PWD FORENSIC ENGINEERING CONFERENCE 2018 (PFEC 2018)

- PWD EXPERIENCE: ARE WE IN TROUBLE ?

::16-17th October 2018 :: CREaTE, Alor Gajah, Melaka

Prepared by : Unit Forensik Senibina|Bhg.Kepakaran Senibina|Cawangan Arkitek, IPJKR

1 Introduction : Background
2 Analysis Study : Inspection and Findings
3 Conclusion : What Went Wrong? What Can Be Learned?
What Need To Be Done?
 1

1. Forensic Architecture
2. 2017 Forensic
Architecture Inspection
Report
3. Other Architectural
Defects
4. Ceiling Defects (Failure)
5. Objective
 What Is Forensic
1 Architecture ?
Forensic architecture is a
field involving inspection,
investigation and audit
of defects (failure) on
buildings specialising in
architectural components
and elements.
Why Do We Need
2 Forensic Architecture ?
Root cause for building
problems can be detected
through audit and inspection,
visually and physically. After the
root cause of a problem is
detected and found; only then
the remedy can be formularised
and be prescribed as an act of
mitigation
Forensic Architecture
3 Works Procedure
The work procedure
usually involves cross
checking between
documented drawing and
the actual situation on site,
non-destructive visual and
physical site inspection and
interviews conducted with
the parties involved
Forensic Architecture
4 Works Outcome
At current state, once all
necessary information is
gathered, technical
advice and
recommendations will be
provided as a guide and
reference for the
rectification works.
Type of Architectural Component Defects • Based on the 2017 Forensic Architecture Inspection
(Failure) Report done by the Forensic Unit, BKSB CA; more
Other Architectural Defect Ceiling Defect
than 50% of the cases reported and inspected
involved failure or defects of the ceiling system.

Other
• This issue was frequently raised by the public due to
Architectural
Defect
safety factors such as the integrity of the installation
Ceiling Defect
56%
44% methods and the occupant’s safety.

• Hence focusing on this issue is crucial in identifying the

root cause to provide the best technical approach to
address this issue and learn lessons from it.
Type of Architecture
Component/Element/
Fixture:
Decorative element
(Labu)-GFRC
Issue:
Architecture fixture
crack,damage & leaking
A B Condition underneath the decorative
C
element; cracked and damaged
caused water ponding and leakage

Jointing in between
segement of the decorative
element starting to crack and
caused gap to occur.
This will contribute to water
Method of jointing penetration into the
between steel support decorative element
and GFRC using two
different material; steel
bracing and steel wire
joint together by welding
it to the main frame of the
GFRC
•Cracked and damaged found on the
decorative element (labu) and create hole
inside the elements as a result the element
is exposed to weather (sun & rain).
•This direct exposure to weather caused
the support steel iron structure to rust and
caused leakage due water ponding inside
the element
• Steel wire is used as a • To ensure comprehensive technical solution to
material to tie the steel address this problem, it is recommended to
frame structure for the replace the material from GFRC to GFRP which
decorative element; and can be moulded monolithically and will reduce
not the best technique segmented connection and will be supported
and practice to uphold a by G.I frame. This iron frame must be installed
support a steel frame. on the parapet wall using stainless steel anchor
bolt to engineer’s detail
Type of Architecture
Component/Element/
Fixture:
Mono-pitched concrete
roof
Issue:
Waterproofing failure
• Method of installation for Siloxane Resin
Based Elastic Decorative Coating and
waterproofing on concrete roofs not in
accordance with Method Statement. There
is a probability of non-compliance to
standard building materials specification
requirement. (e.g. ratio mixture of materials
and methods)

• Combination of material between Siloxane

Resin Based Elastic Decorative Coating and
torch-on waterproofing membrane found to
be incompatible for mono-pitched concrete
roof.
• The use of this metarial has increased the
load and poor bonding between decorative
coating concrete substrate and
waterproofing also contributes to the failure
of the finishes.

