Table of Contents

1.0 TOPIC: Site Preparation....................................................................................3

1.1 Site survey.................................................................................................... 3
1.1.2 Soil investigation.................................................................................... 4
1.1.3 Site clearance......................................................................................... 5
1.1.4 Site topography...................................................................................... 5
1.2 Underground water....................................................................................... 6
1.2.1 Prevention from the underground water.................................................6
1.3 Corrugated electrical pipe............................................................................ 7
1.4 Site security.................................................................................................. 7
1.4.1 The regulations:...................................................................................... 7
1.5 Metal sheet hoarding.................................................................................... 9
1.6 Vertical safety net....................................................................................... 10
1.7 Temporary wooden fencing.........................................................................10
1.8 Storage of materials................................................................................... 11
1.9 Electrical supply to construction site..........................................................11
1.10 Facilities on the site - Office Accommodation...........................................11
1.10.1 Accommodation for workers...............................................................12
1.10.2 Toilet................................................................................................... 12
1.11 Excavation................................................................................................ 13
1.12 Soil compaction........................................................................................ 15
1.13 Reinforced concrete retaining wall...........................................................16
1.14 Disposal of construction waste.................................................................17
2.0 TOPIC: Formwork........................................................................................... 18
2.1 Type of formwork........................................................................................ 18
2.2 Type of form board used.............................................................................18
2.3 Formwork Process....................................................................................... 18
2.4 The building structures............................................................................... 19
2.4.1 Columns............................................................................................... 19
2.4.2 Slabs..................................................................................................... 20
2.4.3 Staircase............................................................................................... 21
2.4.4 R.C. water tank..................................................................................... 22
2.5 Protection for the formwork:.......................................................................23
2.6 Removal of form boards:............................................................................23
3.0 TOPIC: Deep Basement.................................................................................. 24

3.1 Foundation.................................................................................................. 24
3.2 Piling........................................................................................................... 26
3.3 Basement................................................................................................... 29
3.4 Car Park...................................................................................................... 33
3.5 Retaining Wall............................................................................................. 34
4.0 TOPIC: Structural Frame............................................................................... 37
4.1 Introduction................................................................................................ 37
4.3 Method of Construction..............................................................................38
4.4 Concrete..................................................................................................... 39
4.5 Wall............................................................................................................. 39
4.6 Columns..................................................................................................... 41
4.7 Beams........................................................................................................ 42
4.8 Slabs........................................................................................................... 44
4.9 Pilecap........................................................................................................ 45
4.10 Honeycomb.............................................................................................. 45
5.0 TOPIC: External Envelope..............................................................................47
5.1 Masonry Wall.............................................................................................. 47
5.2 Glass Panel................................................................................................. 49
5.3 Paint........................................................................................................... 49
5.4 Doors.......................................................................................................... 50
5.5 Windows..................................................................................................... 50
5.6 Roof............................................................................................................ 51

1.0 TOPIC: Site Preparation

1.1 Site survey
1.1.1 Location of the site

Figure 1.1 Location Plan

Figure 1.2

Key Plan

Figure 1.3 Construction Site

This construction site we visited is located at SS4, jalan SS4/4C.

Between the site and the electric transmission line is a drainage that exist before the
constrction site, and Kelana Jaya LRT station at the most right hand side of the photo shown
above. Every information in this report stated about the site is provided by Ms Joanne and Mr
Ng from the site. Photos are taken on the worksite.

Figure 1.4 Original topography of the site.

Figure 1.5 Sea level of ground

32.26 meter and 27.6 meter is the original level that above the sea level (0m) of the site
before any excavation and backfill work. The existing level of the site now is 28 meter above
the sea level.
1.1.2 Soil investigation

The purpose of doing soil investigation is to determine the suitability of the site for the
proposed project. We have to first find out the difficulties which may arise during the
constrcution process and period.
The soil samples can be obtained as disturbed or undisturbed sample. In this construction site,
its undisturbed sample. Undisturbed samples allow an engineer to determine the geotechnical
properties of strength, permeability, compressibility and fracture patterns among others. Drill
rigs to collect undisturbed soil samples at depth. The sampling tool is pitcher barrel sampler.

1.1.3 Site clearance

Site clearance in this site involved removal of vegetation, some area that covered by bushes
and tree stumps. There are no existing old building or old foundation in the site, therefore
there are no demolition work so that the site clearance progress is easy and fast.
1.1.4 Site topography

The topography of this site is a slope. The level from the temporary entrance of the site is
lower than the level of the main entrance of the site which will be built after the podium is
done. The difference from highest level and the lowest level of ground is 4 meter. There are

backfill 1 meter of soil to become the existing level now which is 28 meters above the sea
level.

1.6 Ground Level Difference

1.7 Slope of The Site

Photo above cleary shown that the site is a slope. This place will be the main
entrance and the temporary site entrance at the other end will be closed after
the podium is done constructed. This is the higher level.
1.2 Underground water

There are underground waters found under the site start from 2-4 meters. However, they do
not have deep excavation and underground basement, therefore the underground water
doesnt have big impact on the construction work. The basement on the site is existing
basement.
1.2.1 Prevention from the underground water
1.2.1.1 Subsoil drainage pipe

Subsoil drainage pipe is buried below the ground around 1 meter deep. This is for removal of
excess ground water purpose. The water will be carried out from the ground and disposal to
the drainage between the LRT and the site.

