Panel of Expertise for Building Surveying Department, UiTM Perak

Click to enlarge

Renewable Energy: Which one is better for Malaysia?

My dear students and fellow friends..

Do you know that, while we are so happy driving our cars and watching television at home with our  given subsidized power supply, the world is actually facing a serious and major problem on oil depleting issues.  

ExxonMobil (2004) has stated that global rates of oil discovery have been falling since the early 1960s. All of the 100 or so supergiant fields that are collectively responsible for about half of current world production were discovered in the 1940s, '50s, '60s, and '70s. No fields of comparable size have been found since then; instead, exploration during recent years has turned up only much smaller fields that deplete relatively quickly. The result is that today only one new barrel of oil is being discovered for every five or six that are extracted and used (http://www.oildepletionprotocol.org/getinformed/faq).

This is happening now to our world. Just look at this figure.

Sources: 

(http://blog.derestricted.com/category/peakoil/page/3/)

Human tends to produce more oil, due to the global energy demand. Unfortunately, the discovery of new oil fields are decreasing every day.

What will happen in the future if there are no fossil fuels left, I am not so sure..

Sources: 

(http://blog.derestricted.com/category/peakoil/page/3/)

What shall we do? Are we gonna just wait and see?

Source:

(http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/r/renewable_resources.asp)

So, what is the best solution so far? Well, many researchers believed that the answer to this situation is by implementing Renewable Energy (RE).

What is Renewable Energy? 

Source: (http://www.triplepundit.com/2009/08/australia-breaks-its-own-record-in-renewable-energy-goals/)

Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished). International Energy Agency explains:

"Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources."

The main objectives to implement RE are to provide green energy, which is environmental-friendly, reliable, clean and prolongs sustainable development for the future. 

I always believed that Solar Energy is the best solution for Malaysia. Basically, because our country is geographically located at the equator and we receives sun 12 hours a day.

Sources: (http://tooons.blogspot.com/2009/09/cartoon-solar-energy.html)

Solar energy with its radiant light and heat from the sun manage to give Malaysia a reliable supply of power.

Something that is sooo..true about solar power..=)  Nobody owns it except the Almighty.

Sources: http://weblog.sinteur.com/index.php/2007/12/

There are two types of solar technologies; either passive solar or active solar. It is all depending on the way the solar radiant is capture, convert and distribute to solar energy. 

Type 1: 

Active solar techniques: include the use of photovoltaic panels (PV) and solar thermal collectors  (concentrating solar power-CSP) to harness the energy. 

Type 2:

Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air. This is more reflects towards building design in architectural study.

My focus on my PhD research is more on Type 1. So, what is Type 1 of Solar Power?

Solar power is divided into two main technologies, which are Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal Power.

(i) Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Below are the pictures that show the coolness of this system and how we can adapt to residential houses in Malaysia:-

Sources: http://www.solar-green-wind.com/archives/tag/photovoltaic-panels/page/2

(ii) Solar Thermal Power

 

Source: http://www.volker-quaschning.de/articles/fundamentals2/index.php

This is how solar thermal power works.

 Source: http://www.worldenergy.org/publications/survey_of_energy_resources_2007/solar/724.asp

Sources: http://www.izmitsolar.com/images/tarla/

We really need a solar farm in Malaysia if we intended to implement this type of system.

Source: http://www.volker-quaschning.de/articles/fundamentals2/index.php

Source: http://www.gadgetroad.com/spain-uses-worlds-first-solar-thermal-power-plant-367/

Picture above shows a solar power plant which is located near Seville, in Spain, and can be described as an architectural landmark and an industry marvel. The Spain engineers have constructed a 40 storeys high tower surrounded with 600 mirrors that reflect sun’s rays on top of the tower. Heat from sun is used to steam water, that in turn powers turbines producing electricity with zero gas emissions making for the perfect environmental friendly power plant (http://www.gadgetroad.com/spain-uses-worlds-first-solar-thermal-power-plant-367/). This is the major different from PV system.

Something to ponder on.. So far, with the advancement of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV), Malaysia only focuses on BIPV for commercial and urban residential areas. How about rural and remote areas in Malaysia? Yes, we do have some successful PV projects in islands in Malaysia, but the progress is a bit slow compared to Thailand (our nearest neighbour). What are the best initiative? I personally don't think BIPV is suitable  to be implemented to Malaysian 'kampung' houses. Do we really think that only urban people deserves to have all the excitement in life via electronic entertainment? So, the 'kampung' people will  only sleep early at night in the future?This will definitely affected the society development in Malaysia for the future. 

So, which one is better for Malaysia??

For a beautiful world in the future...

