The Engineering and OJT departments of Shinas College of Technology arranged a one-day industrial visit to Serring International Company (SIC), Shinas, Oman on November 18, 2015.

Fifteen Civil Engineering Advanced Diploma students, together with ShCT staff Mr. Jayaram D.K. and Ms. Muna, participated in the educational tour, which aimed to impart practical knowledge particularly on testing materials and road pavement.

Mr. Ahmed, SIC site engineer, accommodated the ShCT students and staff who toured the company’s laboratory and its project site.

In the laboratory of the company, ShCT students learned about the testing of materials like soil, concrete and bitumen. SIC engineers explained the sieve analysis test, the liquid limit test, the plastic limit test, compaction factor test and the California bearing ratio test. With regard to concrete and bitumen, SIC engineers explained how to calculate the compression strength test.They also explained some field tests like the sand replacement test, the slump cone test, etc.

At the site, SIC engineers discussed the various techniques used for road paving. They also explained the different layers of road pavement such as sub grade, sub base, base, binder course and surface course.