DESIGN CONCEPTS

USING
COMPONENTS
&
THE CONCEPT of
BUILDABILITY

CONTENTS
Concept of Buildability
Examples of Prefabricated Components
Used in Buildings
General Guidelines on Design Concepts
Using Components
Examples of Projects Employing
Components

BUILDABILITY
Defined as the extend to which design of the
buildings facilitates ease of construction,
subject to the overall requirements of
completed building.
Construction Industry Research and
Information Association (CIRIA)

Definition focused on the link between design

and construction and implied factors which
have significant impact on the ease of
construction of a project.
DESIGN
Impact of
design
decisions

BUILDABILITY

Influence
on design
decisions

CONSTRUCTION
Applies to soft (management) and hard (technical) aspects.

WHY BUILDABILITY
Problems existed in CI .comparative
isolation of many designers from practical
construction process. The shortcomings as
seen by builders .., due to the separation
of design and construction functions which
has characterised the building industry over
the last century or so.
CIRIA

BUILDABILITY
Also defined as the ability to construct a
building efficiently, economically
and to agreed quality levels from its
constituent materials, component and
sub-assemblies.

KEY FEATURES OF
BUILDABILITY DESIGN
Usage of Components
Employment of Modular Coordination
in Dimensions

STRUCTURAL STEEL SYSTEM

Steel Frame, R.C Slab on Steel Decking
Steel Frame with composite R.C
encasement on wall or beam or column
Steel Frame with Structural encasement
for wall or beam or column

PRECAST CONCRETE (P.C)

CONSTRUCTION
PC Column/Beam/Slab
PC Beam/Slab and cast-in-situ
Column/Wall/Beam
PC Slab and cast-in-situ
Column/Wall/Beam

CAST-IN-SITU R.C. CONSTRUCTION

Flat Plates
Flat Plat or Wall/Slab System
Slab with 1-Direction Beams
Slab with 2-Direction Beams
(Slab Beam ratio 5-10)

WALL COMPONENTS
Precast Concrete Panels
Metal Claddings
Traditional Design Repetition of
Components

TYPICAL EXAMPLES of
COMPONENTS

Precast facade panels

Precast
Column

Precast Beam

Hollow Core Slab

Precast Planks

Precast Double T Slab

Precast Waffle Slab

Precast parapet walls

Precast Staircase

OTHER EXAMPLES
Self compacting concrete
Tunnel form construction
Hybrid concrete construction
Post tensioned construction
Tilt up

EXAMPLES of ADVANCED
COMPONENT PRODUCTS

Tunnel Form

Box System

Small Module Box

Prefabricated Bathroom
Unit

3D Components

Container

Spacebox

BENEFITS of BUILDABILITY
Practical Buildability, the result of a CIRIA
study, will prove valuable to practising
civil and structural engineers, designers,
builders, quantity surveyors and
architects.

 Just-in-time delivery to site of factoryfinished components, fast rates of

construction especially when a smaller
number of large units is specified, and the
other certainty, safety and environmental
benefits all make precast concrete the
most "buildable" of materials.

 Programme: Production can be carefully

controlled in the factory environment, and
is not held up by the vagaries of the
weather or labour shortages. On-site
construction and off-site manufacture can
be overlapped, thereby reducing overall
site periods.

Manufacture in Factory

Conventional Method

Prefab On site Production

On site Precast

Tilt up A site-cast production line for structural walls

without stanchions.
Fast, low cost, robust easily sealed interior finish.

Tunnelling System

Erection

Erection cycles per gang of 2 units per day

A design with a higher buildability will

result in more efficient labour usage in
construction and therefore higher site
labour productivity.
High Buildability

High Productivity

 Quality: Stringent production control and

skilled factory-based craftsmen produce
consistently high quality, getting as close
as possible to "zero defects"

Advantages

Better quality than that of conventional

Consistency of quality of products
Aesthetically pleasing as no column and beams visible

THE FINISH PRODUCT : Parcel 5 &

Parcel 6, Precinct 9, Putrajaya

AESTHETICS
Appearances of materials,components, subassemblies and of the complete building: size,
shape, colour, texture, pattern, etc;
experience of materials,components, subassemblies and of the complete building:
quality of spatial relationships, pleasure in
use, relationship to surrounding, etc.

Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia

Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia

Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Malaysia

Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia

Architecturally Finished
Precast Concrete Frames
Capital Bank in Chester:
excellent example of how design
can be positively influenced by
skilled input from a specialist
contractor.
The result was a fully precast
architecturally finished structure.

