Construction Projects In Malaysia Research Articles

Mechanical Properties of Bricks Containing Sago Fine Waste as Cement Replacement Material

Due to the country's expanding population and the resulting growth of the building industry, brick is one of the most crucial materials used in construction projects in Malaysia. Producing large amounts of bricks requires a lot of cement yet this method has environmental consequences due to increasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, this study aims to use partial Sago Fine Waste (SFW) to replace the cement. About 60 tonnes of sago trash are dumped into the closest river every day during the production of sago starch. To protect the environment and contributing to sustainable development, this study has been conducted on the production of bricks from waste materials. For this study, the brick specimens were prepared using 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% of SFW with a water-cement ratio of 0.6 fixed at 1:3 sand cement ratio. The total specimens that were produced for testing are 72 bricks. The water curing for concrete has been conducted at 7 and 28 days. The overall results revealed that both density and compressive strength are decreases as the percentages of SFW increases. The initial rate of absorption increases due to the increasing percentage of SFW. However, all the results obtained are still met the requirements. Based on the findings, the optimum percentage SFW are SFW1W0.6 with strength 5.18 MPa. The optimum brick properties of SFW1W0.6 is normal weight with density 2092.86 kg/m3 and lowest initial rate absorption with 0.91 kg/m3.min.

Unlocking the Potential of BIM and VR Integration to Address Construction Challenges in Malaysia’s Building Industry: A Literature Review

Delays in project completion, cost overruns, safety risks, and poor communication among project stakeholders are just some of the leading causes of the many problems plaguing Malaysian construction projects. The construction sector in this country is suffering from these significant problems, which could be remedied with the help of emerging technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR). Integrating Virtual Reality (IVR) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) may help avoid and resolve such problems during construction. The features allow for remote collaboration, enhanced communication and connection, enhanced immersion and interactivity, and reduced costs. This literature review exemplifies the challenge that arose on a construction site, as well as the potential of VR technology in general and its integration in assisting the construction industry in Malaysia with BIM. Based on the comprehensive analysis conducted, it is evident that the integration of BIM and VR presents a vast potential to alleviate and resolve the pressing construction-related challenges afflicting Malaysia’s construction industry. The effective integration of these innovative technologies can revolutionise the sector by mitigating cost overruns, reducing project delays, enhancing communication, and improving safety outcomes. Therefore, realising the potential and exploring the possibilities of BIM and VR integration is crucial to overcoming the issues and promoting sustainable growth in Malaysia’s construction sector.

Integration of passive RFID for small-scale construction project management

Passive radio frequency identification (P-RFID) is discussed previously for its sustainable usefulness in the construction industry. The subject of this research is the barriers to the implementation of passive radio frequency identification (P-RFID) technology for the digital transformation of small construction projects, and the interrelationships among these barriers. This study emphasizes notably smaller building projects. Considering technological, cultural, privacy, interest, volatility, and resource constraints that must be overcome to encourage the implementation of P-RFID in the construction business. A PLS-SEM analysis is also provided, showing how much technological, cultural, and privacy hurdles affect the P-RFID rollout. Most severely inhibiting adoption are technical obstacles, cultural ones, and privacy concerns. Findings stress the need of construction firms to adopt new technology to speed up project completion and keep up with rising demand. The use of P-RFID technology may improve the efficiency of project delivery processes and reduce the number of failed projects. Additionally, the research highlights the value of privacy as well as the need of making its protection a key priority in the development of P-RFID technology. According to the findings of the research, one of the most important things that has to be done in order to increase the usage of P-RFID in low-volume sustainable construction projects in Malaysia is to remove the barriers that prevent people from being interested in it.

Factors Causing Time and Cost Overruns of Construction Projects in Malaysia

Cost overrun is a problem that the construction industry faces in many countries, including Malaysia. It is a significant problem in Malaysia because most Malaysian construction projects have seen cost overruns of between 5 and 10% of the overall contract sum. This study aims to look at the factors that could lead to time and cost overruns in Malaysian construction projects. This study's objective was accomplished by using a quantitative approach to gather data which involved the use of questionnaire surveys. The study employed a stratified random selection method for the collection of information from the contractors working in the Ipoh region who have a current registration with the Pusat Khidmat Kontraktor (PKK) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and are mainly based in the city of Ipoh. The results showed that “lack of experiences of project type”, “delays in issuing information to the contractor during projects”, “improvements to standard drawings during construction”, “omissions and errors in the bills of quantities”, and “inaccurate quantity take-off” are the top 5 factors causing time and cost overrun in the city of Ipoh, Malaysia.

