bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of 3D Visual Effect Crossing Facility to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
Authors: Gen N L , Ambak K , Othman M H , Yazid M R M
Published: June 2020

Pedestrian is known as vulnerable road user, therefore proper crossing facility is needed to enhance the pedestrians’ safety. This study is to determine the effect of using 3D visual crossing facility inside the campus and its functionality. This 3D visual effect crossing facility is installed at selected location. The location selection is based on the absence of crossing facility, pedestrian volume and spot speed study. Pedestrian volume was collected by manually while spot speed study was collected using speed gun Apps. The 3D visual effect road crossing then is designed by using the perspective view from the driver height sight. After the installation of road crossing, the hypothesis is tested using chi-square analysis to determine the association between the effect on 85th percentile speed, pedestrians’ behaviour and the 3D visual effect crossing facility. The results of chi-square analysis shows there is a significant (p<0.05) association between speed of vehicles and the installation of 3D visual crossing facility. The results of the analysis revealed that before the installation, the percentage of motorists slow down is 39.7% while the motorists that do not slow down is 66.7%. After 1 week installation, the drivers that do not slow down the speed decrease from 59.52% to 40.48%. As a result, the effect of 3D visual crossing facility shows that the motorists will slow down their vehicle speed, immediately after the installation. However, after familiar with the presence of this facility some motorists are driving as usual without concern to anymore.
The Effects of Weather on University Students’ Activity-Travel Patterns: A Case Study in Batu Pahat, Johore
Authors: Ahmad Termida N , Abang Ismail D E E , Rohani M Md , Daniel B D , Aman M Y , Dharmowijoyo D B E
Published: June 2020

Weather conditions influencing people’s activity-travel patterns, especially on students that portray more active lifestyles (e.g. conducting outdoor physical activities) than middle-age adult and elderly. However, this effects are still less explored in Malaysia, especially in Parit Raja, Johor. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of weather on students’ activity-travel patterns by analysing the association between weather parameters (temperature and humidity) and students’ activity-travel patterns in terms of travel time, number of trips, mode choice, and activity duration with regard to mandatory (e.g. study on campus) and non- mandatory (e.g. leisure and routine) activities. Initially, a total of 110 students were selected randomly among the undergraduate students of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). However, only 101 students were participated in this study. A one-day of weekday and one-day of weekend activity-travel data were collected by using stated and revealed preferences approach through travel diary and questionnaire instruments. Temperature and humidity hourly data were obtained from the internet sources. The obtained data was analysed by using SPSS software version 23 that include descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression as the model for analysis method. The results show that the number of trips, activity duration and travel time are much higher in weekday compared to weekend. The students preferred to use cars as their main modes to travel. Temperature significantly affect students’ activity-travel patterns in all activities. Mandatory activity-travel patterns is not affected by the weather attributes but otherwise for non-mandatory activity-travel patterns in terms of number of trips. However, all the effects are considered small, based on the adjusted R
2.
Rejuvenation of Hot Mix Asphalt Incorporating High RAP Content: Issues to Consider
Authors: Hussein Z H , Yaacob H , Idham M K , Abdulrahman S , Choy L J , Jaya R P
Published: June 2020

The asphalt used to construct or rehabilitation roads often contains reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in order to diminish not only the use of raw materials but also waste. However, when high level of RAP in hot mix asphalt (HMA) is used, the rejuvenating agents must be employed. A number of aspects must be taken into account to increase pavement service life as much as possible. Thus, the main issues related to the rejuvenation of asphalt mixtures with high levels of RAP are addressed in this paper. In particular, the focal points of this paper will focus on the use of reclaimed asphalt mixtures with maximum efficiency, special attention is paid to how the binder is structured and chemically composes, nature and dose selection of rejuvenator, as well as the diffusion, blending efficiency, homogeneity, time and temperature mixing. A review of the extant and related literature shows that RAP utilization holds promise for the sustainable pavements, provided that some issues were taken into consideration during the designing and application process.
Warm Mix Asphalt Surfacing Performance for Different Aggregate Gradations with Cecabase RT Additive
Authors: Arshad A K , Shaffie E , Ismail F , Hashim W , Mustapa N S F
Published: June 2020

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) surface course normally consists of wearing and binder layers, with different aggregate gradations. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures are traditionally produced at relatively high temperatures of between 150°C to 180°C. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) offers a sustainable solution to the problem by lowering the production temperature and energy requirements. However, to be accepted as an alternative to HMA, the performance of WMA must be comparable or better than HMA. The objective of this research is to investigate the performance of WMA wearing and binder course in terms of stiffness and moisture resistance, using Cecabase RT as warm mix asphalt additive. Different concentrations of Cecabase RT were added to determine the optimum percentage Cecabase RT. Marshall method was used to produce all samples investigated and analysis as carried out on the samples. Stiffness and moisture resistance tests were carried out to measure the performance of the mixes. The stiffness modulus values obtained for WMA mixes are higher than HMA mixes, indicating better stiffness. In addition, all the mixes investigated achieved the required minimum TSR value of 80%. It can be concluded that warm mix asphalt using Cecabase RT is comparable in terms of stiffness and moisture resistance to conventional HMA and could be a sustainable alternative to the conventional HMA mix as it can be produced at lower temperatures.
Determinants for Bus Stop Performance in Penang Island
Authors: Fisal S F M , Sukor N S A
Published: June 2020