1.8 Subsoil Drainage

Subsoil drains require the use of filters to prevent in-situ soil from being wasted into drains.
The white colour things that wrapped around the subsoil drainage pipe is geotextile material
covering which is to prevent clogging and keep the water flowing.

1.3 Corrugated electrical pipe

1.9 Electrical Pipe

Corrugated electrical pipe is a type of electrical conduit that used to protect and provide route
of electrical wiring. There are also inserted below the ground around 1 meter deep. This is to
prevent all the telephone cables, electric cables from direct contact with underground water,
and also erosion.
1.4 Site security

There are three primary objectives of site security which are security against theft, from
vandals and also protection from innocent trespassers.
1.4.1 The regulations:

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 - Act 415 provides the legislative
framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of safety and health at work.
The aim is to promote safety and health awareness, and establish effective safety organisation
and performance through self-regulation schemes designed to suit the particular industry or
organisation.
Where the need for secure fencing around construction sites is made clear is in the
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. While I do research for the CDM
regulation and laws, I found out this law is only applied in British. Though, I found that rules
and regulation of CDM is very essential as it is protecting the workers safety on site. I got
the knowledge of principles and responsibilities of each party imposed by law too.
Malaysia does have a law that is similar with the CDM in UK which is OSHA. Both is to
manage and control the health and safety manner in constructions site. The difference
between CDM and OSHA act is the entire parties, including the designer is regulated for the
duties and responsible to health and safety in a construction project. Safety and health is not
9

is duty that should be handled by the contractor but all the parties should be involved. This is
to be fail for all the parties.
The Act provides a comprehensive and integrated system of law to deal with the safety and
health of virtually all people at work and the protection of the public where they may be
affected by the activities of people at work. This could mean preventing members of the
public from entering the construction or building site as they pass by, or even ensuring that
only authorised workers and delivery drivers are allowed on site. While a perimeter fence or
site hoarding will stop anyone accessing a site.
There are typical site security provisions in this construction site as shown on the photos
below:

Figure 1.10 Floodlighting

Floodlighting-This is to enables work to proceed in poor daylight level and also could be
used as a measure of night security.

Figure 1.11 Office

Lockable office for small and all the valuable and security items
10

Figure 1.12 The strong and lockable site entrance gates

Figure

1.13

Guard house beside the site entrance.

1.5 Metal sheet hoarding

Close boarded hoarding adjacent to public highway and footpath. Metal sheet hoarding is
used in the site. The hoarding needs to be adequately constructed to provide protection for the
public, resist impact damage, resist anticipated with pressures and adequately lit at a night.
Height of the hoarding is 1900mm.

Figure 1.14 Hoarding around the site boundary

1.6 Vertical safety net

This type of safety net is used on the site at the side that facing the LRT area to prevent
dangerous object from falling to the public area. However, as shown in the pictures below, the
existing safety net around the area that facing LRT is not enough, there are still a lot spaces
without the safety net protection exposed to the public. Every areas should be covered by
safety net to prevent any accident happened.

11

Figure 1.15 Safety Nets

1.7 Temporary wooden fencing

12

Figure 1.16 Temporary Wooden Fencing

At the high level, there are temporary wooden fencings around the boundary of condominium
construction area to prevent people from falling down to the edges. Also act as the reminder
for the workers that that is the edges of that area.

1.8 Storage of materials

Most of the materials, like bricks, scaffolds, wooden frame, metal sheets and other
construction materials are put at not fully covered area. But all of them are wrapped with
many layers of plastics to prevent direct contact with the rainwater.

13

Figure 1.17 Storage

1.9 Electrical supply to construction site

The work progresses power is required for site lightning, hand held power tools and large
item of plants. The supply of electricity to the site is from the nearest lamp post from the
neighborhood.
1.10 Facilities on the site - Office Accommodation

The office accommodation of the site is timber frames huts.

Figure 1.18 Accommodation Office

1.10.1 Accommodation for workers

Meals room for the workers. They can be drinking waters, boiling water and also eating
meals on site.

14

Figure 1.19 Accommodation for Workers

1.10.2 Toilet

Figure 1.20 Accomodation

15

Shelter and accommodation for clothing- All employed on site have their shelter for resting
and also a place for depositing clothes.

Figure 1.21 Shelter

1.11 Excavation

Excavation is the first step of construction. There is no deep excavation conducted in this site.
The excavation work carried out in this site is mostly for minor work like piling cap and
retaining wall. The deepest level for excavation in this site is 3 meters. The machinery used is
excavator.
There are two type of excavation, first one is reduce level. Reduce level which is carried out
below oversite level to form a level surface on which to build and can consist of both cutting
and filling operation. The level to which the ground is reduced is called formation level.

16

Because the original topography of the site is not 28 meters from the sea level, there are some
uneven grounds that exceed and also below the required level, therefore leveling work is
done to make sure that after cut and fill work, the exiting level of the site is 28 meter from the
sea level. The advantages of using this method is the amount of material from cuts roughly
matches the amount of fill, and this will minimizing the amount of construction labour and
cost. Good condition of soils that cut from cut section is used to backfill the ground.
However, not all the soils conditions are goods, therefore they had bought in extra soil from
outside. The average backfill level of the soils is 1 meter at the site. Backfill is use to
strengthen and support a structures foundation.