Lean-BIM Collaborative Approach for Sustainable Construction Projects in Malaysia

Construction projects always deal with high-risk business activities, facing constant errors, and producing unwanted waste, leading to low productivity and sustainability. Lean Construction (LC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) approaches have been recognized to resolve those issues. The implementation of both technologies is becoming popular amongst industry practitioners across the globe, claiming that they could also address the sustainability concerns in the construction industry. However, the usage of both innovations is fragmented, mainly, with their tools and processes being manipulated separately. Therefore, this paper aims to explore Lean-BIM collaborative approach towards establishing more sustainable construction projects, focusing on the Malaysian construction industry. The objectives of this paper are to identify the impacts of Lean-BIM collaborative approach on sustainability and to determine its capabilities in impacting the sustainability requirements for construction projects. This study conducted a survey by questionnaire in which 100 responses were successfully gathered from various stakeholders. Using Relative Importance Index (RII) of Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software, the surveyed results were ranked concerning Lean-BIM impacts and capabilities. The findings acknowledged that the most-ranked Lean-BIM impacts towards sustainability in construction projects are in terms of productivity, quality, and safety and risks management. Whereas the highest-ranked Lean-BIM capabilities highlighted are Lean pull planning approaches, and BIM coordination and virtual mock-up. This paper could assist the construction practitioners’ decision-making in managing sustainability for construction projects to venture competently into Lean-BIM innovation.

THE POTENTIAL OF ISLAMIC CROWDFUNDING TO FINANCE SMALL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN MALAYSIA

In an era marked by a multitude of global challenges, such as geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, regional lockdowns affecting key Chinese provinces, and the strict enforcement of monetary policies, all exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has further intensified funding challenges for infrastructure projects, this study delves into the potential of Islamic crowdfunding as a means to finance small-scale construction projects in Malaysia. Utilizing qualitative research and content analysis, this investigation explores the applicability of crowdfunding within Malaysia's construction sector. Data collection involves a comprehensive review of pertinent literature and documents, with thematic analysis revealing crucial insights. The paper introduces a framework that harmonizes crowdfunding principles with Islamic ethical values, aiming to foster inclusive economic growth. This research advocates for collaboration among various stakeholders, including Islamic crowdfunding platforms, construction companies, investors, and regulatory authorities, to harness the potential of Islamic crowdfunding. By doing so, they can contribute to Malaysia's economic growth, social development, and the expansion of ethical finance within the construction industry.

COMBINATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR VALUE ENGINEERING AND BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING IMPLEMENTATION AT LOD300 STAGE

Value Engineering (VE) involves a multidisciplinary team approach in a highly systematic workshop aimed at achieving Value for Money (VfM) focused on improving the function of a project, product, or service, not merely reducing costs. In the construction industry, VE is applied during the design or pre-construction phases of public, private, or Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based projects where benefits can be maximised. VE can be implemented more effectively with BIM, especially in providing accurate and adequate information. It is important to understand how these two concepts are related and how they benefit projects. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research that combines VE practice with BIM to evaluate viable alternatives or improve design. This paper investigated the need for VE in the LOD300 phase for construction projects in Malaysia. In this work, a quantitative methodology was used to incorporate findings from the literature into a questionnaire survey that was purposefully distributed to industry practitioners with knowledge of VE, BIM, or both. A sample of 186 was drawn from a total population of 353 professionals: Members of the Institute of Value Management Malaysia (IVMM), Public Works Department of Malaysia (PWD) VM and BIM, and myBIM Centre Malaysia. 32% of responses were received, and the data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Based on the results, a framework was developed to include VE at the LOD300 phase in BIM. This paper provides empirical evidence of the benefits of this approach and offers construction practitioners with an overview of how VE can be systematically applied to BIM.

DATA QUALITY ISSUES THAT HINDER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK (ANN) FOR COST ESTIMATION OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN MALAYSIA

The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) which is one of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, has been identified as a great technique to be used for construction cost estimation in the project. With the optimum quality of data input into the ANN model, it could produce an optimum and reliable cost estimation output. Nonetheless, the construction industry is lack of breadth and depth of data that is required as input into ANN. Though many online databases have been made available for data consumers, data quality problems remain unresolved. Thus, this study aims to identify data quality issues that can hinder the implementation of ANN for cost estimation of a construction project. A literature review and semi-structured interview were employed for the data collection of this research. The content analysis method was used to analyse the information obtained through the literature review. Meanwhile, the data collected from the semi-structured interview with nine (9) respondents were analysed using both content analysis and descriptive statistics analysis methods. The findings revealed six data quality issues that can hinder the ANN implementation for cost estimation of construction projects in Malaysia which are inaccurate data, outdated data, data access barriers, insufficient data, noise in training data, and data input degree of influence. Academically, this study contributes to the body of knowledge about the implementation of ANN for cost estimation of construction projects in Malaysia.
 
