note. The design engineer will do a further calculation of the load from those
machines and equipment based on the given plan and design how thick the silo slab will be,
in addition to how many layer and what is the diameter of reinforcement bar is necessary for
the construction. Once the note is accepted by professional engineer, the site engineer will
start to arrange the construction with subcontractor.
By considering the amount of compressive load and deal with main contractor, the
whole bentonite plan slab is divided into two parts. The first one is the silo slab (the place to
put the 14 silos) which area is 28.5m x 8.5m (Bachy Soletanche Singapore, 2013). A
thickness of 400 mm and 4 layers of BRC A10, a fabricated reinforced bar with diameter
10mm, are required and its construction will be done by Bachy Soletanche Singapore and
subcontractor. On the other hand, the rest of the remaining area will be casted with only
200mm thick and 2 layers of BRC A10 by main contractor as soon as the first part of silo slab
is casted completely. The concrete slab top level is requested to be the same as the ground
level, hence a pre-excavation and soil compaction process are necessary.

Picture 10: Concrete Slab Excavation
Picture 11: Casting Process
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2.3.4 Health, Safety and Environmental Aspect
As Bachy Soletanche Singapores motto, Safety is Our Foundation, the company is
really firm and never getting tired on assuring and reminding their workers to work safety
anytime in the project. They always take every note on any possible issues regarding Health,
Safety and Environment (HSE) and make sure that all safety regulation are obeyed by all
elements regardless their position, even clients or visitor. This paragraph will explain briefly
several HSE aspects that have been observed and practiced during the 6 week internship.
Safety Course and Safety I nduction
In every construction project in Singapore, safety course orientation is a mandatory
passport to enter and work in a construction site. This orientation gives the workers,
supervisor, engineers, or manager a basic knowledge of danger and hazard that might occur
in a construction site and teach them how to prevent those hazards. Bachy Soletanche
Singapore also sent me to attend the safety course in general worker level which was held on
the second week and took 2 days to complete. The course which consists of theoretical as
well as practical course has given me a basic understanding about personal protective
equipment, steps that have to be done if a worker see any danger, a work at height practice,
etc. Furthermore, after finishing the safety course, the main contractor also conducted a safety
induction to remind the new workers one more time about the hazards that may occur,
specifically that related to diaphragm wall construction and tunneling project.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
All site personnel are required to wear PPE as required by the Safety Plan. This
includes safety helmet, reflective vest, safety footwear, etc. Operatives of special trade may
be also required to use special PPE to cope with particular tasks and environment (Bachy
Soletanche Singapore, 2013).
22

Toolbox Meeting and Daily Meeting
There are at least two meetings that are held to remind the workers and evaluate the
HSE aspect on the project every day. Firstly, toolbox meeting is conducted once on the
beginning of each shift and attended by every workers and supervisor. A supervisor or
engineer usually lead the meeting and briefly mention the tasks that they will do that day and
remind the workers about working safely. On the other hand, daily meeting is attended by
engineers and selected supervisors from all subcontractors and main contractor to discuss and
evaluate the HSE aspect as well as the progress of the ongoing project.
Project General I nspection and Project Safety Review Meeting
During the construction phase, regular site safety inspections will be held twice a
week. The meeting will be attended by all spectra of site personnel, which shall include
general laborers and Project Managers. Moreover, a safety meeting is also held once a month
to review the whole safety issues that have occurred in that particular month. Project manager
and safety personnel from all subcontractors and main contractor are invited to attend the
meeting.

23

3. Reflection of the Internship
In this chapter, I would like to reflect on the internship base on my learning goals. I
will shortly discuss my experiences of whether I have achieved this goal, or what kind of
difficulties found, and what I think I have to improve.
Functioning and Working Conditions of a Construction Company
This internship has been my stepping stone to enter and work in a construction
industry. At the very beginning I did not have any experience at all, however after 6 weeks
working in Bachy Soletanche Singapore, I understand better the functioning, such as the
organization structure and role of each department, and every day working condition in a
construction project. Becoming a site engineer is not an easy job, in which that we have a lot
of both managerial and engineering, planning and inspection works to do. As I have
mentioned in the previous chapter, I personally notice that safety is the most important aspect
in a construction project that have to be grasped fully by every elements without doubt. The
dependence on external companies and persons as well as machines, equipment, weather, etc.
that sometime could postpone the deadline force an engineer to have a flexible and smart
attitude in order to solve and finish the work efficiently and effectively.
Application of My Gained Skills and Knowledge from University
Since I am still a sophomore in Kyushu University, I have not learned a lot about my
specialized subject in civil engineering. It is really difficult to say what skills and knowledge
gained in my study that I could put in practice during my internship. Fundamental
engineering courses such as mechanics and fluid mechanics of course gave me a credit to
understanding the technical terms. Descriptive geometry knowledge is also useful in order to
know the way to draw and to read a technical drawing. In addition, time management,
communication, leadership and some other supplementary skills which have been learned
24