Figure 1.22 Declining Slope

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Figure 1.23 Area Excavated

The grey colour part in the plan shown in the photo above is the level that being
excavated.

Figure 1.24 Open Trench Excavation

Open trench excavation is done for the retaining wall as there are no as there are no sores,
pilling and sheeting are used to hold back the soil at the edge of excavation.
18

Diagram below shows how the open trench excavation work done at the site:

Figure 1.25 Open Trench Excavation Process

The advantage of this method is no temporary support required to sides of excavation while
the disadvantage is that extra cost of over excavating and extra backfilling.
1.12 Soil compaction

Soil compaction is done when after every 300mm of soils is added at the fill section. Again,
new 300mm of soils will be added again after the previous 300mm soils are compacted. This
process is repeated until the backfill level is reached the required level. 25 tons of weight is
being extracted to the soil for compaction.
Machineries that used for soil compaction is walk-behind roller and vibrator compactor.

Figure 1.26 Walk-behind roller

The equipment that used to test the compaction of the soils is mackintosh. This is manually to
operate. The worker will lift and push the equipment until the reading show it drop not more
than 25 blow which is around 1 inch, then the soils can be says as compacted.
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1.13 Reinforced concrete retaining wall

The retaining wall is built after the excavation work to prevent the soil erosion. The thickness
of the retaining wall is 400mm. The height of the retaining walls is different at different level
as the topography of the site is a slope. The highest of the wall is 3800mm while the lowest is
1160mm.

Figure 1.27 Reinforced concrete retaining wall

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Figure 1.28 Retaining Walls

Retaining walls is not surrounded the whole boundary of the site but only the area where soil
excavation work is done before.
1.14 Disposal of construction waste

This construction site is handling the construction waste by follow the Green building Index
(GBI). The wastes are separate to recyclable and non-recyclable bins. Once the bins are full,
people from Alam Flora Company will come and collect to disposal out from the site.
Material like iron will sell for factory to remanufacturing. The rating from GBI to the site
now is Gold rating but due to the client requirement they need to achieve the platinum rating.

21

Figure 1.29 Waste Management

2.0 TOPIC: Formwork

2.1 Type of formwork

Type of formwork used in the construction site: traditional timber formwork.

This type of formwork is used as:
The advantages are the construction cost is cheaper as the material is easy to find, cheap
and is reusable for several times, plus the form board is easier to cut.
The disadvantages are the form board is easily to damage when bending it or exposing to
too much of weather and it is time consuming as the concrete takes days for curing, but this
disadvantage didnt affect much as the construction site is small and it is not in hurry like
industrialize building that need to gain profits immediately.

2.2 Type of form board used

Type of form board used: plywood with the thickness of 12mm.

22

The plywood is recyclable. It can be used for 3 times and is dispose later. Thus, the cost
of construction can be lower.
Besides that, plywood have smooth and even surface on all faces which come in contact
with concrete. Thus, the surface of the concrete after harden will be smooth.
But sometimes honeycomb will happen when the concrete is too dry or improper
vibration during concrete.

2.3 Formwork Process

The process of constructing a formwork:

The surface of the form board is applied with black oil. (The black oil is recycled from
the used black oil for car engines, thus more cost is saved.) By applying black oil, a physical
barrier s for between the form board and the concrete giving a quick, clean and easy release,
providing a smooth surface for the concrete.
Next, the shape of the building parts is formed and rebar with the diameter of 20mm is
placed inside of the form boards.
Concrete is pour into the form boards lastly. The concrete pouring is done by man-power
to save cost as the construction site is small. For small structure, concrete is poured using pail
while big structure used bucket.

2.4 The building structures

The building structures that used formwork system:

2.4.1 Columns
Figure 2.1 Columns with the form
boards.

Figure 2.2 After the removal of the form

boards.

From the pictures above, one can notice that the surface of the column is smooth. The
rebar extends out from the concrete column; the slab will be built on top. The grade of the
concrete used is 25 as these are the basement protected columns, besides that shrinkage
cracks could be reduced with the use of lower grade of concrete such as Grade 25 concrete.

23

2.4.2 Slabs
Figure 2.4 The side of the formwork

Figure 2.3 The slabs are built on top of

the columns

Figure 2.5 Scaffolding

24

Grade 25 concrete is used too in the construction on slabs. Only for the slab of the
swimming pool used grade 30 as the slab is exposed. From the picture, one can notice that the
slab is supporting by lots of scaffolding.

Figure 2.6 U-jack (left) and jack bear

The size of the scaffolding used in the (right)

construction site is 4.5 diameters, 1.2 widths with
the height of 0.9 for lower slab and height of 1.7m for a higher slab.
Figure 2.7 The u-jack is used to support
the wood beam

Figure 2.8 Jack bare is used to support

ground

Figure 2.9 The cross

shaped steel bar
between the scaffolding
is called joint pin. It is
used to support

2.4.3 Staircase

25

Figure 2.10 Formwork for staircase

Figure 2.11 Formwork for the riser of the staircase

Grade 25 concrete is used for staircase too. From the picture above, one can notice
that the form boards used for the staircase are nailed together. One of the advantages of
plywood is it is easily workable with nails without splitting, and at the same time save a lots
of cost. The construction for the staircase has to wait until the slab below it is completely
done only able to start, just to make sure the construction of the staircase will not sink later as
the concrete of the slab might not be strong enough to stand the weight of the staircase.
The walls on the construction site did not use formwork method, all of them used
bricks.
2.4.4 R.C. water tank

Figure 2.12 R.C Water

Figure 2.13 Form tie

The construction for the R.C. water tank is delay due to the change ofTank
design.
But
from the picture, we can notice the form boards are tied together using form tie. The form tie
prevents breakage in the form work, thus keeping concrete structure in good shape. The form
tie is reusable except the separator will be casted in to the wall and the others will be
removed, which helps to save lots of cost.