 

Sources: 

http://www.virginiaenergy.org/home/2010/08/23/zoning-change-clears-way-for-solar-energy-in-eastern-shore/

Finally, I would like to recommend to all of you to be wise in energy consumption. Be wise and save it!

Source: (http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy_transport/videos/energy/2008_11_energy_cartoon_en.htm)

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Environmentalism is a broad and very abstract philosophy regarding on each individuals (Lincoln, C, 2009). We need strong social movement (like organisation, society, government policies and many more) that give greater concerns regarding on environmental improvement, energy- efficiency, climate changing factors, global warming issues and issue on depleting of main energy sources (e.g ; oil, natural gas and coal) .

Source: http://www.airdex.com/environmental.html

UN has set-up a well-known protocol which known as Kyoto Protocol on 11 Dec 1997 at Kyoto, Japan, to address and solve various issues on environment. Kyoto Protocol is a protocol that aimed to fight global warming issue. There are 37 countries in the world that volunteer themselves to a reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). One of it is our country, Malaysia. (http://unfccc.int/files/kyoto_protocol/status_of_ratification/application/pdf/kp_ratification.pdf, 2009)

So, what is greenhouse ?

IPCC (2008) has defined that a greenhouse phenomenon happens due to the existence of greenhouse gas (sometimes abbreviated GHG), where these gases (in an atmosphere) absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_green_house_effect.svg

Thus, this effect will rise the temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, for example) trap energy from the sun. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth’s average temperature would be about 60ºF colder (http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/greenhouse.html, 2010). This has also contribute towards climate changing problems in our world today and created global warming issues.

The concept of Carbon Print

Greenhouses effect has directly linked to the concept and problems of carbon print issue.The concept name of the carbon footprint originates from ecological footprint discussion which reflected towards  a measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems [Safire, William (2008-02-17), Footprint". The New York Times].

A carbon footprint can be defined as "the total set of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person" (UK Carbon Trust. Retrieved 2009-07-24). It is often elaborated in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted to the world.This measures your impact on the environment based on how much carbon dioxide you produce to support your daily activities.

Source: caglecartoons.com/

The term “carbon footprint” has become a very trendy and recognizable phrase in the last  decade.  Indeed, this concept is very related to my PhD research on solar technology (PVs technology). Government of Malaysia had announced in the Plan of Malaysia 7th, 8th and 9th which stated that a big incentive for installing or considering solar power for nation buildings. This is by any chance to contribute towards the prospect of reducing carbon footprint, so the discussion of what exactly a carbon footprint is and what it actually measures might be important and wise thing to do.

Lets see what types of activities in daily lives contribute to GHG emissions.

Source: http://1bog.org/blog/what-is-a-carbon-footprint/

See also this cartoon, it might give you some idea on what happens to our world today..

 

Source: http://www.chrismadden.co.uk/

Or, maybe this cartoon will give you greater ideas on why carbon-footprint is related to  global warming..Industrialisation-transportation-human activities

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/the_carbon_foot.php 

And I do hope that one day, we will not facing this...

Source: http://www.internationalrivers.org

People throughout the world especially great leaders from many countries are always creating new policies, new laws, plans, blah..blahh..blahh, meeting, discussion..but where are the actions? 

Here’s a list of things to create more energy efficient and sustainable life:

• Groceries : Use reusable water bottles, buy items with less packaging, buy locally grown foods (so, less transportation and CO2 emission-less carbon prints-voila!), eat less meat (heat-heat-heat contribution) .
• Buy second-hand (so, less production, manufacturing, industries..errr..it is so damn hard, right!).
• Use e-mails, instead of paper mail, newspapers
• Travel-: Take public transportation (less of oil and gas will be used - remember depleting issues, less car manufacturing, err..what will happen to Japan then?), Ride your bike and walk (good for your metabolism),Teleconference instead of flying, Inflate your tires, avoid/less using air-conditioning for your car (my friends yelled at me ~ are You insane???!!). hahaha
• Electrical appliances : Unplug seldom-used appliances (especially when you are sleeping or not at home), switch to Energy Star or other energy efficient appliances.
• Plantation : Plant native trees (so, no transportation will be used for importing/exporting overseas plants, lots of lots of plants
• Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
• Buy renewable energy (Yes, Go Solar! Photovoltaics Solar System)

By applying most of this suggestion, less carbon foot-prints are achievable! Not only by me and you (who ever read this article, but hopefully many countries can applys these suggestion..).We have been polluting our world too much. Yes, we have tried to do something about it. People have tried to come up with a new, renewable energy source that is easily obtained. We have already figured out several non-polluting techniques: wind, water and solar power. I will write in another chapter about Renewable Energy.