• Bituminous Shingle (Roll Type-waterproofing

membrane) is recommended to be used as
an alternative (repairmen method) due to
this factors:
• Lightweight material, fit aesthetic
purpose, able to withstand wind uplift
and other extreme condition and low
maintenance

A segment of concrete roof
potentially to further
fracture/cracked and falls
from the roof
Concrete roof finishes:
Siloxane Resin Based Elastic
Decorative Coating ; cracked
and debonded

A section of concrete roof

nearly falls off the roof

Damaged waterproofing layer on

the roof top of Menara
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia
Type of Architecture
Component/Element/ Fixture:
Main Dome and concrete
flat roof
Issue:
Waterproofing failure and
Dome’s trim board unplugged
 MAIN DOME
• Through observation,
WATERPROOFING
Recommendation : To
install bracing and to tie
it to the concrete beam.
Method of installation • Strong wind
must referred to dome
fabricator specification
Damaged waterprorofing: Introduced the usage of Instant Set Liquid
Rubber as new waterproofing to replace the existing.
• Inspection on site
shown the joint
component or
dome’s trim board
were damage.
the location of the
affected trim board
is exposed to wind
path. In addition, the
absence of in
between bracing
holding the trim
board panel further
contribute to the
damage.
infiltrate the space
in between the trim
board and caused it
to uplift and
unplugged from its
position.
 Ceiling System Debacle: The Need for a Lesson Learnt

Various factors can caused failure or defects of a ceiling

system. Major highlighted issues that are often discussed
and become a vital concern are :
Main Issue Highlighted Appropriate
And Practical
Design
Solution
Method
Safety Statement
Issue And
Specification
Inter-
disiplinary
Scope
Structural
And Buildng
Integrity
 A proper recorded document such as this is imperative
as an instrument to:

to analyse and synthesise related issues

+
to suggest the best approach
to addressed the issue
of installation failure and defects of a ceiling system
The objective of this document is to:
Identify the source of problems associated
1 with installation failure or damage to the
ceiling system

2 Find and provide the best technical advice

in solving the root causes of installation
failure or damage to the ceiling system

3 Establish best practices in installing the

ceiling system based on the findings of lesson
learned

4 Create a knowledge-sharing platform for

designers
 This analysis of case studies involving the problems with the
installation of the ceiling system which can be caused by a
document
faulty ceiling system or poor quality of workmanship.
will be done
by: The case
studies
different types of ceiling systems and materials used, various
building typology and site conditions that represent different
discussed
conditions in which ceiling failure and defects can occur will touch on:
 2

1. Statistic
2. Case study:
Inspection and
Findings
BUILDING CATEGORIES EXPERIENCE CEILING
FAILURE /DEFECTS TOTAL:
5 PROJECT/BUILDINGS
Public Hospital Besar
Terengganu
Building:
Public Building 2 building Masjid Bandar
40% Springhill NS
Institutional
Building
Institutional SPRM Melaka
60%
Building:
INTAN Sarawak
3 building
Pusat Islam UMT
Terengganu
 TYPE OF CEILING AFFECTED
3.5

2.5

Grid Suspended Ceiling( Conceal)

Grid Suspended Ceiling(Exposed)

2

1.5

Fixed Ceiling
0.5

0
Type of Ceiling Affected
Grid Suspended Ceiling( Conceal) 3
Grid Suspended Ceiling(Exposed) 2
Fixed Ceiling 2
Grid Suspended Ceiling( Conceal) Grid Suspended Ceiling(Exposed) Fixed Ceiling
 1 SITE INSPECTION
3 RECORD OF
FINDINGS

2 4
DOCUMENT REVIEW INTERVIEW
(DRAWING/CONTRACT)
Carry out interview
Review all related with the parties
drawing/document: Conduct site involved to gather
As-Built dwg./ the case chronology Record all findings
inspection and and observation in
Construction dwg./ investigation to and related
Contract doc./ information written form and
identify causes by photos
specifications/ and to determine
standards the degree of
failure or defects
 KUALA
TERENGGANU,
LOCATION TERENGGANU

 Coastal area
 Expose to direct wind
SITE TOPOGRPAHY and weather
/GEOGRAPHICAL
 Mangrove area

 Mosque
 Lecture Hall
BUILDING  Lecture Room
FUNCTION

SEA
Failure/Defects:
Aluminium Strip Ceiling
Collapsed
Location:
Mosque’s Verandah
• Alumunium strip • Inconsistent hanger • Carrier is not installed
ceiling system rod installation on in accordance with
carrier detached the site. specification and
from the purlin (roof • Distance should not method statement
truss) due to strong exceed 1200 mm provide by the
wind (wind uplift). c/c supplier/manufacturer
 • Furthermore, the
• Methods and types • Furring channel is
frame used for the
of suspension used for hanger
installation of the
installed in the site is suspension. This
existing strip ceiling
not of proprietary doesn’t meet with
system is designed
system. required
for plasterboard
specification.
ceiling system.
Installation method for
aluminum strip ceiling
system observed on site
found to be incompatible

The frame used on site

were designed to cater for
plaster ceiling system.