 Keywords: Artificial Neural Network, Artificial Intelligence, Cost Estimation, Data Quality.

Exploration of challenges to deployment of blockchain in small construction projects

Blockchain technology provides a decentralized way of handling the data and supports the construction project's sustainability and performance. Small construction projects in Malaysia always need help adopting new technology like blockchain. This research aimed to investigate the challenges affecting the implementation of blockchain technology in small construction projects in Malaysia. The study examined Malaysian minor construction project blockchain implementation issues. A total of 17 challenges were found significant in affecting the implementation of Blockchain technology in small construction projects in Malaysia. Five constructs were seen: technological barriers, work environment barriers, economic and planning barriers, operational barriers, and privacy and regulation barriers. Structural equation modeling and these structures create a blockchain implementation model for modest building projects. The model's validity, dependability, and forecast accuracy for all obstacles and their potential influence on blockchain deployment in small construction projects in Malaysia are substantial. The model also has good convergent and discriminant validity, supporting it. Blockchain use in Malaysian small building projects could be improved mainly through economic and planning issues. The present study needs to highlight the Malaysian small construction sector's essential obstacles in integrating blocks and technology that are the basis for more creative technologies. This research will help the Malaysian construction sector concentrate on improvements and assess the effect of blockchain on modest projects.

The Effects of Foreign Labor on Labor Productivity in Construction Industries

The focus of this study is the demand for foreign labor in the construction industry. While labor productivity contributes significantly to the economic growth of the country but the trend has decreased over recent years. Hence, this paper aims to identify whether the increase in the labor force or other factor inputs contributes significantly to the labor capacity of construction projects in Malaysia. Results show the relationship between labor and other factors related to employment productivity in the construction industry of Malaysia from the year of 1986 to 2020. Factor inputs consist of variables such as capital, local labor, and foreign labor. The research objective is to identify the effects of labor force and other factor inputs on labor productivity. This study employs the Cobb-Douglas production function. The findings show that there is a significant relationship whereby the financial assets have a significant relationship, whilst the local and foreign workforce has a negative relationship in terms of their impact on labor productivity. These findings provide some scientific evidence for improving the project performance of the construction industry in Malaysia. It will be useful in identifying which factor inputs have a huge impact on construction labor productivity.

Evaluating the critical safety factors causing accidents in downstream oil and gas construction projects in Malaysia

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the primary safety factors that contribute to accidents in downstream oil and gas construction projects in Malaysia. A quantitative approach was used, including a pilot survey and a main survey of individuals involved in these types of projects. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the pilot survey data, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted on the main survey results. The study identified several critical safety factors, including inadequate safety training, insufficient safety procedures, and inadequate supervision. The findings provide insights into the significant safety elements in Malaysia's oil and gas construction industry and may aid in improving both theoretical and practical aspects of construction safety in this field. This research helps to fill a gap in knowledge regarding construction safety in Malaysia's oil and gas sector by highlighting the most important contributors to accidents in this industry.

Improving The Organizational Culture of Key Stakeholders Involved in Value Management Process to Achieve Optimum Value in Malaysian Construction

Value Management (VM) is necessary for all construction projects to achieve value for money. There is a need to improve the organizational culture of key stakeholders involved in VM process to achieve optimum value in Malaysian construction projects. This paper is part of a larger study aiming to develop a culture-based organizational model for key stakeholders involved in VM process for achieving optimum value in Malaysian construction projects. This study utilizes a systematic literature review synthesis method to evaluate the trend, identify the gaps and recommend future approach in order to improve the organizational culture of key stakeholders involved in VM process that focuses on achieving optimum value in VM. The results include analyzing current VM status quo in Malaysian construction industry, determining the challenges faced in the VM process of generating innovative ideas, and exploring the project value creation to achieve optimum value. Upon introducing the background problem, the paper deliberates the synthesized literature reviews on VM, key stakeholders, VM process and project performance with VM. A cross-analyses discussion contributes towards formulating the culture-based organizational model for VM practice in Malaysia. The results are expected to improve the integrated project delivery performance of Malaysian construction industry stakeholders by understanding critical VM success factors and weaknesses of VM key stakeholders’ team in generating innovation ideas for optimum project delivery value.

