Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

The Acceptance Level of Silent Piling Technology Among Local Authorities in
Malaysia
Nor Azizi YUSOFF
Lead Researcher, Research Centre for Soft Soil (RECESS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Batu Pahat,
Johor, Malaysia
Email: azizy@uthm.edu.my

Suliadi Firdaus SUFAHANI
Lecturer, Department Science and Mathematics, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Batu Pahat, Johor,
Malaysia
Email: suliadi@uthm.edu.my

Nur Abidah AZHAR
Researcher, Research Centre for Soft Soil (RECESS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Batu Pahat,
Johor, Malaysia
Email: eida.azhar@gmail.com

Tuan Norhayati TUAN CHIK
Lecturer, Department of Structure and Material Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Email: thayati@uthm.edu.my

ABSTRACTSilent piling technology can be considered as a new piling method used for construction activities in Malaysia. Initialresearch by Goh & Yusoff (2014) shows that acceptance among designers are still low. The silent piling technology among
local authorities are not fully understood. The importance of study is to show the current scenario, problems in practiceand future opportunities of silent piling technology in the construction industry in Malaysia. In general, press-in pilingtechnology provides a very positive future for foundation engineering construction but this new technology has not widely
been used in Malaysia. Therefore, this research is aiming to study the level of acceptance of silent piling technology
among local authorities in Malaysia. The research objectives are to evaluate the acceptance, the potential and the level ofneeds and technical ‘know how’ of press-in piling technology among local authorities in Malaysia. In order to achieve
the objectives, a qualitative review on acceptance of this technology had been conducted to an engineering personnel
working with the local authorities. In addition, short seminars, discussions with local partners and local authorities had
been initiated in order to understand the scenario. Based on this study, it was found that the exposure and understandingof press-in method among the local authorities is still at a low level. More than 90% of the local authorities agree thatlarge bulky machinery, excessive noise and vibrations and human disturbance are the main problems when piling at urban
areas. They also believe that Press-in technology may be useful to overcome these environmental challenges. In
conclusion, the research had successfully recognized the acceptance level of Press-in technology among the local
authorities in Malaysia. The research model could be adopted in understanding and shaping practical strategies inpromoting Press-In technology in other developing countries.
Key words: silent piling, local authorities, Malaysia- 593 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

1.

d.

Introduction
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia

The local authorities involved are The Malaysian
Public Works Department (JKR), Department of(2017), RM2.55 billion was spent in 2015 on the

Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS) andenvironmental protections with an annual growth rate ofLocal Council.

3.9 per cent compared to 2010. Operating expenditure
amounted

to

RM1.5

billionwhile capital

expenditure amounted to RM0.80 billion. For the4.

Sustainable construction
Construction activities are one of the leading causes

construction industry, 7.6% or RM0.16 billion was spentof pollution in the world. There is a large volume ofto protect the environment. The scenario alarmed the

publishedcountry to look for more initiatives in managing thisconstruction projects.

challenge. In the construction industry, press-in pilingawareness of the importance of sustainable development,

technology seems to provide a very sustainable andPreece et al. (2011) found that the construction industry

environmental friendly solution. However, this new

has a huge responsibility to fulfil our quality of life.

studies describing thesustainability in

In an investigation into thetechnology has not widely been used in Malaysia.
Therefore, this research is aiming to study the level of
acceptance of this technology in Malaysia.

Marhani et al. (2013) defines that the sustainable
construction is the design and responsible management ofa strong built environment based on resource efficiency

Aims and objectives of the study
The aim of this research is to study the level ofand environmental principles. In another perspective, Al-

acceptance of silent piling technology among local

construction can be defined as integration processes ofauthorities in Malaysia. Therefore, three objectives havesustainable development by aiming to restore andbeen listed as below:

maintain harmony between the natural and the built

2.

Yami and Price (2006) stated that a sustainable

environment. In addition, creating settlement that affirm(a)To evaluate the level of needs and technicalhuman dignity and improve economic development.

