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1/ 07)
Certified by:
NOTES : *If the thesis is CONFIDENTIAL or RESTRICTED, please attach with the letter
from organisation with period and reasons for confidentiality or restriction.
I hereby declare that i have read this project report and in
my opinion this project report is sufficient in term of scope and
quality for the award of the degree of Bachelor of
Civil Engineering.
Signature :
Name of Supervisor : ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. MOHAMAD
IBRAHIM BIN MOHAMAD
Date : 6 MAY 2009
THE USE OF STEEL STRUCTURE IN THE INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDING
SYSTEM
2009
ii
I declare that this thesis entitled The Use of Steel Structure in The Industrialized
Building System is the result of my own research expect as cited in the refrences. The
thesis has not been accepted for any degree and is not currently candidate of any other
degree.
Signature :
Name : CHRISTIE LANJING ANAK ENTIKA
Date : 6 MAY 2009
iii
To
My God,
Mum and Dad,
My sister and my two brothers
My faithful friends and course mates
And
My beloved church members
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am also very thankful to all of the support given by all of the companies
who has willingly given their best corporation to my final project. Their corporation
has made my final project a successful.
Finally, I wish to thank all parties who have given their cooperation and
support directly or indirectly to ensure a successful completion of this final project.
v
ABSTRACT
ABSTRAK
TABLE OF CONTENT
TITLE PAGE i
DECLARATION ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT v
ABSTRAK vi
TABLE OF CONTENT vii
LIST OF TABLES xi
LIST OF FIGURES xii
LIST OF APPENDICES xiii
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Problem of statement 3
1.3 Significant of study 3
1.4 Aim and objective 4
1.5 Scope and limitation of study 4
1.6 Brief research methodology 5
viii
3 METHODOLOGY 25
3.1 Introduction 25
3.2 Secondary data 26
3.3 Primary data 26
3.3.1 Questionnaire 27
3.3.2 Interviews 28
3.4 Data analysis 29
5 DISCUSSION 55
5.1 Introduction 55
5.2 Overview of the findings 55
5.2.1 The extend of steel structure usage 56
5.2.2 The benefits and problems related to steel 56
structure application
5.2.3 Awareness of the local construction 58
industry players
5.3 Limitation of study 59
6 CONCLUSION 60
6.1 Introduction 60
6.2 Conclusion 61
6.2.1 Objective 1: To identify the extend of steel 61
structure usage in Malaysia
6.2.2 Objective 2- To identify the problem related 62
in the application of steel structure
6.2.3 Objective 3- To identify the strategy 64
to promote steel application in IBS
REFERNCE 66
APPENDIX 69
xi
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST APPENDICES
A Questionnaire survey 69
1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
In Malaysia, the use of IBS has been actively promoted by the construction
industry development board (CIDB) and has been strongly recommended by the
Malaysian government to the local construction industry. The Malaysian
government believes that the usage of IBS is the correct step in achieving the
government aims to stimulate domestic economy activity and enhance economic
growth. This is particularly because construction industry plays a crucial role in the
government effort. Therefore, it is vital for the industry to adapt IBS as a measure to
increase efficiency, quality and productivity (IBS Roadmap 2003-2010).
However, the implementation of IBS has not found favor from the local
construction industry. A survey conducted by CIDB has shown that the level of
usage of IBS in Malaysia is very low which stands only 15%. The survey also
shows that only 41% of the respondents agreed that IBS is able to reduce total
construction cost even though most of the respondents agreed that IBS offers cleaner
and neater sites, easy installation, labor reduction, fast completion and enhancement
of quality of finished products (IBS survey 2003). This survey has shown that the
implementation of IBS in Malaysia is not cost effective and therefore, it is not
consistent with the CIDB promotion of IBS. This phenomenon is acknowledging
that there are problems with regard to the IBS implementation.
3
These problems are not only limiting structural steel utilization in the
Industrialized Building System (IBS), but also will limit the extend of usage of the
industrialized building system (IBS) in the local construction industry. Therefore, it
is important to identify these problems so that strategies can be drawn out on how to
optimize the application of steel structure in Industrialized Building System (IBS).
The aim of this study is to identify the associated problem related to steel
structure application with regard to industrialized building system (IBS) promotion
by CIDB. The objectives of this study are as follow;
Identify
Problem
Determine
objective and
Scope of study
Literature
review
Data collection
Questionnaire Interviews
Data processing
Conclusion
CHAPTER 2
2.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the aspects that will be reviewed are the application of steel
structures, the construction of steel structure, benefits and problems and issues
related to steel construction. This chapter will also review CIDB promotion of steel
structure.
