FLAT ROOF MAINTENANCE: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN
PUTRAJAYA
BY
SALAWATI BINTI ZAINUDDIN
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science
(Building Services Engineering)
Kulliyah of Architecture and Environmental Design International Islamic University
Malaysia
AUGUST 2009
ii
ABSTRACT
In Malaysia flat roofs are most commonly used for high rise building including office building due to overall appearance of the building structure and visual effect of a flat roofline. However, flat roofs deserve considerably more attention than they receive.
Many flat roofs are ignored and only become more important priority after defects occurred. Lack of maintenance, undue care and attention in repair are the causes to these problems. In order to reduced and prolongs the service life of the flat roofs, regular inspection and proper maintenance should be carried out. The aim of this study is to come out with recommendation to serve as impetus to further study which to established standardized assessment for flat roof maintenance under Malaysia weather condition. In order to achieved, three objectives have been set; (1) to investigate the common type of flat roof system, their presence performance and their defects; (2) to identify the causes of common defect during maintenance stage; and (3) to recommend the possible way to improve flat roof maintenance under Malaysia weather condition. Three case studies from the government building in Parcel E Putrajaya were selected. The selected buildings are Block E1, Block E3 and Block E15. In order to achieve the objectives identified, literature review was done, and then the data was collected from semi-structured interview, visual inspection and site and questionnaires survey. Information from interview had been used to design the survey questionnaire. The collected data was from questionnaire survey was analyzed using relative index analysis. Comparative analysis was done between findings from the inspections and observation from facility maintenance management of three case studies.
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APPROVAL PAGE
I certify that I have supervised and read this study and that in my opinion; it conforms to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering).
……….
Maisarah Ali
Supervisor
I certify that I have read this study and that in my opinion; it conforms to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering).
……….
Puteri Shireen Jahn Kassim
Internal Examiner
This dissertation was submitted to the Department of Building Technology and Engineering and is accepted as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering).
……….
Puteri Shireen Jahn Kassim
Head, Dept. of Building Technology
And Engineering
This dissertation was submitted to the Kulliyah of Architecture and Environmental Design and is accepted as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering).
……….
Mansor Ibrahim
Dean, Kulliyah of Architecture and Environmental Design
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DECLARATION PAGE
I hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my own investigation, except where otherwise. I also declare that it has not been previously or currently submitted as a whole for any other degrees at IIUM or other institutions.
SALAWATI BINTI ZAINUDDIN
Signature ……….. Date……….
v
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
DECLARATION OF COPY RIGHT AND AFFIRMATION OF FAIR USE OF UNPUBLISHED RESEARCH
Copyright © 2000 by Salawati Binti Zainuddin. All rights reserved.
FLAT ROOF MAINTENANCE: A CASE STUDY ON SELECTED GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN PUTRAJAYA
No part of this unpublished research may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the priority permission of the copy right holder except as written below.
1. Any material contained in or derived from this unpublished research may only be used by others in their writing with due acknowledgement.
2. IIUM or its library will have the right to make and transmit copies (print or electronic) for institutional and academic purposes.
3. The IIUM library will have the right to make, store in a retrieval system and supply copies of this unpublished research if requested by other universities and research libraries.
Affirmed by Salawati Binti Zainuddin
……… ……….
Signature Date
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Special dedication to my entire family member and for my beloved husband’s Mohd Azmir Musa and daughters Aleesya and Elly
Thanks for your support
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Praises to Allah S.W.T The Almighty for the blessing upon me that has enable this dissertation to be completed. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and feeling of gratitude towards all the individuals that has played a part in helping me to complete this dissertation. Without their support and inspirations given, the task of completing this dissertation would have been difficult.
In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Maisarah for her guidance and continuous support all the way. Thank you for all the help and time spent discussing the content and progress of this dissertation.
A special acknowledgement goes to Encik Abdul Kadir and Puan Rodziah from Maintenance Department, JKR Putrajaya for their time and help in providing the required information, Cik Zanariah and Cik Hamizah both from Maintenance Management Company.
My admiration thanks to my husband Mohd. Azmir, for being a source of encouragement in the past 2 years, believing in me and being deriving force toward finishing this master.
