This paper reveals the non-technical elements that affect construction project costs, known as soft cost elements (SCEs). These elusive elements have received little attention although they are significant in influencing management... more
This paper reveals the non-technical elements that affect construction project costs, known as soft cost elements (SCEs). These elusive elements have received little attention although they are significant in influencing management decisions of a project. There is much interest in the mitigation of cost for green projects, but the focus is generally leaning towards hard cost aspects. Information about SCEs remains obscure. Qualitative approach is adopted in this research using face-to-face unstructured interviews with 12 respondents consisting of green building project experts who have been involved in many projects certified by the Malaysia Green Building Index (GBI). A total of 4 project cost datasheets were also analysed to confirm the SCEs in the project budget and to enable a clear definition of the SCEs term. The results show that SCEs are tangible and not hidden in nature. Although they constitute smaller percentage in the project cost, the implications of SCEs are far-reachi...
PurposeNowadays, strata living represents a modern lifestyle (or luxurious lifestyle for those occupying the high-end strata unit). The uniqueness of strata living is that it has facilities and common areas, which encompass multi-purpose... more
PurposeNowadays, strata living represents a modern lifestyle (or luxurious lifestyle for those occupying the high-end strata unit). The uniqueness of strata living is that it has facilities and common areas, which encompass multi-purpose hall, playground, lift, ...
This paper presents a solid agricultural solid waste, namely oil palm shell (OPS) as coarse aggregate to produce insulation concrete. This study will investigate the porosity, air permeability and thermal conductivity of OPS lightweight... more
This paper presents a solid agricultural solid waste, namely oil palm shell (OPS) as coarse aggregate to produce insulation concrete. This study will investigate the porosity, air permeability and thermal conductivity of OPS lightweight concrete (OPSLC). Nine mix designs were developed which comprised three OPS shapes and three volume fractions of OPS. The results indicated that increased volume fraction of OPS caused decreased durability performance and thermal conductivity. The shape of OPS is found to have significant effects to the porosity content and air permeability values. Thus, there is a strong relationship between porosity content and air permeability for all specimens. Based on the results, all specimens are found to be in the range of insulation concrete category except for specimen C-30, which has more than 0.75W/mK thermal conductivity according to RILEM requirement. The thermal conductivity of OPSLC is comparable with artificial lightweight aggregate.
This paper presents part of the experimental results of an in-progress research project to fabricate structural lightweight concrete using solid waste, Oil Palm Shell (OPS) as a coarse aggregate. The utilization OPS as lightweight... more
This paper presents part of the experimental results of an in-progress research project to fabricate structural lightweight concrete using solid waste, Oil Palm Shell (OPS) as a coarse aggregate. The utilization OPS as lightweight aggregate in concrete especially in the structure application has been proven by previous researches. As an industrial waste product, Oil Palm Shell OPS may be the alternative material to be employed in the construction industry. This study will focus on the potential of OPS as lightweight aggregate with regard to the optimum content of OPS for strength development. A total of 15 mixes were prepared and tested with 3 different cement/sand ratios (1.7, 1.8, 1.9) and 5 different cement contents (300, 350, 400, 450, 500 kg/m³). The result of this study show that the compressive strength for all mix achieve the requirement for load bearing strength, the strength significantly improve with cement volume increased. Sand ratio showed, the highest sand used will produced good workability.
This paper discusses the durability and flexibility characteristics of latex modified ferrocement in comparison with conventional ferrocement particularly when exposed to severe environmental conditions. The research programme encompasses... more
This paper discusses the durability and flexibility characteristics of latex modified ferrocement in comparison with conventional ferrocement particularly when exposed to severe environmental conditions. The research programme encompasses the laboratory investigation on the structural, the deformation behaviour and characteristic of latex modified ferrocement elements cured in air and salt-water environments. The tests include determination of load and deflection characteristics, moments, crack widths, crack spacing, and the number of cracks when subjected to static flexure. Test result indicates a significant improvement in reducing and bridging micro cracks, especially in the pre-peak load region. Fracture toughness and deformability increased significantly. However, the post peak behaviour was quite similar to conventional ferrocement.The results show that latex modification has improved the mechanical properties of cement mortars, particularly their flexural strength.
Oil palm shell (OPS) is one of solid waste material from oil palm industry that can be used as coarse aggregate in lightweight concrete. This study will present the results of an investigation on the performance of OPS lightweight... more
Oil palm shell (OPS) is one of solid waste material from oil palm industry that can be used as coarse aggregate in lightweight concrete. This study will present the results of an investigation on the performance of OPS lightweight concrete (OPSLC) in terms of mechanical properties with insulation concrete capacity. Thermal conductivity of OPSLC, effects of OPS shape and volume fraction were also examined. The variable included three different curing environments which are, water, air and room condition. Six mix design were prepared, and tests on mechanical properties and thermal conductivity were conducted. The increase of OPS volume fraction of OPS was found to reduce the thermal conductivity of OPSLC and in terms of shape, crushed OPS produced the highest thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the curing environments also affected the mechanical properties of OPSLC in which exposure to tropical climate was found to reduce the mechanical performance. However, in terms of thermal conductivity, curing conditions does not have significant effect on the value. However, the curing environment affected the relationship on mechanical properties for long-term exposure environment.