Multiple bays normally, are a repetition of a single bay. The repetition may
offer the possibility to reduce the size of some members if continuity is to be
considered in the structural design. The applications of steel structure using multiple
bays is one of the approaches used when overall plan dimension exceed sensible
clear span limitations. This application can be seen in the construction of factories.
Trends in the structural layout of industrial buildings are influenced very much by
changes which to certain extend demands for large span of structure. For both
economic and planning purposes, spacing main frames tended to be increased. The
application of steel structure using multiple bays benefit the construction of factories
by providing easier fixing for services and other attachments( Plank, 1993).
multi-storey not only encompasses the structure but also the building envelope,
services and finishes (Watson, 1993).
High-rise structures involve variety of forms and shapes which require for
considerable flexibility to create exciting habitable and multiple use space. Usage of
frame as a 3-dimensional arrangement resisting gravity and lateral forces is needed
to exhibit such requirements ( Iyengar, 1993).
2.2.5 Bridges
The structural steels having the advantage of long spanning capability are
commonly used for long and big steel bridges construction. The longest suspension
steel bridge in the world is located in Japan and known as the Akashi Kaikyo
Bridge. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is of 1991m centre span length. In terms of
seismic design, bridge construction mainly aiming to utilize the ductility of steel
bridge members and structures (Kitada, 2006).
In Malaysia there are many successful IBS projects using steel structures
(Bahruddin, 2006). Each project was constructed using different techniques. Among
the projects using IBS steel construction in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre (KLCC), Serdang Hospital and the Petronas Twin Tower.
10
The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers was constructed using the application
of Industrialized Building Systems (IBS), particularly steel frames. Steel were used
in complementing the 80 MPa (maximum) concrete central core and perimeter
columns while the structural steel sections were used in the pinnacle, the sky bridge
and the long-span floor beams that support reinforced concrete-filled metal decks
(Shahri, 2005).
The delivery system of steel structure construction begins at the steel rolling
mill. The steel rolling mills are producing several sizes of structural steel shapes
which are kept in a warehouse. These products will be delivered to a metal fabricator
base on request made and then the fabricated product will be transported to the
construction site for erection. At the construction site, the general contractor will
either purchase fabricated structural steel elements and erect them at the project site
using his or her construction crew or purchase the prefabricated elements and use a
selected subcontractor to manage their erection. Typically, the latter option is mostly
preferred. This option requires a fabricator to fabricate the structural steel and
subcontract the erection. The general contractor will submit the plans and
specifications of the work to the fabricators for quotations. The fabricator after that
will supply structural steel detailing which include pictorial descriptions of how to
install the steel members and will be submitted to engineers to be approved. In steel
structure erection, the required equipment includes cranes, air tools, rivet busters,
welders and impact wrenches ( Popescu et al. 2003). Figure 2.6 is showing the
resources flow in the delivery system.
13
Steel mill or
warehouse
Steel
Metal fabricator
Steel products delivered
to job site
Bid
General Coordination
Project site
contractor
(office)
2.4.2 Fabrication
2.4.3 Erection
Bending steel is a unique operation which is not typically done by the main
project steel fabricator (Popescu et al. 2003). There are five methods of bending
used to produce simple or complex shapes. The first one is cold bending. It is a
process where steel is placed in a machine and curved between three rolls with
differing positions between rolls. Secondly is incremental bending which is
commonly used for chambering to very large radius by the application of point load
by a hydraulic ram or press. The third method is hot bending which can be made
either by the application of a direct flame or furnace. The next method is known as
rotary-draw bending. In this method the member is bent through rotation around a
die and produces tight radii. The fifth method is induction bending through heat and
applied to a short section which is cooled down by water (Adams, 2008).
15
Steel structure can preserve its original properties and strength. The ductility
and high fatigue strength of steel structure are the essential attributes to the structural
integrity under normal working stresses. Ductility and high fatigue strength is a
factor that contributes to the long strength of building structure (Allen, 1986).
16
A steel structural frame offers flexibility for changes in use of the whole or a
portion of a building. Structural flexibility of steel enables it to accommodate
changes of use, finishes, location and portioning and extension with relative ease.
This makes alteration to existing frame possible and feasible and it can be made with
minimum disturbance and cost (Allen, 1986).
Structural steel has a unique property where it posses high strength of per
unit weight. This means that the structure weight is small (McCormac, 1995). This
property of structural steel is known as high strength-to-weight ratio.
