An investigation on effect of rebar on structural behaviour for wall-slab system
The government is taking the leading role to persuade the construction industry to engage a more systematic approach and methodology in construction by adapting the Industrialized Building Systems [IBS]. Wall-slab structural system is an IBS system which is suitable for use in residential building. Moment transfer of joint is an important aspect for proper structurally functioning of wall-slab system. Hence, the main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of reinforcement details in the wall on bending capacity for support stiffness in wall-slab system for residential project in Malaysia. A total of six wall specimens were tested. Three of this specimens consisted single layer of rebar while another three specimen consisted of double layer of rebar. The size of the wall-slab's specimens is 1000 mm in length [L], 1080 mm in width [W], 1000 mm in height [H] and 80 mm in thickness [T]. The average concrete strength Grade 30 N/mm2 and the average yield strength of R5 bar was 817 MPa. The bending capacity at failure for single layered of rebar in wall for specimen 1, 2 and 3 were found to be 3.59 kNm, 3.81 kNm and 3.15 kNm, respectively. The bending capacity at failure for double layered of rebar in wall for specimen 1, 2 and 3 were 5.50 kNm, 6.31 kNm and 7.00 kNm, respectively. The difference in stiffness of double layered reinforced concrete wall based on load-deflection curve 116.2 % to 289.9 % higher than single layered reinforced concrete wall. While based on the experimental results, specimens with double layered rebar in wall is found with higher bending capacity by 56.3 % to 98.9 % compared to single layered of rebar in wall. Experimental data on bending capacity provides important input in the process of structure analysis. Others than that, the outcome obtained from the study can serve as an useful guideline in the design of an efficient joint in wall-slab structural system.
Key factors influencing the decision to adopt industrialised building systems technology in the Malaysian construction industry: an inter-project perspective
ABSTRACT The factors impacting the adoption of industrialised building systems (IBS) technology is gaining increasing attention in Malaysia, particularly because of the slower-than-expected pace of adoption. This paper aims to identify the factors that influence the decision to use IBS in construction projects. The research methodology is embedded in an interpretative phenomenological paradigm that is applied through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a group of 27 experienced construction stakeholders from across the industry. The ‘inter-project perspective’ is contextualised through an interpretative content analysis that synthesises varied accounts of interviewees to identify the influence of different factors on IBS adoption. The findings group the factors that influence IBS adoption decisions into ‘structural’, ‘contextual’ and ‘behavioural’ themes. The ‘structural’ and ‘contextual’ themes have five factors impacting the IBS decision, whereas ‘behavioural’ has four factors. The 14 factors are project condition, procurement setup, management approach, communication process, decision-making style, economics conditions, technology development, government involvement, sustainability feature, stakeholders’ participation, experience, bounded rationality, awareness and attitude. These factors are influenced by 49 ‘aspects’. It is suggested that the IBS adoption decision is complex and influenced by many interconnected ‘aspects’, beyond government incentives, cost, attitudes and skills. Moreover, a more integrative approach that considers all factors is needed to make the IBS adoption decision. However, because the intensity of influence of these factors/aspects may differ country to country, as may the nature of the construction industry, any attempt to develop a strategy or policy to increase IBS adoption or integration needs to be targeted.
Seismic Behavior of Steel Frames with Deformable Panel Zones
This paper presents an analytical study on the effect of panel zone (PZ) distortions on moment-resisting steel frame behavior. Analytical frame models were developed to study the influence of PZ distortions on frames with hinging beam and hinging column joints. A simple, trilinear analytical model was developed based on the mechanics of the column web and the flanges at the beam-column joint. Two bilinear rotational springs were needed at each joint to accurately simulate PZ distortions. Results suggest that simple analytical models that do not include PZ distortions underestimate the elastic drift and overestimate the base shear capacity for moment-resisting steel frames. Further, simple analytical models used to determine inelastic seismic behavior may underestimate the rotational ductility for beam-column joints.