‘know how’ of silent piling technology among
local authorities in Malaysia.
(b)(c)

In order to build sustainably, Mohammad (2013)

To investigate the potential application of silent

suggested that sustainable approach and innovative

piling technology in Malaysia.

techniques must be addressed through built environment

To access the acceptance level of silent pilingplanning, design and construction economics.

technology among local authorities in Malaysia.
In the previous studies, many authors have3.

Scope of study

reported that there are 6 main principles for sustainable

This research was focused on the potential andconstruction (Kibert, 2003; Preece et al. 2011; Marhani et

acceptance of silent piling technology in the construction

al.2013). The main principals are;industry in Malaysia. This scope of research is as below.
a.

b.

a.

Decrease of resource consumption

A quantitative research was being conducted viab.

Make best use of resource reusea survey and qualitative research that had beenc.

Use renewable and recyclable resources

conductedd.

Care for the natural environment

involved local authorities in Malaysia.

e.

Produce a healthy and non-toxic environment

The study covers two states (Johor and Selangor)f.

Pursue quality in creating the built environment

via

in-depth

interviewswhichand one federal territory of Malaysia (Kuala
Lumpur).
c.

There are about 230 respondents that are targeted
to be inquired of in this research.

- 594 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

5.

Press-inpilingand

Malaysianconstructionindustry
The Malaysian construction industry registeredpositive growth during the review period (2013–2017),
supportedbylarge-scale

investments

under

the

government’s 10th Malaysia Plan 2011–2015. Under thisplan, the government invested MYR175.0 billion(US$44.8 billion) to develop the country’s overall
infrastructure by implementing various projects in thetransport,

tourism,telecommunications,education,

healthcare and retail sectors.
Over the forecast period (2018–2022), the industry is

Fig. 2

Construction at Bukit Bintang MRT Station

Fig. 3Retaining structure construction for highway near

expected to expand, albeit at a relatively slow pace. The
industry’s expansion is expected to be supported by thegovernment’s ongoing efforts to promote economic
growth through large-scale investments under the 11th
Malaysia Plan (11MP) 2016–2020. This plan is part of thegovernment’s aim to achieve the status of a developed
economy by 2020.
Recently, the development of construction industry
has been allowing more applications of press-in piling
especially for urban constructions. For example, several
recent construction activities in Malaysia involving a
Mass

Rapid

Transit(MRT)

project,ahighway

construction and residential projects had been initiated as

Taman Jasmin Indahshown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. These applications clearly show
a positive adaptation of the technology for the Malaysianconstruction industry.

Fig. 4

Sheet pile installed by Super Crush Piler at Sprint

Highway
Fig. 1

Sheet pile installed by Super Crush Piler for MRT

construction at Pasar Seni MRT Station- 595 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

functions to local people, where the latter function is more
towards local development issues. Obligatory functions
can be generally categorized into five main sections:public amenities, enforcement and license grant, publichealth and hygiene (cleaning and waste management),social service and development, and environmental issues.
7.

Methodology

7.1. Questionnaire developmenta.
Demography Characteristic,
This part contains several questions on backgroundinformationofrespondents.

The

variables

andexplanations are as follow;

Fig. 5ii.

GenderHighest Education

iv.

Working Experience (Year)v.

Field of expert
Current Practice of Pile Installation Method andSustainability,

residential area

6.

Age

iii.

b.

Sheet pile installed for commercial development neari.

This part contains 12 questions which are wellLocal authorities involved in the study
The study covers two states (Johor and Selangor) andrecognized regarding the pile installation method and theone federal territory of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur). The

sustainable piling work of respondents. The variables are

local authorities involved in this study are the Public Work

as follows;

Department (JKR), Department of Irrigation and Drainage
Malaysia and several municipal councils.

i.

Do we have to find out new construction designs
and technologies in construction process?

