INTRODUCTION

Background
The industrialised building system (IBS) can be generally interpreted as in which all
building components are mass produced either in a factory or at site factory
according to specifications with standardise shapes and dimensions and transported
to the construction projects site to be rearrange with certain standard to form a
building.
The development of industrialised building system (IBS) is not new in the
construction industry. The history of precast in UK housing dates from the mid
1900s, when this and other forms of industrialised (prefabricated) construction were
used to address the problem of widespread destruction of housing stock during the
Second World War.
In the United States, the use of precast in the construction industry began in the
construction of prefabricated steel house by General House in 1930. However the
early efforts of rationalising and implementation faded quickly due to price in
competitiveness, high capital and inconsistent local codes. The use of precast
increased sharply after the Second World War due to the need to resolve critical
shortage of houses.
In Malaysia, the implementation of precast concept by using precast concrete
building were introduced in Malaysia in 1966 when the government launched two
pilot projects for precast housing which involves the construction of Tuanku Abdul
Rahman Flats in Kuala Lumpur and the Rifle Range Road Flats in Penang. Both
projects were the first time whereby precast elements were used to construct mass
houses. Later, PerbadananKemajuanNegeri Johor (PKNS) import the precast
concrete technology from Germany for the construction ranging from low cost
housing to luxurious housing such as bungalows and semidetached.
Today, many private companies in Malaysia have teamed up with foreign experts
from Australia, Netherlands, United States and Japan to offer precast solutions to
their projects. Numerous construction projects have utilized the precast components
especially to meet the requirement of time constraint and with high accuracy and

quality. The precast components are mainly use in the construction of schools,
colleges, quarters, apartments, hospitals, roads, port and other infrastructures. Even
so, the usage of precast in building in Malaysia is still low as compared to developed
countries such as Japan, United States and Europe. From a survey conducted by
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, the level of usage of IBS
in the local construction industry is at 15% based on the IBS Survey 2003. The main
barriers that impede the growth of IBS are the resistance from the parties involved in
the construction. The local authorities are generally unwilling to make changes in
local building regulations that need a lot of time, works and cost to establish the
legislative, structural planning and economic conditions for industrial development.
The developers have to plan a larger project scheme in order to reduce the costs of
houses for economic viability. The contractor will relatively play less important role
because most of the responsibilities will be taken over by the precast manufacturer.
Furthermore, the subcontractors who rely on labour will be out of business due to the
fact that prefabrication will reduce the number of workers and replace them with
machines.

What is Industrialised Building System?

The term Industrialised Building System is often misinterpreted as system limited
only for the buildings, whereas it is in fact cover all types of structures as the word
building actually relates to constructing. It not only building, example bridges,
highways, tunnels, dams.
Is a term used in Malaysia for a technique of construction where by components are
manufactured in a controlled environment, either at site / off site, placed and
assembled into constructions works.
CIDB: Construction process that utilizes techniques, products, components or
building systems that involved prefabricated components and on site installation.
Is the term to represent the prefabrication and construction industrialization concept
in Malaysia. The term was joined to shift from the typical paradigm of prefabricated
system IBS has been introduced as a method with better productivity, quality and
safety.
IBS can defined as products, systems and technique used in making construction
less labour-oriented, use more machines, faster as well as quality controlled. It
generally involves prefabricated products, factory manufactured elements that
transported to the construction sites and erected. (Shaari, 2004)
Industrialised process is an investment in equipment, facilities, and technology with
the objectives of maximising production, minimisinglabour resources and improving
quality while a building system is a set of interconnected element that joint together
to enable the designated performance of a building. (Warswaski, 1999)
According to CIDB Malaysia, IBS may be defined as construction systems in which
component are manufactured, on or off-site, positioned and assembled into a
structure with minimal additional site works.
Esa and Nuruddin (1998) asserted that an IBS is a continuum beginning from
utilising craftsmen for every aspect of construction to a system that make use of
manufacturing production in order to minimise resource wastage and enhance value
for end users.

Currently, the Industrial Building System (IBS) in Malaysia has gradually widely used
as a modern method of construction. As an example, the Industrial Building System
(IBS) has been applied in several projects such as Kuala Lumpur International
Airport (KLIA), government quarters in Putrajaya, KL Sentral, Light Rail Transit (LRT)
and Bukit Jalil Sport Complex. Besides, Industrialised Building System (IBS) Centre
which is located at Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur was established to
help on the evolment of the system. The implementation of Industrialised Building
System (IBS) in this country will help to reduce the entrance of foreign labor and to
expedite the progress of the construction.
There are five type of IBS generally used in construction:
1) Pre-cast Concrete Framing , Panel and Box System
2)
3)
4)
5)

Steel Formwork System

Steel Framing System
Prefabricated Timber Framing
Block Work System

HISTORY
In Malaysia, the history of industrialized Building System can be linked back to the
year 1963, where then, the government sent an architect from JabatanKerja Raya
(Public Works Department ) to Europe to learn more on industrialized buildings. The
housing industry has started experimenting with industrialized construction in the late
1960s with construction of two pilot projects of high rise low cost flats 3009 units of

flats in JalanPekeliling, Kuala Lumpur in 1966, and 3741 units of flats in Jalan
Padang Tembok, Pulau Pinang in 1967.

LRT Station

Pekeliling Flat

KLCC

KL Tower

IBS CLASSIFICATION
Generally, there are four types of building systems currently available in Malaysia
according to BadirRazali building system classification (Badir et al. 1998), namely
conventional, cast in-situ, prefabricated and composite building systems is shown in
Figure 1. Each building system is represented by its respective construction method
which is further characterised by its construction technology, functional and
geometrical configuration. Warszawski (1999) asserted that the building system

could be classified in different ways, depending on the particular interest of their

users or producers. Such classification use construction technology as a basis for
classifying different building systems. In this manner four major groups can be
distinguished namely, system with timber, steel, cast in situ concrete, and precast
concrete as their main structural and space enclosing materials. These systems can
be further classified according to the geometrical configuration of their main framing
components as follows linear or skeleton (beams and columns) system, planar or
panel systems, and three dimensional or box systems.
Majzub (1977) expounded that the relative weight of components should be used as
a basis for building classification is presented in Table 1. The factor of weight has
significant impact on the transportability of the components and also has influence
on the production method of the components and their erection method on site. The
classification by weight also has the advantage of distinguishing between the various
basic materials used in the production of component which by itself could determine
the characteristic of the system under study. However, Majzubs classification
method is found to be inadequate to incorporate other building system flourish
recently. One of the distinct example is the interlocking load bearing blocks which
was the brainchild of a group of researchers in Universiti Putra Malaysia. This new
building system cannot be categorised according to frame, panel or even box
system. On the other hand, the composite system that combines two or more
construction method cannot also be categorised under the Majzubs classification.
Hence, the classification needs to be updated to reflect the current technological
advancement.

Fig. 1 Type of building system in Malaysia

Table 1: Building system classification according to relative weight of component

(Majzub, 1977).

