REVIEWING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION METHODS TO REDUCE THE RELIANCE OF CONCRETE

Abstract

This dissertation is formulated to address the concern of Singapore’s construction industry on its heavy dependency on concrete as the main construction material. Following the sand ban from Indonesia that took effect from 23 January 2007, Singapore is moving towards less concrete-based construction and adopting more sustainable construction practices. The aim of this dissertation is to study the various sustainable construction methods or materials that can help to reduce the reliance of concrete, including huge potential in recycled materials, particularly practices applied or used in Singapore. A study of local and overseas residential construction projects was to provide an insight to its successful adoption of the alternative methods of construction. However, the scope of the study is limited to light-gauge steel framing that is increasingly used in residential construction. From the studies, it has proven that light steel framing can be an attractive alternative to the conventional materials and used for both small-landed residential and high-rise residential construction Interviews are conducted with the relevant regulatory bodies and professionals in various disciplines among the construction industry to find out the strategies that Singapore’s government and construction industry have adopted. There is a possibility that the future residential developments in Singapore are shifting towards the trend of using less traditional construction materials. However, it will take some time for local construction industry to move towards sustainable construction due to inexperience, high initial cost and insufficient knowledge on sustainable materials. In conclusion, to sustain competitive edge in the global construction industry, there is a need to call upon the local industry to improve its existing practices in sustainable construction