Structural steels are ductile and attaining high strength. A steel member that
was loaded is still able to withstand large force though its deformation is large. This
indicates that steel member can be subjected to large deformation during fabrication
and erection without any fracture. The ability of a material to absorb energy in large
numbers is called toughness. (McCormac, 1995)
The fabrication of structural steel and factory based work enable wastage
minimization, not only on site but throughout the design and manufacturing
processes as well with the optimization achieved through computer aided design and
manufacturing and fully or semi-automated production lines. Though steel
construction wastages occurrence depends on the complexity of the manufacturing
process and the product, the wastages are typically between the range of 1%-4%.
(Burgan and Samsom, 2006)
19
2.6.1 Corrosion
Steel structure is very liable to brittle fracture. There are cases where brittle
fracture of elements occurred without load from external forces. The fracture
occurred originating in the rigid structural elements where there are residual stresses
from rolling or welding. Constructional parts could also be broken by brittle fracture
at low stress, which could possibly lower than the design strength, when the material
tenacious enough. Brittle fracture can cause immediate collapse of a structure. The
occurrence of brittle fracture depends particularly on size and orientation of defects
especially planar, rate of loading, tenacity of materials which depends on
temperature, material thickness and level of stress, including the influence of
residual voltages (Agcs et al, 2005).
21
Steel structure may possess the property of high strength per unit weight.
However, steel structures are vulnerable to buckling failure. Long and slender
compression member will create greater risk of buckling danger. Therefore, when
steel is used for columns it could be that it is not economical to do so because
considerable material has to be used to stiffen the columns against buckling
(McCormac, 1995).
2.6.8 Fireproofing
Steel structures are incombustible but its strength will reduced tremendously
at common temperatures reached in fires when other materials in a building burn.
Most of the cases, the building themselves turn out to be the only fuel for the fires.
Furthermore, steel is an excellent heat conductor. Non-fireproofed steel member
may transmit enough heat to ignite materials which are in contact with the member.
Therefore, steel frame of building may need to be protected by materials with certain
insulating characteristics or fire sprinkler if it is to meet the building code
requirements (McCormac, 1995).
23
The price and shortfall supply issues of steel are not uncommon to the
Malaysian construction industry. Inadequate supply of steel and its price escalation
have been a recurring problem over the years, more recently in 2003 to 2004 and
previously. On 4th June 2007, it was reported by the local news that shortage of steel
will impact projects. The main issue reported was that there are difficulties sourcing
for adequate supply of steel bar of certain size despite paying the new price ceiling
of RM 19029. On 16th April 2007, the ceiling price for steel bars and billets were
raised by the domestic trade and consumer affair ministry by 20%. The higher steel
price had led to a 5% to 15% rise in the construction cost. On August 7 th 2008, the
local steel ceiling price on May 12 th 2008 has escalated by 55% to RM4, 000 per
tonne currently, moving in tandem with the international price of about US$1,200 to
US$1,300 per tonne (Star, 2007; Star 2008).
2.7.3 Management
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
In this study the secondary data were generated using literature review. The
primary data was generated through interviews and questionnaire survey form.
26
Primary data are data obtain directly from the people who are considered
experienced and knowledgeable in the subject of the study. The data collection was
conducted to seek out for factual information on what the respondents involved in
the past and work they involved in currently and their opinions regarding the subject
of the study. This study uses two methods to collect primary data. The methods are
distributing questionnaire and conducting interviews.
27
3.3.1 Questionnaire
The questionnaire of this study was aimed to obtain the response from the
local construction industry regarding usage of steel structure in construction. The
target respondents of the questionnaire are supplier, consultant, contractor and
developer. The questionnaires were distributed in 2 areas, which are in the states of
Johor and Kuala Lumpur. The aimed of the questionnaire survey is to obtain
observation steel construction in the local construction industry. The questionnaire
consists of small portion of multiple choice questions and bigger portion of ranking
questions. The rating system adopt by the ranking questions is as follow;
The section A of the questionnaire of the study was design to identify the
background of the respondents briefly. It is to distinguish whether the respondents
are representative from the contractor, consultant, developer and supplier company.
each project, type of construction project that frequently utilized steel structure
application, factors influence steel structure selection for construction and the
respondents regarding steel structure utilization in the local IBS projects.
The section C of the questionnaire was designed with the aim of identifying
the prominent problems and benefits of steel applications. The last question of
section C was designed to observe the respondents evaluation between the benefits
and problems of steel structure application.
3.3.2 Interviews
In order to perceive the data collected from the survey, there are 3 types of
analysis method use. The first one is used to analyze multiple choices question. The
multiple choices question were analyze using percentage. From the percentage
analysis data can be interpreted to extract the respondents view regarding subject
investigated in the study.