The programme time was

drastically reduced and shows
the contribution that precast
concrete and specialist design
input, when used effectively, can
make to the building process.

 Cost: Value for money is now recognised

as much more than just bottom-line tender
prices. Downstream benefits of precasting,
such as quicker build periods, less
reliance on on-site labour and no
requirement for scaffolding, also
contribute to cost savings.

 Safety
Finished components are delivered to site
and lifted directly from the vehicle into
position on site, often without the need for
scaffolding. This reduces the potential for
accidents, and removes the risk of handsetting stone or brickwork in potentially
hazardous locations.

Safety requirements: easily

implemented during
construction stage.
No perimeter netting
required as the installed
wall panel with the window
casement built-in acted as
permanent barrier
Cleaner work area as no
brickwork and plastering
required.
Perimeter Scaffolding is
used for lightweight duty
like painting and sealant
work only, resulting on safer
work environment
.

 Environment
Precast production uses less energy than
that required for either structural steel
frame components or system curtain
walling. On site, precast construction
creates less air pollution, noise and debris.
Road traffic to and from the site is also
reduced.

PRINCIPLES OF BUILDABILITY
Standardisation
Simplicity
Single Integrated Systems

3 Ss

1.

Standardisation
Repetition of Grids
Sizes of Components
Connection of Details

2.

Simplicity

Uncomplicated Building Construction System

Simple Installation Details

3.

Single Integrated Elements

Elements that combine components together

The Diagrams
show how
parts are
coordinated
into
components,
into
subassemblies;
into the final
building

NEXT21 is an experimental 18-unit housing project

The project was conceived by Osaka Gas Corporation , 1994
It anticipates the more comfortable life urban households will characteristically enjoy in
the 21st Century . Open Building Implementation, 6 storeys
Units were designed by 13 different architects. Each unit's interior and exterior layout
was freely designed within a system of coordinating rules for positioning various
elements.

Exterior View of NEXT21

Systems Building
"System building" refers to a
building in which methods for
adjusting the individual
component systems for the
building -- such as main
structure, external wall, and
windows -- are established.
At NEXT21, a highly
flexible
architectural
system is
being put
into
practice.

This component system

is divided into four
groups according to the
required life of each
component and
production path, and are
then manufactured as
separate systems and
modules so that outer
walls, kitchens, baths
and toilets, and gardens
can be moved.

HOW TO MAKE PRECAST

MORE EFFICIENT ?
Repetition
(less variables)
Modular
Coordination

Implementing integrated design

concept
Strong cooperation between architect,
structural engineer, M&E engineer,
precaster, contractor from the very 1 st
design stage.

 Enough lead-time to do planning /

manufacture
Standardization / Simplicity
Site logistic
Detailing
Specification
Component weight
Suitability of product.

GENERAL STEPS IN DESIGN

Planning & Layout
Employ Modular Coordination in
Dimensioning
Identification of Basic Structural System of
Construction

COST
materials, components, sub-assemblies and
conversion one to the other
labour needed to design, manage and
assemble the building
tools, plant and equipment needed to assemble
the building
providing certain level of durability (life-cycle
costs)

Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia

Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia

Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Malaysia

Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia

HOSPITAL UNIVERSITY KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA (HUKM)

Specified precast by Public Works Department
Location

HUKM Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

Building

Clinical Block, Education Block,

Teachers Quarters, Staff
Quarters And Nurses Hostel

Gross Floor
area

200,000.00 m2

Contract

Specified

Construction
Period

8 month Precast Super structure

Main
Contractor

Gamuda Berhad

Owner
Architect
Structural Eng.

Ministry Of Health
Public Works Department
Public Works Department

Precast
Elements
Supplied

Precast Prestressed Hollow Core

Slab
Precast Beam

Scope of
Works

Supply and delivery Precast

Beams and Hollow Core Slabs,

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL EXTENSION

Specified precast by Public Works Department
Location

University Hospital , Petaling jaya

Building

10 storey building

Gross Floor
area

60,000.00 m2

Contract

Specified

Construction
Period

4 month Precast Super structure

Main
Contractor

Syarikat Pembinaan Setia

Owner
Architect
Structural Eng.