As always, I owe half of my success to my family, for their love, patience and support throughout this entire process. There are not enough ways to say thank you to them.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstract ………... ii
Approval Page ……….. iii
Declaration Page ……….….. iv
Copy Right Page ……….………….. v
Dedication Page ……….…………... vi
Acknowledgement ……….………... vii
Table Of Contents ………... viii
List Of Table ……….……… xiii
List Of Figures ………..……… xiii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ………..… 1
1.1 Introduction ………..……... 1
1.2 Problem Statement ……….………... 3
1.3 Aims And Objectives ……….……... 5
1.4 Scope Of Study ………..………... 5
1.5 Methodology ……….…… 5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERETURE REVIEW ………...…..…………. 8
2.1 Introduction ……….……….. 8
2.2 Factor Affecting The Performance Of Flat Roofs …...…………... 9
2.2.1 Environmental Conditions………... 9
2.2.2 Usage Of Flat Roofs ……….……….13
2.2.3 Design Deficiency ……….……… 13
2.2.4 Lack Of Maintenance ………..………….. 14
2.3 Maintenance In General ………..……….. 14
2.3.1 Present Status Of Maintenance Works For Commercial Or Mixed Development .…...17
2.3.2 Building’s Maintenance Management In Public Sector …... 18
2.3.3 Roof Maintenance ……….…… 21
2.3.4 Roof Maintenance Objectives………..…….. 22
2.3.5 Roofing Work Specialist Warranty ……….…….. 23
2.3.6 Maintenance Strategies In Ensuring Longevity Of Flat Roof…….…... 24
2.3.6.1 Low Maintenance Roofing System …..……….. 24
2.3.6.2 Regular Maintenance ……….………... 25
2.3.6.3 Reliable Contractor………...……….. 25
2.3.6.4 Inspections ……….………... 25
2.3.6.5 Replace Part Of Roofing Covering ……..…………. 26
2.3.6.6 Protect Entire Roof Covering ………….………….. 26
2.4 Definition Of A Flat Roof ……….………… 27
2.5 Flat Roof Components ……….…………. 27
2.5.1 Roof Decks ……….…...27
2.5.2 Vapor Retarder ……….. 29
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2.5.3 Roof Insulation ……….………….29
2.5.3.1 Insulation Between The Deck And Th0 Membrane ...30
2.5.3.2 Insulation Above The Membrane: Protected Membrane Roof (PMR) ……...…... 30
2.5.4 Roof Membrane ……….………... 32
2.5.5 Roof Covering Or Surfacing ……….……… 32
2.5.6 Drainage Systems ………..33
2.5.7 Roof Flashing ………..…….. 33
2.6 Waterproofing Materials ………..…… 35
2.6.1 Sheet-Applied Membranes ……….….. 35
2.6.1.1 Fully Adhered Membrane – Hot Applied Membrane ... 35
2.6.1.2 Fully Adhered Membrane – Cold Applied Membrane ... 36
2.6.1.3 Advantages Of Fully Adhered Membrane ……….... 36
2.6.1.4 Partially Adhered Membrane ……….……….. 36
2.6.2 Liquid-Applied Membranes ……….………. 37
2.6.2.1 Acrylic Emulsion Membrane ……..……….. 37
2.7 Common Roofing System ……….……… 38
2.7.1 Traditional Roofing System ……….……… 39
2.7.2 Inverted Roofing System ……….…………. 39
2.7.3 Secondary Roofing System ………..………. 39
2.8 Roof Problems ……….………. 39
2.8.1 Leaking ……….……… 40
2.8.2 Cracking ………..……….. 41
2.8.3 Blistering ……….………. 42
2.8.4 Ponding ……….……… 43
2.8.5 Crazing Cracks ………...………. 45
2.8.6 Splitting ……….……… 46
2.8.7 Delamination ……….……… 47
2.8.8 Slippage ……….………48
2.8.9 Algae Growth ……….………... 48
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ……… 49
3.1 Literature Review ……… 49
3.2 Case Study ………... 50
3.3 Building Condition Survey ……….. 51
3.3.1 Site Investigation ………. 52
3.3.1.1 Visual Inspection ………. 52
3.3.1.2 Recording Methods ……….. 54
3.3.1.3 Equipments ……….. 54
3.3.2 Semi-Structured Interviews ………. 56
3.3.3 Questionnaire Survey ………..… 57
3.4 Data Analysis ………... 58
3.4.1 Site Investigation ………. 58
3.4.2 Questionnaire Survey ………... 58
CHAPTER FOUR:DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS ………. 61 4.1 Maintenance Management System For Government Buildings
x
In Putrajaya. ... 61
4.2 JKR Putrajaya ... 62