Where: N5 = Number of respondents who opted for most important as the answer
N4 = Number of respondents who opted for very important as the answer
N3 = Number of respondents that opted for moderately important as the
answer
N2 = Number of respondents who opted for less important as the answer
N1= Number of respondents who opted for least important as the answer
The method of result analysis was used to analyze the content of the
interviews. This method is known as content analysis. The content of the interviews
were presented in table where clear observation can be made clearer.
30
CHAPTER 4
4.1 Introduction
This chapter is dedicated to analyze the data collected. The data obtained
using questionnaire survey forms are collected from Kuala Lumpur and Johor while
the data generated through interviews were gathered from three respondents.
The methods used to analyze data collected using questionnaire survey form
are relative index and percentage. The interviews on the other hand, were analyzed
using content analysis. The data collected are converted into more meaningful,
informative and useful format and presented using charts and tables.
31
4.2 Interview
Further view regarding steel structure usage in the local construction industry
can be observed through analyzing opinions of respondents involved in the
interview. In this section, the interview was conducted with the aim of making
observation to their idea regarding steel structure usage in IBS and opinions
regarding the steel structure usage in Malaysia. Table 5.1 is showing the responses
of the respondents.
32
The responses obtained from the second question have shown that all of the
respondents giving the same opinion regarding popularity of steel structure. The
finding that ca n be obtained here is steel structure is not a popular choice in local
IBS projects. As can be seen in table 5.1, the reasons are basically due to the
preference of the local construction industry and steel price.
The responses to the third question review the opinions of the respondents
regarding types of project that is suitable for steel structure application in Malaysia.
Respondent 1 and respondent 2giving similar opinion that steel structure
applications in Malaysia are suitable for all type of projects while respondent
3specified several type of project that are suitable for steel application in Malaysia.
Basically, the finding can be obtained here is steel structure actually can be applied
widely in the local construction industry but it is limited to factors like the
preference of the construction industry players and cost effectiveness.
The application of steel structure has its benefits and problems in the IBS
projects. In this section, questions were aimed to identify the problems causing the
unpopularity of steel structure and benefit of its application. Besides that, the
respondents also were asked about their stand regarding promoting steel structure in
IBS. Table 5.2, is showing the respondents response regarding benefits, problems
and their stand regarding promoting steel structure in IBS.
35
Table 4.2: Benefits, problems and respondents stand regarding promoting steel
structure in IBS
Respondent 1: Respondent 2: Respondent 3:
Questions
IBS Manufacturer IBS consultant CREAM
What are the - the local construction - the local - expansive price
factors/ problems industry players consultants and of steel
leading to the having lack ability to contractors are
unpopularity of be acquaintance with having lack of
steel application the economy, knowledge and
in IBS projects versatility and experience
aesthetic features of regarding steel
pre-engineered steel construction in
buildings IBS
- expensive price
of steel
What are the - fast construction - fast construction - prefabricated
benefits of steel - less labor -clean off-site
structure - versatile environment -clean
application? - less labor at jobsite - steel structure is construction
relatively lighter site
-easy to install - speedy
-reduce wastage construction
- standardized
The respondents response to the first question in this section has shown that
there are 2 factors that leading to the unpopularity of steel structure application in
IBS. The factors are lack of knowledge and experience regarding benefits and steel
construction in IBS and expansive steel price. The response to the second question
has shown that the common benefit of steel structure as mentioned by all of the
respondents is fast construction. The response from respondent 2 and respondent 3
have shown that another common benefit of steel construction is clean construction
environment. As can be seen in table 5.2 all of the respondents agree to one another
that they encourage steel application in IBS due to certain reasons such as more
choices in term of IBS application and less dependency on foreign labors.
36
The finding that can be drawn out here is steel structure application actually
bring forth many benefits to a construction project especially in terms of speed of
construction. However, all of these benefits are not fully utilized due to lack of
knowledge and experience of the local construction industry players regarding steel
application in IBS. Another problem that limits steel application in the local
construction project is the expansive steel price. Despite all of these problems all of
the respondents still encourage steel application in IBS.
In the previous section, it is clear that steel applications in local IBS projects
are limited due to 2 main problems. The problems are lack of knowledge and
experience of the local construction industry players regarding steel application in
IBS and expansive steel price. Therefore, there should be a proper strategy to
promote steel application in IBS. Table 5.3 is showing the opinions from the
respondents regarding the strategy to promote steel application in IBS.
In this section the interviews were conducted with the aim to obtain finding
in terms improvement need to be made and strategy to promote steel application in
IBS. In table c it can be seen clearly that each respondent has different thoughts on
how to improve and promote steel application in IBS.