Public Works Department (JKR) is the federalii.

government department in Malaysia under the Ministry ofWorks Malaysia (MOW) which is responsible for

Were sustainable practice implemented for pilingconstruction where you worked/workiii.

construction and maintenance of public infrastructure

Benefits of sustainable practices with pilingconstructionin Malaysia. Department of Irrigation and Drainage

iv.

Malaysia (DID) which is under the direction of the

The limitations for the sustainable construction
practices with piling construction

Ministry of Natural Resource & Environment (NRE). Thev.

In your experience, if your construction site has

DID's duties encompass river basin management andstrictcoastal zone, water resources management and hydrology,

sustainability issues, which piling method or

special projects, flood management and eco-friendly

brand you use

drainage.

vi.

laws/codes/regulations,

in

terms

of

In your opinion, what are the advantages of using
a conventional pile installation method comparedIn Malaysia, local council are endowed with thepower given by the Local Government Act 1976 toto Silent Piling Technology?
vii.

provide goods and services to local people. Local
governments serve both obligatory and discretionary- 596 -

What problems do you normally encounter whenpiling in urban areas?

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

viii.
ix.

In your opinion, which method produces thequestionnaire. Based on the feedback from the pilot study,

lowest noise and vibration

the final version of the questionnaire was prepared.

When dealing with sites with narrow access andzero clearance, which method do you normally

x.

xi.

xii.

c.

Traditionally, a pilot test is a test to determine

considerwhether questionnaire that has been constructed are

What technique you consider for constructing therelevant and can be verified in the real world. In recent

high rise building at the peat soil area with lower

years, there has been an increasing amount of literature on

environmental impact

the pilot study. Previous studies have reported that theIf you are engaged in a railway track extension

pilot study of the current research was the first step before

project where the train operation is not halted,

going to the real practical application (Calitz, 2009).

which method do you prefer

Calitz also defined that a pilot study is a mini-version of aWhich method can mitigate a water seepage andreal study or a trial run done in preparation for thesettlement problem in deep sandy ground during

complete study. According to Powell & Renner (2003),

excavation work for development involving an

there are some important things to be done while

underground basement located close to the shore

conducting the pilot study. The importance are explainedline

below;

Knowledge and Technical ‘Know How’ ofa.

Make sure that all respondents understood all the

Silent Piling Technology

words in the questionnaire.
b.

Make sure that respondents followed theThis part contains 4 questions which are welldirection correctly while answering the question.

recognized regarding the knowledge and technical ‘knowc.

Record the time taken to the respondent tohow’ of silent piling technology of respondents. The

answer the question.

variables and explanations are as follows;d.

Check whether the respondent interpret thequestion in the same way.

i.

Do you know about Silent Piling Technology?

ii.

Silent Piling Technology is a new pile installation

Based on Calitz (2009), there are some advantages

method. If you like to explore more, where wouldof a pilot study. The advantages of a pilot study are listed

you like to get the information

below;

iii.

In your opinion, do we have to support Silenta.

Piling Technology in the construction industry in
Malaysia
iv.

SilentPilingresearch project can faile.

Technology

environmental

protection,

economy andaesthetics.

basedsafety,
Based

on

the

speed,

technology in our country

It indicates where research rules might not be
followedf.

on yourexperience, how should we introduce thisIt can give warning about where the main

A pilot study can also identify practical problemsof the research procedureg.

It indicates whether proposed methods or
instruments are inappropriate or too complicated

7.2. Pilot test
The questionnaire was developed based on theprevious research (Zaiton & Yusoff, 2013). After
constructing the questionnaire, this validated survey was
adopted with some modifications and pre-test by carryingout a pilot study which was conducted at NIOSH and JPS
Segamat as well as their responses in the completed- 597 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

7.3. Reliability test
According to Brown (2002), Cronbach alpha is used
to estimate the proportion of variance that is systematic or
consistent in a set of test scores. The example of using
Cronbach alpha by Brown (2002) is for a set of scores
which turns out to be 0.90, the meaning is that 90% of the

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

test are reliable and, for unreliable, the value is 10% which
are calculated by 100% - 90% = 10%. Table 1 show thevalue of Cronbach’s alpha.
Table 1.