ESSENTIAL NATURE OF IBS

Standardization and Tolerance:

For accomplishing the requirement of modular coordination, all the components need
to be standardized for production. Such standardization of space and elements need
prescribing tolerance at different construction stages such as manufactured
tolerance, setting out tolerance and erection tolerance, so that the combined
tolerance obtained on statistical considerations is within the permitted limits (Trikha,
1999). Production resources can be used in the most efficient manner if the output is
standardized. Then the particular process, machinery and workers training can be
best absorbed to the particular characteristics of the product.
Mass Production:
The investment in equipment, human resources and facilities associated with
industrialization can be justified economically only when a large production volume is
observed. Such volume provides a distribution of fixed investment charge over a
large number of product units without unduly inflating their ultimate cost (CIDB
Singapore, 1992).
Specialization:
Large production output and standardization of pre-cast elements allow a high
degree of labor specialization with the production process. The process can be
subdivided into a large number of small homogeneous tasks. In such condition,
workers are exposed to their work repetitiously with higher productivity level.
Good Organization:
High production volume, specialization work and centralization production requires
an efficient and experiences organization capable of high level panning, organizing,
coordination and control function with respect to production and distribution of the
products (Warszawski,1999).
Integration, Planning and Control of the Processes:
In order to obtain an optimal result, a high degree of coordination must exist between
various relevant parties such as designer, manufacture, owner and contractor. This is
archived trough integrated system in which all these functions are performed under
unified authority (Warszawski, 1999). The design, manufacture, assembly and other
related process requires a coherent structure and management from the start to the
end in order to reach the goal and deliver a maximum value to the customers. A
thorough planning of all activities is therefore required especially in the early stage of
projects where extra attention must be paid to design (architectural as well as
engineering), planning and preparation. By well-prepared processes, complete
design when the production starts and the use of separately developed technical
system, supported by structured planning methods, the execution of the process will
run smooth and with a low amount of defect and errors. The strive is towards zero
defects and minimum amount of waste (Lessing et. al, 1999).

Production Facility:
The initial capital investment for setting up a permanent factory is relatively
expensive. Plant, equipment, skilled worker, management resources need to be
acquired before production can be commenced. Such huge investment can only be
breakeven if there is sufficiently high demand for the products. On the other hand, a
temporary casting yard or factory can be established at the project site in order to
minimize the transportation costs (Peng, 1986).
Transportation:
It is found that casting a large panel system can reduce labour cost up to 30 percent.
However, these cost savings are partly offset by the transportation costs. The
transportation of large panels is also subject to the road department and relevant
authorities (Peng, 1986).
Equipment at site:
For the purpose of erecting and assembling pre-cast panel into their position, heavy
crane is required especially for multi-story building. It is therefore important to
incorporate this additional cost when adopting a pre-fabrication system (Warszawski,
1999).

TYPE OF IBS

Industrialised Building System is a system which use industrial production

techniques either in the production of components or assembly of the building or
both. (FaridWardi 1997). Under this system, the industry operate more like a
manufacturing sector where most parts of building is made up of manufactured
components and installed on site. The system can either be Open or Closed system.

Close system (CS):

A closed system can be classified into two categories, namely production based on
clients design and production based on precasters design. The first category is
designed to meet a spatial requirement of the clients that is the spaces required for
various functions in the building as well as the specific architectural design. In this
instance, the clients needs are paramount and the precaster is always forced to
produce a specific component for a building. On the other hand, the production
based on precasters design includes designing and producing a uniform type of
building or a group of building variants, which can be produced with a common
assortments of component. Such building includes school, parking garage, gas
station, low cost housing, etc. Nevertheless these types of building arrangement can
be justified economically only when the following circumstances are observed
(Warszawski, 1999).
A closed system can be classified into two category such as the production based on
the design form the owner or client and the production is based on the pre-casters
design. The first category is design to fulfill the space required for any function in the
building as well as specific for the architectural design. In this case, he owner or
client requirement is the one important that company need to take focus, and precasters is need to be forced to produce a specific component to type of building or a
group building variants, where it can be produced with a common assortment of
component. The building such as Parking garage, school, gas station, low cost
house and other.
But this type of building arrangement can only justified as economically when the
following are observe, such as the size of project is large enough to allow the
distribution of design and production cost over the extra cost per component incur
due to the specific design, the architectural design observe large repetitive element
and standarsation in respect to this, a novel prefabrication system can overcome the
requirement of many standarsation element by automating the design and
production process. There get enough demand for a typically type of building such
as school so that a mass production can be obtained. And the last one is there is an

intensive marketing strategy by pre-caster to enlighten the client and designer the
potential benefit of the system in term of economic and noneconomic aspect.
Following the approach classified in the sixties as closed building system first a
project is designed and secondly subdivided into a number of building parts which is
will be produced especially for that project. In all case a lot of component are bought
on the market, therefore one should take care that certain dimension of the selfproduced building part fit with these other component, like an example, an apartment
block is divided during the design process into concrete wall and floor plates. These
concrete element are designed in such a way that the connection s between them
are possible. At the same time one should take care that the opening in the wall
element are coordinated with the window or doors one wants to use. Also the
sanitary equipment should be fit.

Open System (OS):

In view of the limitations inherent in the closed system, an open system which allows
greater flexibility of design and maximum coordination between the designer and
precaster has been proposed. This system is plausible because it allow the
precaster to produce a limited number of elements with a predetermined range of
product and at the same time maintaining architectural aesthetic value. In spite of
many advantages inherent in an open system, its adoption experiences one major
setback. For example, joint and connection problem occur when two elements from
different system are fixed together. This is because similar connection technology
must be observed in order to achieve greater structural performance.
The term Open Building System is used when the starting point is totally different.
One does not start from specific project but one develops set element which is can
be combined in many way so the term can be used when two following condition are
fulfilled such a limited number element which are part of the system,, an unlimited
number of different project can be realized. There will however always be a set of
constrain for the design of those project. The design guide will inform the designer
of the rules he has to follow (grid, positioning-rules, requirement for stability) the
element catalogue provide an overview of all the possible element of a system and
the second is the building element of that OBS are coordinated with component of
different producer. This is the condition already necessary for a Semi open building
system.

The main objective is to introduce the new concept system of Open building system
(OBS) in 2010, its the long term and systematic approach toward a positive
development of building industry. The OBS not only reengineer our construction
process such as supply chain, trade, design and other, but it transform the way of
doing the business in construction. Its allow opened supply of IBS where the
construction can bid the lower price with other company. Its stronger recommend to
allow the manufacture and assembler to enter the market, thus its reducing the price
of IBS component. The OBS open the chance of new business and built the new
company that more small and medium for Bumiputera to able produce construction
components.
Open building system also give a value to the customer or client with provide the
aesthetical, the practical selection and flexibility for the construction product market
since the supplier will only be motivated to invest in new product and innovation
solution if they can fore see enough sale. Local technologies on IBS component
such as in lightweight components and interlocking blocks can be fully utilized. OBS
allows at some points, customers and house buyers to be involved in design, trough
selection of building components at the onset of the project. The adoption of the
OBS together with fully utilization of IBS will greatly benefit the building industry as it
increases

the

production

capacity,

lower

manpower

requirement,

shorten

construction time, improve quality and in the long run bring down the overall building
cost.
The following condition must be fulfilled like it must be possible develop different
OBS. Due to the general rules governing those system concerning dimensional coordination, compatibility of performance) the decision to choose one specific OBS
can be postponed during the design process as long as necessary in a specific
situation. Like an example during the design process on has decided not to use a
bearing wall structure but a skeleton. Of course at the moment system making use a
bearing wall are exclude but the competition is open between system based on
concrete or steel, between column and beam system and portal frame. The same
building parts and the Open Building Sub system can be integrated in as many
different OBS as possible. The building part of different OBS can be exchange as
much as possible between such systems,

