Riduan Yunus

Critical sustainability factors in industrialised building systems

Purpose – This paper presents findings of a research study aimed at identifying critical sustainability factors for improved implementation of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS). It also highlights the importance of decision support, through the establishment of decision making guidelines, for sustainability deliverables in IBS development. Design/methodology/approach – A broad range of sustainability factors, as perceived by researchers and practitioners, are identified through a comprehensive literature study. A study of the survey and statistical data analysis is conducted to examine the criticality of these sustainability factors in IBS implementation. Findings – 18 sustainability factors are identified as critical to IBS implementation. Their interrelationships and driving forces are explored, which leads to the development of a conceptual model to map these factors for actions or potential solutions. The work provides a sound basis towards a set of decision making guidelines for sustainable IBS implementation. Originality/value – Compared with previous studies that focus on technical or economical aspects, this study extends existing knowledge on construction prefabrication by linking all aspects of sustainability issues with the design process. It also covers industry characteristics of developing countries, as represented by Malaysia’s scenarios.

Improving ecological performance of industrialized building systems in Malaysia

For construction stakeholders to fully embrace sustainability, its long-term benefits and associated risks need to be identified through holistic approaches. Consensus among key stakeholders is very important to the improvement of the ecological performance of industrialized building systems (IBS), a building construction method gaining momentum in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey examines the relative significance of 16 potentially important sustainability factors for IBS applications. To present possible solutions, semi-structured interviews solicit views from experienced IBS practitioners, representing the professions involved. Three most critical factors agreed by key stakeholders are material consumption, waste generation and waste disposal. Using SWOT analysis, the positive and negative aspects of these factors are investigated, with action plans formulated for IBS design practitioners. The SWOT analysis based guidelines have the potential to become part of IBS design briefing documents against which sustainability solutions are contemplated, selected and implemented. Existing knowledge on ecological performance issues is extended by considering the unique characteristics of IBS and identifying not only the benefits, but also the potential risks and challenges of pursuing sustainability. This is largely missing in previous research efforts. Findings to date focus on providing much-needed assistance to IBS designers, who are at the forefront of decision-making with a significant level of project influence. Ongoing work will be directed towards other project development phases and consider the inherent linkage between design decisions and subsequent sustainability deliverables in the project life cycle.

A Review on Abandoned Construction Projects: Causes & Effects

In some countries quite a number of construction projects that are either not completed or out rightly abandoned. This paper is an overview on abandoned construction projects, and the causes and effects due to the formidable situation relating to this issue. This was conducted referring to the studies and findings in the thesis and journals on abandoned projects. Few probable causes and effects are identified from various researchers based on studies conducted by them on this issue. It is found that most of the studies on the related matter was conducted mainly using questionnaires and also by conducting interviews with the relevant parties. There were various probable causes and implications that was identified from the studies and analysis that was carried out, which does not differ much from one another, and in fact some have suggested the mitigation measures for this issue. After reviewing the research and studies that has been conducted on the issue of abandoned projects, as a conclusion, it is notable to have a more thorough investigation on the existing problem up to this date and look into the whole issue from different aspects in depth.

An Overview on the Issue of Delay in the Construction Industry

Construction delay is a common problem in the construction industry. It is important to study this problem by investigating the overview of previous study on the issue of project delays and potential solutions to overcome it. Review of literatures shows the causes and necessary suggestions in project delays which is plaguing the construction industry in different nations. Various causes have been identified and suggestions have been poured out to minimize the problem as much as possible. Delay in projects is something that couldn’t be avoided looking at the situation of the construction industry especially in developing countries. Delay in projects happen somewhere during the construction process, and some even at the point of completion of a construction project. The delivery of a construction project on time and according to the expected budget is very much needed. The unsuccessfulness on doing so, has invited many research on this issue to determine and investigate the causes and as well the effect of project delays in the construction industry. There are sectors in Malaysia that contributes to the country’s economy, and the construction industry is one of it. This paper is an overview of the issue of a project delay, where the seriousness of this issue could be understood and may help to invite some researchers to proffer solution to this situation in the coming future.