37
As can be seen in table 5.3, the area that should be improved to support steel
structure application s in local IBS projects is in term of equipping the construction
industry players with knowledge and skilled of steel structure application in IBS.
Respondent 1 suggested that awareness program should be developed while
respondent 2 suggested that the construction industry players should be given
exposure to knowledge of steel application. Respondent 3 suggested that increase
number of skilled labors. The basic point here is equipping all the construction
industry players with knowledge and skill.
There are several strategies suggested by the respondents are shown in table
5.3. Each strategy suggested by the respondents is an approach which can be used to
comprehend the problems identified earlier in the previous section of the interviews.
Respondent 3 suggested that more government projects should emphasize structural
steel usage while respondent 2 suggested strategy in term of economical wise such
as incentives and tax reduction or exemption. Respondent 1 on the other hand
respondent suggested a strategy in term of knowledge wise such as organizing
exhibition and seminar.
38
4.3.1 Respondents
The respondents involved in the survey in Johor and Kuala Lumpur are
shown in figure 4.1 and figure 4.2 respectively. The survey in Johor manages to get
responds from consultants, developers, contractors and suppliers. Majority of the
respondents in Johor are contractors. They cover 50% of the total respondents.
Figure below shows the proportion of respondents involved in percentage.
50%
Consultant
8%
Developer
17%
25% Contractor
Supplier
The survey in Kuala Lumpur however only manages to get the opinions from
consultants and contractors only. The main respondents are consultants. They cover
73% of the total respondents.
27%
Consultant
73% Contractor
In determining the level of steel structure usage, the different levels are
divided into four quadrants of steel structure usage in each project as shown in
figure 4.3.
40
In figure 4.3 it can be seen that 41.67% of the total respondents from Johor
are using 0%-19% of steel structure usage and 33.33% of the total respondents are
using 20%-49%of steel structure usage. On the other hand, only 8.33% of the total
respondents are using 80%-100% of steel structure in each of their project. Figure
4.3 below is obviously indicating that steel structure usage in Johor is very low.
8.33%
0%-19%
16.67% 41.67% 20%-49%
50%-79%
33.33% 80%-100%
The respondents from Kuala Lumpur also indicate that steel usage in Kuala
Lumpur also at low level of usage. More than half of the respondents from Kuala
Lumpur (53.33%) as shown in figure 4.4 are using at the level of 20%-49% of steel
structure and 26.67% of the total respondents are using 0%-19% of steel structure
usage in each of their project. On the other hand, 20% of the total respondents are
using 80%-100% of steel structure usage in each project in Kuala Lumpur. From
41
both figure 4.3 and figure 4.4 it can be seen that the level of steel structure usage in
each project in Kuala Lumpur is slightly higher than those in Johor.
0.00%
20.00% 0%-19%
26.67%
20%-49%
50%-79%
53.33%
80%-100%
Figure 4.4: Level of steel structure usage in each project in Kuala Lumpur
4.3.2.2 The types of construction project that frequently utilize the application
of steel structure.
The type of construction project that frequently utilize the application of steel
structure in both areas have shown that there is different in the trend of in terms of
applying steel structure in construction projects. In table 4.4 it can be seen that the
respondents in Johor have ranked the construction of factories as the type of project
that most frequently utilizes the application of steel structure. The construction of
bridges was ranked as second after the construction of factories and followed by the
construction of commercial buildings.
42
Table 4.4: The types of construction which frequently utilize steel structure
application in Johor
Types of construction Relative Index Ranking
Factories 0.917 1
Bridges 0.733 2
Commercial building 0.733 3
High-rise building 0.700 4
Oil and gas offshore platform 0.683 5
Marine structures 0.667 6
Power plants 0.650 7
Low-rise building 0.550 8
Tunnels 0.550 9
Residential building 0.533 10
The respondents from Kuala Lumpur on the other hand have ranked the
construction of oil and gas offshore platform as the type of construction project that
most frequently utilizes the application of steel structure while the construction of
factories was ranked as second as shown in table 4.5. The construction of power
plants was ranked third after the construction of factories.
Table 4.5: The types of construction which frequently utilize steel structure
application in Kuala Lumpur
In both table 4.4 and table 4.5, it can be seen clearly that residential building
was ranked as the type of construction project that utilizes the application of steel
structure the least by respondents from both area.
