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Bachelor in Quantity Surveying

Site Report

Name: Liew Yong Sheng 0315108

Lecturer: Mrs Ang [Measurement]

Mrs Azrina [Construction Technology]

Mrs Aishah[Building Material]

Subject: Measurement.

Construction Technology.

Building Material

Abstract

Perhaps there are more to study in the construction site itself than reading from the context

of a book or websites. The following site report holds not only the observation made during

the trip to the unfinished La’tour residence but also research made for two specific part of

the construction project. One of which is the discussion in temporary works where

formwork types including traditional timber formworks and engineered formwork system

are discussed through research, observation and interviews made with the workers on site.

Another would be the discussion in concrete where concrete grade 40 and their advantages

as well as disadvantages are discussed while at the same time a comparison with concrete

grade 30 was made. The following site report also includes the learning outcome as well as

the observation taken from site and a summarized discussion was made for each

observation made.

Table of Content

Introduction 1

Nature of Building and Its Surrounding 3

Construction Technology 5

Building Material 12

Conclusion 15

Appendix 17

Reference 25

1

Introduction

This is a report on a site visit to a construction site incorporating the objectives of the site

visit, the introduction of the site and technical observations made on site including the

proposed learning outcome of the site visit. The site visit was held on 21st November 2014 at

9:00 am sharp at D’Latour Soho, organized by Mrs. Ang Fuey Lin and guided by Mrs Ang

Fuey Lin, Mrs Azrina bt Mhb Yaakob and Mrs Aishah Kamarazaly. Special gratitude are to be

given to the member of the construction project for guiding us safely around the

construction site and providing us knowledge required not only for the sake of the project

but also for the sake of our thirst for knowing. Also, special thanks include these companies

for the construction and also for allowing us to enter the site with responsibility of our

safety on their shoulder:

Developer: DK-MY PROPERTIES SDN.BHD

Architect: RDA-Harris Architects Sdn Bhd

Mechanical and electrical engineer: PERUNDING BERKAT

Structural engineer: PERUNDING OCS

Quantity surveyors: ALPHA-OMEGA MATRIX

Contractor: PASUKHAS CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD

2

Objective

The following are the proposed objective of the assignment.

1. Understand the basics of the construction process.

2. Understand the practical aspect of construction techniques in comparison to the theory

aspect in books and its application on site.

3. Exposure to actual working environment on site including uncertainty circumstances e.g.

weather.

4. Ability to communicate with the construction team members on site and to see the

importance of teamwork in the building team.

5. Witness the usage of construction equipment on site including mechanical plants.

6. Explore and identify various types of building materials and technology on site.

7. Awareness of the importance of safety on site and understanding of safety problems

and site conditions.

8. Recognize the items measurable for sub-structure and reinforced concrete frame works.

3

Nature of the Project and Its Surrounding

The site is located at the back of Taylor’s Lakeside

University and beside Senza Residence serving as

phase B of the residence. Currently the only road

that leads to Latour Soho is Taylor’s Road while

the road on the opposite side is a toll that

separates Bandar Sunway and Puchong.

As seen in the Figure 1.2, the building is planned

to be a tall building. The project is, according to

MPSJ’s “Tajuk Projek”, to be built with two blocks

with 27 floors of Soho and 28 floors apartment

service. The above includes 4 floor stage and 3

floor basement that includes the following:

Figure 1.1 Map of D’Latour

Figure 1.2 a 3D model in perspective of the Soho

4

1. Block A with 629 units of soho and block B with 232 units of apartment service including

“roof garden”.

2. Hall for versatility, surau, gymnasium, café, kindergarten, labour, swimming pool, health

suite, study room and office in level 4.

3. Security house in bottom floor

4. Parking lot in lower floor 1 and 2

5. Parking lot from bottom floor until 3rd floor

6. Business space in bottom floor and mezzanine floor

7. Mechanical room in below ground floor and also above 17th floor.

Currently, as comparable in

figure 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5, the

construction project is halfway

to the top of the basement

parking lot.

Figure 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 Construction Site in perspective

5

Construction Technology

Temporary Work

As seen in figure 2.1, the building’s main component in its structural support is concrete.

The concrete in these bottom floors serve as a very important support to the tall building

above, supporting at least two block with 27 and 28 floors high. Before diving into the

sections of Formwork and scaffolding, it is important to understand the definition of its

general category: Temporary Works.