Less dependency on public transport has caused a high reliance on private vehicles. This is due to several factors including a comfortable aspect, safety, and inconvenient infrastructure and facilities at the bus stop. This paper attempts to identify the significant determinants affecting the bus stop performance by evaluating 123 bus stops based on the developed indicators within maximum walking distance to transit stations along the proposed alignment of Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations. The indicators were adapted from Transport Assessment Indicators and suited with local guidelines which were subsequently developed into Transport Assessment Checklist. 13 indicators in the audit checklist were significantly reduced to five factors containing 12 significant indicators (factor loadings greater than 0.5) through Factor Analysis and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). These indicators were identified to give an effect on bus stop performance. The findings can help solve the low dependency on public transport by emphasizing the significant determinants at the bus stop for future improvement.
Mapping of Peat Soil Physical Properties by Using Drone- Based Multispectral Vegetation Imagery
Authors: Mustaffa A. A. , Mukhtar A. N. , Rasib A.W. , Suhandri H. F. , Bukari S. M.
Published: June 2020

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), namely drone, is one of the aerial platforms, which used to monitor and mapping an agricultural sectors at large area. The platform equipped with some compact camera or sensors. This study aims to identify the peat soil physical properties, which correlated with the pineapple crops healthiness index. The index based on visible Red, Blue, Green (RGB) and Near Infrared (NIR) of spectral wavelength taken from multispectral camera mounted at the drone. The data captured with the drone validated with laboratory test result obtained from the soil samples at the site. The multispectral images of three plots of pineapple crops from the age of 4 months to 14 months was take to check their healthiness index. Soil moisture content and pH value were also test from 28 soil samples. The healthiness of the crops were analysed using both data and the results then compared and correlated. This contribution focuses at the study area of Morris pineapple crops that were cultivated on peat soil in Parit Nipah, Batu Pahat. It was found that the moisture content and pH value of the peat soil is linear with the index level of colour reflectance produced from the multispectral image. As a result, this study gives a proof that using of multispectral images technology from drone is able to correlate between the healthiness of pineapple crops with the soil physical properties.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement towards Marshall Parameters on Asphalt Course-Wearing Course
Authors: Geraldin J , Makmur A
Published: June 2020

Road pavement is one of the most important parts to provide better transportation services, for humans and or goods. To get a good road pavement, proper asphalt mixture design is needed under the required standards. In designing asphalt mixture, a large amount of materials is needed but, those materials will not be available forever. With those material limitations, alternative material is needed as a substitute, especially waste materials. One of the alternative material that could be useful is Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). This study aims to determine the effect of RAP towards asphalt concrete mixture, based on its Marshall parameters. The method that was used in this study is a stability test, using Marshall Method. The test was carried out on asphalt concrete mixtures with four different types of RAP content, which were 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% and with an optimum asphalt content of 5,5%. Based on these results, it was found that with the addition of RAP, it could increase the stability value of asphalt concrete, with an optimum content of RAP that can be used is 52,08%. The result shows that not only RAP could be used as an alternative, but also gives good results towards the stability value of asphalt concrete.
Influence of LDPE Plastic Waste on Asphalt Mixture Soaked in Sea Water
Authors: Kakisina E M , Makmur A , Salim F D
Published: June 2020

Coastal road pavement ability needs to be improved in order to maintain a good asphalt performance. Samples are made to find a perfect formula for a good performance LDPE, LDPE were added into the mixture with proportion as follows 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. LDPE were chosen because the numbers out on consumption of instant food and beverages as well as cleaning agent for daily use. This research is aiming to investigates the influences of adding LDPE materials in of adding LDPE material in the asphalt mixture to Marshall Parameter values. This will help to reduce the waste and create good asphalt mixture. Researchers has made sixty samples soaked in the seawater for 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, then do the Marshall Test. The results of this research are the asphalt mixture with LDPE waste has an increase in 1-2% content and has a peak in 3% content, for 4-5% content has a decrease for some Marshall Parameter. In substitution level of LDPE test, it has maximum content at 3% in every soaked process. Thus, adding LDPE waste give a good value to the Marshall Parameters at 3% content, especially for asphalt mixture, which is resistant to the seawater.
Laboratory Testing on The Standard Mixed Designed Paving with Bamboo Material as Smooth and Rough Aggregate
Authors: Fadzilla Sari Firdaus , Daniel Limantara Arthur , Ridwan Ahmad , Gardjito Edy , Subiyanto Bambang , Sudarmanto Hery Lilik , Cahyo Widayati Satriyani , Windradi Fitri , Cahyo Setiono Gentur , Rahman Irham , Mudjanarko Sri Wiwoho
Published: June 2020