4.3.2.3 Factors that influence the selection of steel structure for construction
There are many factors that influence the selection of steel structure for
construction. The ranking of the factors that influence the selection of steel structure
in both Johor and Kuala Lumpur are shown in table 4.6 and table 4.7 respectively. In
table 4.6 it can be seen that the factor of speed of construction was ranked as the
most influential factor by the respondents from Johor while the factor of ease of
erection or construction was ranked as the second most influential factor.
Table 4.6: Factors that influence the selection of steel structure for construction in
Johor
The respondents from Kuala Lumpur also ranked the factor of speed of
construction as the most influential factor in the selection of steel structure for
construction as shown in table 4.7. Quality is a factor that was ranked second after
the factor of speed of construction by respondents from Kuala Lumpur while the
third most influential factor is the flexibility of design.
Table 4.7: Factors that influence the selection of steel structure for construction in
Kuala Lumpur
The ranking obtained from respondents from both areas has shown an
agreement that cost saving is a factor that least influential in selecting steel structure
for construction. Other factor being suggested by the respondents is architecture
design.
45
Basically, the respondents from both areas have different opinions regarding
the utilization of steel application in IBS. In the questionnaire the respondents were
asked whether the steel applications in IBS are limited or otherwise. Figure 4.5 and
figure 4.6 are showing the feedback from respondents in Johor and Kuala Lumpur
respectively.
33%
50% yes
Not sure
17% No
The feedback from the respondents in Johor showed that 50% of the total
respondents answered yes showing that they agree that steel application in IBS is
limited while 17% of them are not sure. The other 33% of the total respondents
answered no in response to the given question.
46
The feedback from the respondents in Kuala Lumpur on the other hand
showed that 53% of the total respondents answered no; indicating they do not agree
that steel application in IBS is limited while 40% of them answered not sure. Only
7% of the respondents from Kuala Lumpur answered yes to the given question.
7%
yes
53% 40%
Not sure
No
The applications of steel structure have its strength and weaknesses and
accordingly will bring forth benefits as well as problem to construction. To have a
clear idea of the type of benefits and problems of steel application experience by the
local construction industry players, respondents were asked to rank the benefits and
problems. Besides that, respondents also were asked to evaluate between the
problem and benefits of steel structure application.
47
There are many problems associated with the application of steel structure
and the problems experience by the construction industry players may differ from
one another. Even so, there will be one problem that is very prominent among all of
the problems. Table 4.8 and table 4.9 are showing the ranking made by respondents
from Johor and Kuala Lumpur respectively.
In table 4.8 and table 4.9, it can be seen that the problem of extreme price
rise was ranked as the most prominent problem by respondents from both Johor and
Kuala Lumpur. On the other hand, the problem of lack of reserve strength was
ranked as the least prominent problem by respondents from both areas.
The second most prominent problem ranked by the respondents from Johor
is the problem shortfall supply which is followed by the problem of high
maintenance cost. On the contrary, respondents from Kuala Lumpur ranked the
problem of shortfall supply as third most prominent problem. The problem which is
being ranked as the second most prominent problem by the respondents from Kuala
Lumpur is the problem of corrosion. By referring to table 4.8, the problem corrosion
was ranked as the fifth prominent problem in the application of steel structure in
Johor.
Table 4.9: The problems related to steel structure application in Kuala Lumpur
Problems Relative Index Ranking
Extreme price rise 0.840 1
Corrosion 0.787 2
Shortfall supply 0.747 3
Fire proofing cost 0.733 4
Material fatigue 0.680 5
High maintenance cost 0.680 6
High labor cost 0.667 7
Lack of standardization 0.653 8
Transportation 0.653 9
Brittle fracture 0.627 10
Deformation due to high temperature 0.613 11
Susceptibility to buckling 0.587 12
Lack of reserve strength 0.520 13
There are many benefits which can be utilized from the application of steel
structure. Table 4.10 and table 4.11 are showing the ranking made by respondents
from Johor and Kuala Lumpur respectively. In both table 4.10 and table 4.11, it can
be seen that there are similarities in the ranking made by respondents from Johor and
Kuala Lumpur.
49
The ranking made by respondents from both Johor and Kuala Lumpur have
shown that the most prominent benefit of steel structure application experienced by
the local construction industry is the benefit of fast and simple erection or
construction while the least prominent benefit experience by the local construction
industry is the benefit of cost effective.
The benefit being ranked as the second most prominent benefit after the
benefit of fast and simple construction or erection by the respondents from Johor is
the benefit of flexible for building changes in use and the benefit of light structure
was ranked third as shown in table 4.10. The other two benefits being ranked as the
third and second least prominent benefit respectively are the benefit of cleaner site
and less wastage.