As defined in Illingworth J.R.’s Construction Methods and Planning, temporary works are any

temporary construction necessary to assist the execution of permanent work and which will

be removed from site on completion. It is made necessary to enable plant and labour to

perform duty for efficiency and safety.

For in-situ concrete, there is a need of

temporary works as a provision

adequate enough to prevent concrete

pressure arising as well as supporting

loads until the concrete are self-

supporting. This temporary work is also

known as Formwork.

Figure 2.1 Façade of the Construction

6

Formwork

In the site there are two type of formwork used observed during the site visit. One of which

is steel formwork where, as shown in figure 2.2, is used for larger usage of concrete such as

the floor itself and timber formwork, in figure 2.3, used for smaller details such as road

blocks and so on.

Figure 2.2 (top) Steel formwork for concrete floors

Figure 2.3 (right) Timber formwork for smaller details

7

Engineered Formwork System

As mentioned above, steel formwork is generally used in larger construction project such as

high rise buildings and heavy construction such as damps and tunnels or in situation where

re-uses of the same

shuttering (in this case, the

floor) is possible. Aside from

those, it is also suitable for

circular or curved shaped

structures such as columns

or tanks. The use of

Engineered Formwork

System which are formwork

that are prefabricated

modules with metal frame

which could be steel or aluminium

depending on the choice of the engineer and covered on the application side which in this

case, concrete, with material such as steel are considerably advantageous in its usage. One

of the major advantages in its usage would be the reduction of time needed to assemble it.

It is this factor that leads engineer into considering the usage of engineered formwork

system for repetitive flooring.

Technically speaking, engineered formwork system formwork are strong, durable and also

have longer lifespan. It produces concrete that are much smoother than traditional timber

formwork. Engineered formwork system also decreases the amount of wastage with its

reusability characteristics. Due to the fact that it is metal, it does not absorb moisture from

concrete mixture which maintains concrete mixture closest at its initial ratio (depending on

the temperature of the environment). Thanks to this characteristic, engineered formwork

system do not shrink as easily as timber.

However, there are a few consideration required in its usage. The initial cost and handling

cost are higher in engineered formwork system. Despite its reusability, it is unwise to spend

high cost over smaller details in the constructions. It also requires more advanced planning

to fabricate the formwork and requires pre-calculated precision and accuracy.

Figure 2.4 Flat panel formwork

8

Traditional Timber Formwork

Traditional timber formwork is

considerably the most basic as well as

traditional among all other type

formwork. Its usage could be dated far

back to even 1200-1400BC of Ancient

Greece though not as extensively as the

Roman Empire in the 300BC. Traditional

timber formwork is the best choice for

complicated sections of buildings with

needs great amount of attention to small

detail or smaller scale of concrete pouring

in smaller construction projects such as

residential construction or home improvement activity.

There are important characteristics required to be overviewed when choosing the right type

of timber. Depending on the type of timber used and concrete poured, it must be relatively

durable and treatable. Preferably light-weight and also well-seasoned without warping yet

holds sufficient strength characteristics to support concrete pressure. In the construction

site, they used a reinforcement bar as an additional support to the formwork.

Characteristic in Traditional timber formwork which are the most advantageous to

construction project would be the cost. It can be constructed at a lower initial cost as

compared to engineered formwork system due to higher availability as well as cheaper

production cost. The cost of timber varies depending on the quality and treatment of the

wood. On unrelated note, for smaller construction project, it is possible to scavenge for

available lumber and oiling it to make it easier to be removed making it cheaper as well as

effective. Practically speaking, timber formwork is easier to handle compared to engineered

formwork system as there are no need for special tools nor high level of construction

experience. It also is easier to handle due to the light weightiness.

However, the production of traditional timber formwork is not smooth which could be

solved by using panels of material such as plywood to make a smoother surface as well as

Figure 2.5 Use of reinforcement bar, raking brace and horizontal

brace as support

9

have closer characteristics to timber formwork. Wood also degrade faster in multiple

formwork uses unless it is treated.

10

Scaffolding

Illingworth J.R. praised that scaffolding

could be called as ‘the maid-of-all-work’ in

construction field. It is considered to be the

most crucial item in construction project to

be had because it ensures that operatives

can access to parts of construction safely

and effectively. Henceforth, it is required

by law to have scaffold required as well as

its standards laid down by regulation along

with netting to stop falling materials and

ensures public safety.