The concept Open Industrialization is not only incorporating prefabrication, but also
rationalized traditional method like system for in situ shuttering, system for
rationalized bricklaying.
Industry through the government bodies such as CIDB and SIRIM need to build or
develop with the standard Malaysia for the component of IBS. Its important because
two prefabricated part only fit on the building site if their dimension and the joint used
in closed system protected by patent. They are specifically design to fit the precaster prefabricated component and it is not supporting holistic concept of openness
in OBS. Through their research by CIDB, construction research institute of Malaysia
(CREAM) has been collaborated with Public work department (PWD) and also from
the University of Nottingham to see the strength, stiffness, ductility and stability of the
connection. OBS able to target the achievement for the market because the
customer will like the aesthetical and the design space of OBS system.
Marketing OBS concept to this target group will give a huge and profitable market
since the supplier will only be motivated to invest in new products and innovation
solution if they can foresee enough sales. Educate the customers to be more
involved in design stage is the way forward to promote OBS. Customer can choose
their building materials at the onset of housing development. This can create good
marketing gimmick to developers in order to attract homebuyers. Developers, then
can play their role to advice designers to design according to Modular Coordination
(MC) and based on available IBS components in the market. Then, the contractors
will pay the role of coordinating the installation of components according to
customers wish. Based on IBS Roadmap, CIDB will publish OBS Roadmap,
introduce OBS Steering Committee, to conduct OBS international seminar, publish
OBS catalogue and to use OBS as a main criteria to judge the contender for
Malaysian Construction Industry Excellent Award (MCIEA).

IBS Roadmap also keen to produce more Bumiputera contractor to be as a

manufacture or erector in the near future. The construction of life-size structures at
the compound of IBS Centre, Kuala Lumpur will be the first ever attempt at showcasing a diverse range of products and techniques in the construction technology
market. The full scale structures will demonstrate attempts at using the OBS and

combination of multi IBS products and components in building designed according to

MS 1064, the MC design standard.
The components involve in this OBS pilot projects are from Pryda (Malaysia) Sdn.
Bhd. (Roof trusses), BPB Malaysia Gypsum Sdn Bhd. (Internal wall partitions), IJM
Building Systems Sdn Bhd. (Formwork systems), Corporate Builders SdnBhd (PC
Walls), BaktianSdnBhd (PC Walls), ACP Industries Bhd (Half Slabs), Setia Precast
SdnBhd (PC Walls), Eastern PretechSdn Bhd. (Hollow Core Slabs & Toilet Pod),
PJD Concrete Products SdnBhd (PC Walls), ZenbesSdnBhd (Blocks), CSR Building
Materials (M) SdnBhd (Light-weight Blocks), Lafarge Roofing Systems SdnBhd (Roof
Tiles), VS Interior Dcor SdnBhd (Railings), Hoe Fock Wooden Works SdnBhd
(Wooden Windows & Door Frames), STO Sea SdnBhd (Painting), Johan Ceramics
Berhad (Tiles).
Lets hope that OBS will not only improve performance and quality in construction,
minimize the dependency of unskilled foreign labours but also giving the values to
customers by providing aesthetical, practical option and flexibility to construction
products profitable market since the supplier will only be motivated to invest in new
products and innovation solution if they can foresee enough sales.

Figure 2.1

Open System Building Framewor

IBS CHARACTERISTICS

Close Industrialised Building system

The Close system is follow to the rules of dimension, position and interface of
component are important elements of CS. It can be defined as self-contained and
independent of system with the following characteristic:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Factory fabrication/production and site assembled

Required sophisticated organization
Required efficient transport system
Each system is unique
100% factory made component (fabrication) and assembly at site.
Require sophisticated organization.
The size of project is large enough to
allow for distribution of design and production costs over the extra cost per
component incur due to the specific design.
7) The architectural design observes large repetitive element and
standardisation. In respect to this, a novel prefabrication system can
overcome the requirement of many standardised elements by automating the
design and production process.
8) Each system is unique and cannot combine with other system.
9) There is an intensive marketing strategy by precaster to enlighten the clients
and designer the potential benefit of the system in term of economics and
noneconomic aspects.
10)Require efficient transport system and sufficient demand for a typical type of
building so that a mass production can be obtained.

Open building system

The open building system is follow to the rules of dimension, position and interface of
component are important elements of OBS. It can be defined with the following
characteristic:

1) Open system building is the innovative design and construction

2) The open system is flexibility component that can change and subsystem
from variety of manufacture and supplier.
3) Its take the advantage of an open market of building component that fit
together, geometrically and functionally for a wide variety of building type.
4) Its will increase the encourage participation from manufacture and assembler
to enter the market, and at the same time it will reducing the price of IBS
component.

5) It strive the concept of modularity and separate the different of level of

decision making.
6) The use of standard jointing system to fix two or more system together in one
building.
7) It able to discuss with the client to choose any component of building with use
the catalogue of component that already prepared or provide by the company.
8)
9) Uniform with standards dimension and joint for building component. Method
and coordination is not so different in each component.
10)OBS will encourage higher level of industrialisation through pre-assembly and
automation
11) It allows interchangeability of components and sub-system from variety of
manufactures and suppliers.
12)Large scale demand and encouraged by government due to wide job
opportunity it can create.
13)Uniform standard component help to ease in building maintenance due to
easy obtaining building component from suppliers.
14)Cooperation & coordination is importance between designer, manufacture &
building
firm.
15)It allows customer involvement in design. Customer can chose any building
components using components catalogue provided by the developers.
16)The flexibility to coordinating and interchanges building component must be
smooth.
17)Flexibility to combine with costume precast design component & traditional
method.
18)It advocates a concept of modularity and separation of different levels of
decision-making.
19)The use of standard jointing system to fix two or more system together in one
building.
20)It takes advantage of an open market of building components that fit together,
geometrically and functionally for a wide variety of building types.
21)It will encourage participation from manufactures and assemblers to enter the
market, thus reducing the price of IBS components.

Important To Implement Industrialised Building Sytem (IBS) In Malaysia

because:

1) High demand from the clients in construction activities.

2) High number of foreign labor to be employed to do the hand jobs. With the
implementation of Industrialised Building System (IBS), the number of
foreign labor and the cost of the construction project can be reduced.
3) The economical forces can be one of the reasons why the Industrialised
Building System (IBS) is so important to our country. This factor may affect
the organizational of the clients and also the construction progress.
4) Benefits to adopters in term of cost and time certainty, attaining better
construction quality and productivity, reducing risk related to occupational
safety and health, alleviating issue on skilled workers and dependency on
manual foreign labor and achieving ultimate goal of reducing overall cost
of construction (Construction Research Institute of Malaysia, 2009).

ISO 9000 - Quality management

ISO 9000 is a quality management standard that presents guidelines intended to
increase business efficiency and customer satisfaction. The goal of ISO 9000 is to
embed a quality management system within an organization, increasing productivity,
reducing unnecessary costs, and ensuring quality of processes and products.
The ISO 9000 family addresses various aspects of quality management and contains
some of ISOs best known standards. The standards provide guidance and tools for
companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services
consistently meet customers requirements, and that quality is consistently improved.
Standards in the ISO 9000 family include:
ISO 9001:2015 - sets out the requirements of a quality management system
ISO 9000:2015 - covers the basic concepts and language
ISO 9004:2009 - focuses on how to make a quality management system more
efficient and effective
ISO 19011:2011 - sets out guidance on internal and external audits of quality
management systems.

ISO 9001:2015
ISO 9001:2015 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is the only
standard in the family that can be certified to (although this is not a requirement). It

can be used by any organization, large or small, regardless of its field of activity. In
fact, there are over one million companies and organizations in over 170 countries
certified to ISO 9001.
This standard is based on a number of quality management principles including a
strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the
process approach and continual improvement. Using ISO 9001:2015 helps ensure
that customers get consistent, good quality products and services, which in turn
brings many business benefits.