50
In table 4.11, it can be seen that the second most prominent benefit being
ranked by the respondents from Kuala Lumpur is the benefit of long spanning
capability and the benefit of quality finish was ranked third. The benefit of less
wastage is ranked as the third least prominent benefit while the benefit of usage of
skilled labor is ranked as second least prominent benefit.
Table 4.11: The benefits related to steel structure application in Kuala Lumpur
Benefits Relative Index Ranking
Fast and simple construction/erection 0.907 1
Long spanning capability 0.880 2
Quality finish 0.867 3
Long term strength 0.853 4
Flexible for building changes in use 0.827 5
Design flexibility 0.813 6
High strength 0.813 7
Cleaner site 0.813 8
Versatile (adaptable) 0.800 9
Fracture toughness 0.787 10
Light structure 0.787 11
Maximum floor space 0.760 12
Less wastage 0.733 13
Usage of skilled labor 0.720 14
Cost effective 0.680 15
The local construction industry players may attain different experience from
one another regarding steel structure application and as a result they also may have
different judgments when come across the matter of benefit and problem analysis. In
the questionnaire, the respondents were asked whether the application of steel
structure in IBS give more benefit than problem. Figure 4.7 and figure 4.8 are
showing the feedback from the respondents from Johor and Kuala Lumpur
respectively.
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8%
yes
92% No
In figure 4.7, it can be seen that 92% of the total respondents from Johor
answered yes indicating that they agree that steel application in IBS give more
benefits than problems. Similarly in figure 4.8, majority (80%) of the respondents
from Kuala Lumpur also answered yes to the given question. Only a small portion of
the respondents from both Johor and Kuala Lumpur answered; no. In figure 4.7 and
figure 4.8 it can be seen that only 8% of the respondents from Johor and 13% of the
respondents from Kuala Lumpur answered ;no indicating that they didnt agree that
steel application give more benefit than problem. In figure 4.8, only 7% of the total
respondents from Kuala Lumpur are answered not sure.
7%
yes
13%
Not sure
80% No
In table 4.12, it can be seen that the strategy of giving exposure to the
benefits of steel application was being ranked as the main strategy to promote steel
application in IBS by the respondents from Johor. Similarly, as can be seen in table
4.13, the respondents from Kuala Lumpur also ranked the similar strategy as the
main strategy to promote steel application in IBS.
The next strategy being ranked as the second main strategy by the
respondents from Johor is the strategy of developing awareness of the technologies
of steel application and followed by the strategy of developing awareness program
and training scheme for contractors. The strategy of reducing taxation for steel price
was ranked as the strategy that should be given the least emphasis in promoting steel
application by the respondents from Johor as shown in table 4.12.
53
The respondents from Kuala Lumpur on the other hand have ranked the
strategy of increasing research and development for structural steel usage as the
second main strategy of promoting steel application in IBS and the strategy of
encouraging steel usage in public projects was ranked as the third main strategy. The
strategy of training more skilled labor in steel work was ranked as the strategy that
should be given the least emphasis to in order to promote steel application in IBS as
shown in table 4.13.
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As a whole, it can be seen that the ranking of the strategies made by all of the
respondents have shown that the main target in promoting steel structure application
in IBS is to equipped the local construction industry players with adequate
knowledge of steel structure application in IBS. Having adequate knowledge of steel
structure application basically will improve the competency of the local construction
industry players especially with regard to IBS projects.
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CHAPTER 5
DISCUSSION
5.1 Introduction
This chapter dedicated to discuss on the overall view of the findings obtained
from the analyses of the results and the limitation of the study. The data obtained
using questionnaire survey were aimed to obtain findings regarding steel
construction in the local construction industry while the interview was designed to
obtain information from 3 different points of views regarding steel structure usage
specifically in IBS projects.
The overview of the findings summarizes the findings generated from the
analysis of the results.
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The findings generated through the result analysis have shown that steel
structure usage in the local construction industry is not popular. This is also the
same case for steel structure application in the IBS implementation. The steel
structure usage in Malaysia mainly use for large structures and structures which is
mainly subjected to changes while steel structure usage in local IBS projects are
mainly applied in the construction of high-rise buildings.
It is obvious that the IBS project using steel application is limited to high-
rise building where in actual fact steel structure application can be utilize for other
type of construction. The findings can be extracted here is the IBS implementation
using steel application has not fully discover the potential of steel structure
application.
The prominent benefit identified from the analysis of the result is the
advantage of fast and simple construction of steel structure. In the implementation of
IBS, it is also being identified that the main benefit of using steel structure is speedy
construction. This is also the similar factor that manipulates the selection of steel
structure for construction in the local construction industry. Thus, the findings that
can be drawn out here is the usage of steel structure application is mainly aiming to
utilize the benefit of fast construction.