The purpose of the paper is to share the findings on the typical problems facing the heritage or old buildings in term of the problem leading to building leakage scenario in Malaysia. The paper tabulate list of potential solutions best... more
The purpose of the paper is to share the findings on the typical problems facing the heritage or old buildings in term of the problem leading to building leakage scenario in Malaysia. The paper tabulate list of potential solutions best practiced by the local waterproofing implementer with data on real case studies pertaining to the building leakage typically happened to the clay roof tile as well as the asbestos roof for heritage structures. The case studies are derived from the real selected projects done by the associated building maintenance contractor for the last 20 years. By identifying the possible factors that cause the leakages, one can take early steps to prevent the same defects from repeating thus saves on the financial side. The finding indicates the formulation ideas that can be used for creating a framework in preventing or minimize the building leakage syndrome from happening again. As the old buildings or the buildings that old enough to be considered worth to keep are becoming more valuable to either the central Government or the local council; the analysis from this paper may give some meaningful tabulation on how to maintain these heritage buildings from leaking especially from the roof seepage thus make the property much more valuable to the owner.
The waterproofing system of EPF Building was chosen as the case study for this paper. Situated at Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the EPF Building reflects the image of advanced technology in architectural style, after its latest... more
The waterproofing system of EPF Building was chosen as the case study for this paper. Situated at Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the EPF Building reflects the image of advanced technology in architectural style, after its latest renovation from 1960’s modern architecture. Further understanding on the waterproofing system selected for the concrete flat roof and also the wet areas as exemplified for this building can be further elaborated; the materials, the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of the systems and the way they are applied. The paper emphasizes on the construction players to be more conscious, appreciative and truly understand the viability and suitability of the waterproofing system to suit in our local building and local context.
... ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors would like to thank to Universiti Sains Malaysia on providing research assistants (Ms Syairah Zaimah Shafie and Ms Wan Nur Liyana Wan Mohd) through USM Short Term Research Grant No. ...
PurposeThere is increasing recognition amongst healthcare providers on the necessity to improve fire safety management in healthcare facilities. This is possibly not yet satisfactory because of recent fire incidents in Asia. This paper... more
PurposeThere is increasing recognition amongst healthcare providers on the necessity to improve fire safety management in healthcare facilities. This is possibly not yet satisfactory because of recent fire incidents in Asia. This paper set out to analyse the literature because of the paucity of systematic reviews on fire safety management of public healthcare facilities and proffer preventive measures.Design/methodology/approachThirty related studies were identified with the support of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses via Scopus and Web of Science databases.FindingsInfluencing factors, hindrances to fire safety management and preventive measures for fire-related occurrence in Asian hospital buildings were the three themes that emerged from the reviewed. The factors that influence fire in Asian hospital buildings were categorised into technical, management and legislation factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe recommendations of this paper ...
PurposeGlobally, several studies have shown that hospital building is charged with multiple inherent risks because a large number of users are vulnerable in tragic events. Thus, the need for the fire safety management plan (FSMP) has been... more
PurposeGlobally, several studies have shown that hospital building is charged with multiple inherent risks because a large number of users are vulnerable in tragic events. Thus, the need for the fire safety management plan (FSMP) has been proved as an instrument to mitigate fire and related risks in healthcare facilities. In Malaysia, FSMP regarding public healthcare building is yet to be explored in-depth. Therefore, this paper explores the information necessary to develop the FSMP framework for public hospital buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper’s objectives were accomplished via a combination of five face-to-face interviews and observations of five selected public hospitals in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The five key participants were across the five public hospitals and collated data analysed through thematic analysis with the assistance of MAXQDA 2018.FindingsFindings show that fire safety stakeholders practice system, fire safety action plan and fire risk management wer...
Purpose Frequent fire incidences in various hospitals across the globe with devastating effects on humans and other resources have multiplied. Stakeholders in the health-care sector are worried because of the yearly fire outbreak... more
Purpose Frequent fire incidences in various hospitals across the globe with devastating effects on humans and other resources have multiplied. Stakeholders in the health-care sector are worried because of the yearly fire outbreak increase. However, fire safety management has been proved as a successful platform to mitigate fire in health-care facilities. How far regarding public health-care facilities is yet to receive in-depth studies in Malaysia. This paper aims to investigate the issues associated with fire safety management and proffers possible solutions to improve safety in public health-care facilities from the operators’ perception. Design/methodology/approach The objectives were achieved through a combination of case studies of five selected Malaysia’s public hospitals and a qualitative approach. Thematic analysis with the assistance of MAXQDA (software program designed for computer-assisted qualitative and mixed methods data) 2018, a type of qualitative data analysis softw...
This paper shows how the unique architecture of Kampung Rim mosque can be appreciated. The scope covers a study of the design elements and architectural features that are unique to the mosque within the Nusantara. This research stated on... more
This paper shows how the unique architecture of Kampung Rim mosque can be appreciated. The scope covers a study of the design elements and architectural features that are unique to the mosque within the Nusantara. This research stated on the approach in creating this structure is different compared to most of the existing mosques currently and previously being built around the state. The concept of neo-archipelago idea to have the Chinese Buddha features in a Muslim mosque was unique. Expectations for this study is to reveal the noble efforts of the local Government bodies as well as the mosque committee members involved in maintaining old buildings such as this mosque can indirectly preserve the cultural arts of the local Malays who are the largest ethnic in Malaysia. Efforts should also be given to maintain old buildings; not only religious buildings but also other building types; in the effort to ensure local arts and cultural heritage still exist and can be appreciated by future...