IBS SUPPLY CHAIN FOR OPEN SYSTEM AND CLOSED SYSTEM

The importance of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) was highlighted under the
Strategic Thrust 5 of the Malaysian Construction Industry Master Plan (CIMP).
However, the fragmentation and adversarial relationships among players in the IBS
supply chain has been identified as the major obstacles in the IBS construction
project delivery and environment. The main research will look into the challenges of
IBS supply chains in the project procurement delivery. This paper will present the
results from semi- structured interviews conducted on key IBS supply chain players
with interesting outcomes which include the critical challenges on behavioural issues
of attitude, relationship and communication.
Nowadays, in the era of globalisation and innovation, construction project delivery
and activities need highly technical techniques, skills and working practices that
contribute towards a productive construction environment and sustainable
development (Isnin et. al, 2012). Thus, the construction industry is highly concern on
addressing the evaluation of manufactured product in relation to control sustainability
and waste generation of the construction environment. In support of this, the
Malaysian construction industry has introduced the IBS construction approach as
being of significant importance on enhancing the construction controlled environment
which transferred on-site to off-site manufacturing products. IBS requires a high level
of coordination and integration of supply chains from the design, manufacturing and
construction stages and involves relationships between many organisations and
processes with the evolution of many specialised roles and embedded relationships.
The success of IBS construction depends on the understanding of the factors that

drive the construction success as well as the problems and challenges around it
(Gibb &Isack, 2001).
However, the fragmentation and adversarial relationships among players in the IBS
supply chain has been identified as the main hindrance of the IBS construction
project delivery. Difficult to integrate and establishing integration between IBS supply
chain is attributed to the variety of professions and skills involved in the project
delivery procurement practices (Faizul, 2006) the challenges in achieving successful
delivery of IBS projects would be looking at encouraging integration through the
supply chain integration

Open System:
Supply chain that been use under this system are been made by use several
manufacturer company. Each component of construction are been made by different
manufacturer or supplier. There are several characteristic to be noticed before make
an order such as quality, quantity, market price, extra service location, ability and
potential. These things is very important to maximize the advantages of open
system. This type of system could provide the good challenges between the
manufacturers.

Closed System:
While, supply chain that been use under this type are more uniform and arranged
because all those building component that involved in construction are been
prefabricated under one manufacturer. When it been prepare and plan by one
manufacturer, other works are become easier and smooth. The transportation cost
and time could be reduce to they are under same company. Besides that, that
payment are also become fast.

Open Building movement

1. Levels:
Specific spheres of control in the built environment. The built environment can be
seen as having an hierarchical structure in which higher levels serve as the setting
and context in which lower levels operate. As such, higher levels
exercise dominance over lower levels, while lower levels are dependant on higherlevel structures. Examples of levels include urban design and architecture, or base
building and fit-out.
2. Base building:
The part of a multi-tenant building that directly serves and affects all occupants. In
conventional North American practice, base buildings are constructed by speculative
office building developers, leaving choice and responsibility for the reminder of the
buildingthe fit-out - to occupants. The base building normally includes the building's
primary structure; the building envelope (roof and facade) in whole or part; public
circulation and fire egress(lobbies, corridors, elevators and public stairs); and
primary mechanical and supply systems (electricity, heating and air
conditioning, telephone, water supply, drainage, gas, etc.) up to the point of contact
with individual occupant spaces. Base buildings provide serviced space for
occupancy; Supports is another term for base building.
3. Fit-out (tenant work):
The physical products and spaces controlled by the individual inhabitant or occupant
used to make habitable space in a base building. Fit-out can change without forcing
the base building to change.
4. Capacity:
The measurable quality of a base building to accommodate a range of variations
in floor plan and use within the constraints of a given base building. More generally,
capacity concerns the degree of Open Building freedom offered by a higher level to a
lower level.
Global movement:
1) CIDB/Government adopted this approach in IBS initiative
2) Globally accepted features :
1. Multi- suppliers
2. Flexible Layout (Past Occupation)
3. Prefabrication
4. Life cycle
5. Own fit-out/interior
6. Raised / flexible floor system

ADVANTAGES OF OPEN BUILDING SYSTEM AND CLOSES BUILDING SYSTEM

Open Building System

OBS is the long term and systematic approach toward a positive development of
building industry. The introduction of OBS will not only reengineer our construction
process (supply-chain, trades, design, etc.) but will transform the way of doing
business in construction. It allows openness in IBS supply chain where builders can
bid for lower price of components. It encourages participation from manufactures and
assemblers to enter the market, thus reducing the price of IBS components. OBS
creates new businesses and develop more small and medium company particularly
Bumiputera manufacturer that capable to produce construction components.
OBS also giving the values to customers by providing aesthetical, practical option
and flexibility to construction products profitable market since the supplier will only be
motivated to invest in new products and innovation solution if they can foresee
enough sales. Local technologies on IBS component such as in lightweight
components and interlocking blocks can be fully utilised. OBS allows at some points,
customers and house buyers to be involved in design, trough selection of building
components at the onset of the project. The adoption of the OBS together with fully
utilisation of IBS will greatly benefit the building industry as it increases the
production capacity, lower manpower requirement, shorten construction time,
improve quality and in the long run bring down the overall building cost.

In Open Building System (OBS), a building can use two or more systems. It allows
openness to selects components supplier where everybody can bid to produce lower
price of components. Manufacturer and installer will look for cooperation models that
will create benefit for both. OBS also allows the precaster to produce a limited
number of elements with pre-determined range of product and at the same time
maintaining architectural aesthetic value. The cost of building components will be
reduced in the long run where plenty of options are available in the market. It also
permits hybrid application.
The key aspect of OBS is dimensional coordination to allow flexibility in form of
construction, and the capacity to deal with differences in dimension and tolerance. In
order to obtain an optimal result, a high degree of coordination must exist between
various relevant parties such as designer, manufacturer, owner, and contractor. This
is achieved through an integrated system in which all these functions are performed
under a unified authority. Therefore the subdivision of the building process needs to
reflect the lines of decision making and the definition of responsibilities between the
parties. This subdivision can then be translated into specifications for connections
between building parts.
Open Building System (OBS) was first promoted during the rebuilding years of postwar Netherlands. The rules for dimensions, positions and interfaces of components
are important elements of OBS.

There are several advantages of open building system:

1) OBS is an innovative design and construction
2) It allows interchangeability of components and sub-system from variety of
manufactures and suppliers
3) It takes advantage of an open market of building components that fit together,
geometrically and functionally for a wide variety of building types
4) It will encourage participation from manufactures and assemblers to enter the
market, thus reducing the price of IBS components
5) It advocates a concept of modularity and separation of different levels of
decision-making
6) The use of standard jointing system to fix two or more system together in one
building

7) It allows customer involvement in design. Customer can chose any building

components using components catalogue provided by the developers
8) OBS will encourage higher level of industrialisation through pre-assembly and
automation
9) Longer life span
10)Speed of construction
11) Non dependence on unskilled workers
12)Technology intensive methods
13)Higher level of productivity
14)Significant changes to project management including the need for off site
management
15)Increased efficiency and speed
16)Improved quality
17)Improved predictability
18)In the longer run this system provide cheaper construction cost

Closed Building System

A closed system can be divided into two categories, namely design and production
according to customer design and production based on pre-casters. The first
category is designed to meet customer space requirements, that is, the specific
building design and construction of various features of the space required. In this
case, the customer needs is critical, pre-caster always forced to a specific part of the
building. On the other hand, the fabrication on the basis of pre-casters design,
including design and production of a single building type or alternative of a group of
buildings, can generate common component assortments of. Such building includes
school, parking garage, gas station, low cost housing, etc. Commitment because of
specific design and project large enough to allow for the additional cost of each
component in design and production costs of distribution.
Openerved a large number of architectural design elements of repetition and
standardization. In this regard, a new kind of prefabricated systems can automated
the design and production process to overcome a number of standardized elements
of the requirements. There is sufficient demand, is a typical types such as school
construction, so that mass production can be. There is a pre-caster intensive

marketing strategy to inspire customers and designers in the economic and noneconomic aspects of long-term potential benefits of the system.

