Pre Journal FENDI

8/3/2019 Pre Journal FENDI

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pre-journal-fendi 1/9

Factors Influence The Selection of Formwork System 1

FACTORS INFLUENCE THE SELECTION OF

FORMWORK SYSTEM

Zakaria.R¹ and Ismail.M.A²*

1Senior Lecturer, Construction Technology and Management Centre (CTMC), Faculty of

Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

2 Master Student, Construction Technology and Management Centre (CTMC), Faculty of

Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract: A good formwork system enables speedy completion of the concrete structure,

following which other subsequent jobs can be started. However, the current approach in the

selection of formwork systems regularly cannot be specified even though it is crucial in

assuring an optimal and consistent result. The aim of this paper is to highlight factors in

selection of formwork system. It is crucial to identify the selection factors to support the

sustainable construction and indirectly response to sustainable development. The selection

factors have been listed by intensive reviewing of several references, such as journals,

articles, and previous study on formwork system. The questionnaire method is being used

in collecting the data. There are about 34 related respondents have been approached at

several locations in Johor Bharu, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The analysis of data is being

done by using Likert Scales. Data validation study is also being conducted in order to

endorse the significance factors in the proposed list of selection factors. Project nature and

budget have been selected as the most effective factors in selecting formwork system. Majority of respondents said that formwork systems do not require high skills in the design,

manufacture, install and monitor the progress of construction projects

Keyword: selection of formwork system; sustainability

1.0 Introduction

Formwork represents a significant part of the cost of concrete structure construction. Most

subsequent jobs including internal finishing and external cladding depend on the

completion of the building structure. A suitable formwork system is thus crucial for

maintaining the smooth flow of the various jobs and a proper working sequence of various

work activities. Typically, the selection of formwork system is made by a senior member of

the contractor‟s organization. The decision is heavily based on that individual‟s experience.

This experience may limit the selection of a system to one that is not optimum.




Building and construction activities worldwide consume 3 billion tons of raw materials

each year or 40 per cent of total global use (Roodman and Lenssen, 1995).In order to

sustain raw materials depletion, using green building materials and products for the

formwork system promotes conservation of declining non-renewable resources

internationally. In addition, integrating green building materials into formwork system can

help reduce the environmental impacts associated with the extraction, transport, processing,

fabrication, installation, reuse, recycling, and disposal of these formwork source materials.

The sustainability elements have to be considered nowadays in selecting the type of

formwork system.it is crucial in such manner to support the sustainable construction.

Sustainable construction is an agenda to response to more effective solutions by

considering recycle, reuse and reduce the usage of raw construction material. Therefore it is

crucial to identify the elements of sustainability that should be incorporated in construction

processes or system. The most system that cannot be avoided in construction is formwork

system that helps to form and cast the shape of the designed concrete. The sustainability

elements have to be considered in selecting the type of formwork system. It is crucial in

such manner to support the sustainable construction. Therefore, accounts on level of

responsive of each element are a must when considering the type of formwork system.

2.0 Research methodology

This research applied three stages in obtaining data needed. The first stage is preliminary

stage whereas the research problem being identified through study and understand the

relation between sustainable and formwork system. In this stage, a list of sustainability

elements in construction development is being listed. This has been done by reviewingseveral references, such as journals, articles, and previous study on sustainability elements.

The related information and data extracted from these references are being simplified into

table of major sustainability concept. From identified elements of sustainability of IBS

formworks, the sustainability elements of those systems have been described as the crucial

elements to be taken into account on the future construction.




The second stage of this research is the data collection using questionnaire method.

