Building construction using industrialised building systems (Steel Formwork Systems - tunnel forms)

Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) is a relatively new method of construction in Malaysia. IBS is generally defined as the usage of prefabricated components with minimal site works required to erect a structure. Some IBS still using the in-situ method for construction but trying to minimum the site works. Although the whole concept of IBS has long been captured, implemented and improvised in many foreign countries, Malaysia is still slacking in sense that most players of the industry still prefer the traditional method and would only use IBS when the need arises. In Malaysia, there are 5 common structural types of IBS being used and this research will focus on the studies of Steel Formwork Systems. The objectives of this research are to identify the comparison of cost and time of completion between the implementation of IBS and conventional formwork systems in the local housing scene as well as to study the advantages and disadvantages of the IBS used in the Malaysian housing industry. Case studies being carried out to collect data from the two project site, one project from conventional form work systems and another project from IBS. Data will be used for comparison purposes. Although efforts taken by the local authority and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to enhance the usage of IBS in construction industry, but the components and products of IBS still have much room for improvement As conclusion, some recommendations being made in order to further improve the popularity in implementation of IBS.