There are several advantages of closed system:

1) Meet customer requirement that increasing satisfaction and demands
2) Provide flexible design that could suitable with any type of building
3) Just need specific space
4) Increasing cleanness at the site
5) Reduce construction period
6) Reducing labour during prefabrication of component and site works
7) These method are easy to understand and construct
8) Construction component are guaranteed follow the standard
9) Provide perfect and fully function of construction component
10)There are no wastage and totally could reduce construction cost
TYPES OF IBS
PRECAST CONCRETE FRAMING, PANEL AND BOX SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION
Most common group of IBS products and use the permanent concrete formworks.
A group of IBS which are cast under a controlled condition and moved to the job site.
TYPES OF PRECASTING:
1) On site which is in the prefabrication yard.
2) Off-site which is in the factory.
ADVANTAGES OF PRECAST CONCRETE UNITS:
1) Casting takes place in computer-controlled facilities where an experienced
crew produces units under close supervision.
2) Forms are on the ground, making the placing of steel reinforcing, casting and
curing faster and easier.

3) Inclement weather does not slow down precast construction as easily as it

does cast-in-place jobs.

DISADVANTAGES OF PRECAST CONCRETE UNITS:

There is a limiting factor where their size is determined by what can be moved by
truck or railroad. Highway regulations limit the load sizes and weights. Extra large
precast units can be cast by moving the forms to the job and casting them on the
site.
EXAMPLE:
1) Precast concrete columns.
2) Beams.
3) Slabs and walls.
4) 3-D components.
STEEL FORMWORK SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION
Considered as lowest-level or the least prefabricated IBS as generally involve site
casting and subject to structural quality control. The products offer high quality
finishes and fast construction with less site labour and material requirement.
APPLICATIONS:
1) Hotels.
2) Hostels.
3) Flats.
4) Apartments.
TYPES OF FORMWORK:
1) Wall formwork.
2) Tunnel formwork.

ADVANTAGES:
1) Involves simple operations with a minimum of workers.
2) Construction of concrete buildings become more efficient.
3) Manual labour works can be reduced.
4) Better surface finishes.
5) Mass production of units.
6) Casting under cover.
EXAMPLE:
1) Tunnel forms.
2) Tilt up systems.
3) Beams moulding forms
4) Columns moulding forms
5) Metal deck.
STEEL FRAMING SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION
Steel framing systems have always been the popular choice and used extensively in
the fast-track construction of skyscrapers. It is commonlyused with precast concrete
slabs or metal decks steel framing systems which comprise of steel columns and
beams. This system consisting cost-effective profiled cold-formed channels and
steel portal frame systems as alternatives to the heavier traditional hot-rolled
section.
ADVANTAGES:
1) Buildability.
2) Simplicity of construction.
3) Greater construction speed.

4) Economy of construction can be enhanced further by the large number of

repeated components in the structural system.

EXAMPLE:
1) Light gauge steel framing.
2) Light steel trusses.
PREFABRICATED TIMBER FRAMING SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION
Timber frame system has their own niche market which is offering
designs from simple dwelling units to buildings requiring

high aesthetical values

such as chalets and resorts.

MAJOR IMPORTING COUNTRIES:
1) Europe.
2) Middle East.
3) United States.
4) Japan.
5) Australia.
USES OF TIMBER:
1) Light structural compartments in a permanent structure.
2) Heavy decorative purpose.
3) Timber based products.
ADVANTAGES:
1) Easily available.
2) High weight strength ratio.
3) Suitable for all usage.
4) Beautiful appearance and finishing.
5) High durability if properly treated and used..

interesting

EXAMPLE:
1) Timber building frames.
2) Timber roof trusses.
BLOCKWORK SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION:
1) The tedious and time consuming traditional brick-laying tasks are greatly
simplified by the usage of these alternative method.
2) A walling unit of length, width or height greater than that specified for a
brick.
3) Height of a block shall not exceed either its length or six times its thickness.
TYPES OF BLOCKWORK SYSTEM:
1) Solid block.
2) Hollow block.
3) Aerated or cellular concrete block.
4) Interlocking hollow block.
ADVANTAGES:
1) Reduction in labour usage.
2) Speed of construction.
3) Superior properties such as thermal and sound insulation and also free
resistance.
EXAMPLE:
1) Concrete mansory units.
2) Lightweight concrete units.

GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTATION FOR INDUSTRIALISED BUILDING SYSTEM

The construction industry plays a big role in Malaysias development and expected
be a major contributor towards the realisation of Malaysia Vision 2020. Although the
construction industry is very competitive, it is currently very labour-intensive. The
ineffectiveness and low productivity are caused by the failure of the industry to utilize
the new

as

well

as

other

relevant

labour-reducing

technologies.

IndustrialisedBuilding System (IBS) is a building systems in which structural

components are manufactured in a factory, on or off site, transported and assembled
into a structure with minimal additional site works. In order to remain competitive
especially in the era of globalization, the Malaysian government has formulated a
roadmap called IBS roadmap 2003-2010 to promote the usage of IBS in the local
construction industry. One of the targets is to reduce the level of foreign workers to
only 15% by the year 2010.
Besides reduced dependency on labour, the simplified construction solutions also
offer better control of quality, increased productivity and faster completion, less
wastage, neater and safer construction sites and cleaner environment; which lead to
a lower total construction costs. The usage of IBS is not new in the Malaysian
construction industry, particularly the usage of precast concrete elements in the
construction of dwelling units since nearly four decades ago. From there, numerous
construction projects in Malaysia have utilized IBS, especially when there
requirement is to build fast and with high precision and quality. Nevertheless, the
usage of IBS in the Malaysian construction industry is still very low if compared to
the

conventional

method.

recently

completed

survey

conducted

by

Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) on the application of IBS

by Malaysian contractors shows that the usage in local construction projects is
about 30%.