There are about 34 related respondents have been approached at several locations in Johor

Bharu, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. For this stage, the analysis of data is being done by

using Likert Scales, in which being ranked for those elements of interest are as follows:

Strongly disagree = 1

Disagree = 2

Moderate = 3

Agree = 4

Strongly agree = 5

For this research, the software being used to analyse data received from

questionnaires are Microsoft Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Science

(SPSS version 13.0). The average index is calculated based on the equation as follows;

Where,

αᵢ = constant expressing the weight given to i

ϰᵢ = the frequency of the response for i = 1,2,3,4, and illustrated as follows:

ϰ1= frequency of “extremely not important” response and corresponding to1

ϰ2 = frequency of the “not important” response and corresponding to 2

ϰ3 = frequency of the “moderately important” response and corresponding to 3

ϰ4 = frequency of the “very important” response and corresponding to 4

ϰ5 = frequency of the “extremely important” response and corresponding to 5

The final stage, which is the third stage of this research, is data evaluation. In this stage, the

result from the findings being evaluated in details and several conclusions were being

made. The researcher has come out with several recommendations to enhance the quality of

the future research.




2.1 Research Methodology Flowchart

STAGE 1: PRELIMINARY STUDY

Identify Research

Problem

Identifying the research

Literature review

Formwork system Sustainability

Define inter-relation between

formwork system and sustainability

Identifying preliminary elements of

Construction

Development

Green building

Types

Class

Innovation

Conclusions

Recommendations

Interpretation

Data Collection

[Questionnaires]

Data Validation & Screening

Data Analysis

Findings

STAGE 2: DATA EVALUATION

STAGE 2: DATA COLLECTION




3.0 Results and Discussions

Factors of Selection Mean Rating Scale

Project nature and budget 4.21 very effective

Formwork system availability 4.00 very effective

Installation method 3.94 very effective

Ease the construction 3.94 very effective

Fast track construction process 3.88 very effective

Material use in formwork system 3.76 very effective

Formwork safety and risk assessment 3.68 very effective

Effects on environment and local community 3.62 very effective

Provide site safety to all parties 3.56 very effective

Form durable structure in the construction 3.15 moderately effective

Needs low maintenance, thus provide less cost. 3.09 moderately effective

Need low skill requirement 2.74 moderately effective

Figure 1(a): Selection Factors of Formwork System

Figure 1(b): Comparison Graph for Selection Factors of Formwork System

4.21

4

3.94

3.94

3.88

3.76

3.68

3.62

3.56

3.15

3.09

2.74

0 1 2 3 4 5

Project nature and budget

Formwork system availability

Installation method

Ease the construction

Fast track the construction process

Material use in formwork system

Formwork safety and risk assessment

Effects on environment and local…

Provide site safety to all parties

Form durable structure in the construction

Needs low maintenance, thus provide…

Need low skill requirement




As refer to Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b), almost 75% (9 over 12) of factors listed have been

chosen to have more than average level of 3.50. The most selected factor as the most

effective factor of selection is „project nature and budget‟ (average score 4.21), while the

lowest score of 2.74 (Formwork system need low skill requirement) being put as the most

ineffective factor.

Project nature and budget have been selected as the most effective factors in selecting

formwork system. This factor can be divided into two, namely the nature of the project

budget and project itself. Project budget means a budget that was held in a project to govern

the financial and levels of specific components involved in the construction. For example,project management must determine how much money should be invested. This is because

the formwork systems are sometimes different from conventional projects. Furthermore,

the formwork systems should meet the design of the site and they need to be modified.

Thus, the modification of the formwork system criteria means the cash flow also has to be

manipulated.

Construction projects sometimes require a different type of formwork and the nature of

the project itself. As for example, the constructions of terraced houses are different to the

construction of skyscrapers that give priority to the architecture. Terraced houses under

construction, formwork systems used are often repetitive and similar in size and design.

however, the artistic aspects of the construction of skyscrapers formwork system

sometimes requires a different and unique to get the desired shape, such as the architectural

drawings.

Meanwhile, there are 3 factors have being selected below the average level of 3.50

which been categorized as moderately effective selection factors. These factors are

inclusive of formwork system need low skill requirement, formwork system form durable

structure in the construction and formwork system need low maintenance therefore

providing less cost for the whole construction.




Majority of respondents said that formwork systems do not require high skills in the

design, manufacture, install and monitor the progress of construction projects. This is

probably because most of the formwork systems, (not including permanent formwork

system) are being used for a while and not one of the components as structural beams and

columns. This causes the formwork system does not require the attention of experts in the

construction aspects as mentioned earlier.