4.3 Maintenance Managements And Operation For Civil Works Under R&U Construction Dan Development ... 63
4.4 Maintenance Managements And Operation For Civil Works ... 66
AC Muda Resources Sdn. Bhd. 4.5 Inspection Report Of Case Study 1: Block E1 (Ministry Of Health) 69 4.5.1 Result Of Inspection For Roof Surface Defects ……..….... 70
4.5.1.1 Membrane Cracking ……… 71
4.5.1.2 Blistering ……….……. 71
4.5.1.3 Splitting ……….… 72
4.5.1.4 Membrane Slippage ……….. 73
4.5.1.5 Algae Growth ……….... 74
4.5.1.6 Water Ponding………... 75
4.5.2 Result Of Inspection At Roof Drainage System …………... 75
4.5.2.1 Blockage By Rubbish ……….……….. 76
4.5.2.2 Water Ponding ……….……. 76
4.5.2.3 Algae Growth ……….…….. 77
4.6 Inspection Report Of Case Study 2: Block E3 (Ministry Of High Education) ... 78
4.6.1 Result Of Inspection For Roof Surface Defects …...…….. 79
4.6.1.1 Cracking ………..…….. 79
4.6.1.2 Blistering ……….….. 80
4.6.1.3 Splitting ……….… 80
4.6.1.4 Membrane Slippage ………...81
4.6.1.5 Algae Growth ………..………….. 82
4.6.1.6 Water Ponding………..……….. 82
4.6.2 Result Of Inspection At Roof Drainage System ….……….. 83
4.6.2.1 Blockage By Rubbish ……..………..……… 83
4.6.2.2 Water Ponding ………..……… 84
.6.2.3 Algae Growth ………...……. 85
4.6.2.4 Membrane Slippage ………...……. 85
4.6.2.5 Cracking ……… 86
4.7 Inspection Report Of Case Study 3: Block E15 (Ministry Of Education) .……... 86
4.7.1 Result Of Inspection For Roof Surface Defects ….……….. 87
4.7.1.1 Cracking ………..……….. 88
4.7.1.2 Blistering ………....………. 88
4.7.1.3 Splitting ………...……… 89
4.7.1.4 Membrane Slippage ………...……. 90
4.7.1.5 Algae Growth ………..……….. 90
4.7.2 Result Of Inspection At Roof Drainage System ..…………. 91
4.7.2.1 Membrane Slippage ………. 91
4.7.2.2 Algae Growth ………..……….. 92
4.8 Comparative Findins Of Defects For Block E1, E3 And E15 ….…. 93 4.8.1 Comparative Findings Of Roof Surface Defects For Block . E1, E3 And E15 ... 93
4.8.2 Comparative Findings Of Roof Drainage Defects For Block E1, E3 And E5... 94
4.8.3 Roof Problems At Block E1, E3 and E15 ….……… 95
4.9 Discussion From Observation Of Flat Roof And Maintenance Management Companies …... 96
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4.10 Analysis From Questionnaire …..………. 98
4.10.1 Section A: Background Of Respondents ….………. 99
4.10.2 Section B: Flat Roof Maintenance ……..……….. 100
4.10.2.1 Maintenance Strategies To Ensuring The Longevity Life Of The Flat Roofing System ..…..…. 100
4.10.2.2 Factors That Affecting The Performance Of Flat Roof …...101
4.10.2.3 Common Problems During Maintaining The Flat Roof ... 102
4.10.3 Section C: Defects ……… 103
4.10.3.1 Types Of Defects ………. 103
4.10.3.2 Causes Of Roof Defects During The Maintenance Stage …...…………... 104
4.10.4 Section D: Suggestion ……….. 108
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS..………... 111
5.1 Introduction ……….. 111
5.2 Conclusions ………... 111
5.2.1 To Investigate Common Type And Their Defects ……….. 111
5.2.2 Identify The Causes Of Common Defect During The…….. 112
Maintenance Stage 5.2.3 Recommend The Possible Way To Improve Flat Roof Maintenance Under Malaysia Weather Condition ………...113
5.3 Recommendations ...114
BIBLIOGRAPHY ………...……… 117
APPENDIX 1: ROOF PLAN BLOCK E1 APPENDIX 2: ROOF PLAN BLOCK E3 APPENDIX 3: ROOF PLAN BLOCK E15 APPENDIX 4: CHECKLIST SURVEY FORM
APPENDIX 5: SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWD QUESTION APPENDIX 6: QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY
APPENDIX 7: PEKELILING AM BAB 1 TAHUN 2003
APPENDIX 8:GARIS PANDUAN PENYENGGARAAN BAGUNAN KERAJAAN DI PUTRAJAYA