The use of natural ingredients as a mixture of concrete such as bamboo waste to increase the absorption of paving but still meets the standards of minimum compressive strength. This study aims to obtain the optimum value of bamboo waste substitution in coarse and fine aggregate aggregates based on the standard of minimum paving compressive strength. Test objects measuring 15cm x 15cm x 15cm use substitution of powder mixture and bamboo pieces with a percentage of 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% as many as 5 pcs per percentage and laboratory testing of compressive strength at the age of 28 days is carried out. From the results of the compressive strength test, the average compressive strength of each variation is 10% = 22.16 MPa, 15% = 17.51 MPa, 20% = 15.27 MPa and 25% = 12.72 MPa. Based on the target of minimum compressive strength for paving (17 MPa), the results of mixed substitution are obtained by the percentage of optimum compressive strength of 16% with optimum absorption of 0.21%.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Strengthening Inadequate Seismically Designed Column using Pre-tensioned Steel Straps Confinement
Authors: Tan Jia-Yang , Ma Chau-Khun , Chin Chee-Loong , Zawawi Awang Abdullah , Omar Wahid
Published: June 2020

Earthquake happens around the world almost every day. These phenomena have alarmed structural engineers to consider seismic actions in structural design. Research and development of strengthening inadequate seismically designed columns have become important in Malaysia. This is because most of the structures in Malaysia were not designed to resist seismic actions. Confinement has emerged as a popular and effective strengthening method under cyclic loading. In this study, two 1/6 scale reinforced concrete column specimens are tested to investigate the effect of confinement on their structural behaviour. The specimens are loaded under cyclic lateral loading with 100 mm eccentricity to explore the behaviour of RC columns under the presence of both flexural and torsional moments. The effectiveness of strengthening is evaluated based on the differences in strength, stiffness and ductility. It is shown that the strengthened specimen performed better in term of strength and ductility. However, the strengthened specimen exhibited some reduction in stiffness.
Repairing of Circular Reinforced Concrete Columns Damaged By Heat Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) (Rope) Technique
Authors: Obaidat Ala’ Taleb
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the behavior of repaired circular reinforced concrete RC columns exposed to temperature considering effect of spacing between CFRP ropes, number of layers of carbon fiber reinforced polimers CFRP and degree of temperature. Six circular RC specimens divided into two groups with diameter of 185 mm and length of 800 mm were tested. First and second groups consisted of three RC columns exposed to temperature degree of 400°C and 600°C, respectively. In each group, the first column used as control specimen, the second and third RC columns were repaired using one layer and two layers of CFRP ropes, respectively. The results showed that the repaired RC columns damaged by heated up to (400°C and 600°C) with one layer of spacing 100 mm and two layers of spacing 200 mm exhibited load capacity about (140% and 188%) and (123% and 164%), respectively as control specimen. Hence, one layer of CFRP rope at spacing of 100 mm was more effective than two layers at spacing of 200 mm. In addition, as the exposure temperature of fire increases, the regained capacity of the repaired column increase.
Evaluation of Coal Bottom Ash Properties and Its Applicability as Engineering Material
Authors: Ullah Arshad , Kassim A , Abbil A , Matusin S , Rashid A S A , Yunus N Z M , Abuelgasim R
Published: June 2020

Coal ash is obtained in the combustion of coal for electricity production in coal based power stations. The non-combustible by-product including bottom ash and fly ash are discarded as a landfill. Consequently, the hazardous elements contained in the ashes can adulterate the ground and surface water. This study was carried out to emphasize the engineering properties of bottom ash collected at Tanjung Bin power station. An experimental study was carried out for particle size analysis, specific gravity, shear strength, compaction and relative density. The results depict that bottom ash possess particle size distribution nearly identical to sand, low specific gravity and dry density as compared to natural soil and having higher internal friction angle closer to granular materials. Based on the results, bottom ash can be employed in roadways, embankments and filling material for retaining walls by virtue of its low specific gravity, easy to compact and good frictional characteristics.
Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Metakaolin and Nylon Fiber
Authors: Zoe Y , Hanif I M , Adzmier H M , Eyzati H H , Noor Syuhaili M R
Published: June 2020

