Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
School of Engineering
Internship Report
Completed by
Bryan Jean Bou Mansour – 202100766
Company: Zegonde Engineering Group(ZEG)
Period: Form March 6th, 2024 to May 6th, 2024
USEK supervisor: Dr Elias FARAH
Module : GCV 581
USEK – Fall 2024-2025
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Acknowledgement
I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me in completing this effort.
First off, I want to express my gratitude to the architect, Mr Jean-Pierre Zghonde, as
well as Mr Tony Saliba, the civil engineer, for allowing me the chance to observe on-
site structural activities.
Despite having a busy schedule while overseeing the responsibilities at hand, the
architect and the civil engineer were always there to offer counsel, direction, and
encouragement, which is how I have accomplished everything.
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Contents
1-Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 6
2-Presentation of the Company ................................................................................................... 6
3-Work Environment .................................................................................................................. 7
4-Internship Schedule ................................................................................................................. 9
5-Report Structure ....................................................................................................................... 9
A-The Synchronous Structral Activities ................................................................................... 10
A.1-The Main Activity : The Water Tank ................................................................................ 10
A.1.1-Early Stage of the Water Tank Construction .................................................................. 10
A.1.2-Intermediate Stage of the Water Tank Construction ...................................................... 13
A.2-The Retaining Wall ............................................................................................................ 15
A.2.1-Early Stage of the Retaining Wall Construction............................................................. 15
A.2.2-Intermediate Stage of the Retaining Wall Construction ................................................. 17
A.2.3-Final Stage of the Retaining Wall Construction ............................................................. 18
B-The Asynchronous Structural Activities ............................................................................... 19
B.1-The Main Activity : The Retaining Wall To Be Constructed ............................................ 19
C-THE EXTRAS ......................................................................................................................... 28
C.1-SOME MEP WORKS ........................................................................................................... 28
C.1.1-DUCT HOLDER INSTALLATION ...................................................................................... 28
C.2-ASSISTANCE IN D IMENSION REPORTING .......................................................................... 31
6-CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................... 32
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Table of Figures
Figure 1 The Santa Theresa Beach Resort, Back in The Good Old Days 7
Figure 2 A Free Parking 7
Figure 3 300 Cabinets and a Snack 7
Figure 4 An Olympic Pool Along with a Long Slide 8
Figure 5 A Children Pool 8
Figure 6 A Basketball Court 8
Figure 7 A Beauty Center 8
Figure 8 Numerous Chalets for Rent 8
Figure 9 The Water Tank, pulled-back view 10
Figure 10 The Wayer Tank, zoomed-in view 10
Figure 11 The Water Tank, close-up view 10
Figure 12 Section of the Water Tank 12
Figure 13 Design of the Beams B1 and B2 along with additional sections 12
Figure 14 Plan View of the Partitions Inside the Water Tank 12
Figure 15 Section Showing the Various Partitions of the Water Tank 12
Figure 16 The Formwork is Almost Done 13
Figure 17 The Formwork is Done 14
Figure 18 The Partition Walls were Poured 14
Figure 19 The Roof of the Water Tank : Formworked, Reinforced and Poored 15
Figure 20 Pulled-back View 15
Figure 21 Secion View 16
Figure 22 Work in Progress 16
Figure 23 The Design 16
Figure 24 Base Reinforcement is Done 17
Figure 25 Wall Reinforcement Done 17
Figure 26 Concrete Mix Powders are mixed together at dry state first 17
Figure 27 Water Is Added And Everything Is Mixed Very Well 17
Figure 28 The Freshly Mixed Concrete Is Carried 17
Figure 29 The Base Is Poured 17
Figure 30 The Wall is Further Reinforced and Formworked 18
Figure 31 The Wall Is Poured 18
Figure 32 Electric Shaker Is Used to Help Concrete Settle Properly 18
Figure 33 The Front Formwork 19
Figure 34 The Wall After the Removal of The Formwork 19
Figure 35 The Location of The Retaing Wall is in The Revision Cloud 19
Figure 36 The Real Time Location of The Retaining Wall 20
