Defects and improving the maintainability of buildings at the advance technical training centres

Abstract

In the completed or under construction government buildings, there seem to be norms for the occurrence of defects. The only difference between them is how sooner or later it occurs and how bad the condition of it. In recent times, there has been a barrage of defect rapidly occurring on the buildings at the two selected Advance Technical Training Centre which are situated at Taiping, Perak D.R dan Jerantut, Pahang D.M.. The purpose of this research is to look into various factors influencing the occurrence of defects, the type of defects and ways to improve the maintainability of buildings at the Centre. Methodology approach was carried out through evaluating the literature on defects and building pathology, severity of defects in building and on facilities management concept base on quality, value and risk factors on building asset. The research was carried out on a questionnaire-based survey to relevant personnel i.e staffs and occupants at the Centre, all JKR personnel, consultants and contractors who involve in the implementation of the projects at the Centre. The questionnaire was designed to identify the major causes and type of defects on the buildings, the physical condition and common problems encounter on building facilities and services and finally the satisfactory level on the present maintenance management system. The outcome of the study identified shoddy workmanship as main key factors for the defects and low quality finishes for external wall, ventilation and air condition as the common type of defects. On the improvement of the maintainability of the building, strong proposal on quality programs in the local construction industry, increasing training programs for local & foreign workers and improving standard operational procedures were highlighted.