Both ceiling system

required different types of
system and installation due
to its different in profile
and property.
Existing installation
method for strip ceiling
systems’ plate hanger
(rigid structure hanger)
solely rely on existing
alumininium purlins (C-
Channel).

Without a sturdy and

firm hooked/key lock;
this will intensify the
probability of
detachment of the
frames’ hanger
members due to wind
uplift pressure and
force.
 Interview with contractor,
consultant architect and cross-
checked with contract
document; reveal that the
existing framework system used
is intended for plasterboard
ceiling system-conceal ceiling.
The original proposal for
ceiling system were
plasterboard ceiling system-
conceal ceiling.
 Construction of plasterboard ceiling system were
completed in 2013 but before handing over; the
plasterboard ceiling were damage due to roof leak.
 Due to this, the project team decided to used aluminum
strips as a substitute for plasterboard ceiling.
 However, existing suspension system (furring channel) for
plasterboard ceiling is still been used as vertical support
(hanger rod) for aluminum strips ceiling.
 Corrective actions is to
replace all plasterboard
ceiling system frame with
aluminum strip ceilings system
and must be a proprietary
system.
 The recommendation must
also refer and in line with
Section I: Ceiling Works -
JKR Standard Specifications
for Building Works 2014
(JKR-208010-0183-14)-
Item 5: Material and Ceiling
Component & Item 6:
Ceiling Suspension System
As a long-term strategy, in
order to minimise extreme
weather (wind/rain) from
infiltrating directly towards
the verandah; screen such
as ventilation block and
horizontal/vertical
shading devices could be
proposed on the side
facade facing the coastal
area.
 Vent-block and shading
devices were proposed
because of its dual
function
 It can act as a barrier
from direct wind and
rain but at the same time
still allowed sufficient
amount of natural
daylighting and natural
ventilation into the
building
 TELOK MAS,
MELAKA
LOCATION

 Coastal area
 Expose to direct wind
SITE TOPOGRPAHY and weather
/GEOGRAPHICAL

 Regional Headquarter
Office
BUILDING
FUNCTION

SEA
A

Failure/Defects:
External aluminium strip
ceiling plunge into the
balcony area
B Location:
Roof Top Floor
(Main office building)
Third Floor
(Balcony Area)

C
Further investigation shown:
• Methods and types of suspension installed is not
of proprietary system.
• Instead, furring channel were installed as
suspension wire hanger; which doesn’t comply
with the supplier’s specification.
• Design for suspended ceiling system doesn’t  Affected/damaged
take into consideration wind velocity factors external aluminium strip
that will contribute to wind uplift. ceiling were located
directly facing the
A
coastal line and
exposed to wind uplift
pressure and force

• Interview-Wind uplift
seem to be one of
contributing factor of the
ceiling failure. Due to
high wind velocity, the
wind traped in between
roof space caused the
ceiling hook to detached
 Ref. CKAS Inspection Report :

Ceiling Panel Profile

• Ceiling profile installed doesn’t
allow for a tight and closed-
packed interlocking connection
B between carrier rail.
• Profile ceiling panel installed on
site also different from actual
profile specify by the
manufacturer.

Carrier Rail
• The interlocking profile on the
carrier rail used on site fail to
support the ceiling panels.
• The flexibility/ bending ability
of the carrier rail also can’t be
verified.
 Ref. CKAS Inspection Report :

Bracing
• Type of furring channel used
on site is not suitable to be
used as a bracing.
C • Its flexural and easily bend
properties prevent it from
functioning as bracing that
provide lateral stability.

Wire Hanger Installation

The absence of wire hanger cause:
a) the load of the ceiling component
to be carry by the bracing and
b) the uneven distribution of loads,
where load concentrations only to
certain bracing components.
 Corrective actions is to
replace all aluminium strip
ceiling system frame with
more suitable material for
external used such as
composite panel and must be
a proprietary system.
 The recommendation must
also refer and in line with
Section I: Ceiling Works -
JKR Standard Specifications
for Building Works 2014
(JKR-208010-0183-14)-
Item 5: Material and Ceiling
Component & Item 6:
Ceiling Suspension System
 Panels
• 150F:150 mm wide, 17 mm deep, 0.6 mm thick
(150F); made of stove enamelled aluminium; panel
length up to approx. 6 m; colours according to colour
chart Exterior Applications and availability chart.
• 200F:200 mm wide, 17 mm deep, 0.7 mm thick
(200F); made of stove enamelled aluminium; panel
length up to approx. 6 m; colours according to
LUXALON® colour chart Exterior Applications and
availability chart.
Stringers
• 34.5 mm wide, 48 mm deep, 0.95 mm thick (150F),
1.2 mm thick (200F); made of stove enamelled
aluminium; colour black; with prongs to hold the
panels, module 150 mm (150F), 200 mm (200F).
Panel spans (c)
• Panel spans in relation to wind loads can be
calculated. At 1500 N/m2 the panel span should be
1.18 m on 3 or more stringers (when the wind
pressure is leading).