26

2.5 Protection for the formwork:

Normally, platinum will be applied on the form board to protect it from the weather,
but it is expensive thus the construction site did not protect the formwork with it. Instead
they used plastic cover to cover it up to save cost.
2.6 Removal of form boards:

Total days used to wait for the removal of formwork is 7 days. But if the formwork is
not ready yet, the workers will wait for another 7 days (total 14 days) to remove the form
boards. The workers will perform a test cube for the formwork, which have the same
component as the formwork the constructed. If the form board of the test cube is ready to
remove, then the formwork of the column is ready too. With the test cube, they dont have
to remove the form board from the construction site just to check the if it is ready and will
not damage the concrete structure.

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3.0 TOPIC: Deep Basement

3.1 Foundation

Figure 3.0 The Slope in Construction Site

The original ground is has a declining slope from 32.26m above sea level to 27.65m
above sea level from the entrance onwards to the other end of the construction site. The
ground level of the construction site is then adjusted to the level of 28m above sea level to
eliminate the level difference in both ends. The higher ground will be cut and excavated then
adding a retaining wall to hold the soil pressure while the lower ground will be back filled
and compacted to get a consistent ground level of 28m above sea level. The foundation
layerings of this construction site is labeled as below:

28

Figure 3.1 Foundation Layerings

According to UBBL, By-law no. 82 (1), the drainage of subsoil should be carried
out before layering in the foundation. Wherever the dampness or position of the site of a
building renders it necessary, the subsoil of the site is effectively drained or such other steps
shall be taken as will effectively protect the building against damage from moisture.
Therefore, a plastic layer is laid in the foundation to prevent the intrusion of water to the
foundation layers and weaken it. The plastic layer in the foundation is the most important
layer as it act as a waterproofing membrane to insulate moisture in the ground to damage the
foundation.
According to UBBL, By-law no. 83 (1), the constructional requirement requires the
site to gain protection against soil erosion, therefore an all air-wells and open spaces in and
around buildings are needed to suitably protected against soil erosion while By-law no. 83
(2) mentioned all ground under raised buildings are suitably finished and graded to prevent
the accumulation of water or the growth of unwanted vegetation or for the breeding of
vermin. So the concrete and bar reinforced concrete (BRC) layers are added to the foundation
to make sure the ground is firm and the hard coal layer made it compact and solid to prevent
the soil getting loose. As the topsoil being removed too also prevent the pilings being affected
by the grow of vegetation below the ground.

29

30

3.2 Piling

The foundation in this construction site opted for pile foundations. The piling dimensions
come with 7 sizes:
1. 150mm x 150mm
2. 200mm x 200mm
3. 230mm x 230mm
4. 250mm x 250mm
5. 275mm x 275mm
6. 300mm x 300mm
7. 350mm x 350mm
The reason of using different dimension of pilings is because different area of the
podium carry different weight such as the heavier side of the apartment have greater
dimension of the piles compare to the piles under the semi-d which have lesser bearing
capacity.
Piling method used in this construction is Driving Pile where RC pile is used to drive
the pile directly into the ground. Piles Shape used is Square in Size instead of round pile .The
depth of the pilings being driven in will be depending on the soil setting and the pile working
capacity. The concrete using for all RC pile is grade 45 concrete while the RC pile cap will be
using grade 35 concrete.
PILECAP

PILECAP

TYPE

DEPTH (D)

1P 175x175
2P 175x175
3P 175x175
4P 175x175
2P 200x200
2P 225x225
4P 225x225
2P 250x250
2P 275x275
2P 300x300
2P 325x325
2P 350x350

600
600
600
700
600
600
700
600
650
700
700
850

PILECAP REINFORCMENT
X
4T12
9T12
7T16
7T16
9T12
9T12
7T16
6T16
7T16
8T16
9T16
11T16

Y
4T12
5T12
7T16
7T16
4T16
5T16
7T16
6T20
4T25
5T25
5T25
6T25

Z
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
3T12
5T12

PILE WORKING
CAPACITY (kN)

350
450
600
700
900
1050
1300
1450

Figure 3.2 Set of Pile cap Dimensions

31

Figure 3.3 Different of Pile Caps Sizes

The pile cap excavated at the designed founding level. The pile caps to transmit the
load from the structure from the column to the group of piles. Different sizes of pile caps are
designed to suit different dimension of pilings so that it can safely transmit the loads onto the
pile without mismatch of sizes.While the function of the stump is to connect the column to
the pile caps.

