PROBLEM OF PREFABRICATION BLOCKS IN HDB

Abstract

The quality of the exterior facades of a building is important in maintaining aesthetics image, protecting the interior environment from infiltration of heat, cold, moisture, wind, noise and resisting all types of external forces and environmental pollution. Absence of clear definition of design responsibility is the basic problem with the exterior façade. Therefore it is critical to understand the past and present designs; particularly in this research on problem facing by prefabrication construction on external façade. Constant improvement on its design, materials and constructions is vital to eliminate the problems facing the external façade in the future. This dissertation attempts to provide an insight into prefabrication development in HDB. It first reviews the past and current effort of the HDB in striving to improve the prefabrication technology in external façade and how these efforts help the maintenance aspects of the building. The dissertation describes direct improvements in the key area such as design details, modular coordination, use of precast components, factory – fabricated of steel reinforcement, deployment of materials handling equipment and plant, and rationalization of works methods via work study. The dissertation also identifies the problems of external façade in prefabrication construction and focus on major problem areas. It also discusses the history of prefabrication technology in HDB, and why HDB has to adopt it. In addition, the dissertationhas determined the probable causes and recommends improved measures that can integrate with other systems in the project environment, prevent foreseeable problems and adapt to the changing environment externally. Highlighting too the significance of periodic post-construction inspections and preventive maintenance which can avoid failures of many exterior facades in prefabrication construction. Finally, the dissertation highlighted the improved method to eliminate the need for the installation of the window frame on site. The prime objective of introducing precast façade with cast-in window frame is to address the post-construction maintenance problems due to water seepage from the external façade of the flat.