An empirical investigation of structural conditions and maintenance practices of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia buildings

Abstract

Pulling off prolonged shelf life of buildings is considered to be the most sensitive and thorny target or almost just impossible. Building deteriorating factors involve both natural and unusual. We might not clutch rigid influence over natural ones but could contribute to how to avoid the unusual deteriorating factors like, internal and external seepages, poor sanitation arrangements, aged sewerage lines, bulging walls, peeling, rusting, materials following into disrepair. Maintenance leads to extended shelf life of buildings. This study is to conduct deep analysis of current structural conditions of edifices via (observation or judgmental method) to evaluate current building maintenance practices and to study the level of satisfaction of tenants for building maintenance practices. Comparison was also made between UTM building maintenance practices and HUM. The aim of the study was achieved by adopting a methodology involving qualitative and quantitative analysis i.e. (triangulation method) of data collected for the edifices with the help of questionnaires to study the level of satisfaction of tenants and other structural concerns were asked. Data was analyzed via frequency analysis and descriptive analysis. Results were derived along with statistical values. Study verified that poor maintenance practices are executed by FM department which are insufficient to retain a healthy structure of UTM buildings.