In Malaysia, issue to attain durable concrete structures has risen due to shortage of skilled labours. Besides pollution due to construction activities, safety and health of the workers is also a major concern. Self-compacting concrete is able to overcome the problems through its execution. Moreover, properties of SCC can be further improved via incorporation with other materials. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the strengths and water absorption of SCC containing metakaolin (MK) and nylon fiber (NF) besides determining the effects of MK and NF in SCC. Four mixes (100%C, 95%C 5%MK, 100%C 0.5%NF, 95%C 5%MK 0.5%NF) were being carried out with w/c ratio 0.4 and 1.5% super-plasticizer (SP). Fresh concrete were tested with slump flow, T500 and segregation resistance test whereas hardened concrete were tested with compressive, tensile and flexural strength test. The results of fresh SCC were consistent as all mixes mostly falls in the same class for each respective test. Based on compressive strength test, all mix proportions were able to reach at least 80% of targeted strength, 50MPa. SCC (95%C 5%MK) had the highest compressive, split tensile and flexural strength. While SCC (95%C 5%MK0.5 %NF had better testing results compare to 100%C 0.5%NF.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments in Sungai Pinang River Basin
Authors: SAbdul Hakim alleh , Azma Adila Hamzah Nurul , Farah Liyana Zaini , Mu’izzah Mansor , Chong Joon Chuah , Omar Fatehah Mohd
Published: June 2020

A study was conducted to analyse the type and concentration of heavy metals found present in sediments samples in the Sungai Pinang river basin, Penang. River sediment samples were collected at both upstream and downstream along the main river channel of Sungai Pinang and its five tributaries including Sungai Air Terjun, Sungai Air Hitam, Sungai Air Putih, Sungai Dondang and Sungai Jelutong. A total of 19 sampling points were selected throughout the entire catchment area where nine points located at the main river of Sungai Pinang and the other 10 points located at the downstream and upstream of each tributaries. A total of 97 samples were obtained four times from January to February. Two types of analysis were applied to measure the heavy metal concentrations namely X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). For the XRF test, the selected compounds analysis containing heavy metals that was carried out were K2O, Na2O, CaO, MgO, MnO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, TiO2 and SiO2 while for the ICP-OES, specific heavy metals analysis were determined to test the presence of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Mg, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn. The highest concentration of K2O, Fe2O3, Al2O3 and SiO2 at the main river were 2.80%, 3.39%, 18.52%, and 74.18% respectively. The highest concentration of Ca, Cr, Zn, Mg and Fe recorded at main river are 35.9576, 17.0469, 5.8392, 39.5626 and 199.914mg/kg respectively. SAH (DS) has the highest percentage of SiO2 with the value of 93.44% followed by Al2O3 with value of 6.75% at SAT(DS) and K2O at SD (US) with the value of 3.06%. The highest concentration of Fe, Ca, Mg and Pb are 56.4778 mg/kg at SAT (US), 34.8247 mg/kg at SJ (US), 3.3633mg/kg at SD (US) and 7.1662mg/kg at SAT (US). It can be concluded, the pollutants in the sediments of Sungai Pinang are contributed by the urban housing area, commercial and agricultural area.
A Study of the Drag Force of Flowing Water on Concrete Blocks: Predictive Approach of Concrete Blocks Ability to Resist Flood
Authors: Hauashdh Ali , Lai Wai Tan , Jailani Junaidah , Alhawry Ibrahim
Published: June 2020

The frequency of floods increases annually in many countries of the world due to climate change. Flood is typically coupled to flowing water moving faster than normal. Thus, understanding the drag force behaviour due to the flowing water on concrete blocks is essential to predict floods risks since the concrete is the predominant material used in the construction of buildings, bridges, dams, canals and other infrastructure over the world. Nonetheless, previous studies were mostly focused on the resistance of concrete structure due to the load force, and there is a lack of studies about the resistance of concrete structure due to the drag force of flowing water. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the drag force of flowing water, which causes the displacement of concrete blocks. Also, to investigate the effects of concrete mass and flow velocity on the drag force. Three concrete cubes were used with dimensions 0.15 m 0.15 m 0.15 m and weighing between 6.486 kg to 7.847 kg. The concrete cube is installed in the middle of the open channel 10-m long, 0.3 m wide and 0.46 m depth Armfield S6 MKII flume. In this study, the flowing water exerts force on the cube concrete block in the direction of flow, known as the drag force. It was observed the mass of the block is an essential factor that affects the drag force on a concrete cube due to the flowing water. Therefore, each cube of concrete block with area 0.02235 (m2) and mass between 6.486 kg to 7.874 kg to be displaced was needed a drag force of flowing water between 2.737 N to 3.732 N. Also, it has been found that the drag force increases with the increasing the flow velocity.
Annual and Diurnal Trend of Surface Ozone (O3) in Industrial Area
Authors: Mohd Napi N N L , Abdullah S , Ahmed A N , Mansor A Abu , Ismail M
Published: June 2020