Figure 37 The Assumed Backfill Properties 20
Figure 38 The Geometry of the Retaining Wall 21
Figure 39 The Applied Loads 21
Figure 40 The Soil Pressures Considered 21
Figure 41 The Design Codes 21
Figure 42 The Properties of The Materials Used 21
Figure 43 Stem Design - Retaining Wall – Done 22
Figure 44 Heel Design - Retaining Wall – Done 23
Figure 45 Toe Design - Retaining Wall – Done 24
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Figure 46 The Calculations of the Sliding Check 25
Figure 47 Overturning Check – Part 1 – Continued 25
Figure 48 Overturning Check – Done 26
Figure 49 Graphical Representation of The Stem Design 27
Figure 50 Graphical Representation of The Heel and Toe Design 27
Figure 51 Graphical Representation of The Sliding and Overturning Checks 27
Figure 52 Section and Elevation Generated by The Software 27
Figure 53 The Metallic Multi Duct Holder 28
Figure 54 Series of Multi Duct Holder 28
Figure 55 Securit Glass Measurements - Batch 1 31
Figure 56 Securit Glass Measurements - Final Batch 31
Figure 57 The Pool of the Santa Theresa Beach and Resort - 2025 32
Figure 58 One of the Restaurants of the 2025 Santa Theresa 32
Figure 59 The New Architecture of the Chalets of the Santa Theresa 2025 33
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1-Introduction
As a civil engineering student at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, I had the privilege of
completing an eight-week internship at Zegonde Engineering Group (ZEG).
This report will initially provide an overview of the company and the project, followed by a
detailed account of my assigned tasks and the methodologies employed. Finally, I will conclude
with a comprehensive evaluation of my internship experience.
2-Presentation of the Company
Zegonde Engineering Group (ZEG) is a prominent engineering firm established in Jbeil,
Lebanon. With a rich history of excellence and innovation, ZEG has become a trusted name in
the engineering industry. Their team of highly skilled engineers and architects possess a deep
understanding of the local context and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver
comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
ZEG specializes in a wide range of engineering services, including structural design, project
management, and construction supervision. They have a proven track record of successfully
completing complex projects across various sectors, such as residential, commercial, industrial,
and infrastructure. Their commitment to quality and adherence to industry standards ensure that
their projects meet the highest expectations.
In addition to their technical expertise, ZEG is also known for their dedication to client
satisfaction. They foster collaborative relationships with their clients, actively listening to their
needs and providing tailored solutions. Their personalized approach and transparent
communication contribute to successful project outcomes and long-lasting partnerships.
ZEG's commitment to sustainability is evident in their engineering practices. They strive to
incorporate environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions into their projects,
contributing to a greener future. By embracing sustainable design principles, ZEG helps clients
achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining the highest standards of quality and
functionality.
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3-Work Environment
The entire internship was held at The Sabta Theresa Beach Resort in Bouar.
The on-site supervisor was the architect, Mr Jean-Pierre Zeghonde, assisted by the civil
engineer, Mr Tony Saliba.
No special outfits or protective equipment were required since there was no risky or
dangerous task to be accomplished.
Figure 1 The Santa Theresa Beach Resort, Back in The Good Old Days
Back when the resort was functional, the facilities included, but not limited to, were :
Figure 2 A Free Parking Figure 3 300 Cabinets and a Snack
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Figure 4 An Olympic Pool Along with a Long Slide Figure 5 A Children Pool
Figure 6 A Basketball Court Figure 7 A Beauty Center
Figure 8 Numerous Chalets for Rent
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4-Internship Schedule
To complete this internship, 30 hours a week had to be completed while the working
hours per week, however, may vary from week to week. The working hours had to be
placed within normal office hours which are between 08.00 and 18.00.
The main tasks that were assigned are the following :
Site observation: Monitoring construction activities, inspecting materials, and verifying
compliance with design specifications and safety regulations.
Data collection: Gathering information on site conditions, progress, and any encountered
challenges.
Assisting engineers: Supporting senior engineers with tasks such as calculations, drawings, and
report preparation.
Learning from experienced professionals: Observing and participating in the decision-making
process, gaining valuable insights into practical engineering applications.
