Developing A Waterproofing Decision-Making Model for High-Rise Building Projects in the Tropics

Authors: H.N.Y. Senarathne, A.S. Asmone, M.Y.L. Chew

Source: Buildings, Vol 13, Issue 9, 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/13/9/2328

Abstract:

The most severe problem in high-rise structures is a failure to achieve watertightness. Since the presence of water in a structure can have a detrimental impact, adequate consideration must be taken when selecting a suitable waterproofing system based on several factors. As a result, this research aims to examine the factors that affect the selection of the best waterproofing solution in high-rise building projects in the tropics. Preliminary observations were conducted to investigate typically occurring issues with high-rise buildings which contain commercial, office, and residential facilities. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews with professionals in the waterproofing industry. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the issues concerning waterproofing and suggests an effective solution for the same. The assessment of the best waterproofing selection criterion was analyzed by incorporating the Best Worst Method (BWM). Based on the global ranking reached, the decision-making framework was developed, and three main specifications, technical, construction, and product, were suggested to select an ideal waterproofing solution. This study provides insightful guidance for professionals in the waterproofing industry and their clientele towards an optimal solution, facilitating informed decision-making processes.

Keywords: building defects; Best Worst Method (BWM); Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM); decision-making framework; waterproofing

Design for Maintainability of Basements and Wet Areas

Authors: Michael Yit Lin Chew

Source: Buildings 2021, 11(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11020075

Abstract:

With the motto of “doing it right the first time”, this study focuses on spearheading the integration of designers, constructors, and facility mangers, at the outset of the planning/design stage, by providing easy-to-read tables summarising (1) knowledge learnt from past mistakes and (2) maintainability benchmarks, to ensure high maintainability for Basements and Wet Areas. The commonly occurring problems in Basements and Wet Areas of a total of 110 buildings comprising of commercial, hotels, industrial, institutions, healthcare facilities, and residential facilities were evaluated using case and field studies. Face-to-face interviews and workshops with the respective professionals involved in the design, construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) of the buildings were conducted for detailed investigation on each problem for their (a) problem types, (b) extent of problem, (c) failure mechanism, (d) good practices in design/construction/O&M/facilities management (FM), and (e) environmental issues. Easy-to-read tables of checklists based on a preventive/predictive performance-based approach, which defines acceptable standards in design, construction and O&M/FM practices, were derived. The checklists help enhance the integration of designers, constructors, and facilities managers (FM), ensuring high maintainability and productivity right at the outset of the planning/design stage. They also help professionals derive, customise, and validate their own Maintainable Design Appraisal System (MDAS) according to their own needs.

Keywords: basement; wet areas; maintainability; facilities management; risk analysis; building performance; life cycle analysis; service life; building diagnostics; building pathology

Maintainability problems of wet areas in high-rise residential buildings

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew, Nayanthara De Silva

Source: Building Research and Information, Volume 31, Number 1, 2003, pp. 60-69

Abstract:

Feedback on building maintenance problems and failures provides insight into how problems arise and how to prevent their recurrence in future projects. Findings are reported from a research project on the maintainability of high-rise residential buildings in Singapore focusing on wet areas. Problem areas evaluated include water leakage from ceilings, staining/discolouration, paint defects, the cracking/ spalling of concrete, the cracking/debonding of tiles, fungi/algae growth, pipe leakage and corrosion. Key factors for the eradication of these problems are identified as workmanship, design detailing, maintenance and material incompatibility under tropical conditions.

Keywords: building defects, building performance, design, durability, feedback, life cycle, maintainability, post-occupancy, wet areas, Singapore

Maintainability of wet areas of non-residential buildings

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew, Nayanthara De Silva, Shan Shan Tan

Source: Structural Survey, Volume 22, Number 1, 2004, pp. 39-52.

Abstract:

This paper discusses some important findings from a research project on the maintainability of wet areas of high-rise non-residential, buildings. The implications of six key factors of maintainability namely water-tightness, spatial, integrity, ventilation, material and plumbing on the occurrence of 14 most common defects found in wet areas were evaluated. Problem areas evaluated include water leakage from ceiling, staining/discolouration, paint defects, cracking/spalling of concrete, cracking/debonding of tiles, fungi/algae growth, pipe leakage and corrosion. An industry wide survey was conducted and the factors including workmanship, design detailing, maintenance and material incompatibility under tropical conditions are identified and discussed.

Keywords: Buildings, Residential property, Maintenance, Water.

Factors Affecting Water-Tightness in Wet Areas of High-Rise Residential Buildings

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew, Nayanthara De Silva

Source: Architectural Science Review, Volume 45, Number 4, 2002, pp. 375-385

Abstract:

Defects related to internal water leakage in wet areas of 1500 high-rise residential building blocks between 0-35 years of age were studied. The problem type, the extent of the problem, the mechanism, the implications of design, construction material and maintenance, and the local and international standards, codes of practices, good practice guides etc governing the aspects were discussed.

The study highlights the significance of ensuring close interaction right from the planning and design phases between professionals including the maintenance team. The cases presented show the importance of reviewing structural, architectural and M&E issues using an integrated approach throughout the whole building delivery process.

Keywords: Building defects, Design, Singapore, Waterproofing, Wet areas.

Artificial Neural Network Approach for Grading of Maintainability in Wet Areas of High-Rise Buildings

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew, Nayanthara De Silva,Shan Shan Tan

Source: Architectural Science Review, Volume 47, Number 1, 2004, pp. 27-42.

Abstract:

A grading system using artificial neural networks to enhance decision-making of wet area design was developed. The model was derived from condition survey of 450 tall buildings and in-depth assessment of a further 120 tall buildings and interviews with the relevant building professionals. The system allows comparison of various alternative designs, materials, construction and maintenance practices, so as to achieve optimum solutions of technical attributes that lead to minimum life cycle maintenance cost.

A Multivariate Approach to Maintenance Prediction of Wet Areas

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew, Shan Shan Tan

Source: Construction Management and Economics , Volume 22, Number 4, 2004, pp. 395-407.

Abstract:

A regression model to predict the maintainability of wet areas was developed. The model was derived from comprehensive condition surveys, interviews with professionals and defect analysis of 96 buildings. The study showed that plumbing selection, access for fitting maintenance, material maintainability, usage and construction quality are the most significant parameters associated with the maintainability of wet areas.

Keywords: Maintainability, wet area, multiple regression analysis, maintenance prediction model

Defect Analysis in Wet Areas of Buildings

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew

Source: Construction and Building Materials , Volume 19, Number 3, 2005, pp. 165-173.

Abstract:

The sources of defects and the impact of significant factors including ‘design’, ‘material’, ‘construction’ and ‘maintenance’ on the occurrence of defects in wet areas of 56 non-residential high-rise buildings were studied. Fourteen important risk factors affecting the level of maintainability of wet areas were identified. The study has shown that among the frequency of the occurrence of defects, water leakages ranked the highest with 53%, followed by corrosion of pipes 50% and spalling of concrete 47%. The occurrence of all defects has been broadly attributed to their sources of deficient construction 43%, material 37%, design 11% and maintenance practices 9%. The implications of six key factors of maintainability of wet areas namely water-tightness, spatial, integrity, ventilation, material and plumbing on the occurrence of 14 most common defects found in wet areas were evaluated.

Keywords: Maintainability, Wet areas, Building defects, Life cycle, Building performance, Durability, Building pathology