Industrialised Building System (IBS) is regarded as many terminologies such as a

product, process, technique, approach, system and development model. There have
been many programmes and promotions by Malaysian Government in order to
implement the IndustrialisedBuilding System (IBS) as an efficient and valuable
construction system. Even though the IBS has been used since 1966, there is not an
agreed definition on Industrialised Building System (IBS) which could elaborate this
construction method. Nevertheless, there have been a number of studies which
describe the Industrialised Building System (IBS) as off-site method (manufacturing,
production and construction), construction and building system (automation, nontraditional Industrialisation, innovative solutions, modularisation, prefabricated,
precast and pre-assembled.
Consequently, without considerations to these various definition the main objective of
IBS construction implementation is to improve the efficiency, quality, cost
effectiveness, safety and health, waste reduction and effectiveness within the
construction industry. To achieve this objective, IBS should be viewed as altering the
conventional perception, improving the capability and competency, enhancing the
cooperation, trust and team working, encouraging the innovation and attaining the
high integration. Consequently, major advantages of Industrialised Building System
(IBS) implementation are: faster and cleaner construction, less labour, wastages and
construction costs, site materials reduction, better quality and effective site
management, improve standardization and quality improvement that ultimately will
produceimproved IBS within the construction industry.
IBS is not new in Malaysia and have beenaround since the early sixties. The first
pilot project was initiated by the Government and itwas along JalanPekeliling which
involved3,000 units of low cost flats and 40 shop lots.However, developments in IBS
after that failedto gain support from the industry andconsumers. From a survey done
by CIDB on2003, it was found that the percentage usage ofIBS in the local
construction industry is only ata mere 15%. However, several major worldclass
developers in Malaysia have used some percentage of IBS in their projects.
Among the reasons that have made IBS notvery popular with the developers would
betheabundance of cheap foreign labours in thecountry. Currently there are about
250,000workers in the construction industry. TheGovernment effort to reduce the

foreignworkers to not more than 15 percent of thecountry, labour force in the next
five yearswould be an impetus for the local developers touse IBS. By using a
superior constructiontechnology that requires highly skilled workers,the dependence
on foreign workers wouldsignificantly be reduced.Most of the IBSs in Malaysia have
beenvery recently established in the early 90s.

Thissudden and very rapid growth in the number ofIBSs is in perfect tune and
harmony with thetremendous amount of emphasis for buildingconstruction activities
in the Malaysia SeventhFive-Year Plan. The results of the analysisreveal that the
systems originating from theUnited States are the largest in number in
theconstruction industry in Malaysia (25%),followed by those from Australia and
Germany(17% for each). In all the IBSs used inMalaysia, the locally produced
systems accountfor only 12%. Austria and the U.K. represent 8% and 4%,
respectively. The rest of the buildingsystems (17%) are originally from othercountries
such as Canada, France, Japan, andFinland.Several projects that used IBS can be
seenas follows. i) KLIA ii) Putrajaya Bridge iii)Petronas Twin Towers, iv) KL Sentral.
Even so, the usage of IBS in building isstill low. From a survey conducted by
CIDBMalaysia, the usage level of IBS in the localconstruction industry stands at only
15% (IBSSurvey 2003). The early efforts of theGovernment to encourage the use of
IBS in theconstruction sector has yet to garner a good response, and this sector is
still

practicing

conventional

construction

methods

that

have proven time and again to be wasteful,dangerous and messy. Relatively, the
lowlabour cost in this country is the root cause ofthe industry failing to reform and
beingcomplacent

with

the

of productivity, quality and safety. However, itcannot

current
be

disputed

level
that

to

be

competitive at theinternational level, it is important for theMalaysia construction

industry to evolve and beready for the globalization era where anincrease in
productivity, quality and safety is amust.

IBS ROADMAP 2003-2010

The industry needs one fundamental planthat involves all the important aspects in
thisevolution process. In this respect, the IBSRoadmap 2003-2010 is formulated as
areference

for

all

parties

in

implementing

all programmes towards the modernisation of theMalaysian construction sector. The

IBSRoadmap 2003-2010 has been discussed anagreed upon at the national level
through theIBS Steering Committee and Working Groupsorganized by CIDB
Malaysia where themembers are represented by the governmentsector, developers,
manufacturers,

contractors, professional

bodies,

higher

learning

institutions,associations, and other interested parties in theconstruction industry. The

IBS SteeringCommittee and Working Groups have producedthe IBS Roadmap 2003
- 2010 based on the 5-M strategy (Manpower, Materials-Components-Machines,
Management- Processes-Methods,Monetary and Marketing) and will also ensurethat
its programs are implemented to meet thetotal industrialization ofMalaysias
construction industry by the year 2010.
On achieving a wider scale implementationof IBS scale for Malaysia, the
Government willalso give full exemption on levy imposed By CIDB for developers
who utilize IBScomponents exceeding 50 percent. These wisedecisions made by the
Government willdefinitely create a lot of interest from theindustry to use IBS as an
alternative approachof construction. The next stage of IBS would beto explore the
(export) of the system to overseasmarket. The success of these efforts will enablethe
local construction industry to becompetitive and penetrate the global market.

OTHER TYPE OF IBS SYSTEM

Wood Wool Slab
Thermal insulation is important to improve indoor climate and save energy in a
building. The use of thermal insulation material are, however, often limited in
developing countries. These a several reason, for example the advantages of
thermal insulation materials are not known, then local thermal insulation material are
not available, imported thermal insulation materials are expensive and required
foreign currently, use of thermal insulation materials required modification incurrent
building methods. Wood wool slab are easy to integrate with the most construction
techniques. Many of material traditional used in contemporary buildings such a brick,
concrete, stone, soil block and other. Its have poor thermal insulation capacity. To
reach the same thermal insulation as 100mm of wood wool slab required about 4 m
natural stone, 1.8 concrete, 700mm soil block or concrete hollow block and 500mm
hollow brick.

Characteristic of wood wool

Fire Safe
Fires in underground garages are mostly caused by burning vehicles and result in a
tremendous amount of heat being generated. In order to protect the construction
against high temperatures during the fire, it is important to use high quality and fire
resistant materials. Besides protecting the construction, the protection of people is
significant. Wood wool panels act as a heat shield and protect the construction
during fire. Offers multilayer boards with limited combustibility or, which are noncombustible boards. They do not melt or produce burning droplets, and are rated in
the best class in terms of smoke development.
Acoustic
Reducing sound is important in order to enlarge the living and work comfort level. In
parking garages for example, constant driving in and out causes a considerable
amount of noise. Offers different solutions contributing to quiet living and undisturbed
working above underground garages. The open surface structure of the wood wool
panels ensure outstanding acoustic properties. Offers different solutions, including
combination panels with mineral wool with excellent sound absorption.
Thermal
There are many reasons why should insulate. The most important reasons are lower
energy use, higher level of comfortable living, low investment, and reducing
cost and CO2 emissions, therefor its better for the environment. Thermal insulation
materials earn themselves back quickly, both in new build as in renovation
applications. With its rock mineral wool or polystyrene, multilayer panels ensure

excellent thermal insulation for living and working areas above the underground
garages for example.

Durable
Wood wool is naturally durable. It has the same service life as the building in which it
is used. The wood wool panels are easily fit into a tight ceiling. The high impact
resistance of the wood wool surface ensures optimal protection against any physical
damage.
Eco friendly
In the production of wood wool use is made of environmentally friendly raw materials
and green energy. The packaging of the products has been optimized and production
waste is largely being recycled. With certified wood, Technology and the optimized
production process, the wood wool Insulation delivers guaranteed natural and
sustainable wood wool products. With good type of wood wool are selecting a
qualitative, sustainable solution.
POLYMER IMPREGNATED CONCRETE
Concrete has served as an excellent construction material for many years. However,
conventional concrete has the disadvantage of being susceptible to the ingress of
water. Presence of water inside the concrete frequently causes problems in concrete
structures. The problems, such as freeze-thaw, corrosion of reinforcing bars are
considered to be serious problems because they are progressive and finally lead to
the complete failure of the structure. Deterioration of concrete highway bridge decks
involves a number and interaction of variable such as loading pattern, material
characteristics, and

environmental conditions. There

have

been

extensive

investigations into the nature of deterioration of concrete bridge surfaces.