Stringer spans (b)

• Before establishing the screw distance of the
stringers, the load per lineal metre of stringer is to
be determined by applying:
Note: For corners, roof edges, special designs etc. wind • 0.5 q x I for panels on 2 stringers
• 1.25 q x I for panels on 3 stringers
pressure/suction shall be determined with due consideration to the • 1.15 q x I for panels on 4 or more stringers.
q = windload in N/m2
relevant local country's Standard Codes of Building Practice. (uniformly distributed loads)
I = panel span (c) in m.
• The screw distance (b) can then be read from the
graph in the same way as the panel span.
Typical Detail for Semi Design Calculation for Semi Exposed
Exposed Ceiling Ceiling Frame- Typical Layout

9mm thick
plasterboard
Failure/Defects:
Plasterboard ceiling
collapsed (watermark
and mold )

Location:
Office
(working area)

The defect found on the
plasterboard ceiling could
potentially caused by the
leakage on the air-condition
ducting that induced
condensation to occur
• Affected plasterboard
ceiling were located along
the air-conduction ducting
and conduit (mechanical
service route).
• Physical defect that can be
observed on the
• Tear and patch work are also
plasterboard ceiling and
spotted on the air-condition ducting carpet are watermark/stain
envelope. and mold growth indicating
• Due to this findings, there is a a leakage.
possibility of defect on mechanical
services that caused it to leak.
Thorough inspection were suggested
to investigate further the root cause
of the condensation
 Corrective actions is to replace
all affected plasterboard ceiling
and must be a proprietary
system.
 The recommendation must also
refer and in line with Section I:
Ceiling Works - JKR Standard
Specifications for Building
Works 2014 (JKR-208010-
0183-14)- Item 5: Material and
Ceiling Component & Item 6:
Ceiling Suspension System
 There is also suggestion to
replace wire hanger with rod
hanger which offer more safety
and more secure.
 BANDAR
SPRINGHILL,
LOCATION
PORT DICKSON

 Hilly side
 Palm Plantation
SITE TOPOGRPAHY
/GEOGRAPHICAL  Exposed to direct wind
due to site clearance

 Mosque

BUILDING
FUNCTION
Failure/Defects:
Plasterceiling and cornice
collapsed

Location:
Main Prayer Hall
• Based on observation, the cause
of the ceiling and cornice
collapsed is due to failure of
steel roof truss structure

• Method of installation doesn’t

follow specification.
• Imprecise method of suspension,
will increase the probability of
additional load on the roof
structure

• Details on the ceiling hanger

connection installed not
according to specification. Steel
roof truss were punctured and
screwed for ceiling installation.
 Corrective actions is to replace
all affected conceal ceiling and
must be in accordance with
method statement and
specification by the
manufacturer/supplier and no
direct punctured through roof
trusses are allowed.
 The recommendation must also
refer and in line with Section I:
Ceiling Works - JKR Standard
Specifications for Building
Works 2014 (JKR-208010-
0183-14)- Item 5: Material and
Ceiling Component & Item 6:
Ceiling Suspension System
  To consider landscape strategy:
Creating a buffer zone and
windbreak. This strategy of
planting or building a windbreak
MOSQUE can slow winds and protect the
site/building.
 This windbreak can be in the form
of :
 Man-made wind-screen
 Windbreak shrub hedges
 Window of trees

 The recommendation must also

take into consideration
native/origin of the plant species,
climatic factor and maintenance.
 KUALA
TERENGGANU,
LOCATION TERENGGANU

 Coastal area
 Expose to direct wind
SITE TOPOGRPAHY
/GEOGRAPHICAL
and weather

 Hospital (Public Health

BUILDING Facilities)
FUNCTION

SEA
• Leakage on the concrete gutter
caused by water seepage due
to waterproofing failure on the
concrete flat roof

• This occurrence resulted in water

penetrating the concrete slab
and caused it to spall and
affecting the thermal insulation
layer which directly installed
underneath the concrete slab

• This contributing factors lead to

the ceiling material and thermal
insulation layer (wood wool
type) to debond
• Installation method for the
ceiling is not according to
specification and best practice.
• Anchor and fastener were
clasped onto mechanical and
electrical services.

