PRODUCTION OF SOIL PRESS BLOCKS

As a had described some of my practices before, Barnabas and Sister Fatin posted some comments and question. Referering to these questions I would like to tell more about effective use of electronic and construction machines in relation to my practice in the Training center. Sighting production of building materials as mentioned above there is need for machines, electronic devices for documentation. Machine use is vital in construction firm or in a training centre for the below described activity which I have chosen as my area of practice.

Soil press block is one of the cheapest, economical and durable material which is simply produce out of below listed materials

Materials Needed

1. Murrum
   
2. Cement
3. River sand
4. Water

Machine,Tools and Lubricant

1. Soil press machine
2. Spade
3. Hoe
4. Burnt oil
5. Shieve wire

Murrum and river sand are needed in order to:-

1. Add volume to the mixture
2. Murrum has better adhesive force than other type of soil
3. River sand being coarse they facilitate the binding process of materials
4. Cement is a binder due to its chemical composition e.g Gypsum
5. Water, it lubricates the materials hence chemical process can be completed
   

Procedure

1. Prepare clean plate form for mixing
   
2. Shieve the materials thoroughly
   
3. Batch 09 wheelbarrow of murrum to 06 wheelbarrow of river sand into 01 bag of cement. i.e 1:15(1:6:9) Ratio
4. Murrum should be more because it has better adhesive force than the sand
5. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and add water gradually to have semi-dry mix
6. Lubricate the machine at a regular interval
   
7. Place the mixture into the machine by using spade. The box should be full then press the handle downward with great force
8. Push the second handle downward also to remove the block
9. Place it on a clean ground to dry it thoroughly for 3 - 4 days
10. After drying you can deliver it to the construction site by using lorry or any means of transport

Questions

1. What is the dimension of the block? , Answer it Measures 20 * 15 * 30 Cm
2. How many blocks will be produce in one bag of cement?, Answer there will be 80 - 90 blocks
   

DISCRIPTION OF MY PRACTICE

I am Towongo Steven Head of Department for Brick laying and concrete practice (BCP) in NPA/ Yei Vocational Training Center ( YVTC ). I would like to post this article to enable my friends and group member understands my practice and challengers hence making them easy post their comments.

From when this program started i have learn how to set plan, archive goals, making use of group learning,collection of informations ,brain storming over certain topic and presentation of challengers in logs.
Bearing the above experience, i still have allot of practice to improve .

1. How to get use to electronics and construction machines?
2. How to develop handout for my department as a Vocational tutor
3. How can i research on construction firms far away from my location?

As per the above question i welcome any comment or contribution.

HOW TO ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS THAT ARE FACING THE LEARNING WORKSHOPS

In order to encounter some of the problems that are hindering learning workshops there is need to consider the following points.

• Group should have time framing
• Access to internet
• Relevant materials and equipments eg Net book
• Need for strategic meeting venue
• Need for team leader
• Establishment of means of communication
• Need for group rules
  

HOW TO IMPROVE LEARING GROUP

This is one of the most important method of gathering informations and a suitable way of building individual interest in learning and understanding. Below are some of the requirements to improve learning group:

• Group members should have common interest
• Creation of subjects to discus upon
  
• Relevant venue for discussion
• Relevant materials and equipments for discussion
• Enough knowledge and skills for group members is required

Taking the above factors into consideration issues would be resolved amicably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GROUP ONE

I am a member of group one (01) . We are four in number. All are interested in learning but there is variation in reasoning as described below:-

• Frasher Lokule , Deputy Principal NPA Yei Vocational Training Center (YVTC) likes detailed discussions and argues too much.

• Francis Agreement ,Tutor Adult literacy NPA Yei Vocational Training Center, prefers summarized discussions.

• Lagu Benjamin, Manual supervisor NPA mine action Yei, prefers outlining any point weather good or bad then short later.
  

My group is very interesting because i personally do not bear the above characters, i only prefer brief way of discussion and i need more understanding before taking action.

WHAT I WANT TO IMPROVE ON

Being a Head of department in brick laying and concrete practice (BCP) for a numbers of years i have noticed a lot of challenges in the department hence it retards the progress of the training. Some of this challenges are as below:-

Practical workshop

Here, there is no proper workshop for carrying out practicals as such when it rains trainees leave the practical site.
I would recommend for construction of practical workshop.

Lack of text books

This has a negative influence on the training in that, introduction of other lessons like Drainage,Arches and chimney works in both Technology and practicals become difficult.
So, there is a need for Technology and craft science text books.


Technical Drawing (TD )

This subject is not in use due to the following:-

• No relevant text books for the subject

• Lower education standard of trainees

• Tools for drawing such as drawing board,computer.

There for, i would recommend for consideration of education standard of the new recruits, Purchase of drawing board and computer soft ware coled auto-cart


Brick/Block manufacturing

This is one of the most important area in which ,trainees should understand better how to manufacture, store and use molding machines like soil press machine, vent, Tile,blusters and King post moulders. There fore, there is need to have the above mentioned machines.

Job creation

Many graduands from the center end up not exercising their skills due to lack of proper system of job creation. I would recommend for the school to have a link with ministry of labor and public service and other construction companies.

Conclusion

So, the Brick laying and Concrete practice Unit and the center at large can prosper if the five( Ps) are considered that is, proper planning prevent poor performance.

INTRODUCTORY MASSEGE

Iam Towongo Steven Micheal. 29 Years old a resident of Hi-Gowofa Yei River County Central Equatoria State South Sudan. A pojulu by tribe, iam working for Norwegian People,s Aid Yei Vocationa Training Center (Npa / YVTC) as a Head of Department in brick laying and concrete practice (BCP) I mejerly teache Technology and Practicals as well. As per my Education back ground i completed both primary school, Secondary school, Craft Part one in Arua Uganda And Advanced Craft in lugogo Vocational Training Institute Kampala Uganda.