Malaysia is a developing country that facing air pollution issues due to industrialization, urbanization activities and population growth. Ozone (O3) is one of the pollutants that can give adverse effects to human health either in long- term or short-term effect. Moreover, it also can interrupt the normal ecosystem and cause extinction in species. This study aims to analyse the annual trends of the concentration of ozone (O3) level for 3-year and the diurnal trends of ozone at Kemaman, Terengganu. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that there exists statistically significant different (p<0.05) of O3 concentrations during year 2012-2014. Meanwhile, diurnal trend showed the lowest O3 concentration values in the morning and the highest average concentration values of O3 in the noon, but it starts to decrease gradually in evening and night. The understanding of the ozone trend, yearly and hourly, can helps in tackling the atmospheric pollution problems due to industrialization in Malaysia.
Correlation of Natural Radioactivity in Surface Soil and River Sediment along the Middle Reach of Langat River
Authors: Tuan Resdi T A , Lee W K , Mahmood Z U Wan
Published: June 2020

Concentration of natural radionuclides (Ra-226, Ra-228 and K-40) in samples of catchment surface soil and river sediment at three (3) monitoring stations along the middle reach of Langat River were identified using HPGe detector. Spatial and temporal variations of the radioactivity at 3-month interval were analysed over a period of 9 years. Activity concentrations show sign of long-term fluctuation for K-40, and short-term fluctuation for Ra- 226 and Ra-228. Correlation of Ra-226 and Ra-228 is very strong for downstream stations, but weak for the upstream station. Meanwhile, their correlation with K-40 varies considerably possibly due to the high potassium solubility.
Integrating Fuzzy System and Meta-Heuristic Algorithms to Predict Influent Parameters for a Sewage Treatment
Authors: Ansari Mozafar , Othman Faridah , El-Shafie
Published: June 2020

Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are built to reduce the concentration of sewage parameters to a safe level that reduced their impact on the environment. To have an optimal operation of STPs, it is essential to estimate influent parameters precisely. In this research, four influent physicochemical characteristics, i.e. biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and suspended solids (SS), of a sewage treatment plant (STP) were analysed and predicted by integrated genetic algorithm Sugeno fuzzy inference system (GA-FIS) and particle swarm optimisation FIS (PSO-FIS). The GA-FIS and PSO-FIS were applied on 10 time-series scenarios, and the results of each scenario were compared to find the best algorithm as well as the scenario for each parameter. Based on the results, both GA-FIS and PSO-FIS algorithms provided very good results, and the differences of error in predicting influent parameters is very less. However, to select the best algorithm for predicting the missing values of each parameter, GA-FIS predicted BOD and SS more accurately than PSO-FIS algorithm, COD and ammoniacal nitrogen had more accurate results when they were predicated by PSO-FIS algorithm.
In Situ Remediation of Lead Contaminated Marine Sediment using Bentonite, Kaolin and Sand as Capping Materials
Authors: Kabir Aliyu Mohammed , Abd. Karim Ahmad Tarmizi , Chee –Ming Chan , Nda Muhammad
Published: June 2020

There is a growing public concern over the issue of sediment contamination resulting from industrial and municipal waste discharge, mining activities, and improper use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides, and wastewater irrigation. However, there is a need to reduce the continuous contamination of the water column and biota by the pollutants in the sediment. The conventional approach of contaminated sediment treatment is dredging but is expensive and requires a large area of land for disposal. In situ capping of contaminated sediment is considered as a cheaper technique compared to dredging and efficient treatment technology to immobilize pollutants in sediments on site. A laboratory-scale capping experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using bentonite (B), kaolin (K), a mixture of bentonite with kaolin (BK), and sand in immobilizing lead-contaminated sediment using in situ capping treatment technology. The results indicated that applying bentonite, kaolin, and sand as capping materials has the potential to effectively reduce the release of lead from the heavily spiked contaminated marine sediment (3000 ppm) to the overlying water. The adsorption kinetics results obtained showed that the experimental data for adsorption of Pb fitted well to the Elovich, Second-order and Two- constant rate kinetic models as judged by highest values of R2 and the lowest values of standard error of estimate (SE) such as R2 of 0.937, 0.735, 0.932 with SE values of 0.23, 2.62 and 0.26 for B, K and BK respectively in the Elovich, likewise R2 of 0.817, 0.935, 0.821 with SE values 0.33, 0.07 and 0.19 for B, K and BK in the Second-order and R2 of 0.938, 0.637, 0.925 with SE values of 0.000135, 0.0015 and 0.00024 for B, K and BK were obtained for Two-constant rate models, which implied that the process of adsorption was by chemisorption.
The Application of Smart Home Concept into Existing Typical Malaysian Single-storey Terrace Houses: Device Installation
Authors: Ahmad Mahmud Nasrul Arif , Mohamad Yusof Nurul Nabilah , Abd Wahab Izuddinshah , Amalina Hanapi Nur
Published: June 2020