Table of Cronbach’s alpha (Cortina, 1993)

Cronbach’s alphaInternal consistency

α < 0.5

Unacceptable

0.5 ≤ α < 0.6

Poor

0.6 ≤ α < 0.7

Acceptable

0.7 ≤ α < 0.9Good

α ≥ 0.9

Excellent(e)Based on the research made by Zaiton and Yusoff(2013), the result of Cronbach’s alpha is 0.856, 0.946,

Fig. 6

0.771 and 0.956 from the result of reliability. The results

Gender of respondent (c) Highest level of education ofare above 0.6, so the data obtained by analysing the

respondent (d) Experience in civil engineering (e) Field of civil

questions to achieve the objectives are verified. Based onengineering of respondent

Demographic analysis chart (a) Age of respondent (b)the research by Syed (2013), the result of Cronbach’s
alpha is 0.870 from the result of reliability. The results are

Based on the pie chart, 43.6% of the respondents areabove 0.6, so the data obtained by analysing the questionsin the 20-29 years age group, 41% respondents are in theto achieve the objectives are verified. The result of

30-39 years age group and 15.4% respondents are above

Cronbach’s alpha made by Syed (2013) is in Table 2

40 years old. It is apparent from this survey that those who

below;

are actively responded to this survey are younger than 40
years old.

Table 2.

Table of Cronbach’s alpha value (Syed, (2013))

Cronbach's Alpha

N of Items

0.870

51

Fig. 6 (b) shows that 69% are male respondents and
31% are female. It is fairly understandable that in
Malaysian construction companies, the majority ofengineers are male. In regard to the academic background,
43% of the respondents hold a diploma, 34% hold a8.

Result and analysis

bachelors’ degree and 17% hold master’s degree and 6%

8.1. Demographic analysis
This section deals with respondents’ demographic

hold PhD degree. This shows that most of those surveyed
are having a fair academic background.

information such as age, gender, education background,type of work specialization and years of experience asshown in Fig. 6.

Referring to the respondents working experience,
most of them are having less than 10 years’ experience. In
addition, a small number of respondents have more than
40 years of experience. In respect to a field of civilengineering, most of the respondent are in the foundation- 598 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

engineering which accounted for about 45%. For other

Malaysia will be in a positive direction in the near future.

civil engineering fields, 28.2% working in structural field
and the rest are in infrastructure.

8.3. Limitation for the sustainable construction
practices with piling construction
In order to implement the technology further, several

8.2. Benefits of sustainable practices in pilingconstruction
Based on the response, most of the respondents

limitations had been outlined at the earlier stage before theagreed that by applying this sustainable practice in theskill level, unavailability of sustainable materials,

piling construction, it may provide a positive benefit for

financial

the construction industry in Malaysia. It also distinguishes

regulations,that 85% of the respondents believe that there will be a

incentives/motivation.

survey conducted. The known limitations outlined areconsideration,
lack

of

non-mandatory

sustainableawareness

lack

and

of

positive impact on the quality of built environment.
The overall response to this question was very
positive. The majority of those who responded (92%) to

Benefit of sustainable practice
90

82

80

74

limitation to be considered. In addition, 82% of those who
79

79

85

77

were

interviewed

indicatedthat

non-mandatory

sustainable regulations in Malaysia could be the second

67

70
60

this item felt that the skill level is the most important

62

important limitation. The third limitation was lack of54

incentives and motivation. It was followed by lack of

50

awareness, in which 69% of the respondents surveyed

40

agree on this issue. A small number of those interviewed

30

suggested

20

that

both

financialconsideration

andunavailability of sustainable materials were not the main

10

limitations. In summary, in order to observe more

0applications of silent piling in Malaysia, there should be
more initiatives initiated in order to improve the skill levelof this new technology, outlining mandatory sustainable
regulations and more incentives given to the industrial
players.
8.4. Common problems encountered when piling in
DISAGREE