Developing technical skills: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, honing
skills in surveying, materials testing, and construction management.
Contributing to project success: Assisting in problem-solving, identifying potential issues, and
suggesting improvements to enhance project efficiency and quality.
5-Report Structure
The related activities are listed below. Two broad categories will be used to separate these
activities:
A – The synchronous structural activities that were completed on-site : Site observation,
Data collection and Learning from experienced professionals,
B – The asynchronous structural activities that were completed off-site : Assisting
engineers, Developing technical skills, Contributing to project success,
C – Extras : some engineering but non-structural activities were attended.
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A-The Synchronous Structral Activities
A.1-The Main Activity : The Water Tank
A.1.1-Early Stage of the Water Tank Construction
Figure 9 The Water Tank, pulled-back view
Figure 10 The Wayer Tank, zoomed-in view Figure 11 The Water Tank, close-up view
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These images show a partially constructed water tank from which many considerations can be
deduced:
Foundation and Walls:
The foundation is a slab on grade made of reinforced concrete, as indicated by the steel
rebar visible in the excavation.
The walls are also made of reinforced concrete,
The formwork is in place as seen from the wooden planks, preparing for the concrete
pouring.
Waterproofing:
The tank will require waterproofing measures to prevent water leakage. This could
involve the use of a waterproofing membrane or sealant applied to the interior or exterior
surfaces.
Structural Integrity:
The reinforcement in the foundation and walls is crucial for ensuring the structural
integrity of the tank, particularly when it is filled with water. The design of the
reinforcement should be based on calculations to withstand the weight of the water and
any other loads.
Other Considerations:
An access hatch or manhole will be needed for maintenance and inspection.
Ventilation may be necessary to prevent the buildup of gases or odors.
Overall, the construction of the water tank involves careful planning and execution to ensure its
functionality, durability, and safety.
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Figure 12 Section of the Water Tank
Figure 13 Design of the Beams B1 and B2 along with additional sections
Figure 14 Plan View of the Partitions Inside the Water Tank
Figure 15 Section Showing the Various Partitions of the Water Tank
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This water tank is located near the children pool.
This water tank design has been done before the start of the internship.
As seen in figure 11, the design was made taking into account the stiffness of the tank’s
roof to help minimize the amount of steel needed, as well as reduce the diameter of the
bars.
As seen in figure 12, the development length of the bars are very well represented,
making it easier for the worker to execute the building process.
As seen in figure 13, the water tank consists of 5 partitions : the 1st partition on the left is
the smallest one, dedicated for the pumping system and for maintenance reasons; and the
remaining 4 partitions will be filled with water with the help of the pumps. Moreover, the
overall dimension of the water tank is 5.1m×20.9m.
As seen in figure 14, the clear height of the water tank is 3m.
A.1.2-Intermediate Stage of the Water Tank Construction
Figure 16 The Formwork is Almost Done
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A.1.3-Final Stage of the Water Tank Construction
Figure 17 The Formwork is Done
Figure 18 The Partition Walls were Poured
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Figure 19 The Roof of the Water Tank : Formworked,
Reinforced and Poored
A.2-The Retaining Wall
A.2.1-Early Stage of the Retaining Wall Construction
Figure 20 Pulled-back View
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Figure 21 Secion View Figure 22 Work in Progress
Figure 23 The Design
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A.2.2-Intermediate Stage of the Retaining Wall Construction
Figure 24 Base Reinforcement is Done Figure 25 Wall Reinforcement Done
Note : the wooden plank is present to ease the
process of concrete pouring on to the base.
Figure 26 Concrete Mix Powders are mixed together at dry Figure 27 Water Is Added And Everything Is Mixed Very Well
state first
Figure 28 The Freshly Mixed Concrete Is Carried Figure 29 The Base Is Poured
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A.2.3-Final Stage of the Retaining Wall Construction
Figure 30 The Wall is Further Reinforced and Formworked
Figure 31 The Wall Is Poured
Figure 32 Electric Shaker Is Used to Help Concrete Settle Properly
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Figure 33 The Front Formwork Figure 34 The Wall After the Removal of The Formwork
B-The Asynchronous Structural Activities
B.1-The Main Activity : The Retaining Wall To Be Constructed
Figure 35 The Location of The Retaing Wall is in The Revision Cloud
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The Retaining Wall Is To Be Constructed Here
Figure 36 The Real Time Location of The Retaining Wall
Since the backfill soil properties were not available, they had to be assumed in order to design
properly and accordingly :
Figure 37 The Assumed Backfill Properties
The design has been completed with the help of the software : ASDIP Retain, which is a
software dedicated for the design of all types of retaining walls.
