Adi Irfan Che‐Ani, Zaleha Mohd Noor, Low Sui Pheng, Norngainy Mohd Tawil and Mazlan Mohd Tahir
There have been several recent cases reported in Malaysian newspapers of complaints about the impact of construction works on the physical conditions of the surrounding buildings…
Abstract
Purpose
There have been several recent cases reported in Malaysian newspapers of complaints about the impact of construction works on the physical conditions of the surrounding buildings. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study conducted on a complaint received by the Local Authority in Selangor, Malaysia, about the impact of adjacent new construction works on the conditions of existing buildings in the neighbouring vicinity.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample case study consists of 28 units of two‐storey terrace houses, and the instrument used was the inspection form for building inspections. A building survey was carried out for all the buildings in the case study. Two teams conducted the survey. Each team was led by a professional building surveyor and assisted by two assistant building surveyors. Apart from basic surveying tools, a digital calliper was also used to measure cracks. Crack‐width data were collected and analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software.
Findings
The findings show that the adjacent new construction works have impacted the existing buildings nearby. A numbers of cracks of various magnitudes were identified in all the existing houses. One significant finding is that there appears to be no significant relationship between the cracks on the interior and the exterior, nor between the original and the renovated parts, of the existing buildings.
Originality/value
The significant number of cracks identified in the existing houses implies that the cracks were associated with the impacts from the new construction works. However, the primary cause of the building cracks was difficult to determine. It is therefore proposed that the Local Authority should establish guidelines at the local level for new construction works to prepare an inspection report on the condition of existing buildings in the surrounding area before the project commences. Building condition reports can then be used for reference in the event of claims received from the surrounding building owners alleging that the new construction works have adversely impacted the existing conditions of nearby buildings.
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Noor Ayuma Mat Tahir, Mohd Fadzli Bin Abdollah, Noreffendy Tamaldin, Hilmi Amiruddin, Mohd Rody Bin Mohamad Zin and S. Liza
This paper aims to examine the friction and wear performance of the graphene synthesized from fruit cover plastic waste and oil palm fiber (OPF).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the friction and wear performance of the graphene synthesized from fruit cover plastic waste and oil palm fiber (OPF).
Design/methodology/approach
The graphene was synthesized by using a chemical vapor deposition method, where a copper sheet was used as the substrate. The dry sliding test was performed by using a micro ball-on-disc tribometer at various sliding speeds and applied loads.
Findings
The results show that both as-grown graphenes decrease the coefficient of friction significantly. Likewise, the wear rate is also lower at higher sliding speed and applied load. For this study, OPF is proposed as the best solid carbon source for synthesizing the graphene.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this study is opening a new perspective on the potentials of producing graphene from solid waste materials and its effect on the tribological performance.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2019-0486
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Nurul Fadzila Zahari, Adi Irfan Che-Ani, Robiah Binti Abdul Rashid, Mas Ayu Mohd Tahir and Suzana Amat
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the significant factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility to National Heritage…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the significant factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility to National Heritage Buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was conducted via semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit) through selected multiple case studies to reveal the main factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair users in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia. There are four National Heritage Buildings (gazetted under National Heritage Act, 2005) selected for this research.
Findings
The findings revealed a few significant factors comprising the physical built environment, organizational behavior and structure, financial resources, and existing legislation.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited to wheelchair users and National Heritage Buildings, which was conducted through semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit).
Practical implications
This research investigates the standpoints of both the National Heritage Building operators and the wheelchair users pertaining to accessibility in National Heritage Buildings with regard to their respective roles as management and users.
Social implications
The research demonstrates the importance of social participation effects on the accessibility in National Heritage Buildings based on empirical evidence in highlighting operators’ and wheelchair users’ challenges toward enhancing their accessibility.
Originality/value
This research will be a great contribution to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia, including accessibility for pushchair, elderly, and pregnant women.
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Dayang Nor Fatin Mahmud, Mohd Fadzli Bin Abdollah, Nor Azmmi Bin Masripan, Noreffendy Tamaldin and Hilmi Amiruddin
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms of frictional wear stability of an activated carbon composite derived from palm kernel using phase transformation study.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms of frictional wear stability of an activated carbon composite derived from palm kernel using phase transformation study.
Design/methodology/approach
The unlubricated sliding test was executed using a ball-on-disc tribometer at different loads with a constant speed, sliding distance and temperature.
Findings
Results of this paper suggest that stability of friction and wear of the test materials are primarily due to the phase transformation of the composite surface layer.
Research limitations/implications
However, the effectiveness of the transfer layer as a medium for low friction and wear is only limited at certain applied loads.
Originality/value
This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to find out the mechanisms of low frictional wear properties of an activated carbon composite derived from palm kernel using phase transformation study.
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Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap and Xin Hua Ng
The purpose of this paper is to explore the affordability of Malaysian housing market, sufficiency of affordable housing and factors influencing the housing affordability in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the affordability of Malaysian housing market, sufficiency of affordable housing and factors influencing the housing affordability in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, qualitative research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten industry practitioners from developers and real estate agencies and further validation with three industry experts.
Findings
The findings reveal that housing affordability is a grave concern to average Malaysians, and the supply of affordable housing is insufficient in the current residential property market. Income, property price, land cost and demand and supply are identified as significant factors affecting housing affordability.
Research limitations/implications
The research findings provide an insight rather than definitive information, as the small sample size could limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research can include participants from the public sector and focus on the policy options.
Practical implications
This paper provided numerous policies to ensure successful deliverability of affordable housing which eases government to partner with private sector to formulate a systematic framework for implementation of affordable housing programs and schemes.
Social implications
There is a need for government to pay more attention to housing needs of middle-income groups. Also, the government is urged to ensure transparent balloting process in every implementation of affordable housing programs.
Originality/value
The paper emphasised the issues of undersupply of affordable housing and mismatch of property price and income. The paper also highlights the key reasons behind high housing affordability index. Hence, it is hoped that this paper will encourage positive debate and gain some attention from the policymakers, practitioners and researchers in Malaysia and beyond.