57
On the other hand, the most prominent problem related to steel structure
application identified in this study is the problem of steel construction cost. The cost
of steel construction mainly due to expansive steel price and subjected to steel price
escalation. The analyses of the results have shown that the main factor causing the
unpopularity of steel construction in Malaysia is cost. This is also the similar
problem faced by the steel application in the IBS implementation.
Therefore, it is in fact true that the least prominent benefit identified is cost
effective. The analyses of the results also showed that steel application is utilized
when the construction cost is of least concern. As in the implementation of IBS,
steel structure is mainly used for high-rise building because in this type of
construction usage of steel structure is found to be cost effective. Therefore another
factor which manipulates the selection of steel structure for construction is cost.
The analysis of the result has showed that the respondents still encourage
more steel application in IBS despite facing the problem of high construction cost.
The analyses of the result also showed that majority of the respondent evaluate steel
application as having more benefit than problem. Here, it can be seen that the local
construction industry players are aware that steel structure application can be further
utilized in IBS implementation because in actual fact they also aware that there are
various benefit of steel structure application which can be taken advantage of.
The main strategy identified form the result analysis has shown that
emphasis should be given more to further equip the local construction industry
players with knowledge and experience of steel construction. The finding can be
obtained here is the local construction industry players are also aware of the problem
of lack of knowledge and experience among the local construction industry players.
As a whole, it can be seen that the local construction industry players are
actually aware of the advantages of using steel structure application and weakness in
the local construction industry regarding the steel application.
59
There are several limitation identified in this study. The limitations are as
follow;
(i) There is a risk that misunderstanding may occur when the respondents
complete the questionnaire survey. Thus, there is possibility that the result of
the study to have the risk of inaccuracy.
(ii) The analysis based on limited number of respondents in the questionnaire
survey could lead to inaccurate result. Smaller number of respondent leads to
high deviation.
(iii) The study only involves two areas of study which may lead to inaccurate
result of the study. The result obtain may be true for those two areas of study
but could be otherwise for other areas in Malaysia.
(iv) The analysis of the result of study especially for data collected using
questionnaire survey form only limited to the usage of ranking using relative
index. Comparison could be made better if the results were analyzed using
Wilcoxon ranking test, where the significant level can be calculated.
Therefore the findings of the study are not fully expand.
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CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSIONS
6.1 Introduction
There are various benefits of steel structure application which can be fully
utilized in a wide array of applications in the Industrialized Building System.
However, steel structure application in the construction industry also subjected to
various problems as well.
This chapter serves to summarize and conclude the findings of this study. This
chapter also will discuss the limitation of the study. The summary of the findings
are based on the objectives of this study as highlighted below;
6.2 Conclusion
The conclusion of each of the objective in this study was achieved and was
made as follow.
The analyses made from the results of the study have shown that the level of
steel structure usage in the local construction industry is low and steel structure also
not a popular choice in the local IBS projects. The types of project that mainly
utilize steel structure application in Malaysia are differing according to location. In
Johor, the construction of factories is the type of project that frequently utilizes the
application of steel structure while in Kuala Lumpur the types of project that mainly
utilize steel structure application is the construction of oil and gas offshore platform.
The steel structure usage in the local IBS project on the other hand, mainly
concentrated in high-rise building and government projects during year 1999 till
2001.
62
The result analyses showed that the problems identified can be summarized
into four main groups as shown below.
There are many strategies identified from the results analyses. However, the
analyses from the result have shown that emphasis should be given more to equip
the local construction industry players with knowledge, skill and exposure of the
steel application. As a conclusion, the strategies identified are as follow.
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APPENDIX A
QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY FROM
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Objective of study:
To identify the extend of steel structure usage in Malaysia
building system
Type of company:
[ ] Consultant [ ] Developer [ ] Contractor [ ] Supplier
Level of usage of steel structure (beams and columns only) in each of your
construction projects:
1. Base on your experience, please rate the types of project that frequently utilize the
application of steel structure in Malaysia
2. Base on your experience please rate the factors that influence selection of steel
structure for construction
Instruction: Please thick at the appropriate rating scale
Do you think that the steel applications in Industrialized building system (IBS) are
very limited?
[ ] Yes [ ] Not sure [ ] No
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4. Do you think that the steel applications in the industrialized building system (IBS)
give more benefit than problem?
[ ] Yes [ ] Not sure [ ] No
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5. Base on your experience, please rate each of the following strategies to promote
the usage of steel structure in the industrialized building system (IBS) in
Malaysia?