APPENDIX 9: LIST OF ROOF SURFACE DEFECTS AT BLOCK E1 APPENDIX 10: LIST OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DEFECTS AT BLOCK E1 APPENDIX 11: LIST OF ROOF SURFACE DEFECTS AT BLOCK E3 APPENDIX 12: LIST OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DEFECTS AT BLOCK E3 APPENDIX 13: LIST OF ROOF SURFACE DEFECTS AT BLOCK E15 APPENDIX 14: LIST OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DEFECTS AT BLOCK E15
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LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Page No.
Table 3.1 Dates of inspection due to the blocks 53
Table 3.2 Background of Respondents 57
Table 4.1 Summary of roof surface defects at Block E1 70 Table 4.2 Roof drain defects at Block E1 75 Table 4.3 Summary of roof surface defects for each level 79
at Block E3
Table 4.4 Roof drain defects at Block E3 83 Table 4.5 Summary of roof surface defects at Block E15 88 Table 4.6 Roof drain defects at Block E15 91 Table 4.7 Categories of roof problems for Block E1,E3 and E15 96 Table 4.8 Maintenance strategies to ensure the longevity life 100
of the flat roofing system
Table 4.9 Factors that affecting the performance of flat roof 101
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Page No.
Figure 1.1 Research methodology outline 7
Figure 2.1 Types of maintenance 15
Figure 2.2 Three most commonly used precast concrete roof decks- 27 (a) single-T, (double-T), (c) hollow core slab
Figure 2.3 Traditional system-insulation between the deck and the 30 membrane
Figure 2.4 Inverted system-insulation above the membrane 31 Figure 2.5 The built-in scupper and drain strainer 33
Figure 2.6 Common roofing system 38
Figure 2.7 Cracking on the concrete roof slab 42
Figure 2.8 Blistering of membrane 43
Figure 2.9 Insufficient gradient resulting in ponding water 45 Figure 2.10 Splitting often occur at the line of stress concentration 47
over open insulation joint
Figure 2.11 Slippage of membrane 48
Figure 2.12 Algae growth at the roof membrane 48
Figure 3.1 Map of Parcel E Putrajaya 51
Figure 3.2 5th floor plan at Block E3 53
Figure 3.3 Spirit level 55
Figure 3.4 Summary of methodology framework for the case study 56 Figure 4.1 Organization chart JKR Putrajaya 62 Figure 4.2 Summary of Maintenance Management in Parcel E Building 63 Figure 4.3 Organization chart of R&U Construction Sdn. Bhd. 65 Figure 4.4 Organization chart of AC Muda Resources Sdn. Bhd. 67
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Figure 4.5 Block E1 75
Figure 4.6 Cracking membrane at grid E1(1-11)/6BF1 70 Figure 4.7 Blistering membrane at grid E1(1-11)/13BF8 71 Figure 4.8 Splitting membrane at grid E1(1-11)/8BF11 72 Figure 4.9 Splitting sealant at grid E1(1-11)/12BF1 73 Figure 4.10 Membrane slippage at grid E1(1-11)/15BF11 73 Figure 4.11 Growth algae at grid E1(1-11)/10BF12 74 Figure 4.12 Water ponding at grid E1(1-11)/11BF6 74 Figure 4.13 Rubbish block the drain strainer at grid A1-10 75 Figure 4.14 Water ponding at grid A1-10 76 Figure 4.15 Algae growth in the roof drain 77
Figure 4.16 Block E3 78
Figure 4.17 Cracking at concrete slab with grid E3(5-10)/5CF10 78 Figure 4.18 Blistering at grid E3(5-10)/10CF3 80 Figure 4.19 Blistering at grid E3(5-10)/10CF3 80 Figure 4.20 Splitting sealant at grid (A-G)/9E3(1-5)24 81 Figure 4.21 Slippage at Block E3 with grid E3(5-10)/18CF3 81 Figure 4.22 Algae growth at grid E3(5-11)/9FH4 82
Figure 4.23 Water ponding below pipe 83
Figure 4.24 Plastic rubbish blocked the drainage outlet 84 Figure 4.25 Water retention in the rainwater down pipe 84 Figure 4.26 Algae growth in the drainage 85 Figure 4.27 Slippage membrane in the drainage at grid 85
E3H (8-11) at 4th floor
Figure 4.28 A serious drainage edge cracks at 5th floor grid E3C (5-10) 86
Figure 4.29 Block E15 87
Figure 4.30 Rope is used to get to roof top by technician 87