Ministry Of Health
Public Works Department
Public Works Department

Precast
Elements
Supplied

Precast Prestressed Hollow Core

Slab
Precast Beam

Scope of Works

Supply and delivery Precast

Beams and Hollow Core Slabs,

IKEA MUTIARA DAMANSARA

Design and Build

Location

Mutiara Damansara, Mukim Sungai Buluh, Selangor

Building

Total 4 Storey Shopping Complex (with 2 storey carpark)

Gross Floor area

121,000m2

Contract

Design & Build

Construction Period

4 month Precast Super structure

Main Contractor

Ikano Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

Owner
Architect
Structural Eng.

Boustead Holding Berhad

T J Ong Architect
Leo Consultant

Precast Elements
Supplied

Precast Prestressed Hollow Core Slab

Precast Beam, Precast Column, Precast Solid Planks, Precast Shear Walls,
Precast Staircases, Precast Gutters,

Scope of Works

Supply and Install Precast Columns, Precast Beams, Hollow Core Slabs, Precast Solid
Planks, Precast Shear Walls, Precast Staircases, Precast Gutters, including all the

DEWAN MILLENIUM KEPALA BATAS

Design & Build

Location

Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai Utara, Pulau Pinang

Building

Total 4 Storey Public Hall Complex

Gross Floor area

7,500m2

Contract

Design & Build

Construction Period

2 month Precast Super structure

Main Contractor

Lejadi Infra Sdn Bhd.

Owner
Architect
Structural Eng.

State Govment Pulau Pinang

Syed A Halim Architect
LFL Consultant

Precast Elements
Supplied

Precast Prestressed Hollow Core Slab Precast Beam and Precast Column

Scope of Works

Supply and delivery of Precast Columns, Precast Beams, Hollow Core Slabs,

FLEXTRONICS FACTORY SENAI JOHOR BHARU

Alternative

Location

Senai, Johor Bharu

Building

3-storey factory

Gross Floor
area

7,500 m2

Contract

Alternative Design

Construction
Period

3 month Precast Super structure

Main
Contractor

Kumagai Gumi Co Ltd

Owner
Architect
Structural Eng.

Flextronic (Malaysia) sdn bhd

Architect Spectrum
JPS Consultant Engineers Sdn
Bhd

Precast
Elements
Supplied

Precast Double T Slab, Precast

Column
Precast Beam

Scope of Works

Supply and delivery Precast

Column , Beam and Double T
Slab

CYBERVILLA TOWN HOUSE

Alternative
Location

Cyber Jaya , Selangor

Building

Townhouse

Gross Floor
area

3200 m2

Contract

Alternative Design

Construction
Period

2 month Precast Super structure

Main
Contractor

Jeks Engineering Sdn Bhd

Owner
Architect
Structural Eng.

MK Developer
Veritas Architect
Eastern Pretech (M) Sdn Bhd

Precast
Elements
Supplied

Precast Prestressed Hollow Core

Slab, Precast Half Slab, Precast
Beam, Precast Wall and
Staircase

Scope of
Works

Supply and delivery Precast

Prestressed Hollow Core Slab,
Precast Half Slab, Precast Beam,
Precast Wall and Staircase

CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE IN BRICKFIELDS SCHOOL

BUILDABLE DESIGN AWARDS

HDB PREFABRICATION TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Close coordination at design stage resulted in highly buildable building

More than 75% of precast columns, beams and slabs designed to one standardised size
Many architectural features were modulated and precast for better quality and finish

Buildable Features:
Structural components standardised to a single size
Precast elements-arch.concrete lattices, ring water tanks, curved auditorium walls,
perimeter fencing wall
Buidability and aesthetics could be achieved without compromising one another

BUILDABLE DESIGN AWARDS

YUSOF ISHAK SECONDARY SCHOOL

High buildable design-construction period shortened considerably

Precast structural frame-precast columns, beams, hollow core slabs and planks
Architectural features-precast lightweight concrete panels, prefab. infill aluminium panels,
structural steel truss, precast parapet, precision blocks, dry partition

BUILDABLE DESIGN AWARDS

THE FRENCH SCHOOL

standardised grids and repetitive floor layouts, use of flat floor slabs resulted in less
columns and bigger span
integrated roof system, lightweight concrete blocks - no plastering needed, faster
construction
monospace lift - expedite construction and increase usable space

BUILDABLE DESIGN AWARDS

WOODSVALE

Modular horizontal and vertical grids, repetitive floor layouts, use of system formwork for
efficiency
precast columns, beams, slabs and staircases - on-site and off-site
RC external walls - use of jumping formwork enabled walls to be cast three storey ahead of
each floor slab

BUILDABLE DESIGN AWARDS

NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD
CENTRAL REPOSITORY

Architect commissioned to design a maintenance-free building and create an elegant facade

flat floor slab system for free space, 90% of columns and beams standardised
full height glazing and metal cladding used as envelope for quality finish

Architectural Precast Association (APA) AWARDS

For design and manufacturing excellence. The competition recognizes examples of
POPOVICH
HALL
- THE
UNIVERSITY
OF SOUTHERN
outstanding
design and
production
utilizing
architectural precast
concrete.