Figure 3.4 Piling Structure

32

According to UBBL, By-law no.73 (1), (2), (3), these elements and setting of the
piling is require so that it is able to safely sustain and transmit to the ground the combined
dead load, imposed load and wind load in such a manner as not to cause any settlement
beyond the limits designed for or other movement which would impair the stability of, or
cause damage to, the whole or any part of the building or of any adjoining building or works.
The piling depth is various because each pile have to be taken down to such a depth, or be so
constructed as to safeguard the building against the damage by swelling and shrinking of the
subsoil; and capable of adequately resisting any attacking by sulphates or any other
deleterious matter present in the subsoil.

3.3 Basement

33

Figure 3.5 Views on the Basement Spaces

Figure 3.6 Basement, Column, & Beam Measurements

The main function of the basement level is to serve as car parking area. The basement
height below the podium is 4300mm tall while the height of the basement below the
apartment and Semi-D with carparks is 4400mm~4450mm tall. The columns dimension
below the podium are 300x600 while the columns supporting the car pack area of the semids basement uses a columns size of 300x 1000. The concrete type used in the construction of
the basement is Grade 25 Concrete.
The frame of the basement is categorize as a Reinforced Concrete frame. The floor
slab of the basement floor is 150mm thick. Weight of the podium is supported by columns &
beams.Conventional Design: Not using I Beam in basement construction. While it is
34

supported by concrete beam by pouring concrete onto formwork with rebar installed in it and
letting it to cure.

Figure 3.7 Ventilation of Basement

The ventilation of this basement will be assisted by the two entrances opening, one
located at the basement with another opening at the ground floor. While this basement is not
fully enclosed as it consists of one side of the basement wall supported only by columns
connected with metal hand railing.
Podium is an elevated site built to connect the semi-D blocks with the apartment
blocks as a suspended ground.

Figure 3.8 Semi-D

Figure 3.9 Apartment

The podium will be built after the construction of both semi-Ds and apartments are
completed to avoid having the podium to carry the weights of machineries needed but instead
just locate them at the actual ground.

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Figure 3.10 The Pools Beam Thickness

Beam thickness is various as different of parts of the podium need to support different
of weights especially around the pool area with the thickest at 900mm..
According to UBBL, By-law no.73 (1), the differential measurements of beam and
column in this design of basement frame and similar underground structures, provision is
made for the lateral pressure of adjacent soil, due allowance being made for possible
surcharge from fixed or moving loads.

Figure 3.11 Rebars

36

All of the reinforced concrete columns in the basement have different types,
quantities, spacings and diameters of rebar constructed inside it.

Figure 3.12 Different Rebar Configurations in Column

Figure 3.13 Types of Rebar

37

3.4 Car Park

The basements carpark is designed to have a total of 120 car parking lot. With SemiD housing basement having 2 units of car parking lots each, while the apartment residents
will have sharing car parks at the basement. The basement also provide motorbike parking lot
as well as car parking lot for the disabled.While, there is only two entrance to the basements
car parking area, where the first one is located at the first floor, while the other entrance is
located at the basement, with the exits is the entrances itself. The width of the path way to
allow vehicle in two opposite ways of traffics is 6000mm.

Figure 3.14 The Carparks of Semi-D

Vehicle charging station is not provided in this residential building. The sizes of car
parking lot, motorbike parking lot, and disabled car park lot is as below:

38

Figure 3.15 Car Parks Sizes

According to UBBL, By-law 59, Fourth Schedule, Uses & Loads, the load bearing
capacity for the basement ground to safely sustain the weight of the vehicle is 5kN/ m 2. For
the purposes of this by-law, the floor for driveways and vehicle ramps for passenger vehicles
and light vans not exceeding 2500kg goress weight should be able to handle imposed load of
5kN/m2. While garages for car parking for passenger vehicles and light vans not exceeding
2500kg gross weight must sustain a minimum weight of 2.5kN/m2.
3.5 Retaining Wall

Figure 3.16 Retaining Wall Figure

Configuration

H
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000

L
1000
1300
1500
1900
2100
2400
2850
3100
3600
4100

T1
250
250
300
300
350
400
450
450
600
650

3.17 Reading of Rebar

R.C. RETAINING WALL DETAILS G30

T2
a
b
c
250
Y10-175 Y10-350 Y12-250
250
Y10-175 Y10-350 Y12-250
300
Y12-200 Y10-400 Y12-250
300
Y16-225 Y16-450 Y12-200
350
Y16-200 Y16-400 Y12-200
400
Y20-225 Y20-450 Y12-200
450
Y20-175 Y20-350 Y16-225
450
Y25-225 Y25-450 Y16-225
600
Y25-175 Y25-350 Y20-225
650
Y25-125 Y25-250 Y20-150

e
Y12-275
Y12-275
Y12-275
Y12-275
Y12-250
Y12-200
Y12-200
Y12-200
Y12-200
Y12-200

f
Y10-200
Y10-200
Y10-200
Y10-200
Y10-175
Y10-150
Y10-150
Y12-200
Y12-200
Y12-200

Figure 3.18 R.C. Retaining Wall Details

39

The thickness and height of retaining walls various throughout as it descend from the
entrance onward to the other end as it need to withstand different amount of pressure. The
combination of thicknesses and heights and length of the retaining walls is a fixed variable as
shown as above. The constant set of measurements is to give a consistent dimension ratio to
the retaining wall so that it wouldnt have weaknesses in a part of these barriers.