Fig. 7

urban areas
The questions are posted in order to recognize the

AGREEcommon problems of the personnel working with local

The benefits of sustainable practice in piling

authorities in dealing with a construction in urban areas.

construction

Interestingly, in the aspect of excessive noise and vibration,
It is visible that the silent piling technology is lightly

human disturbance and large bulky machine, 92% of theused in Malaysia. Interestingly, most of the respondents

respondents agreed that these three factors are the most

could recognize the positive remarks of this technology.

common problems encountered. In addition, the survey

The majority of them agreed that low operating cost,found that few issues of dusty concrete plant areconserving energy, increasing productivity and otherexperienced or recognized by the respondents.

positive benefits could be resulted if silent pilingtechnology is considered. Therefore, it is possible tohypothesise that the acceptance of this technology in- 599 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

Limitation for sustainable practiceCommon problems encountered whenpiling in urban areas

100

DISAGREE

Percentage (%)

90

AGREE

80

100

70

90

60

80
Percentage (%)

50
40
30
20
10
0

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Excessive
Human Large bulky
noise and disturbance machine
groundvibration

DISAGREE
Fig. 8Limitations for sustainable construction practices with

Fig. 9piling construction

Dusty
concrete
plants

AGREE

The common problems encountered when piling inurban areas

In this particular perspective, the Press-in piling8.6. Pearson Correlation

technology fits well with the current challenge ofBased on the Table 3, the technical 'know how' of

construction in a city. Based on the reaction principle ofsilent piling technologies among local authorities in

the Press-in piling method, pre-fabricated piles are

Malaysia has weak degree of correlation with thehydraulically jacked-in into the ground with minimum

acceptance of silent piling technologies (0.393). Samenoise and vibration. This technology uses a relatively

goes to the correlation that contributed to the weak degree

smalltechniqueof correlation between the technical 'know how' of silent

complemented by several successful examples of silent

piling technologies among local authorities and potential

piling applications all over the world. It is therefore likelyof silent piling technology in Malaysia (0.314) andthat this technology may encounter this current challenge

technical 'know how' of silent piling technologies amongin Malaysia.

local authorities and implementation of sustainable inandlightweightPress-inpilingconstruction Industry (0.465).
8.5. Technical 'know how' of silent piling technologies
among local authorities
The figure shows the perception of the respondents
regarding the technical ‘know how’ of silent pilingtechnologies among local authorities in Malaysia. Most of
the respondents realize that the press-in method is one of
the best options in solving the problem in the constructionindustry. However, due to a socio-economic perspective,
this technique is still very new for the Malaysian market.

- 600 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

Table 3.
100

Correlation among respondent’s acceptance andtechnical knowledge of silent piling technology

Pearson Correlation

90

Technical Acceptance Potential
Technical

80
70

Acceptance

0.393

Potential

0.314

0.817**

Implementation

0.465

0.507

0.539

60

The strong degree of correlation is contributed by the50

acceptance of silent piling technologies among local
authorities in Malaysia and the potential of silent piling

40

technology in Malaysia (0.817), implementation ofsustainable construction and the acceptance of silent piling30

technologies among local authorities in Malaysia (0.507)
also

20

betweentheimplementationofsustainable

construction and potential of silent piling technology in
Malaysia (0.539).

10
0

9.
G-pilesystemBore pile

DrivenPress-in

The piling method of installation that has concern
about code or regulations in terms of sustainability
issues.
The pile installation methods that produce thelowest noise and vibration.

Conclusion
The purpose of the current study was to determine theacceptance of silent piling technology among local
authorities in Malaysia. This study has identified that theacceptance of silent piling technology among local
authorities is considerably good. The most important
limitation lies in the fact that the respondents believe theyshould improve their knowledge and encourage other

The pile installation methods that can deal withnarrow access and zero clearance sites.