Figure 2.5 Use of netting around scaffold

Figure 2.6 (top) Independent tied Scaffold constructed

Figure 2.7 (top right) ratio of scaffold with human height

Figure 2.8 (right) Assemble of scaffold up close

11

Methods are based on the use of tube and fitting method are covered in MS 1462: 1999

Specification for Engineered formwork system Frames tubes and fittings used in tubular

scaffolding.

There are various types of scaffolding available for construction usage such as:

1. Putlog scaffolds where one line of standards to support the outside of the scaffold deck,

the inside edge is supported from wall being built. This consist of scaffold tube transom

member with a flattened end to rest on brickwork, masonry or block walling.

2. Independent tied scaffold, by contrast, two row of standard supporting the working

deck. In this case, transom are not built into the structure. The whole scaffold structure

is independent from what is being built.

3. Free standing scaffolds, form of moveable tower although not necessarily so. Must be

stable against overturning without any attachment to any structure.

4. Slung scaffold are those hanging from a structure overhead but incapable of being

moved sideways or lowered.

5. Suspended scaffolds comprise working platforms suspended on wired ropes from a

suitable structure above such that they can be raised and lowered but not move

sideways.

6. Proprietary scaffolding system, in contrast with tube and fitting scaffold, it is designed to

avoid use of loose fitting and modular in concept and load carrying capacity and

structural stability work on a deemed to satisfy basis after extensive testing to validate

performance figures supplied by maker in question.

Based on the structure of the scaffold in construction site, I have come to a conclusion of

using Independent tie Scaffold. The proposal of the use of scaffold, as according to one of

the worker, is due to the fact that it is more stable as compared to putlog scaffoldings and

thus required by the law and regulation to construct them in such a way. Compared to using

putlog whereby using constructed walls as support, independent tie scaffold have a vertical

support due to the additional foundation and greater lateral stability. Putlog is only used as

a preferred scaffolding when the walls are continuous as the transoms are directly tied into

the constructed wall. As seen in figures above, the walls are not continuous and thus are not

wise to use such scaffoldings.

12

Building Material

Concrete

Mentioned in James Ambrose’s Simplified Design of Concrete Structure, concrete consists of

mixture that contains a mass of loose, inert particle of graded size held together in solid

form by a binding agent. Generally, there are three method of concrete usage; one of which

is site cast concrete where wet concrete mix is deposited in forms at location where it is to

be used. Another, precast concrete where mix is deposited in forms at location away from

desired location. Finally, used as masonry construction called concrete masonry units used

in similar manner as brick or stones.

On site, two methods are used; one would be site cast concrete and concrete masonry units

as proven in figure below.

Figure 3.1 (top left) use of concrete masonry unit

Figure 3.2 (top) in site Concrete beam and column

Figure 3.3 (left) reinforcement bar in concrete

13

The grade chosen by the engineer is, according to the worker on site, Grade 40. This means

that the mix in which quantity by weight of cement ,sand, aggregate & if admixture required

are mixed as per design proportion to produce 40 N/mm^2 cube strength in 28 days.

Various factor such as the bearing capacity of soil and load affects and forces designer to

use a greater concrete grades of greater compressive strength.

In comparison to other grades, in this case, the closest of which is C30. Grade 40 concrete

have equal size of maximum aggregate size in millimetre as to C30 as to the maximum

cement content in kilogram per cubic meter. However, the minimum cement content in

kilogram per cubic meter is greater in C40 compared to C30. In contrast, the maximum free

water/cement ratio in C40 is lower than C30. As result, C40 have better compressive

strength than C30.

In the application of grades in this construction site, as seen in figure 1.2, the building is

planned to be a tall building and will contains two blocks that holds 28 floors and 27 floors

respectively. It is natural for the designer to choose concrete with grade 40 to support the

building of such height. The concrete of grade 40 are also further reinforced by the

reinforcement bars within to increase general strength within concrete. However, the use of

cement content is higher compared to lower grades. This means that the cost of using this

grade would be relatively higher than using other grades.

It is mentioned by one of the worker in the construction site that the engineer exaggerated

the use of concrete grade. Technically speaking, it is possible to use concrete with grade 30

to construct even the basement. Financially, this makes construction project a lot cheaper

Figure 3.4 Concrete test area

14

since the major component of the building is made of concrete. However, we were told that

the engineer preferred to use Grade 40 instead to ensure the safety of the users in the

future and avoid risks. This proves that grade 40 is a lot stronger than grade 30 even though

more expensive.