The use of polymer in concrete has been investigated to improve the strength and
durability performance of concrete. In general, concrete polymer materials can be
divided into 3 such as:
1) Polymer impregnated concrete (PIC)
2) Polymer concrete (PC)
3) Polymer cement concrete (PCC)
Polymer-impregnated concrete (PIC) is prepared by impregnating the dried
conventional concrete with a liquid monomer system. Usually entrapped air is

removed from the concrete prior to monomer application. After the pores of the
concrete are filled. With the monomer, polymerization of the monomer is completed
by means of radiation or the thermal catalytic process.
Polymer-concrete (PC) consists of aggregate and monomer mixed together and
polymerization of the monomer is completed after placement of the m1xture of
monomer and concrete.
Polymer-cement concrete (PCC) is a mixture of cement, water, aggregate, and
monomer. These materials, included the monomer; are mixed_ together and
polymerization is completed after placement.

In general the Polymer has improved the following concrete properties:

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Impressive strength
Tensile strength
Modulus of elasticity
Water permeability
Water adsorption
Resistance to abrasion
Durability

The freeze-thaw durability was increased by more than 360 %. The water
permeability and chemical resistance were reduced to negligible values. The water
absorption decreased by as much as 95 %. The compressive strength of high
pressure steam-cured concrete impregnated with glass forms and radiation
polymerized has been found to be as high as 27000psi, The tensile strength and
modulus of elasticity have been found to increase by 292 % and 80 %, respectively.
However, the reason for increased strength is not completely understood. The
possible explanations are:
1) The polymer acts as a random reinforcement.
2) The polymer increases the bond between the cement paste and the
aggregate.
3) The polymer repairs micro cracks in concrete.
4) The polymer penetrates and reinforces the microspores in concrete.

ALUMINIUM STRUCTURE FORMWORK

Aluminium Formwork System is a construction system for forming cast in place
concrete structure of a building. It is also a system for scheduling and controlling the
work of other construction trades such as steel reinforcement, concrete placement
and mechanical and electrical conduits. The System is fast, simple, adaptable and
very cost effective. It is unique because it forms all of the concrete in a building
including walls, floor slabs, columns, beams, stairs, window hoods, balconies and
various decorative features in exact accordance with the architects' design. The
dimensional accuracy of the concreted work also results in consistent fittings of
doors and windows. The smoothoff form finish of the concrete eliminates the need
for costly plastering. Aluminium Formwork System provides Aluminium Formwork for
RCC load bearing or RCC framed multi-storied buildings and enables the walls and
slabs to be poured in the same operation. These increases efficiency and also
produces an extraordinarily strong structure with excellent concrete finish. Due to the
fine tolerance achieved in the machined metal formwork components, consistent
concrete shapes and finishes are obtained floor after floor. This allows plumbing and
electrical fittings to be prefabricated with the certain knowledge that there will be an
exact fit when assembled. Unlike other construction systems, Formwork Systems of
aluminium forms can be erected by unskilled lab our and without the need for
hoisting cranes. The largest panel weighs not more than 25 KG which means it can
be handled by a single worker.

GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED GYPSUM LOAD BEARING (GFRG)

The threat of climate change caused by the increasing concentration of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere is pushing the whole world into a catastrophic crisis
situation with universal concern. The need of the 21st century is for energy efficient
and eco-friendly products. The building industry accounts for 40% of CO2 emissions.
Building construction causes CO2 emissions as a result of embodied energy
consumed in the production of energy intensive building materials and also the
recurring energy consumption for cooling and heating of indoor environment. Rapid
wall, also called gypcrete panel is an energy efficient green building material with
huge potential for use as load bearing and non-load bearing wall panels. Rapid wall
is a large load bearing panel with modular cavities suitable for both external and
internal walls. It can also be used as intermediary floor slab/roof slab in combination
with RCC as a composite material. Since the advent of innovative Rapid wall panel
in 1990 in Australia, it has been used for buildings ranging from single story to
medium - high rise buildings. Light weighted Rapid wall has high compressive
strength, shearing strength, flexural strength and ductility. It has very high level of
resistance to fire, heat, water, termites, rot and corrosion. Concrete infill with vertical
reinforcement rods enhances its vertical and lateral load capabilities. Rapid wall
buildings are resistant to earthquakes, cyclones and fire.

FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PANEL (FRP)

Fiberglass Reinforced Panels (FRP) are plastic sheets that come in both flat and
corrugated options. They have a wide variety of uses including roofing, skylights,
wall covers, greenhouses, and more. Flat plastic panels commonly have designs,
textures, or patterns molded into the plastic, while corrugated plastic sheets are
typically smooth to the touch. FRP are more dimensionally stable than competing
materials such as PVC or polycarbonate. They can be used over a much broader
temperature range without concerns of warping, excessive expansion and
contraction or cracking and brittleness that is commonly associated with competing
materials. Corrugated plastic sheets are available in various strengths and colors
depending upon application and budget. These range anywhere from economical
agricultural grade panels to extra strong, woven roving reinforced industrial grade
panels where strength and impact resistance are important. Fiberglass roofing
panels are also suitable for use in highly corrosive environments where exposure to
chemicals or saltwater is a concern, are UV resistant to sun exposure and can be
made with fire retardants when required. Heavy-duty commercial grade fiberglass
sheets that are available in either flat or corrugated. The fiberglass panels are
perfect for greenhouses and skylights.

Partition wall
A partition wall is a wall that separates rooms, or divides a room. Partition walls are
usually not load-bearing. Partition walls are constructed of many materials, including
steel panels, bricks, blocks of clay, terra-cotta, concrete, or glass blocks. Generally
these are non-load bearing walls and therefore, their cross section is taken thin.
Purpose of Partition walls are to divide the floor area of the building and for privacy
purposes for the inhabitants of the building.
Advantages of Partition walls is that these walls can be easily constructed because
they are thin in cross section. These walls are light in weight as their cross section is
thin so they occupy less area of the floor.

The Difference between Partition and Bearing Walls.

There are two types of walls in a house, partition and bearing. Partition walls divide
the interior space into rooms but support no weight. Bearing walls function as
dividers, but they also hold up part of the house.
Serving as important structural elements, bearing walls transfer the weight of the roof
and upper floors to the foundation. All exterior walls are bearing walls. They support
the roof at the ends of the joists. The interior bearing walls support the floors above
and the attic weight. They support the joists at midpoint.

TYPES OF PARTITION WALLS

Depending upon the material used partition walls may be divided into the following
different types:
1) Brick partitions
2) Hollow block partition of clay, terracotta or concrete
3) Glass partitions
4) Concrete partitions plain or reinforced
5) Metal lath and plaster partitions
6) A.C. sheet or G.I. sheet partitions
7) Timber partitions

1. Brick Partitions:
This may be constructed with plain bricks, reinforced bricks or bricks nogged.

Plain brick partition

This type of wall is constructed by laying bricks as stretchers in cement mortar. Thus
the wall is generally 10cm (half brick) thick and plastered considerably on both faces.
If properly constructed, it is considerably strong and fire resistant.

Reinforced brick wall (figure 1):

This type of wall is similar to plain brick partition wall except that at every third or
fourth course, the bricks are reinforced with iron straps 25 to 28 mm wide and 1.6mm
thick. Mild steel bars 6mm spaced at every third course of wall may be used as a
substitute for iron straps.