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As for the geometry of the retaining wall :
Figure 38 The Geometry of the Retaining Wall
Now for the applied loads and soil pressures :
Figure 39 The Applied Loads Figure 40 The Soil Pressures Considered
Concerning the design codes and the materials used :
Figure 41 The Design Codes Figure 42 The Properties of The Materials Used
Note : The masonry design code is defined by default, but the construction materials have been
selected to be concrete and steel.
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THE STEM DESIGN OF THE TO-BE-CONSTRUCTED RETAINING WALL
Now for the calculation part, it is done by the software, while each time citing the ACI code
correspondingly : Starting by the stem design:
Figure 43 Stem Design - Retaining Wall – Done
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THE HEEL DESIGN OF THE TO-BE-CONSTRUCTED RETAINING W ALL:
Figure 44 Heel Design - Retaining Wall – Done
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THE TOE DESIGN OF THE TO-BE-CONSTRUCTED RETAINING W ALL:
Figure 45 Toe Design - Retaining Wall – Done
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DESIGN CHECK :
CHECK AGAINST SLIDING :
Figure 46 The Calculations of the Sliding Check
CHECK AGAINST OVERTURNING :
Figure 47 Overturning Check – Part 1 – Continued
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Figure 48 Overturning Check – Done
Note : all seismic considerations have been neglected since Lebanon is not considered to be a
highly active seismic area.
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GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATIONS
Figure 49 Graphical Representation of The Stem Design Figure 50 Graphical Representation of The Heel and Toe Design
gure 51 Graphical Representation of The Sliding and Overturning Checks Figure 52 Section and Elevation Generated by The Software
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C-THE EXTRAS
C.1-SOME MEP WORKS
C.1.1-DUCT HOLDER INSTALLATION
Figure 53 The Metallic Multi Duct Holder
Figure 54 Series of Multi Duct Holder
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Step 1 : The machine projets a red laser
for the workers to drill holes correctly
and in series
Step 2 : The rods are refined using the Step 3 : Various connecting elements are used to
angle grinder link the holder to the ceiling
Step 4 : The holder is ready to hold the Step 5 : The straight part of the pipe is installed
ducts first
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Step 6 : The corresponding elbow is A sample complex elbow
chosen
The welding machine
Step 7 : Junctions and elbows are welded
Step 8 : The insulating material is Some fully insulated ducts
inserted to prevent thermal losses
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C.2-ASSISTANCE IN DIMENSION REPORTING
Assistance in reporting measurements was provided by the intern. The assistance involved
moving from one chalet roof to the other and recording measurements. The measurements are in
linear centimeter and represent the length of the tampered securit curtain glass panels to be
installed on the circumference of the roofs of the chalets.
Figure 55 Securit Glass Measurements - Batch 1
Figure 56 Securit Glass Measurements - Final Batch
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6-CONCLUSION
The internship at ZEG has been a pivotal experience in my professional development,
significantly enhancing my understanding of the civil engineering field. Through my
involvement in, I was able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications, honing my
technical skills in structural design. A particular highlight was the design of a retaining wall,
which allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the project's success. Beyond technical
proficiency, this internship has also fostered essential soft skills, including the mastery of the
new software : ASDIP Retain. As I embark on my career in civil engineering, I am confident that
the experiences and insights gained during this internship will serve as a solid foundation for
future endeavors.
The following photos are computer generated and represent the new architecture of the Santa
Theresa 2025 :
Figure 57 The Pool of the Santa Theresa Beach and Resort - Figure 58 One of the Restaurants of the 2025 Santa Theresa
2025
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Figure 59 The New Architecture of the Chalets of the Santa Theresa 2025
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