Figure 3.19 Retaining Wall Exterior

Figure 3.20 Waterproofing of

Retaining Wall

The retaining wall at the entrance which holds on to the soil pressure coming from the
slope after being excavated have a thickness of 200mm to 300mm from the top to the bottom.
While the retaining wall will extend 1750mm into the soil below to further sustain the
pressure coming from the excavated slope.

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Figure 3.21 The sides of Retaining Walls

The retaining wall is built before the adjacent ground is filled so that it can keep the
sand filling in place. The retaining wall will act as a barrier to maintain the soil position. Only
3 sides of the construction site have the retaining wall built, which both sides of the site had
retaining wall built underground to stabilize the ground layers and soil condition within the
construction site and to prevent the soil within the site from getting out and falling off to the
river beside the construction area.
There are two grading of concrete being used in the retaining wall. If the retaining
wall below 4000mm grade 25 concrete will be chosen to construct it, while retaining wall
exceeding the height of 4000m will be constructed with grade 35 concrete.
The retaining wall is constructed by pouring concrete layer by layer onto it after the
layer before it is cured. Rebar is also installed between each layer of the retaining wall to
reinforce the strength of the wall. All retaining wall faces in contact with the earth are painted
with two coats of bituminous paint.as it is a waterproofing painting material while the white
polystyrene sheets are Sika waterproofing membrane to prevent the moisture from damaging
the retaining wall.
According to UBBL, By-law no.73 (2) & (3), when a portion or the whole of the
adjacent soil is below a free water surface, computation is based on the weight of the soil
diminished by buoyancy plus full hydrostatic pressure. In the design of basement floors and
similar structures underground, the upward pressure of water, if any, are taken as the full
hydrostatic pressure applied over the entire area. Therefore, a the retaining wall thickness and
height are increasing for that the deeper the retaining wall goes, it needs to sustain the
hydrostatic pressure in the soil below the foundation layers too.

41

4.0 TOPIC: Structural Frame

Structural frame is the complex columns, beams, girders, spandrels, and trusses connected to
one another and to the columns anchored in a foundation, as well as other components or
members necessary for the stability structure.
4.1 Introduction

CONDOMINIUM

SEMI-D

Figure 4.1

First and foremost, for introducing the site, a row of Semi-D housing under progress is on our
left hand side, and the 5 storeys of apartment on our right. The floor where we were standing
on is the basement car park.
4.2 Type of Structural Frame
There are two types of frames structures which are categorized as:
i
ii

Rigid Frame Structure (Pin ended and Fixed ended)

Braced frame structure (portal frames and Gabled frames)

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Figure 4.2

The type of structural frame for the Semi-D housing and the 5 storeys apartment is Fixed
Ended Rigid Structural Frame. The end conditions of this type of structural frame system are
usually fixed. Rigid frame structure is more stable than other frame structures. This is
because rigid frame structure is hard, will not break easily, and it can resist shear, moment
and torsion and it is more effectively compare with other frame structures.
According to the UBBL, By-law no. 80 (1), structure of a building above foundations shall
be designed and constructed to safety sustain and transmit to the foundations the combined
dead and imposed loads and wind loads without deflection or deformation as will impair the
stability of, or cause damage to, the whole or any part of the building.
(2), the requirements of paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be satisfied if the design and
construction of the structure or part of the structure complies with the following Codes of
Practice of Standard Specifications:
BS 449 The Use of Structural Steel in Building;
BSCP 110 The Structural Use of Concrete;
BSCP 111 Structural Recommendations for Load Bearing Walls;
BSCP 114 Structural Use of Reinforced Concrete in Building.
* Thee above are part of the codes of practice of standard specifications which being used in
this construction site.
Fixed ended rigid structural frame was being used in the construction as it is much stronger.
Thus, the structure of building above the foundation is being designed and constructed well at
the same time it match the standard requirements from the UBBL.

43

4.3 Method of Construction

Figure 4.3

The construction method is in-situ concrete construction method. In-situ casting allows
structure to be cast in monolithic shape. The advantages of using in-situ concrete construction
method are it can embraces many different kind of building shapes, it is easily used for two
way structural systems, construction can be proceed independently of weather conditions and
it do not necessary need to pay for crane on site.
4.4 Concrete

Concrete is kind of a building material made from a mixture of gravel, sand, cement and
water, which can be spread or poured into moulds and forms a stone-like mass on hardening.
Concrete can be classified into different grade, which are G10, G15, G20, G25, G30, G35,
G40, G45. The number of the grade appears to be target the mean strength.
For the swimming pool, the concrete using is concrete G30 as the structure is heavy and it is
for the water retaining concrete. All these are decided and calculated by engineers based on
the design and the requirements. G30 concrete is good enough to carry the weight and the
force of swimming pool.
4.5 Wall

44

Figure 4.5.1

The wall for the Semi-D housing, the wall itself is the structure of the building and there is
hidden column inside the wall for support purpose.

Figure 4.5.2

Figure 4.5.3

Figure 4.5.2 and Figure 4.5.3 showing the structure of the 5 storeys apartment. The structure
of the apartment was built by using reinforce concrete columns with beams, while the brick
walls is act as partition wall.

45

Figure 4.5.4

Figure 4.5.5

Figure 4.5.6

All the walls are non-loadbearing wall except the wall for the lift shelf. Figure 4.5.4 and
Figure 4.5.5 shows the column for the front faade of the structure.