Fig.1: Reinforced Brick Wall

Brick nogging type partition wall (figure 2):

It consists of brickwork built within a framework of wooden members. The framework
consists of vertical posts called studs spaced at 60 cm to 150 cm apart and held in
position by horizontal members called nogging pieces. The nogging pieces are
housed into the studs at 60 cm to 90cm apart vertically. The function of the wooden
framework is to increase stability of the wall both along the length and height and to
make it more right to withstand vibrational effect produced on account of careless
opening or closing of the window or door leaves. The brickwork is built by laying the
brick flat or on edge and the surface is plastered from both sides. Thus the size of
the studs and nogging depends upon the thickness of partition wall. For 10cm thick
partition wall, the studs and nogging should be 15 cm wide so that after the
brickwork is plastered from both the faces, the timber framework may finish flush
with the wall face. This type of partition wall suffers from the drawback of the timber
getting delayed. Moreover, the mortar used may not stick well to the timber members
and thus the brickwork is likely to become loose after sometime.

Fig.2: Bricknogged Partition Wall

2. Hollow brick partition of clay, terracotta or concrete (figure 3):

Hollow blocks moulded from clay, terracotta or concrete are now commonly used for
the construction of partition walls. Such walls are light, rigid, economical, strong and
fire resistant. They have good sound insulating properties. The sizes of the blocks
differ with the texture of the material. The thickness of this type of partition wall varies
between 6 cm to 15 cm. these walls are constructed in similar manner as structural
load bearing walls.

Fig.3: Hollow Brick Partition wall

3. Glass partition walls (figure 4):

These may be made from sheet glass or hollow glass bricks. In case of sheet glass
partitions, sheets of glass are fixed in the framework of wooden members dividing
the entire area into a number of panels. The panels may be square or rectangular
and their size varies with the choice of the individual. Glass partitions are cheap,

light, and easy in construction and provide reasonable privacy and sound insulation.
The cost of maintenance of such partition is much more as glass is liable to break
when struck hard by anything. With the introduction of reinforced glass sheets, this
danger is greatly minimized. Three-ply glass and armour plate glass are some of the
varieties of sheet glass.

Fig.4: Glass Partition Wall

4. Concrete Partition Plain or reinforced (figure 5):

Fig.5: Concrete Partition Wall

Partition walls construction in concrete, plain or reinforced may be cast in situ or built
from panels or blocks, precast wall in advance of the commencement of work.
Generally for cast in situ walls, 10 cm thick and below, the reinforcement consisting
of mild steel bars or B R C fabric is placed in the centre of the wall thickness.
Concrete mix usually adopted in the work is M15 (1:2:4). The wall is cast
monolithically with the intermediate columns so as to be rigid and stable both along
its length and height. In case of precast concrete partition walls, precast concrete
slab panels and special shaped concrete post are used. The slabs are generally 32
mm thick and are inserted in the grooves of the precast post and the joints are
subsequently filled with mortar.

5. Metal lath and plaster partitions:

Metal lath and plaster when properly laid forms a reinforced wall which is thin,
strong, durable and is considerably fire resistant. The metal lath is available in
variety of patterns and it generally requires a framework of steel or timber for the
purpose of fixing it in position. In case of partition walls with steel frames, lath is
generally tied by galvanized iron wire to mild steel bars or channels spaced 15 to 30
cm apart. The latter is fixed on one side and the plaster is applied on both sides of
the lath. This type of partition wall may be 5 to 7.6 cm in thickness.
In order to achieve improved insulation against heat and sound, metal lath and
plaster partition walls can also be made with a cavity between the wall thickness.
This type of hollow partition wall is constructed by fixing the metal lath on both sides
of specially shaped steel channels spaced at 30 to 45 cm apart. Depending upon the
width of cavity desired, the channels are generally 3 to 10cm deep.

6. A.C. Sheet or G.I. Sheet partitions:

Partition walls constructed from asbestos cement sheeting or galvanized sheet fixed
to wooden or steel members are mostly adopted in works of temporary character.
These walls are economical, light and fairly rigid if constructed properly.
For superior type of asbestos cement sheet partition walls, specially manufactured
slabs of the above said material are used. Each slab consists of core or corrugated
asbestos cement sheet with the plain asbestos cement sheet attached to it on either
side. The use of such slabs renders the partition wall more fire-resistant and makes it
have good heat and sound insulation properties.

7. Timber partitions:
This type of partition walls consists of a wooden framework either supported on the
floor below or by side walls. The framework consists of a rigid arrangement of timber
members which may be plastered or covered with boarding etc from both the sides.
Such partitions are not fire-resistant and the timber forming the partition is likely to
decay or be eaten away by white ants. With the introduction of new building
materials, the use of timber partitions is getting gradually reduced these days.

Benefit of constructing dry partition wall.

Advanced dry partition wall has emerged as the new focus to modern technology in
homes. The major developers have led the industry into using dry partition walls

between rooms in their residential projects. The constant improvement in

performance for plasterboard to suit the use in residential projects has ensured that
such wall system now meets high level specific cations in the areas of acoustic
insulation, thermal insulation and resistance to fi re and damp conditions. Besides
meeting statutory functional requirements such as fi re ratings, the heavy duty
drywalls are able to resist high impact and support loads such as televisions and
cabinets. Performance-wise, the system is suitable for severe duty usage, having
passed the strength and robustness tests such as: Stiffness, Door Slam, and Impact,
Heavyweight Anchorages tests, in accordance to Singapore Standard SS492:2001.
High performance drywalls are tested to severe duty standards in strength and able
to withhold minimum loading of 25 kg at each point. The fi re rating for the board is
about 1 hour which satisfy as the fi re safety requirement for residential buildings.
Despite the heavy duty label, the drywalls are lightweight (about 10-15% the weight
of conventional brick walls); allowing designers to adopt lighter structures, which
results in savings in foundations cost. The drywall system is slimmer than
conventional brick walls, thus creating more usable space for the rooms.

Installation of dry partition wall.

The ease of installation of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services within the
boards will reduce the noise pollution that may be created with the hacking of brick
walls to embed the services, providing a cleaner and environmentally friendly site.
The drywall system can be easily installed and quickly relocated according to ones
needs. Homeowners can renovate and redesign the interior layouts within a short
time, there is no messy hacking of concrete or bricks and no debris to the

environment. The use of this system also facilitates dry construction that does not
require for messy plastering as its smooth and even surfaces are ready to receive
paint fi niches directly. Without the use of plastering, it would eliminate the possible
defects arising from low standard of workmanship. Such advantages have led
developers to use drywalls for various developments, including good class
residential projects.

Dry wall supporting strength.

For light and medium duty anchor for fi xtures such as mirrors, light fi tting or picture
frames on drywalls, simply use screwdriver to insert and tighten the screw until
secure. There is no need for hammer drills to make holes in concrete or brick and no
unsightly chunks of concrete or brick breaking out through imprecise workmanship.
The drywall system is also able to support heavy fi xture such as large wall
cupboards and heavy wall cabinets, but homeowners are advised to get contractors
to carry out the installation work with proper heavy duty anchors. Developers like
City Developments Limited, Capitaland Residential Limited, Far East Organization
and World Class Land have adopted high performance drywall system instead of
conventional brick walls in their recent projects, due to its quality and sustainability.

CONCLUSION

Malaysia need to use this IBS as it had a lot of positive impact to the construction
industry. When we use this system, it will uplift our level of construction industry
comparable with international construction industry level.
By using this system, we will speed up all the construction process since all the
building system are casting in the factory. When the system reached the site, it just
going through the assembling process.
The quality control of the site management will be increased. This is because, there
is no much works are being done on the site. The usage of tools and materials will
be reduced. It will facilitate all the workers to ensure the site are always in a good
condition.
When there is a good quality control, the number of accident occur in the site will be
decreased or maybe zero. With the good condition of site, it will easier the site safety
or site officer to do the regular inspection on the site condition and the machineries
used.