By Elaine Gayle M. Mecha
Central Philippine University’s PICE CPU-SC conducts a structural integrity and levelness assessment at the Community Christian Church in Jaro, Iloilo City, providing technical support to the community while giving civil engineering students hands-on experience.
Iloilo City, Philippines – July 12, 2025. The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Central Philippine University Student Chapter (PICE CPU-SC) successfully conducted a Structural Integrity and Levelness Assessment at the Community Christian Church in Brgy. Dungon-B, Jaro, Iloilo City. The initiative provided technical support to the community while offering civil engineering students practical experience in applying their academic training.
Under the supervision of licensed engineer-advisers, the students carried out a structured evaluation that included:
- Visual Inspection: Checking for cracks, spalling, water stains, and other visible structural defects.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Using a rebound hammer to estimate the concrete’s compressive strength on critical slab areas.
- Level Surveying: Measuring the floor’s levelness to detect possible settlement or unevenness.
The students faced several challenges during the assessment, particularly in handling specialized equipment. Rebound hammer testing required precision and consistency, and possible rebar interference beneath the concrete made obtaining accurate readings more difficult. Level surveying also tested the team’s efficiency due to time constraints, as this was the final activity in their schedule.
To address these challenges, the students implemented careful calibration, repeated testing where necessary, and an efficient division of labor. With continuous guidance from their advisers, the team was able to adjust and successfully gather the required data.
The activity proved to be a valuable learning opportunity, reinforcing the need for accuracy, patience, teamwork, and discipline in engineering practice. The students emphasized the importance of coordination, proper documentation, and adaptability, recognizing that fieldwork often involves conditions not encountered in the classroom.
Beyond technical skills, the outreach instilled a deeper appreciation of the civil engineer’s role in ensuring community safety and structural stability. It also strengthened the students’ commitment to applying their knowledge and skills for public service.
The outreach concluded with the completion of a detailed structural assessment report, including visual inspection notes, rebound hammer results, and level survey data. The findings were formally documented for the benefit of the Community Christian Church.
Through this initiative, PICE CPU-SC reaffirmed its commitment to combining academic excellence with civic responsibility, preparing its members not only as competent engineers but also as future professionals dedicated to serving society.