BST412 (BUILDING MATERIALS)
Task Briefing : Week 4
Duration : 7 weeks (Week 4 –Week 10)
Submission : Week 10
Assessment Mark : 20%
COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS AND TESTING OF BUILDING MATERIALS IN
MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION: PROPERTIES, APPLICATIONS, STANDARDS, AND
SUSTAINABILITY
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In modern construction, the choice of building materials plays a crucial role in ensuring the
strength, durability, and sustainability of structures. As construction practices evolve, it is
essential for professionals to understand the properties, applications, and standards
associated with various materials used in building projects. This knowledge not only
enhances the quality of construction but also ensures compliance with industry regulations
and contributes to environmentally sustainable practices. This research report assignment is
designed to deepen students' understanding of key construction materials—concrete,
metals, organic materials, and polymers—by investigating their properties, applications, and
environmental impacts. Students will also explore the British and European Standard codes
relevant to the Malaysian construction industry, providing a practical understanding of how
these materials are tested and regulated.
The report is structured to guide students through a detailed examination of the selected
material, covering its fundamental properties such as strength, workability, moisture
resistance, and durability. Furthermore, it explores the real-world applications of the material
in the construction industry and the sustainability measures that can be integrated into its
use. This assignment will not only broaden students' knowledge of construction materials but
also prepare them for practical testing and application of this knowledge in professional
building surveying.
3.0 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The research report will require students to engage deeply with one of the selected materials,
analyzing its characteristics and relevance to construction practices in Malaysia. The key
areas to focus on include defining the material, understanding its properties, evaluating its
applications in construction, and explaining the standards governing its use. Finally, the
report will investigate how the material can be used sustainably, considering the
environmental impacts of its production and application.
Upon completion, students should be able to: -
a) Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the selected material’s properties, such as
strength, workability, moisture resistance, and durability, and explain how these
properties influence its use in construction.
b) Identify and explain the relevant British and European Standard codes that govern
the testing and use of building materials in the Malaysian construction industry and
apply these standards in a practical context.
c) Evaluate the real-world applications of the material in various types of construction
projects, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure development, and
recognize any limitations or specialized uses of the material.
d) Analyse the environmental impacts of the material, from production to disposal, and
explore opportunities for more sustainable use, including recycling, energy-efficient
production methods, and contributions to green building initiatives such as Malaysia’s
Green Building Index (GBI).
4.0 TASK OVERVIEW:
Each group will select one of the following material categories:
a) Concrete
b) Metals (Steel, Aluminum)
c) Organic Materials (Wood, Bamboo)
d) Polymers (Plastics, Composites)
Prepare a group report base on the following criteria:
1. Introduction:
Define and describe the selected material, including its composition, origin, and
general characteristics.
Provide historical context or background on the material's use in the construction
industry, particularly in Malaysian construction.
2. Properties:
Discuss the material’s strength: Identify the material’s ability to withstand forces
(compressive, tensile, shear) and how this affects its suitability for construction.
Analyze workability: Examine the ease with which the material can be shaped,
mixed, transported, or used in construction processes.
Investigate moisture resistance: Explain the material’s resistance to moisture
absorption and how this impacts its durability in humid or wet conditions.
Describe durability: Assess the material's lifespan under various environmental and
mechanical stressors, including weathering, chemical exposure, and wear overtime.
3. Applications:
Identify typical construction applications for the material, such as its use in
foundations, structural frameworks, roofing, insulation, or finishes.
Provide specific examples of where the material is commonly applied in Malaysian
construction projects, including residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects.
Highlight any specialized applications or limitations the material may have in
construction.
4. Standards:
Explain the British and European Standard codes relevant to the selected
material, focusing on the codes used in Malaysia’s construction industry.
Discuss the testing standards and regulations that govern the material’s use, such as
strength testing (e.g., BS EN 12390 for concrete) or moisture content testing.
Describe the procedures for ensuring that the material meets safety and quality
benchmarks set by these standards.
5. Sustainability:
Explore the environmental impacts of the material, such as resource extraction,
manufacturing processes, and carbon footprint.
Discuss the potential for recycling or reusing the material in construction,
considering circular economy principles.
Examine how the material can be sourced or used sustainably, such as through
renewable resources, low-energy production processes, or eco-friendly substitutes.
Evaluate the material’s role in green building certifications or initiatives, such as
Malaysia’s Green Building Index (GBI) or any other rating systems.
Method of maintenance of selected materials.
5.0 PRESENTATION REQUIREMENT
A verbal presentation through g-meet or any related medium (will be announced later) and
A3 poster presentation (3 pages max) should contain at least:
i) Introduction of the project
ii) Definitions, terminology, and classification
iii) Project Content
iv) Process – using flowcharts or mind maps.
v) Analysis - Strength, Weakness, Opportunity & Threat; Advantage & Disadvantage
vi) Conclusion
6.0 EVALUATION
Below are the marking criteria:
N Component Maximu
o m
Mark
1 Introduction 5
Key Data/Information on the given task
2 Elaboration of Project 30
Depth of research
SWOT, Problems, Solutions, Action Plan
3 Conclusion 10
4 References / Case Study 10
5 Presentation – Poster 25
Flow thoughts, Coherence, Creativity
6 Ethics, Originality, Creativity, Profesionalism 10
7 Peer Assessment 10
TOTAL 100