Figure 3.5 and 3.6 cement bags

15

Conclusion

We can assume that we understand how hard it is to get up from a fall, we can imagine how

beautiful a scenery would be through description of words and images but nothing worth

more than experiencing it ourselves. Similarly, we read books and listened from lecturers in

lectures and tutorial about how construction project during its construction phase works but

diagrams and plans can only tell that much. The feeling of excitement before even entering

the site, thirst for answer that fills our curiosity of how things really looked like. When we

entered the site, things are far different from what we imagined such as the additional

consideration towards the worker’s living place and so on.

With the aid of both research as well as the site visit, the experience and knowledge

doubles. It is now possible to relate and understand the terms and description written in

books or website because of the site visit. This aids us not only in the practical usage but

also makes reading and research a greater ease compared to researching through books and

website blindly.

Aside from the above observation and research made, there are more knowledge to be

gained from the site such as the use of reinforcement bar as a support in formwork and

more. These little details are not readable from books nor would lecturers have the time to

mention (more interesting images and details will be included in Appendix section).

In final addition, we also learnt safety precautions during a site visit. Even though it was

mentioned repetitively before the site visit including the process of achieving our green

Figure 4.1 place where worker lives

Figure 4.2 where security made to ensure public do not enter without authority

16

card. We still managed to gain more knowledge about safety precaution during the worker’s

briefing. There are also signboards at the front of the entrance to ensure that not only

visitor read this but also the workers are reminded to wear these safety helmets. Rather

prevent than cure, they said.

Overall, this site visit holds more gain than loss. I am now more prepared to be a quantity

surveyor all thanks to the privileges my university, lecturer and also the company given to

me. I am truly grateful towards what they have done to allow me gain such great knowledge

and experience that other people in other country could not. For this reason, I gave a

thousand thanks to those who made me enjoyed the trip and gave me the knowledge I

needed to be a better quantity surveyor.

17

Dress code of a construction worker. Main

component would be helmet and boots.

Cloth are covered around face to reduce

dust from entering the nose and thermal

contact.

Tubes and bars for steel frame formwork.

Signs for safety precaution and regulation

for outsider and for workers.

Appendix

18

Overview and closer view of the

construction site.

Hoarding used to prevent object from

falling to the other side of the road and

trespassers.

(Bottom)

Reinforcement bars made of copper (left)

and steel (right). For different purpose

and usage.

19

Pathway to the construction site. Note the

cloth hanging on the right and the

motorcycle on the left. Showing that living

space for worker should be considered.

Scaffold used for easy access as well as

support to structures temporarily.

Close-up of the scaffold connected using

nail.

20

Description on cement bag

The difference in view from behind the

net and without the net.

21

Stirrups in formwork without concrete

cast

Tubes of scaffold placed in the

construction site.

Briefing towards safety precaution

needed to take note from one of the

construction worker.

22

Concrete beams and columns.

Scaffold placed in front of the

construction site and formwork beside it.

Reinforcement bar tensioning in the

concrete to increase strength of concrete.

23

Scaffold used to support water tank

with wood plank as medium

Stiffeners from concrete for stiffening

future masonry usage.

24

Memories that will never be

Forgotten

sasa

25

Reference

1. Civil Engineering. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from http://civil-

resources.blogspot.com/2010/06/formwork.html

2. Concrete Formwork & Types Of Formwork - CivilDigital - Johnny. (n.d.). Retrieved

November 23, 2014, from http://civildigital.com/concrete-formwork-types-of-

formwork/

3. Metal formwork system , Preform System,. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from

http://www.marcegaglia.com/ponteggi/eng/edilizia/casseforme.html

4. Engineered formwork system formwork. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from

http://www.slideshare.net/arigatouz/Engineered formwork system -formwork-

23440015

5. What are Formwork Systems? (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from

http://www.brighthubengineering.com/building-construction-design/49443-the-

latest-formwork-systems/

6. What is M20/40 grade concrete ? Is it new specification other than M20 grade

concrete ? - Yahoo Answers. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2014, from

https://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120425021605AAcH6lS

7. Illingworth, J. (2000).Chapter 3 Construction methods and planning (2nd ed.) p35-41.

London: E & FN Spon

8. Illingworth, J. (2000).Chapter 4 Construction methods and planning (2nd ed.) p48-51.

London: E & FN Spon

9. Simmons, H., & Simmons, H. (2007). Olin's construction: Principles, materials, and

methods (8th ed.) p76. Hoboken: J. Wiley & Sons.

10. Parker, H., & Ambrose, J. (1984) Chapter 1.Simplified design of reinforced concrete(5th

ed.)p10. New York ; Toronto: J. Wiley.