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Figure 4.31 Membrane cracking at grid E15(B-H)/15BH2 88 Figure 4.32 Membrane blistering at grid E15 (B-H)/4BH13 89 Figure 4.33 Splitting membrane at grid E15(B-H)/20BH11 89 Figure 4.34 Splitting sealant at grid E15(B-H)/11BH4 89 Figure 4.35 Membrane slippage at grid E15(B-H)/25BH15 90 Figure 4.36 Algae growth at grid E15(B-H)/9BH2 91 Figure 4.37 Membrane Slippage at Grid 19B-H 92 Figure 4.38 Algae growth in the roof drain 92 Figure 4.39 Summarized of defect for Block E1, E3 and E15 93 Figure 4.40 Summarized of defects at roof drain for Block E1, 94
E3 and E15
Figure 4.41 Background of respondent 99
Figure 4.42 Respondents working experience 100 Figure 4.43 Common problems during maintaining the flat roof 103 Figure 4.44 Defect found on the flat roof 104 Figure 4.45 Causes of defect from human 105 Figure 4.46 Causes of defect from lack of maintenance 106 Figure 4.47 Causes of defect from roof alteration 107 Figure 4.48 Methods in reducing the defects problems on flat roof 108
at design stage
Figure 4.49 Methods in reducing the defects problems on flat roof 109
at construction stage
Figure 4.50 Methods in reducing the defects problems on flat roof 100
at maintenance stage
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The roof assembly is one of the most important components of a building. It represent an assembly of interacting components designed as part of a building envelope, to protect a building’s interior, its content and its human occupant from the external climate. All roofs can be broadly classified into two types on the basis of roof slope:
flat and pitched roof (Yahaya, 2007). Modern architecture has in the last hundred years given rise to the flat roof type.
Flat roofs are generally considered to be a simple from of construction. The structure had to be sufficiently sloped to allow water to run off. However, they can be an endless source of trouble if incorrectly designed and constructed. Therefore, according to Patterson (2003), important issues in the design and selection of a flat roof, as roof drainage, water vapor transmission, wind uplift, hail impact, resistance to fire, foot traffic and defense against chemical pollutants.
One of the problems that facility managers face when trying to determine if the flat roof components should be repaired or replaced is that they have no specific standards with which to evaluate the existing components (James, W.P., 2004). To help the facility manager solve the problem, they need a straight forward, systematic approach that objectively evaluates and rates the condition of the existing roof components in the building. In other words, the roof being the single most-critical element in buildings (Griffins, 1995) is constantly damaged from normal environmental wear and tear, and requires regular maintenance (Non Khuncumchoo, 2007).
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It is important to do a regular roof maintenance checks to make sure that the roof is functioning properly and there is nothing hindering its performance. Thus, roof maintenance is very important in order to enhance its performance and prolong it existence.
Malaysia is a hot and humid country that lies between 10 and 70N and 100 and 1200E longitude. Being close to the equator, the hot and humid conditions are emphasized with heavy rainfall and sunshine throughout the year. In general, Malaysia has a yearly mean temperature of between 260C to 270C and relative humidity (RH) of 70% to 90% throughout the year. Rainfall throughout the year average 250-300cm annually (Yasin, Zaidi, Hamid, 2007). Rain becomes more intense with monsoons (Yasin, et al, 2007). Therefore detailing of roof must be able to efficiently shed of the rainwater while still remaining watertight.