A Smart Home Concept is often referred to the application of smart system technology into residential typology of building. It is a system in which provide home automation that used by the home owner in order to adjust the condition of the house either they are home or away from home. In Malaysia, typical single-storey terrace houses builds according the specifications through a conventional construction complied with Universal Building By-Laws 1985 that help occupants to live in safe and comfort. However, with the introduction of new concept and new technology of Smart Home, Malaysian residential building is upgraded. Thus, aim of this study is to identify the aspects of Smart Home Concept that will inform its usage and application into existing typical Malaysian single-storey terrace houses in terms of device installation. Three major Smart Home system providers were interviewed in order to gain information for the analysis. The analysis is basically to test the applicability of the system in terms of its ideal positioning and installation construction. At the end of this paper, the objective of the study is achieved, in which, smart home concept requires proper planning of home furnishing for them to work effectively. In terms of installation construction, there is no needs to do major renovation or hacking of the existing houses.
The Study of Fire Safety for Multi-Storey Container Hotel: A Case Study in Muar PPT Hotel
Authors: Amalina Hanapi Nur , Idris Shazali M. Azzamudeen , Abd Wahab Izudinshah , Ahmad Mahmud Nasrul Arif
Published: June 2020

Recent trends show diversified usage of container that usually intended as mobile transportation case for trading industry and now applied as building materials especially for commercial building such as hotel. However, as new material, it should comply with basic fire safety requirement which spelled out in the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984. In the construction laws of a building in Malaysia, the characteristics of building must comply with the requirement and regulations before it is being approved in the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). Thus, this study is focusing on the container materials and its compliance of fire safety requirements and strategies for multi-storey container hotel building. Literature review and case study are used in order to get the information and to compare the ability of the materials and construction to comply with UBBL 1984 in terms of passive design. The results of the evaluation show the possibilities of Multi-Storey Container Hotel to be built and used complied with passive fire safety requirement.
Exploring Determinants of Healthy Workplace Elements in The Office Building
Authors: Othman M K F , Rais S L A , Azir K M A K
Published: June 2020

An ideal environment in the workplace is essential to employees and users because of its excellent and positive effect on their general well-being and health. To maintain the general well-being and health of the employee, the implementation of a healthy working environment is recommended for an office or workplace. A healthy workplace enables employees to benefit from maximum satisfaction as well as the commitment to their work, thus giving a powerful impact on the productivity of the organisation. However, employees and users have no awareness of how to produce healthy environments and practices in the workplace. Therefore, this study aimed to attain determinants of the healthy workplace in an office building through the identification of healthy workplace elements. Ample literature review was conducted to identify healthy workplace elements and criteria and further to explore its determinants. It is found that healthy workplaces comprise two factors; namely healthy environments and healthy practices. Healthy practices are generally advantageous in the short term, whereas a healthy environment gives long-term advantages. This research is expected to supply additional information to employees and employers regarding the significance of healthy workplaces, hence, it will improve the implementation of a healthy workplace in an office building.
Exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM) Awareness in Sarawak Construction Industry
Authors: Tamjehi S D , Zaini A Ahmad , Zaini N , Razali A W , Gui H C
Published: June 2020

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital view which represent the functional and physical of building in construction project. BIM has become a necessity in today’s construction industry from the point of of providing digital representation and integration between project stakeholders, as well as providing the possibility of processing and storing the project information in a common database. Despite these advantages, the acceptance of BIM remain at a marginal level. Sarawak construction industry itself has fallen far behind on BIM implementation. Moreover, as construction projects in the state of Sarawak become increasingly diversify and complex, the need for BIM in Sarawak becomes increasingly important. Therefore, this paper has explored the awareness of BIM in the Sarawak construction industry. To realize this, a structured questionnaire survey form was distributed to 300 construction stakeholders through simple random sampling method. Out of the 300 questionnaire surveys, a total of 133 were returned and analyzed using descriptive, mean and factor analysis. The results were tabulated and ranked in descending order. Findings of this paper revealed that awareness level of BIM is gaining its momentum and the implementation of related software in Sarawak construction industry is still low. Factor analysis procedure for awareness of BIM has been conducted and this has extracted two distinct components which is awareness on knowledge and software with eigenvalues exceeding 1.0. This paper therefore encourages and recommends BIM implementation in the Sarawak construction industry, derivable through BIM awareness to increase productivity, better coordination, and minimized errors and repetition of works in the construction operations.
Quality Performance of Multi-layered Subcontracting Practices in Malaysian Construction Industry
Authors: Lew Yoke-Lian , Lai Sok-Yeng , Toh Tien-Choon , Tan Ooi-Kuan , Felicia Yong-Yan- Yan , Yow Li-Ping
Published: June 2020

