SIWES Logbook for Civil Engineering: How to Fill Your Logbook Correctly

Q: How do I start filling my SIWES logbook?

Start with your student and company details, then document daily activities using technical terms, tools, and processes observed. Include sketches if possible.

Filling your SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) logbook is a critical part of your industrial training as a Civil Engineering student. Your logbook is not just a diary, it serves as evidence of your hands-on experience and is evaluated by both your university and your industry supervisors.

A properly filled logbook can improve your grade, showcase your technical skills, and demonstrate your understanding of practical engineering tasks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of filling a Civil Engineering SIWES logbook with examples, sketches, and tips to make it professional.

Key Sections of a Civil Engineering SIWES Logbook

Your logbook should have the following structure:

a) Student & Company Details

Name, matriculation number, and department
Company/organization name, address, and supervisor’s name
Duration of the attachment

b) Daily Activity Records

Each entry should include:

Specific tasks performed or observed: Avoid vague statements like "Visited site." Instead, write:
“Observed the casting of reinforced concrete beams on the 2nd floor.”
Engineering terms: Use technical language like slump test, formwork, reinforcement binding, or surveying.
Tools used: Mention tools such as total station, theodolite, concrete mixer, plumb bob, or leveling instruments.
Sketches: Draw site layouts, structural details, or equipment diagrams when necessary.

c) Weekly Summary & Supervisor Signatures

Summarize the week’s activities and lessons learned
Include sketches to illustrate key tasks
Obtain the supervisor’s comments and signature at the end of each week

Sample Daily Logbook Entries (Civil Engineering)

Here’s an example to guide your entries:

Week 1 – Orientation

Day	Activity
Monday	Reported to the Civil Engineering Unit. Attended orientation on safety measures, site rules, and ethics. Introduced to site supervisors, engineers, and construction team members.
Tuesday	Visited worksite and familiarized with tools such as theodolites, total stations, and concrete mixers. Observed site clearance and marking.
Wednesday	Participated in basic site surveying using leveling instruments. Assisted in marking building layout on the ground.
Thursday	Observed soil excavation for building foundation. Learned about soil types and suitability for construction.
Friday	Assisted in measuring excavated trenches and verifying dimensions with site plans. Discussed foundation types with supervisor.

Week 2 – Active Participation

Day	Activity
Monday	Assisted in setting reinforcement bars for strip foundation. Checked spacing and alignment per design drawings.
Tuesday	Supervised mixing of concrete for foundation. Assisted in pouring and leveling.
Wednesday	Conducted slump test on fresh concrete. Observed curing process to maintain strength.
Thursday	Assisted in backfilling excavated trenches. Learned soil compaction techniques.
Friday	Applied damp-proof membranes to walls. Prepared weekly progress report for supervisor review.

Tools & Equipment to Include

Make sure to list the tools you use. Examples for Civil Engineering:

Surveying Tools: Theodolite, total station, dumpy level, leveling staff
Construction Tools: Concrete mixer, compactor, plumb bob, steel reinforcement tools
Safety Equipment: Gloves, helmet, boots, PPE

Tips for Filling Your SIWES Logbook

Write daily: Don’t wait until the end of the month because, details will be forgotten.
Be accurate: Never forge activities or signatures. Stick to what you actually did.
Handle no-work days: Write “No project activity” or document learning/maintenance tasks.
Draft before transferring: Use rough notes in a notebook first to avoid mistakes.
Use professional phrases: Examples:
- “I was introduced to…”
- “I observed the process of…”
- “I assisted in…”
- “I learned how to use…”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing vague descriptions like “Worked on site.”
Forgetting supervisor signatures
Not including tools, sketches, or technical terminology
Leaving entries incomplete or inconsistent

sample of a siwes logbook entries (engineering student)

sample of a siwes logbook sketches part (engineering student)

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FAQ

Q1: How do I start filling my SIWES logbook?

Start with your student and company details, then document daily activities using technical terms, tools, and processes observed. Include sketches if possible.

Q2: Can I fill the logbook weekly instead of daily?

Yes, but it’s risky. Daily entries are more accurate and detailed. Weekly summaries may miss important details.

Q3: What should I write on days when no activity occurs?

Write “No project activity” or describe any maintenance, observation, or learning tasks done that day.

Q4: Are sketches necessary in a SIWES logbook?

Yes. Sketches of tools, site layouts, or structural details help illustrate your activities and can boost your evaluation.

Q5: Which tools should I include in a Civil Engineering logbook?

Surveying tools (theodolite, total station), construction tools (concrete mixer, compactor), and safety equipment (helmet, gloves, boots).