The emerging of employment gap in the Malaysian construction industry

Employment of young people is a big issue in the Malaysian construction industry. This is a common phenomenon not only in Malaysia but affected most developed and developing countries around the world. Sufficient workers are needed to cater to the robustness of the construction sector and to sustain the productivity that will boost the development demand. However, young people had difficulties to find decent employment in this industry due to lack of experience and skills among young people and some employer are more likely to hire foreign workers. The aim of this study is to examine the emerging of skill gaps in the Malaysian construction industry. The methodology adapted for this study comprise of primary and secondary data collection. The primary data had been collected from the questionnaire surveys on the professional within the construction industry. The data then were analyzed using the percentage score and the diagram such as bar chart had been used to visualize the results from the analysis. While, secondary data collected through literature review to gather information and important views from previous studies. The findings reveal that the construction industry prefer more than 30 years old skilled workers. Eventhough, the jobs could be filled by young people, but somehow, some barriers such as high risk, low wages, hard work and availability of foreign workers had distracted the involvement of young people in the construction industry.

Critical Success Factors for Lean Thinking in the Application of Industrialised Building System (IBS)

Productivity in the manufacturing process of building components can be increased by optimising each advantage that is available in each activity. Identification of critical success factors (CSFs) for lean thinking in the Industrialised Building System (IBS) will be able to minimise cost and reduce time needed to complete a project. The focus of lean thinking in construction is on the production process and the clients requirement. In developing countries such as Malaysia, the integration of lean thinking in IBS applications is still low and there is a shortage of comprehensive strategies to integrate lean thinking. As key stakeholders, feedback from contractors, manufacturers, developers and the local authority will be able to help the identification of CSFs in integrating lean thinking in IBS applications. The data was collected through a questionnaire survey and analysed quantitatively. There are 31 CSFs for lean thinking in IBS which have been identified in this study. A conceptual model was developed to assist researchers in investigating the influences of CSFs for lean thinking in IBS applications. This study will assist construction players to improvise their manufacturing process in the implementation of IBS to eliminate unnecessary activities and focus instead on significant processes without generating physical and non-physical waste.

Preliminary Qualitative Findings: Challenges in Large Infrastructure Projects Towards Development of Innovative Performance Measurement

Performance measurement system to assess development of large infrastructure project has developed due to the unachieved of high design and technical requirements, excessive cost investments and lack of competent human resources and managerial capabilities. Growing numbers of discrepant of interest among key participants has also led to conflicts, blame cultures, and mismatches of objectives that have been found to be contributory factors to poor project performance. Although, several approaches have been determined, the challenges in terms of time, cost, and quality (objective measures) are still arguable. Further exploration requires the inclusion of additional challenges in delivering large infrastructure projects, particularly in relation to subjective measures, such as safety, relationship, satisfaction, social and environmental aspects. Owing to this limitation, preliminary findings of identification challenges in large infrastructure projects are vital to fulfill the current needs in the development of innovative performance measurement. The research adheres to by reviewing relevant literature and evaluating expert insights on the research topic. The results of the research would provide qualitative evidence in support of the notion that appropriate and comprehensive performance measurement to improve project outcome. This study may also encourage key stakeholders mainly involved in infrastructure projects to increase their attention on possible challenges to achieve project objectives and requirements in the development of a large project, and helps to the achievement of government transformation programme (GTP).

Effect of Calcium and Sodium Ions in Soft Clay Using Electrokinetic Stabilisation Technique

Electrokinetic Stabilisation (EKS) technique is a combination process of electroosmosis and chemical grouting. This study involves the investigation on the EKS technique performances in stabilising soft clay soils. Stabilising agents will assist the EKS technique by inducing it to the soil under direct current and its movements which is governed by the principle of electrokinetic (EK). The objective of this research is to study the effectiveness of EKS technique in increasing the strength of soft clays. Two reactors were set up by using 1.0 M of calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as the electrolyte and stainless steel plates as the electrodes. EKS technique was being performed for 21 days period of time with a constant voltage gradient (50 V/m). This technique was carried out in two phases where the difference between them is a combination of the stabilising agent. The two combinations of stabilising agents in phase 1 and phase 2 were CaCl2 – distilled water (DW) and CaCl2 – Na2SiO3, respectively. The difference was, one was using distilled water while the other was using Na2SiO3. Results of the strength, liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), plasticity index (PI), pH and ion concentration test towards untreated and treated soil were presented. Showing the strength of treated soil for both phases was increasing near the cathode section with 27.83 kPa and 27.67 kPa. LL and PI for treated soil showed the highest value which occurred near the cathode, while PL seems consistant with the values from untreated soil. The Calcium (Ca+) and sodium (Na+) concentrations in soil were increasing compared to the untreated soil, hence it has proven that the application of stabilisers in EK treatment is more effective in increasing the strength and the stability of soils.