In Malaysia flat roofs are more commonly used for high rise building including office buildings due to overall appearance of the building structure and visual effect of a flat roofline (Lee, Y.N., 2007). Despite this obvious vulnerability to eliminate exposure and destructive consequence of their failure, building owners or maintenance department organized a planned preventive maintenance for flat roofs for their protection (Griffin and Fricklas, 2006). Many flat roofs are ignored and only become a more important priority after defects have occurred (James, W.P., 2004). No matter how good the construction and materials are, the flat roof problem will still occur (Griffin and Fricklas, 2006). To ensure the service life of the flat roof system is much longer, regular planned preventive maintenance should be under taken to maintain a good performance of a flat roof.
3 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Flat roof problems are global phenomena, and the exposure of the flat roof with climate in tropical region gives rise to certain building problems (Malcom Thomas, 1995) sooner than other region. Most of this, however, can be avoided by using the appropriate design, techniques, better quality of construction workmanship and more regular maintenance. Lack of maintenance, undue care and attention in repair exacerbate to these problems. Leaking is one of the major of flat roof problems.
Typically, roof leaks occur when the following three condition exist: presence of water, an opening or hole in the roof components, and a driving force (gravity/and/or pressure differential).
It is generally agreed that a good roof system requires proper design, quality materials, quality application, regular inspection and proper maintenance (NRCA, 2000). Many organizations failed to conduct a preventive maintenance due to inadequacy of budget by building owner (James, W.P., 2004). Certain can be reduced if there is a proper system of preventive maintenance by the maintenance department.
Therefore preventive maintenance is important in verifying the defects and prolongs the service life of the flat roofs.
All facilities required an effective maintenance system to make it life-longer along with the safety, comfort, conducive environment and cost savvy If we overlook the maintenance aspect, the government will spent more money to refurbish or rebuild the facilities (Minsitry of Housing and Local Government). As said by Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu to News Strait Times reporters (5.10.2007), “The Government has spent RM22 millions just for the maintenance inspection in all buildings in Putrajaya”. This shows that a considerate sum of money has been used to repair building as a result of failure in maintenance system.
4
Government buildings and facilities are the organizational assets that are valuable. For example, roof problems at Malaysia Parliament House and Federal Mosque Kuala Lumpur are a few reported cases. These two building have the same type of roof which is flat roof. It is reported (New Strait Times on 11.5.2007) that the causes of the leakage are due to waterproofing problem, clogged at drainage pipes, seepage through the concrete roof and rain gutter surface edge and the absence of maintenance work. This failure could give the negative impact for people in that area in aspect of safety and also comfort.
In Malaysia is there is no standardized guideline of building maintenance as a guide for the owner or tenants to maintain the building especially government buildings. At present, Guidelines of Building Maintenance for Government Building in Putrajaya is the only guideline used for all government buildings in Putrajaya only.
The scope in this guideline includes all maintenance works and schedule for the government building in Putrajaya. Roof maintenance is one of the elements in the Civil and Structural section.
In budget 2005, it has been stated that “Government will pay attention in the infrastructure’s maintenance as a way to develop the culture of maintenance. To make sure that government assets are protected from other defects, some actions need to be done as soon as possible such as preparing effective maintenance services. RM500 million was prepared for this mission in 2005.” In 2006, another statement which supports 2005 statement was made the budget 2005 mission. “The maintenance system needs to be use as frequent as possible. Other than preparing RM4.3 million for government agencies, special budget that is an addition of RM1 million will be given next year.”
In maintenance, it is important that each sector played their role well and professionally to increase the quality of maintenance work.
5 1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this research is to come out with a set of recommendations to serve as an impetus to further studies which can contribute to establish standardized assessment for flat roof maintenance under the Malaysian weather condition.
To achieve the aforementioned aim of this study, three objectives were sets:
i. To investigate the common type of flat roof system and their presence performance and defects;
ii. To identify the causes of common defect during maintenance stage;
and
iii. To recommend the possible way to improve flat roof maintenance under Malaysia weather condition.