Applications of Building Information Modelling in the Operation and Maintenance Phase of Construction Projects: A Framework for the Malaysian Construction Industry

Building information modelling (BIM) is an inventive solution for enhancing the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase of construction projects. However, there is still a small and low level of BIM adoption in the O&M phase of construction projects in Malaysia. Hence, a framework is required for the Malaysian construction industry regarding the adoption of BIM in the O&M phase. The goal of this study is to examine the factors that influence the implementation of BIM technology during the O&M phase. A literature review was performed with more than 50 research papers from the past 10 years. This research was closely evaluated to create a list of barriers and drivers that might affect the application of BIM in the O&M phase. To ensure that these barriers and drivers match Malaysian conditions, a semi-structured interview was performed. Based on this interview, a refined questionnaire was created to gather feedback. Next, an online survey was conducted on 302 Malaysian construction professionals who work in the industry. The collected data were analysed for tests of reliability, validity, correlation, and a relative importance index. As per the findings, most of the respondents were familiar with the use of BIM technology, with 98.7% of the companies they worked at having more than 15 BIM engineers employed at the time of the survey. The lack of learning materials and equipment prepared by the academic institutions were identified as two main aspects requiring attention to improve the utilisation of BIM in the O&M stage. On the other hand, the utilisation of BIM, which increases the efficiency of data accessibility for the O&M personnel, has been rated as the most significant driver. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework was developed to provide insight into the matter and a future direction to overcome the matter. Therefore, this study managed to provide an in-depth perspective for future researchers into the factors that can enhance the implementation of BIM software during the O&M phase of a construction project.

Survey Evaluation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Health and Safety in Building Construction Projects in Malaysia

Traditional safety planning methods that rely on manual inspections result in labour-intensive, time-consuming, and inadequate information transmission, which has significant negative social and economic effects on our society, as well as financial and schedule losses for construction projects. Building information modelling (BIM) is useful for analysing workplace safety issues, preventing risks and hazards, and improving safety throughout the project’s life cycle. This study intends to pinpoint health and safety concerns and to understand the role of BIM adoption in enhancing health and safety in Malaysian building construction projects. Following a survey of 302 Malaysian construction industry professionals, statistical data analysis using the relative importance index, reliability, validity, and correlation measures was performed. The results show that implementing BIM can prevent accidents on construction sites by detecting physical spatial clashes, anticipating project dangers, and providing a wealth of parametric data throughout the entire life cycle of structures. A framework was created to improve the application of BIM to enhance health and safety linked with construction projects. The study found that construction industry stakeholders believe that BIM implementation in construction projects can improve health and safety and reduce accident rates in Malaysia.

Assessment of Challenges to the Adoption of IOT for the Safety Management of Small Construction Projects in Malaysia: Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The Internet of Things is a comprehensive system of connected computing devices and sensors that provide extensive data sharing capability for any specific purpose. For the construction industry, the applications of the Internet of Things have been increasing over the past few years, and it is because technology can provide full support to construction projects in attaining significant efficiency. The most critical part of construction products where the internet of things can be adopted is safety management because hundreds of accidents happen every year that result in significant injuries to construction workers and even death in some cases. For small construction projects, the situation is much worse, as there are never enough resources to adopt the latest technology, such as the Internet of Things. This study is structured with the aim of identifying the critical implementation barriers of the internet of things that affect small construction projects in Malaysia specifically. A mixed methodology study design is followed in which, after identifying the implementation barriers of the internet of things from existing literature, they are filtered with expert opinion. A pilot survey was conducted on which exploratory factor analysis was applied to further identify the significant barriers relating to the Internet of Things in small construction projects in Malaysia. A main survey was conducted afterwards, on which the structural equation modelling was done to develop the model involving the final 16 barriers divided into 5 formative constructs. The most critical barriers are found to be related to databases and technology, while the least impact is created by management barriers. Positive theoretical and managerial implications are indicated for future researchers and construction workers, respectively, by which they can improve the implementation of internet of things in small construction projects in Malaysia.

Critical Success Factors Influencing Total Quality Management In Industrialised Building System: A Case Of Malaysian Construction Industry

Total quality management (TQM) is widely regarded as one of the most important approaches toward improving the quality of an organization’s output in the construction industry. The industrialized building system (IBS) or prefabrication process has been described as a valid alternative for replacing traditional construction methods in terms of quality, cost-effectiveness, protection and health, waste mitigation, and productivity. This study aims to identify and rank the critical success factors that affect TQM in Malaysian IBS construction projects. The collected questionnaire data was subjected to statistical analysis. The analysis showed that the most important grouped factor is leadership. Regardless of the identified critical factor, all contributing factors established a significant influence on the successful performance. The study developed a conceptual framework based on the top critical factors that will help stakeholders to enter before applying TQM in IBS construction projects.