On average, only 3.15, which are below the average level of 3.50 of the respondents,

stated that the formwork system factors contributing to the production of durable structures

in construction. This is because the effect of the formwork system is only slightly lowerthan the properties of the concrete, reinforcement and other factors that are directly

involved.

An average of 3:09 of the respondents stated that the formwork system only requires

little maintenance contribute to the reduction in construction costs. This is because most of

the formwork system used today is made of steel which is less affected by climate change,

human error and other factors as well as reduce maintenance costs because of less damage.

In contrast to conventional formwork system that comes from natural sources such as

timber. These resources are easily damaged by climate change, etc., as well as increased

spending for new formwork system.

4.0 Conclusion

As far as the above concern of questionnaire findings, most of the favourable selection

factors of formwork system are basically common selection factors which have been

practiced in construction area. Based on the discussion of the findings above, this study

found that respondent choose the factor of existence of formwork system will ease the

construction as it is used as supportive structure in making different parts of building like

beams, columns and walls. They also agreed that formwork system will help to accelerate

the construction work schedule. In the meantime, the formwork system will provide site

safety to all parties involved in construction by preventing harmful material like concrete




mixture and imperfect structure from being collapsed to the ground or in the worst case

scenario; get down over personnel surround. The properties of material used as formwork

system also being put into their consideration in selecting formwork system. The method of

installation like precast or in-situ formwork is being among the major factor in selection of

formwork system. Meanwhile, the effects to the environment and local community are also

being emphasized by construction personnel in selecting the best formwork system. It is

crucial to reduce the effect on environment by using green or proper material which has

less toxic. Hazardous formwork system will affect human health and also contaminate

water source. Finally, as the world of construction is a part of a business, the factor of

project nature and budget is the most chosen factors among others is selecting wise

formwork system. Hence, the developer especially contractor are carefully will makeproper budget inclusive of selection of formwork system to prevent loss of money,

manpower and time which become among important keys in construction progress.

5.0 Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the consultants and contractors involved for cooperation

and support in providing data for the study.

REFERENCES

1) CIDB, (2010), IBS Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) Roadmap, Construction

Industry Development Board, Pg. 7

2) Knapton, John (2008). World Trade Centre Attack .Retrieved on September 7,

2010, from http://www.john-knapton.com/wtc.htm

3) Sustainable Concrete (2010), Methods of Construction Sustainable Concrete

Design and Construction, Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) Retrieved on

September 7, 2010, from http://www.sustainableconcrete.org.uk/

4) Mohan Munasinghe and R. J. Swart (2005) Primer On Climate Change And

Sustainable Development: Facts, Policy Analysis and Applications

London, Cambridge University Press, 101pp.




5) D.M. Roodman and N. Lenssen, A Building Revolution: How Ecology and Health

Concerns are Transforming Construction, Worldwatch Paper 124, Worldwatch

Institute, Washington, D.C., March 1995, p. 5.

6) Badir, Y.F., Kadir, M.R.A. & Ali, A.A.A (1998), “Theory of Classification of

Badir- Razali Building System Classification”, Buletin of Institution of Engineer,

Malaysia.

7) Muhd. Zaimi Abdul Majid, Rosli Mohamad Zin, and Jamiah Salleh, Sistem Fast

Track Wall (FTW), Penerbit UTM Press, 2009

8) Brundtland GH (chairman) (1987). Our Common Future. Oxford: Oxford

University Press.

9) World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Our Common

Future. Oxford University Press, Oxford

10) Nazirah Zainul Abidin., (2009). Sustainable Construction in Malaysia –

Developers’ Awareness. World Academy of Science, Engineering andTechnology, 53, 807- 814.

11) Bill Bradley, (2007-2010), Formwork Materials and systems, Retrieved August

21, 2010, from http://www.builderbill-diy-help.com/

12) Lynn M. Froeschle, "Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green

Building Materials," The Construction Specifier , October 1999, p. 53.

13) Ross Spiegel and Dru Meadows, Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product

Selection and Specification, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1999.

14) Construction Industry Master Plan (CIMP 2006 – 2015) (2007), Construction

Industry Development Board Publication, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/#Roodman










Documents

Pre Journal FENDI