CALIFORNIA

Successful integration of cast stone and brick resulted in a building that was contextual
to the existing campus
the juxtaposition scale between cast stone and brick module and the playful movement
between curved and orthogonal plane made for an exciting project

APA AWARDS
THE EMORY UNIVERSITY PARKING DECK

Project commended for the ability to transform a difficult faade into a work of art. The
window/bay patterns create a rhythm along the faade developing a human scale not
often found in parking decks.
The architectural faade is express as an applique to the concrete structural frame in a
contemporary and genuine fashion was well done

APA AWARDS
THE KING FARM OFFICE BUILDING

The proportion of massing and articulation of base, body and top contributed to the
building monumental appearance
the attention to detail and use of natural light made the building visualyy exciting and
the consistency of colour and finish was well done

Advantages of Precast Concrete System

Construction
1. Construction time
Earlier completion, components are made
in the factory while structure work in
progress at site.
Construction Loan periods are shortened
and income generated sooner.
2. Overtime Work
Minimal

3. Ready made technical specifications

e.g. Sound & heat insulation
58 dB is achievable by 265mm thick
hollow core slab without topping
(equivalent to only 123mm thick solid
slabs). Interfloor impact of noise is lesser.
Advantages in using hollow core slab at
roof level is that it provide good property of
airborne sound insulation.

4. Heat Insulation
Existence of voids in hollow core slabs
provide heat insulation.
Cool comfort, less consumption of aircon.
Gives better heat insulation for roof
5. Less Labour
Labour usage is very low. One team
needs about 4 to 5 people only.
Less worker on site to manage.
Labour savings in general about 70%.

6. Site Storage/Space for materials

Minimal
Application of Just-in-Time method

Advantages of Precast Concrete System

Construction cont..
7. Less Wastage
Less rebar and formwork on site.
Better control of wastage.
8. Quality Control
Better quality can be achieves, as the
components are factory made (Factory
standard)
Test and control in factory.

9. Space for M&E services

Beams only in one direction.
Secondary beams are not required.
10. Flexibility
Hollow core slabs are design to carry
brickwalls. For future renovation, brickwall
can be located anywhere on the floor.
11. Less Site Clearing upon completion
Lower cost due to lesser formwork and
debris.

12. Less Scaffolding/prop required

Less scaffolding / prop cost since beams
and slabs are design as unprop.
With very high floor to floor height, this
become very prominent advantage.
13. Logistic
Limited access is an advantage.
Components can be erected directly from
truck.

14. Environmental Friendly

Less noise pollution on site.
Less cutting of trees since formwork less
needed on site. (Factory uses steel
moulds).
15. Durability / Low Maintenance Cost
High strength concrete (G50) resist
damage better than cast insitu structure.

Buildability:
Successful
Construction from
Concept to
Completion
Trevor M. Holroyd
2004, American
Society of Civil
Engineers (Thomas
Telford, Ltd.)

FUNCTION &
PERFORMANCE
Spatial organization of building to fulfill
functional purpose: physical
characteristic of m/c/sa; strength and
stability of m/c/sa; environmental
performance of m/c/sa; services
BUILDABILITY
Efficient and
economical assembly
resulting from
Sequence,Process,Cont
inuity & flow,
Appropriate tools ,
plant and equipment ,
Efficient organization
and management

CONVERSION
(on or off site)

MATERIAL
COMPONENT
SUB- ASSEMBLIES
BUILDING

COST

AESTHETICS
Appearance of m/c/sa and
of the complete building:
Size, shape, colour,
texture, pattern, etc;
Experience of m/c/sa and
of the complete building
Quality of spatial
relationships, pleasure in
use, relationship to
surrounding, etc

Of m/c/sa and of conversion on of the other.

Of labour needed to design, manage and
assemble the building, other than that of.
Of tools, plant and equipment needed to
assemble the building other than.
Of providing certain level of durability (live-

THANK YOU