Impact of 3D Printing on the Overall Project Success of Residential Construction Projects Using Structural Equation Modelling

After a decade of research and development, 3D printing is now an established technique in the construction sector, complete with its own set of accepted standards. The use of 3D printing in construction might potentially improve the outcome of the project as a whole. However, traditional strategies are often used in the residential construction industry in Malaysia, which causes serious public safety and health issues along with a negative impact on the environment. In the context of project management, overall project success (OPS) has five dimensions, such as cost, time, quality, safety, and environment. Understanding the role of 3D printing in relation to OPS dimensions in Malaysian residential construction projects would allow construction professionals to adopt 3D printing more easily. The aim of the study was to find the impact of 3D construction printing on OPS while considering the implications for all five dimensions. Fifteen professionals were interviewed to first evaluate and summarise the impact factors of 3D printing using the current literature. Then, a pilot survey was conducted, and the results were checked using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The feasibility of 3D printing in the building sector was investigated by surveying industry experts. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to investigate and validate the fundamental structure and linkages between 3D printing and OPS (PLS-SEM). A strong correlation was found between 3D printing in residential projects and OPS. Highly positive implications are indicated by the environmental and safety dimensions of OPS. Malaysian decision-makers may look to the outcomes of introducing 3D printing into the residential construction industry as a modern method for increasing environmental sustainability, public health and safety, reducing cost and time, and increasing the quality of construction work. With this study's findings in hand, construction engineering management in Malaysia's residential building sector might benefit from a deeper understanding of how 3D printing is used for improving environmental compliance, public health and safety, and project scope.

Barriers to Building Information Modeling (BIM) Deployment in Small Construction Projects: Malaysian Construction Industry

Building information modeling (BIM) application in construction projects is considered beneficial for effective decision making throughout the project lifecycle, as it maximizes benefits without compromising practicality. The Malaysian construction industry is also keen on the adoption of BIM culture. However, various identified and unidentified barriers are hindering its practical implementation. In light of this, this study identified and analyzed critical obstacles to using BIM in Malaysian small construction projects. Through the use of semi-structured interviews and a pilot study using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method, the critical BIM barriers (CBBs) have been identified. Based on the findings of the EFA, CBBs were classified into five categories, i.e., technical adoption barrier, behavioral barrier, implementation barrier, management barrier, and digital education barrier. Following the questionnaire survey, feedback of 235 professionals was collected with vested interests in the Malaysian construction business, and the CBBs model was created using analysis of moment structures (AMOS). The findings revealed that although Malaysian experts with little experience in practice were fairly educated about BIM, technical adoption barriers, behavioral barriers, management barriers, and implementation hurdles were critical for adopting BIM. The study’s findings will help policymakers eliminate CBBs and use BIM in Malaysia’s modest construction projects to save costs, save time, boost productivity, and improve quality and sustainability.

Building Information Modelling Strategies in Sustainable Housing Construction Projects in Malaysia

Building Information Modelling (BIM) plays a very significant role in the construction industry, especially in project management decision-making and data integration efforts during the preliminary planning and design stage. This is aligned with the National Construction Policy (NCP 2030) by the Ministry of Work Malaysia, highlighting that it is timely for the construction industry players to move towards sustainability. BIM must be implemented to ensure the smooth delivery of sustainable housing construction projects in Malaysia due to its critical role in assisting in construction cost optimisation, green building implementation, minimising environmental impact, and waste reduction. However, the BIM implementation rate in Malaysia is still minimal due to the challenges in its execution. Therefore, this paper is aimed to propose BIM’s critical strategies in the development of Malaysian sustainable housing construction projects as envisaged in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). A thorough systematic literature review and questionnaire survey of fifty (50) BIM players in housing construction projects in Malaysia shows that from sixteen (16) BIM strategies, three (3) items are identified as critically important strategies, whereas another five (5) items are identified as important strategies. The outcome of the study shall benefit the construction industry players who are involved in the sustainable housing construction project and mainly drives the Public Work Department (PWD) BIM Strategic Plan 2021–2025, thus supporting the earlier mentioned NCP 2030 agenda by the Ministry of Work Malaysia.

Project Meeting and Guidelines: The Impact on Time Performance of Construction Projects in Malaysia

Project Meeting and Guidelines: The Impact on Time Performance of Construction Projects in Malaysia