• There are also issue with the

material, steel frame used for
ceiling suspension found to be
corroded and some of the steel
frame component are dented
and deformed.

• Observation also discovered

that the mechanical and
electrical system was not
properly plan and coordinate
 Corrective actions is to replace
all affected plasterboard ceiling
and must be a proprietary
system.
 The recommendation must also
refer and in line with Section I:
Ceiling Works - JKR Standard
Specifications for Building
Works 2014 (JKR-208010-
0183-14)- Item 5: Material and
Ceiling Component & Item 6:
Ceiling Suspension System
 There is also suggestion to
replace wire hanger with rod
hanger which offer more safety
and more secure.
• Rectification work involve
removing all damaged thermal
insulation layer on the concrete
slab to apply layer of
Polyurethane Spray as specify
and recommended in guideline
by CKM
• The technical proposal and
recommendation must also refer
and in line with: Section G:
Roofing Works (Item 11: Heat
Insulation)-PWD Standard
Specifications for Building
Works 2014 (PWD-208010-
0183-14)
3

1. Highlighted Issues
2. What Went
Wrong,What Can Be
Learned and What
Can Be Done
3. Way forward
 1 2
• Majority of the
building that • Based on analysis, in some
affected by ceiling cases the ceiling system failure
system installation is caused by structural issue. In
failure are public some occurrence structural
buildings such as integrity of the building had
been compromised. For
hospitals and
instance; Installation of roof
mosques.
structure are not in accordance
• Occupant safety with specification/method
must be a priority in statement and concrete
designing strong spalling symptom of concrete
and secure the roof slab
• Factors of ceiling system
architectural
failure is closely related to
components
structural integrity of all the
building components; and the
root cause of the problem of
the structural issue should be
identified and resolved in
advance before any remedial
action can be done.
3 4
• Design and installation of
the ceiling system involves a
wide scope of various
discipline such as structural
roof systems, electrical and
mechanical system.
• Based on this factor,
coordination between
disciplines is critical and
crucial especially during the
design process up until the
construction stage to ensure
there are no modification
made to give way to any
scope of work.
• The installation must be in
accordance with the method
statement specify by system
supplier, comply with
standard/specification JKR and
must adhere to contract document.
5
• Ceiling system must be a
proprietary system that includes
both product and installation
warranty.
• Design consideration should take
into account the condition/
function/location of buildings and
surrounding (site context) for
present and future purpose
 WHAT WENT
WRONG?
 Non-compliance with
technical method statement,
material and system
specifications,
 Non-proprietary type
ceiling system,
 Inadequate design
consideration and analysis
and;
 Lack of coordination and
supervision on site
WHAT CAN BE
LEARNED?
 Design considerations for the
selection of ceiling designs
should take into account the
function of the building
(technically and aesthetically),
the current and future site
environmental conditions and;
 Coordination with other
disciplines should ideally start
during the design stage and
should be followed by regular
monitoring on site. There should
be a check and balance by all
disciplines.
WHAT NEED
TO BE DONE?
 Adequate design consideration is
given during the design stage and
to incorporate best practice and
technical solutions for ceiling
design,
 Compliance to technical
requirements, standards and
specifications as written in the
conditions of the contract
 The ceiling system is of a
proprietary type and comes with
product warranty and installation
guides and;
 Coordination and supervision on
site between all disciplines/SO/
contractors/suppliers/installers.
1
Designer must be 2
sensitive in selection Project and design 3
of ceiling system for team must be well Coordination of
the right built versed with contract works between
environment document and various discipline
construction drawing. should be carried out
If any shortfall in the frequently.
information, request
for information from
design office
14th October 2018
KUALA LUMPUR: A foreign
worker suffered head injuries
after falling some 40 feet, when
the plaster ceiling of the lobby at
the Hilton Kuala Lumpur in KL
Sentral came crashing down early
this morning.

According to a report from the KL

Fire and Rescue Department, the
ceiling collapsed just before
3.40am. At the time, repairs were
being carried out on the wiring.
Some 1,500 square feet
of the ceiling collapsed,
causing the foreign
worker from Bangladesh
to fall.

He was treated at the

site by emergency
services before being
sent to the Universiti
Hospital in Petaling
Jaya.
A Hilton Kuala Lumpur
spokesman said during an
overnight routine
maintenance work on the
lobby ceiling by an
approved maintenance
contractor, an incident
occurred causing a part of
the ceiling to give way.
The area will be
temporarily closed to the
public