Multilayer subcontracting system is widely used within construction industry for better efficiency of subcontractors’ operation due to their unique skills. However, the practice raises poor quality products in construction practice and contributes to poor project performance. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives to investigate the practice of multilayer subcontracting in Malaysian construction industry, to identify the problems arisen from multilayer subcontracting and to identify the methods for improvement of quality performance by multilayer subcontracting. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Based on the results, implementation of multilayer subcontracting system contributes largely to the poor performance across all major aspects including ineffectively time and cost management, quality works deficiency and poor communication and coordination performance. With various layers, the long communication channel causes various problems such as less control on bottom layers subcontractors, communication errors with the consequent of extra cost and time incurred due to abortive and remedial works are being taken. Recommendations for improving the practice are suggested to enhance prequalification of subcontractors, restrain the use of “supply-and-fix” subcontracting arrangement, and formulate an appropriate subcontractor evaluation system. The findings of this study provided a baseline in examining the multilayer subcontracting practices among main contractors and subcontractors and exploring the areas where the improvements can be made for obtaining the benefits of using this practice.
Claims in Construction Projects: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Shaikh H H , Zainun N Y , Khahro S H
Published: June 2020

Construction industry plays main part in the financial development of a country and occupies an essential position in the state’s growth policies. Construction industry generates thousands of jobs into different sectors to accommodate people according to its capabilities. On the contrary, it faces huge number of claims, as a result it gives birth to various problems including additional cost and time to complete the project. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the common types and causes of claims generally occur in construction industry and specifically in large scale projects. A detailed literature review has been carried out for this research and covers past research papers of the last two decades. The results showed delay in claims and extra work claim submitted by the parties, they are the main types of claims followed by contract ambiguity claims, extension of time claim and suspension of work claims. Delay of payment is the most important cause of claim followed by incomplete design, variation order, change order by owner, lack of communication and in last poor project management. It is concluded that proper contract documentation should be done and early error identification in contract documents, drawings and specifications should be highlighted. Finally, it is recommended to adopt proper claim management policy and procedures to address the queries by all parties. This paper will be used to design future guidelines in managing claims in large scale construction projects to improve the performance of construction industry.
Key dimensions of main contractors’ service quality in the Chinese construction industry: Voices from subcontractors
Authors: Wang Z , Lim B T.H.
Published: June 2020

While the topics of service quality and subcontracting are not new in construction project management, it seems that little is known how subcontractors perceive and evaluate the service quality of their main contractors. Particularly, evidence has shown that unfair subcontracting practices could lead to poor service quality; hence undesirable project outcomes. In addressing this gap, an online questionnaire survey of 90 subcontractors was undertaken to identifying the key dimensions of main contractors’ service quality in the Chinese construction industry. Overall, the exploratory factor analysis shows that subcontractors’ perception of main contractors’ service quality could be classified into: operation management; health and safety management; and communication management. Of these, operation management is more prevalent than health and safety management and communication management. In conclusion, the research findings help inform company management of categories of key considerations, and thus enable them to configure better targeted strategies to improving their service quality.
Crane Accidents at Construction Sites in Malaysia
Authors: Muhamad Zaini Nurmahamira Zairani , Fikri Hasmori Muhammad , Mat Salleh Mohamad Ariff , Norazam Yasin Mohd , Ismail Radzi
Published: June 2020

Construction of high-rise buildings, large-scale apartment blocks, or construction in urban areas demands increasingly greater use of cranes. In the construction industry, the use of crane is common and very important regardless of the size of the project. Cranes generally use cable and pulley to deliver a mechanical advantage when it is necessary to lift heavy loads. They have the potential to move materials of different sizes that play an extraordinarily important role in the construction site. The crane operator is responsible for controlling the crane effectively and follow the safety guidelines. Life loss, injury, and property damage are the implications that will occur if the crane maintenance specifications and operations are not correctly practiced. As the result of crane accident happened every year, this paper seeks to identify the causes of crane accident at construction sites in Malaysia. With the aim that has been stated, this paper summarizes statistic and causes of crane accident of most cited papers. Thus, the causes that lead to accident from previous researcher will be highlighted. Outcomes from the study demonstrate that operational and technical problem are the major causes of crane accidents at construction site in Malaysia. Exploration of this paper will help the construction industry especially in crane monitoring for a better safety performance and regulation at all construction projects.
Effect of Accident Due to Fall From Height at Construction Sites in Malaysia
Authors: Muhamad Zaini Nurmahamira Zairani , Mat Salleh Mohamad Ariff , Fikri Hasmori Muhammad , Haslinda Abas Nor
Published: June 2020