The pile installation methods that can engage in arailway track extension project where the train
operation is not halted.
The pile installation methods that can mitigate
water seepage and settlement problem in deep
sandy ground during excavation work fordevelopment involving underground basement
located close to the shore line.
The pile installation methods that can minimize
potential defect of the pile head.

departments to support the application of such newtechnology.
Notwithstanding these limitations, the study suggeststhat the major benefit of this technology may reduce
human disturbances in noise and vibration, faster andorganized completion of construction projects, handlingproblems of piling at zero clearance access using small
size machinery and implementation of sustainability in theconstruction industry.
Hence, it can be concluded that most of the
respondents agree that the press-in method could bepromoted as a sustainable method in the construction

Fig. 10

Technical 'know how' of silent piling technologies
among local authorities

industry. Therefore, it is hoped that press-in technology
will be recommended in promoting sustainability for theconstruction industry in Malaysia.

- 601 -

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Press-in Engineering 2018, Kochi

Acknowledgements
Author is grateful to the International Press-In

Mohammad, M.F. 2013. Construction Environment:

Association for the long-term support and assistance in the

Achieving Sustainable Development. Social and

Press-In related issues, in particular it is worth to note the

Behavioral Sciences.

5th IPA Research Grant Award. The author considers

Adopting IBS Construction Approach Towards

Powell, E.T. and Renner, M. 2003. Analysing Qualitative

fruitful cooperation with colleagues from Universiti Tun

Data.

ProgramDevelopment&

Evaluation,

Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Research Center for

University of Wisconsin-Extension Cooperative

Soft Soil (RECESS). In addition, I would like to express

Extension Madison, Wisconsin.

our gratitude to our industrial collaborator, Giken

Preece, C., Pheng, L.S., Padfield, R. and Papargyropoulou,

Seisakusho Asia Pte. Ltd., KOYE (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.,

E. 2011. Developing and Marketing Sustainable

The Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) andConstruction Services. Management and Innovation

Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS) forfor a Sustainable Built Environment. Amsterdam,

their contributions and assistance in preparing thisThe Netherlands. ISBN: 9789052693958.

research paper.

Syed, M.A. 2013. A Qualitative Review on Acceptance ofSilent Piling Technology among Contractors in

References

Pulau Pinang. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia:

Brown, J.D. 2002. The Cronbach Alpha Reliability

Undergraduate Dissertation.

Estimate.

JALT

Testing&

Evaluation

SIG

Zaiton, I and Yusoff, N.A. 2013. A Qualitative Review on

Newsletter. 6 (1) February 2002, 17 - 18.
Calitz,

M.

2009.

Pilot

Study.

Retrieved

Acceptance of Silent Piling Technology Amongfrom

http://uir.unisa.ac.za.

Materials, Trans Tech Publications, 7, 1471, ISSN:

Cortina, J. 1993. What is Coefficient Alpha? An
examination of Theory and Applications. Journal ofApplied Psychology, 78 (1), 98-104.
Department of Statistics Malaysia. 2017. Economic
Census 2016 – Environmental Compliance. The
Office of Chief Statistician Malaysia Department of
Statistics, Malaysia.
Goh, T.L. & Yusoff, N.A. 2014. Press-in Piling:
Challenges and Solution to Piling in Soft Soil.
International Journal of Construction Technology
and Management, 1 (1), 38-46.
Kibert, C.J. 2003. Sustainable Construction at the Start ofthe 21st Century. First International Conference on
Sustainable Construction, Tampa, Florida.
Al-Yami, A.M.H. and Price, A.D.F. 2006. A Framework
for Implementing Sustainable Construction in
Building Briefing Project. Proceedings 22nd Annual
ARCOM

Conference,

Designers In Malaysia. Applied Mechanics and

4-6

September

2006,

Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Marhani, M.A., Adnan, H. and Ismail, F. 2013. OHSAS
18001: A Pilot Study of Towards Sustainable
Construction in Malaysia. Procedia - Social and
Behavioral Sciences, 85, 51 – 60.

- 602 -

1662-7482.