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
The study investigated several flat roof buildings selected from government buildings in the Putrajaya area. The buildings selected are Block E1, Block E3 and Block E15 which are located at Parcel E, Presint 1 Putrajaya. These building were selected because majority of the buildings at Parcel E used the reinforced concrete flat roof system. The height of the buildings selected is less than 10 storeys and age of the buildings is less than 10 years.
1.5 METHODOLOGY
Basically, the methodology involves two methods for collecting data. The primary data are the data collected from interviews with the relevant parties, from the visual inspection and the questionnaire survey. Meanwhile, the secondary data are the
6
information collected from the printed materials books, journals, articles, website and others useful reference resources. The methodology of collecting primary data is:
i. Semi-structured interview
Interviews were carried out with the building owner or person in charge of the flat roof such as facility engineers, technicians and other parties related to flat roof maintenance practices.
ii. Visual inspection
Visual inspection is a procedure to carry out the building diagnostics through comment on causes of defect and some recommendations from building condition reports. Photograph, written notes and sketches of roof problem at roof plan drawing are the primary data that will help to highlight the existing condition of the roofs.
iii. Questionnaire survey
The questionnaire surveys were distributed with the relevant parties who were involvedin designing, constructing and maintaining the flat roof. This survey will support the data collection from the semi- structured interviews and visual inspection.
Secondary data will be from literature review on reference books, journals and conference articles related to roofing systems for flat roof. Besides that, unpublished literature reviews such as previous dissertation which related to chosen topic represents some reference for researcher. Figure 1.1 shows the summary of the methodology outline for this study.
7
Figure 1.1: Research methodology outline
Data Collection
Primary Data
Semi-structured Interview
Secondary Data
Literature Review
Inspection and Visual Observation
Questionnaire Survey
Conclusion and Recommendation Gather Data and Information
Case Studies Analysis
8 CHAPTER 2 LITERETURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
A roof system is one of the largest and most-important investments in the building (NRCA 2000). However, compared to other portions of building envelopes, roofs are much less durable, and more trouble prone buildings components (Miller and Desjarlais; Wilson 1984). Nearly 655 of all lawsuits brought against architects originate with roof problems (Patterson and Mehta, 2001). Due to their function, roofs are exposed to more severe environmental factors than other building components.
Roofs have to resist not only precipitation but also rain, snow, solar radiation and even human abuses. These mechanisms can lead to deterioration and eventually leakage.
Roof defects are not easily recognized unless they reach critical conditions (Griffin and Fricklas, 2006).
A flat roof may be the only practicable form of roof for many large buildings or those of complicated shape and can be more economical proposition than a pitched roof. Most flat roof failures could have been avoided if the design principles now outlined had been adhered to.
Besides that, the performance of flat roof may be greatly affected by environmental factors. The factors usually include climate, weather condition, atmospheric condition, atmospheric pollution and exposure condition. The higher the buildings, the more easily they deteriorate and the more difficult they are to be maintained especially flat roofs of high buildings. Therefore, maintenance work to the flat roofs of high rise buildings has increased significantly in recent years. In most cases, flat roofs are the major area that gives problems to the maintenance work, especially if the defects occur at the flat roofs.
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2.2 FACTOR AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF FLAT ROOFS Roofs are constantly exposed to all types of environmental stress. The effect of these forces contributes to the deterioration of the roof before its time, and minor problems that are caused through negligence abuse and lack of maintenance can result in costly repairs. There are typical factor affecting the performance of flat roofs shown as follows:
2.2.1 Environmental Conditions
All roofing materials deteriorate from exposure to weather at rates determined largely by the kind of material and the conditions of exposure. The factors such as solar radiation, fungus growth, dampness affect the life span of the flat roofs and accelerate the deterioration process of roofing materials.
i. Solar radiation
The proportion of diffuse sky radiation to total radiation received is considerate and cannot be neglected, indeed, it can exceed direct radiation. Solar radiation is observed when it strikes an opaque surface.
Most building materials are opaque and their absorptivity (the ration of the radiation absorbed to the incident radiation received) varies, depending upon the nature and colour of the surface. Usually the black non-metallic surfaces can absorb all electromagnetic energy waves (Ranson, 1987).
The absorption by surfaces of solar radiation is accompanied by a rise in temperature. Building surfaces can also emit long-wavelength radiation and in doing so cools itself. The drop in temperature can be