through organizational experience and other activities since high school are also
advantageous especially to adapt and join completely into the working community.
Managerial and Fieldwork Knowledge of Organizing A Construction Project
I saw the importance of project management skill in a construction project as
mandatory. It is because there are a lot of issues and problems that occur almost every day
while rushing to complete the project on time. Besides, a project management skill is very
helpful to organize the whole project to go smoothly with least time consumed and money
used. Within the internship I also did a lot of fieldwork. Therefore, I have seen of what
aspects that have to be thought and what problems have to be prevented while organizing and
working in a construction project. I have learned always to back up myself with evidential
proof, such as transmitted document, emails, picture, etc. that might help if there is any
unexpected problem.
Working In another Country with People from Different Cultural Background
The internship was a wonderful opportunity to get a better understanding of how
Singaporean people live together internationally and open-mindedly with foreigner who come
to work in Singapore. It helped me to look at things and solve a problem from a different
perspective. Fortunately, I did not experience any difficulties on living since it was not my
first time to visit Singapore and my home country, Indonesia, have more or less similar
environment with Singapore. I was having problem to blend with workers on site at the very
first time, however, by the time, they slowly welcomed me and I felt I have become a full
member of the project in the end. In addition, I have learned how Singaporean people being
competitive and hard working to be excel in their career without being careless on obstacles. I
believe these working cultures and experience are very useful for me, especially when I enter
the industrial working community in the future.
25

Enhancing Communication Skill
One of the reasons I choose Singapore as my first internship place is because of their
main language is English. I would like to learn to use my English properly in the context of
business meeting or conversation. Even though that sometimes people tend to speak Chinese
or Tamil in Singapore, thanks to my experience of studying abroad, I could overcame those
problem by being patient and open minded. At the beginning of the internship, it was a little
bit difficult for me to understand all the technical terms used in diaphragm wall construction,
however I tried to learn and understand it day by day and got used to it finally. In addition,
since I am able to speak a little Japanese, I also used this opportunity to practice my ability by
speaking with some Japanese people from the main contractor.
The I nfluence on Future Career Plans
After finishing the internship, I have a clearer insight and planning of my future
career. Even though I still confused about what kind of research I would like to do in my
senior year, I have seen what elements of career that I would like to do and got enthusiastic
again to learn and put a high target on my life. I would like to continue exceling my study and
academic life without forgetting to learn practical and management skill through other
internship opportunities or by involved in organization.

26

4. Conclusion
The main role of a civil engineer is to plan and design various types of infrastructures to
improve the quality of civilization. The skill and knowledge to solve a problem will not be
achieved unless he involves himself directly in ground oriented tasks. A project engineer is
mostly responsible for realizing and implementing the structural design and calculation on
ground. Although theoretical knowledge is perhaps able to solve main engineering problems
generally, a management and practical experience is also required to explain any project
related problems, such as material scarcity, specialist machine and equipment breakdown,
which might delay the project.
On the whole, this internship is a useful experience and has given me a lot of skill,
knowledge as well as insight. I have also achieved several learning goals that I would not be
able to find it at university. I also gain some insight about professional practice in civil
engineering industry and learned the different facets of working within a construction
company. Related to my study, I have learned and experienced myself in a real diaphragm
wall construction project. I have also understood a lot of terms and knowledge about soil
mechanics, foundation and geotechnical engineering that I believe will be useful knowledge
and motivation to get involved in the class. The project management and practical skill also
has encouraged me to put a higher goal of my future study, I would like to continue my
master degree in an integrated civil engineering and managerial field.
At last this internship has given me new insights and motivation to do another internship
during my studies as well as to pursue my career as a civil engineer at a higher level.


iv

References
A.M. Neville, J.J. Brooks. (2010). Concrete Technology Second Edition. Canada: Pearson
Education Canada. Retrieved from The Concrete Society.
Bachy Soletanche Singapore. (2013, December 5). Method Statement and Risk Assessment
for the Construction of Diaphragm Wall. Singapore.
Bachy Soletanche Singapore. (2013, December 06). Design Note For Guide Wall for
Diaphragm Wall Construction for Shipyard, Pioneer & West Jurong Island Shafts.
Singapore.
Bachy Soletanche Singapore. (2013, December 02). Design Note for Silo Slab for Diaphragm
Wall Construction at West Jurong Island. Singapore.
Bachy Soletanche Singapore. (n.d.). Introduction. Bachy Soletanche Singapore Brochure.
International Programme of Chemical Safety. (2012). Bentonite. Retrieved from INCHEM:
http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0384.htm
Soletanche Bachy. (2003, October). Expert Solutions in CWS Joint.
Soletanche Bachy. (n.d.). Diaphragm Wall. Technical Guide.
Soletanche Bachy. (n.d.). Techniques: Diaphragm Wall. Retrieved from Soletanche Bachy:
http://www.bachy-soletanche.com/SBF/sitev4_uk.nsf/technique/diaphragm-wall