46

There will be a whole glass faade for the lift shelf. In Figure 4.5.6, it shows that the end
product of the apartment and the area which noted with red colour is the lift area for the
apartment.
4.6 Columns

Figure 4.6.1

Figure 4.6.2

Figure 4.6.3

Figure 4.6.1 is showing the column reinforcement schedule of the Semi-D area.
Figure 4.6.2 is showing the column reinforcement schedule of the podium area.
Figure 4.6.3 is showing the column reinforcement schedule of the apartment area.
We can observe that the column is reduced by its length and width when moving towards
another level of the floor. At the same time, the number and size of the rebar also reduced
when moving to higher floor. This is meant to reduce the load and the cost of materials.
The size and dimension of the columns is designed based on the calculation of the loading to
overcome the applied load and also based on the design of the building as well. All the
47

columns and the wall are using concrete G25 concrete. The load-bearing capacity of each
column is 1800 kN 2300 kN.
From our observation at the site, the shape columns designed in this construction site is
rectangular shape but not square in shape. The reason is because of the thickness of the
column is same as the wall. Thus, the columns will be hidden in the wall after plastering for
aesthetic. This is the columns are purpose for support the structure and transmitted the load to
the foundation.
4.7 Beams

Figure 4.7.1

One Way

Two Way
Figure 4.7.2

The beam is made of concrete G25. Beam can be differentiated in either one way or two way.
The selection of size and dimension of the beam is design by the engineer from calculating
the load bearing.

48

Figure 4.7.1 shows the ground floor layout plan. Majority of the beam in this construction site
is using one way. To select the different way of beam is depending on the design of upper
floor. The beam is to support the load from the wall above the structure.

Figure 4.7.3

Figure 4.7.4

There are three very thick, huge and long beams (longer that 10000mm and it requires more
rebar for support) at which we can see from the plan (Figure 4.7.3) and from the image
(Figure 4.7.4) is to support the podium, human and other loads such as plant.

49

Figure 4.7.5

There is a hole in the centre of the each beams, it is actually a hollow section of the beam.
The size of the hollow section looks like reducing from the top to bottom is due to the poor
workmanship. The dimension, size and thickness of the hollow part of all the beams are
actually all the same and equal.
The reason in doing this way is to reduce the part of the unnecessary weight of the beam at
the weakest point and be more decorative. At the exterior look, it is like a very thick beam,
however, right under it is a hollow beam.
4.8 Slabs

50

Figure 4.8.1

Figure 4.8.2

All the floor slabs are 150mm thick and using concrete G25 except the floor slab of
emergency pathway which for the fire truck is 200mm thick. It is thicker than other floor slab
is because of the weight of a fire truck itself is about 25 tons, when filled with water, the
weight will reach until 38 tons. In order to carry the loads of the fire truck, the slab shall be
thicker and the concrete used for the slab is G35.
4.9 Pilecap

51

Figure 4.9.1

Figure 4.9.2

Figure 4.9.1 and Figure 4.9.2 shows the pilecap schedule with the information of the type of
pilecap, pilecap depth, pilecap reinforcement and pile working capacity. Based on the table,
there is stated quantity, type and size of rebar used for pilecap. For instance, 11T16 gives a
meaning that 11 rebar with T pattern and 16 in diameter.
4.10 Honeycomb

Figure 4.10.1

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The honeycomb of concrete occur is due to the reasons of when concrete is being poured into
the foundation forms, it does not flow smoothly like water to fill up the forms to the top. If it
is not being vibrated well in proper way, either vibrated too many times or too less, it may
leave voids which called honeycombing.
All these workmanship problems may cause to reduce the strength to the structure. The
method to resolve the problem is doing rectification work by using high strength grout.

53

5.0 TOPIC: External Envelope

Generally, external envelop is the last layer of a building and implement with different
technology to achieve different type of function. External envelope is essential in
construction because it act as an important aspect to protect and cover interior space from the
surrounding environment. Thus, external envelope included exterior masonry wall, exterior
re-inforced concrete wall, exterior wall cladding, glass curtain wall, exterior doors and
exterior windows.
5.1 Masonry Wall

Masonry wall is the most common construction method in the traditional building. Basically,
masonry is made by brick, stone, marble, granite, travertine, limestone, cast stone, concrete
block and stucco. In the site, they are using stretcher bond and red brick due to the properties
of brick an increase the thermal mass of a building and protect from combustion.
Furthermore, masonry has superior sound proofing that blocks out noise better than
traditional building materials for a quieter environment. Masonry is one of the most recognise
material that can lead to green building which result in impact fee, tax breaks and permit fee
savings for the homebuilder. Thus, the purpose of brick is over lapping to each other is to
break the continuous vertical line so that it able to create a higher strength wall. Moreover,
three layers of red brick will install one steel layer (Figure 1.1 Steel layer) to avoid brick
move over the years. There are still many type of bonding to create different texture. For an
example, flemish bond, English cross, slack bond, common bond and running bond.
However, according to the design it will cover by a finishing layer to create a smoother
surface and easier to maintain. Other than that, masonry wall also act as a wall to separate
partition.