Nationally, falls from height (FFH) are a significant threat to the construction fields and are one of the leading causes of a fatal accident to construction workers. Since the construction industry is carried out in hazardous environments, accidents occurring at various severity rates, leading to minor, severe and fatal injuries. Meanwhile, the majority of accidents are caused by a variety of significant causes and uncertain actions or unsafe conditions. The recognition effect of falls from height accidents at construction sites is the focus of this research. Therefore, this paper revealed the major effect of an accident due to a fall from height from past researchers. The reported cases of accidents were investigated by the Malaysian Department for Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) were reviewed. The finding of this paper indicates a time loss of project execution due to accident investigation was the major effect of the accident due to fall from height at construction sites and cost implication for hiring a new worker, training for a new employee and compensation for injury or settlement of death claims. Discoveries of this paper will enhance the construction industry to improve the performance and regulation of all construction projects in terms of safety.
Value Engineering Practices in The Libyan Construction Industry: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Elsonoki M M , Yunus R
Published: June 2020

The current reconstruction of Libya infrastructure requires the implementation of Value Engineering (VE) in the Libyan Construction industry for minimization of waste and efficient use of available resources. The purpose of this paper is to present a preliminary findings on the assessment of the current VE practices and factors that could influence the adoption of VE in the Libyan Construction industry. This study uses a quantitative approach to achieve the objectives. A pilot test was conducted prior to conducting a Delphi study. This is to ensure that participants of Delphi study understand the questions they are required to answer. A total of thirty (30) respondents participated in the pilot test. The purpose of pilot study is to verify and validate the questionnaire form that will be used in the Delphi study. With some minor changes, the Delphi study was conducted in four (4) rounds with participation of 31 respondents. Then, the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The Cronbach Alpha values of the variables are between 0.692 and 0.92. This result showed that the reliability test result is within the acceptable values. The sample size for the main survey was determined by using the Slovin’s formula. Using a simple random sampling technique, a total of 390 respondents were determined as the minimum sample size for this study.
Characterization of Surfaces Generated in Milling and Abrasive Water Jet of CFRP Using Wavelet Packet Transform
Authors: Pahuja Rishi , Ramulu M
Published: June 2020

Polymer matrix composites find extensive application in aerospace and automotive industry. Although composites are molded to a near net shape, secondary machining such as hole-drilling and edge trimming is unavoidable. Conventional milling and Abrasive water jet are widely employed processes to cater the machining needs. Because of the nature of material-tool interaction, both the processes have their limitations resulting in machining induced damages such as matrix cracking, exit-delamination, fiber pull-outs, spring-back, interply delamination, striations, abrasive embedment, and kerf taper.

Surface roughness plays a pivotal role in determining the damage induced during the machining processes. Traditionally roughness parameters – average roughness (Ra) and ten-point average (Rz) are used to characterize the surfaces. Often, the use of cut-off wavelengths, governed by standards, result in poor distinguishability for machined surfaces of anisotropic materials such as polymer matrix composites (PMC). The insensitivity and poor distinction in certain cases leads to unsound judgment in characterizing the machining induced damage, and also in the selection of process parameters. This necessitates other methods and indicators that better identify the surface signature and correlate with the process parameters. In this study, a novel approach is proposed in which wavelet packet transform (WPT) is applied to the machined surface profiles. An indicator (ratio of wavelet packet energy and entropy) is defined to characterize the surface and better predict the surface quality as a function of machine tool, material and process variables. Regardless of the type of CFRP and machining process (AWJ and conventional milling), WPT indicator proved to be a better predictor of the machining process (R2 > 80%) when compared with Rz (R2 < 67%).
Injection Molding Study on the Strength of Weld Line for Polycarbonate and Carbon Fiber Composite Material
Authors: Chung Chen-Yuan , Yeh Chin-Chang , Lin Chia-Min
Published: June 2020

In this study the polycarbonate (PC) and carbon fiber (CF) are used as the experimental materials to investigate the impact of injection molding process parameters on tensile strength of weld line using Taguchi method and response surface methodology. The experiments are conducted via 27 sets of parameter combinations designed based on carbon fiber content, melt temperature, mold temperature, injection speed, injection pressure, packing speed, and packing pressure. The process parameter combination with the highest tensile strength is identified using Taguchi method. Later on, the response surface methodology is used to establish the tensile strength predicting formula formed by process parameters in order to understand the correlation between process parameters and tensile strength. The experimental and analysis results indicate the melt temperature and mold temperature have the most significant impacts on tensile strength.
Influence of Bearing’s Flexibility on the Working of Cycloid Drive
Authors: Sinitsyna Y V , Ermolaev M M
Published: June 2020

In this article are reviewed calculate method of force distribution with accounting bearing flexibility on cycloid reducer elements of the types KHV and 2KV. There are analyzed schemas such as gear without machining errors, with constant errors on the pins and with random errors from machining tolerance. Schemas of force distribution on the pins of the types KHV and 2KV are presented. Relation between bearings flexibility and force distribution on the pins are determined, and also relation between machining errors and force distribution on the pins. Advantages and disadvantages of various methods of load estimation in the reducer are elucidated, appliance of this methods for calculation of various types cycloid reducers are analyzed.