v






Appendices
Appendix A
Slurry Test Criteria

Slurry Test Criteria


Property to
be
measured

Test
method and
apparatus

Fresh slurry

As supplied
to panel

Sample
from panel
prior to
placing
concrete

Density
(g/ml)

Mud balance

1.02 1.03

1.02 - 1.3

Less than
1.08

Fluid loss:
ml (30
minute test)

Filter press

30


< 35


< 35


Viscosity
(sec)

Marsh cone

30 to 40

30 to 50

30 to 50

Sand
content

Sand screen
set

N/A

N/A

Not
exceeding
2%

PH

pH meter

N/A

8 to 11

8 to 11

Test
frequency

-

Once/Shift

Once/Shift

Each Panel

vi






Appendices
Appendix B
West J urong I sland Equipment
Building Design
PanelNumber PanelName PanelType(P/S/C) Length(m) Thickness(m) Area(m2) Depth(m) Volume(m3)
1a BP01 LType 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
1b BP01 LType 2.7 0.8 2.16 24 51.84
2 BP02 Normal 4 0.8 3.2 24 76.8
3 BP03 Normal 3.4 0.8 2.72 24 65.28
4 BP04 Normal 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
5 BP05 Normal 3.4 0.8 2.72 24 65.28
6 BP06 Normal 4 0.8 3.2 24 76.8
7 BP07 Normal 3.4 0.8 2.72 24 65.28
8 BP08 Normal 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
9 BP09 Normal 3.4 0.8 2.72 24 65.28
10 BP10 Normal 4 0.8 3.2 24 76.8
11a BP11 LType 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
11b BP11 LType 2.7 0.8 2.16 24 51.84
12 BP12 Normal 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
13a TBP13 TType 4.3 0.8 3.44 27.1 93.224
13b TBP13 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
13c TBP13 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
14 BP14 Normal 3.7 0.8 2.96 27.1 80.216
15a TBP15 TType 3.7 0.8 2.96 27.1 80.216
15b TBP15 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
15c TBP15 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
16a TBP16 TType 4.2 0.8 3.36 27.1 91.056
16b TBP16 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
16c TBP16 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
17a TBP17 TType 4.3 0.8 3.44 28.1 96.664
17b TBP17 TType 1 1 1 28.1 28.1
17c TBP17 TType 1 1 1 28.1 28.1
18 BP18 Normal 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
19a BP19 LType 2.7 0.8 2.16 24 51.84
19b BP19 LType 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
20 BP20 Normal 4.2 0.8 3.36 24 80.64
21a TBP21 TType 4.2 0.8 3.36 28.6 96.096
21b TBP21 TType 1 1 1 28.6 28.6
21c TBP21 TType 1 1 1 28.6 28.6
22a TBP22 TType 4.3 0.8 3.44 28.6 98.384
22b TBP22 TType 1 1 1 28.6 28.6
22c TBP22 TType 1 1 1 28.6 28.6
23 TBP23 Normal 3.8 0.8 3.04 27.1 82.384
24a TBP24 TType 4 0.8 3.2 27.1 86.72
24b TBP24 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
24c TBP24 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
25 TBP25 Normal 3.8 0.8 3.04 24 72.96
26a TBP26 TType 3.8 0.8 3.04 27.1 82.384
26b TBP26 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
26c TBP26 TType 1 1 1 27.1 27.1
27 TBP27 Normal 3.1 0.8 2.48 24 59.52
28a TBP28 LType 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
28b TBP28 LType 2.7 0.8 2.16 24 51.84
29 TBP29 Normal 6 0.8 4.8 24 115.2
30 TBP30 Normal 5.7 0.8 4.56 24 109.44
31 TBP31 Normal 5.7 0.8 4.56 24 109.44
32 TBP32 Normal 5.6 0.8 4.48 24 107.52
33 TBP33 Normal 2.8 0.8 2.24 24 53.76
2945.584
3166.384
2000.04
1166.344
NormalandLTypePanel
TTypePanel
JurongIslandDiaphragmWallPanelVolumeEstimation
PanelVolumewithoutcountinghackedTpanel
PanelVolumewithcountinghackedTpanel