Figure 5.0 steel layers

54

Figure 5.2
Figure 5.3

Besides, the semi-d and condominium are using single leaf wall. Single leaf wall is suitable
for tropical country because it thermal insulating properties able to store heat during day time
and release during the night time for a long period. In fact, in this tropical climate country
almost warm to hot and moist year-round and different than other country that have dry and
wet season. In addition, in Figure 1.3 left column is covered by red brick and become a
thicker column to enhance aesthetic view (Front 860mm, Left 780mm and Right 260mm).
Therefore, only columns are take all the load pressure and the wall know as non-load bearing
wall. Hence, cavity wall and brick veneer wall is more suitable for extreme climate area
because it have thermal insulation to avoid heat entering and heat lost. Cavity wall consists of
two walls and between will have a gap to installs insulation. The outer wall consists of 10cm.
thick and the inner wall is 10cm thick minimum. So that, moisture from outer wall unable
transmit to inner wall and air between the walls reduces the transmission of heat. Besides,
brick veneer wall made from fried clay and shale. It is a very low costs construction and does
not require maintenance according to Masonry Planet. However, single leaf wall is the most
preference choice among other type of masonry wall.

Figure 5.4 Cavity Wall

Figure 5.5 Brick Veneer Wall

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5.2 Glass Panel

Condominium lift is building with a tint glass wall to allow view between indoor and outdoor
environment. Glass is installs with an aluminium frame and between two glasses will have a
gap due to the vibration of wind and it will cause two glass breaks. Green tint glass will
reduce the glaze when sunlight penetrate through the glass. Glass always exhibits sense of
modernity and stylish. Condominium lift will be install with huge glass that need to cover 5
storey height building.
5.3 Paint

External wall is painted with Nippon Weatherbond Algae Guard Paint. Weatherbond paint has
very high resistance to fungal and algal growth, and superior anti-streak marks properties.
Thus, it has great adhesion and prevents paint stripping from harsh weather conditions. Next,
it also have long-lasting fade-resistant colour so the overall building will always keep in a
very good condition and look new even prolonged under sun exposure. Building is paint with
contrast colour which is matte grey and white to enhance the aesthetic view. Matte is a good
paint because it does not create glare even under a very strong sunlight area. There are more
choices in term of matte, semi-matte, semi-glossy and glossy depend on what is the final
outcome of client wants. First of all, surface of wall must be ensure is clean before paint.
Next, after paint leave if for 45-60 minutes and only 15 minutes for touch dry. Paint will
depend on temperature and humidity to get dry. Then, each wall have to paint with minimum
2 coats so it get have a thicker layer of weatherbond paint. Re-coating interval only can apply
after 2-3 hours this is to make sure the layer before is total dry before a new paint apply.
Hence, normal paint have the exactly same process just time of recoating interval reduce to 12hours.

Figure 5.6 Nippon Paint

Figure 5.7 Combination of

Colour

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5.4 Doors

A door is to break apart of a wall and allow access between 2 different spaces. It is important
create personal priority, security and safety with using door. Different places require different
properties of door. For main entrance door, hinge must install inside so it will not so easy to
break it and a solid wood door. Furthermore, use self- loading pins so that pin unable to
remove once the door is closed. Thus, according to UBBL exit doors have to be openable
from inside without using key or any equipment and effort to open. Besides, to achieve client
satisfaction, I suggest that door can install self-closing door with a device which is free
from any means of holding it in an open position and it will close automatically. According to
the UBBL minimum width of each door opening must be sufficient for the occupant load
thereof and shall provide a clear width of not less than 813 mm. Opening of doorways must
be clear to occupant between the face of the door and the stop with 90 degrees. Other than
that, threshold should install under the door to prevent dust and water splashing into the
house. Before installation of door, a metal or wood door frame is leave for error purpose so
the door frame will be filled with concrete after the door is installed.

5.5 Windows

Window is to allow ventilation and natural lighting to reduce total amount of energy use..
Thus, windows make your home look more spacious. Semi-d windows are install with 8mm
green tinted glass panels follow by:
1

Dining Hall

-ponder coated aluminium frame casement windows with tinted green

glass panels.
Kitchen
-powder coated aluminium frame folding window with 8m green tinted

glass panels
Master bedrooms bathroom -powder coated aluminium frame with top hung window
with 8mm green tinted glass panels

57

Figure 5.8 Tilt-turn Open Position Window

Figure

5.9

Casement

Window

5.6 Roof

Semi-d and condominium both are using metal cladding roofing to fasten the process of
construction. The roof top is using aluminium which is easy to maintain, transport, pre-cast
and heat insulation. The roof is divided to few layers, the first layer is aluminium, second
layer is wool, last layer is aluminium. The purpose of the wool is act as heat insulation it will
absorb as much heat as possible before transmitted to the interior. The roof is indicating 2 o
and allows rain water to follow into the piping system. According to UBBL roofing material
cannot exceeding 3 square metres and same material of other material by a distance at least
1.53metres wide.

Figure 5.10 Roof

Figure

5.11

Aluminium Roof

58

References:
Site preparation:
Building

Construction

principles,

materials,

and

systems

(second

edition)

BY: Madan Mehta , Walter Scarborough, Diane Armpriest

Building Construction Handbook incorporating current building & construction regulations
BY: Roy Chudley & Roger Greeno
Handbook

of

OSHA

Construction

Safety

and

Health

BY: Charles D.Reese , James Vernon Eidson

59