Abstract. Project delays in the construction industry are a universal or large-scale observable fact affecting not only the construction industry but the overall economy of countries as well. As far as the Malaysian construction industry is concerned, project delays are common problems in the construction industry, particularly in housing development. The objective of this study is to evaluate and identify the causes and the consequences of project delays in private housing development projects in Malaysia, and the remedies that can minimize these delays. The top ten causes of delays are weather conditions, poor site conditions, poor site management, incomplete documents, lack of experience, financial problems, contract modifications, delay in the approval of major variations, contractor coordination problems with other parties, and construction mistakes and defective works. It has been analysed that the causes of the delays point to the contractor factors, which contribute to the major factors that cause project delays in private housing development projects. The consequences of the delays include time overrun, cost overrun, differences in opinion, negotiations, legal actions and total abandonment. Herewith are presented some recommendations to minimize these project delays.
Abstract. Polymer modified mortar system is defined as hydraulic cement combined at the time of mixing with organic polymers that are dispersed or re-dispersed in water, with or without aggregates. The compressive strength and flexural strength of polymer modified mortar obtained at early age are low and it required prolong curing period for the strength enhancement. In order to enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious mixture as well as its durability, hybridization of polymeric modifiers are applied into cementitious mixture specimens. Thus, this study is intended to examine the mechanical properties of hybrid polymer modified mortar system at various levels of polymeric modifier dosage; styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex and epoxy resin. Laboratory tests for density, compressive strength and flexural strength were carried out to determine the strength of hybrid polymer modified mortar. In this study, the hybrid polymer of SBR latex with epoxy resin gives discontented results compared to unmodified cement system. The results of density, compressive strength and flexural strength of hybrid polymer modified cement system had shown negative outcomes and did not make any improvement to cement system.
Abstract. The construction industry in Malaysia is experiencing a migration from conventional methods to a more systematic and mechanised method known as the Industrialised Building System (IBS). Each state in Malaysia is currently examining the developments of the IBS and its potential to overcome the shortages of housing accommodations in this country. The Malaysian government, involved through its agency, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has been persistently pushing the construction industry to utilise of the IBS method of construction since the year 2003. It is a part of an incorporated endeavour to further improve the aptitude, potential, effectiveness and competitiveness of the industry as well as to diminish the industry's dependence on foreign labour. This is also an attempt in the Malaysian construction industry to encourage positive inroads in matters associated to construction-site safety with regards to a working environment which is cleaner, more convenient and more organized.
Abstract. This study is conducted to compare between the two approaches of construction. It is carried out through case studies on construction sites, distribution of a total of 100 questionnaires as well as interviewing respondents who are related to this discourse. The case studies for this research were carried out at four construction sites within the Malaysian state of Penang. Two case studies used Industrialised Building System method while the remaining two deployed the traditional method of construction. Based on the analysis of obtained results, it can be surmised that the Industrialised Building System approach has more to offer compared to the traditional method. Among these advantages are; reduced construction durations, reduced overall cost, reduced labour requirements, better site conditions and the production of components of higher quality among others. This study also managed to determine the perceptions of key players in the industry and their rationales in preferring the traditional approach while at the same time, admitting to the edges offered by the Industrialised Building System.
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