Thanks to my favourite blog for the utmost input and data
http://1bog.org/blog/what-is-a-carbon-footprint/

Apakah Thermal Comfort? UNTUK PELAJAR/PENSYARAH

Salam, setiap semester, saya selalu berhadapan dengan soalan yang sama berulang kali dari pelajar-pelajar (tidak kira dari kampus UiTM Perak/Shah Alam) yang bakal/akan membuat thesis/dissertasi. Alhamdullilah, ada juga yang telah pun menjadi pensyarah juga seperti saya dan membentangkan kertas-kertas penyelidikan mereka di persidangan-persidangan dalam negara. =)

Thermal Transmittance and Convection
Picture sources:
http://www.somfy-architecture.com/index.cfm?page=/buildings/home/bioclimatic_facades/natural_ventilation

Indoor Thermal Comfort
Picture sources: http://www.battlemccarthy.demon.co.uk/projects/rare.htm

Outdoor Thermal Comfort
Picture sources: http://www.battlemccarthy.demon.co.uk/projects/rare.htm





 
Pastinya mereka yang bertanya akan membuat kajian terhadap bidang yang menjadi kecendurangan saya selama ini. Iaitu "Environment Technology and Services". Saya cukup menggemari skop penyelidikan dan inovasi di dalam bidang ini.

Mereka sering bertanya perkara yang sama iaitu berkaitan Keselesaan Therma (Thermal Comfort). Mungkin, barangkali, kerana saya sendiri memang cenderung ke arah penyelidikan yang berkaitan Teknologi Persekitaran (Environmental Technology).

Satu yang saya ingin selalu tekankan bahawa anda perlu mengkaji maksud dan definisi sebenar sesuatu perkara sebelum membuat kajian. Penyelia  akan sentiasa memberi panduan tetapi kamu yang harus memahami maksud sebenar sesuatu perkataan.

Thermal Comfort (Keselesaan Terma) bukanlah satu istilah yang mewakili HANYA satu perkara. Skop Keselesaan Terma sangat luas. Ia boleh sahaja berlaku untuk bangunan dan juga untuk manusia.

Jika kamu tahu tentang suhu (Dry-Bulb and Wet-Bulb Temp), kelajuan angin (wind velocity), kelembapan relatif (RH), wap air (water vapor) dan pelbagai lagi elemen, ia sebenarnya semua di bawah skop Thermal Comfort.

Apakah maksud Thermal Comfort?
ASHRAE telah menggariskan bahawa Thermal Comfort sangat berkait rapat dengan keselesaan terma pada manusia. Kerana objektif utama adalah untuk memberi keselesaan pada manusia. Saya amat pasti selepas ini, nota saya ini akan digunakan oleh majoriti pelajar saya untuk tujuan assignment/dissertasi, saya tidak kisah. Ambil dengan syarat 'cite' nama saya  (Nur Azfahani, 2010) dan baiki bahasa kamu. Kerana yang pastinya tujuan saya menulis di sini adalah sekadar memberi tunjuk ajar di dalam bahasa rojak! Untuk memudahkan pemahaman.

ASHRAE menyatakan dalam Perkara 55, keselesaan terma sangat dipengaruhi oleh tahap keselesaan yang diekspressikan sebagai selesa oleh manusia di mana ianya disumbangkan oleh faktor-faktor persekitaran. Jadi Thermal Comfort ini sebenarnya terlalu abstrak kerana ianya bergantung pada setiap individu. Lain orang, lain tahap keselesaan mereka. Kalau kamu gemuk, tahap keselesaan berbeza dengan orang yang kurus (Saya amat pasti ramai yang masih mengingati perbandingan yang saya selalu buat sewaktu di kelas).

Jadi, apakah faktor-faktor persekitaran?
Sangat banyak!
Suhu, solar radiation, hujan, angin, kelembapan, faktor hadangan, topograhy, dan banyak lagi amat mempengaruhi keselesaan terma. Metabolisma badan juga antara faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi.
Jadi fikir masak-masak, adakah skop Thermal Comfort yang kamu ingin buat?
Atau sebenarnya kamu ingin fokus pada satu skop kecil di bawah Thermal Comfort?

Thermal comfort dipengaruhi dengan kadar haba dialirkan, disebarkan, diserap, dihadangkan oleh pelbagai faktor dan elemen ( heat conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporative heat loss).
Faktor-faktor Thermal Comfort sendiri dibahagikan kepada tiga faktor besar iaitu:-
1. Human (Metabolism, Pakaian, Saiz badan, Faktor Lemak, Activity yang dilakukan)
2. Internal (Material bangunan di dalam, Suhu lantai, susunatur perabut, Kedudukan bukaan pintu tingkap)
3. External (Solar radiation, faktor-faktor hadangan, topography, Angin dll)

Jadi, kamu harus memahami apakah istilah 'thermal equilibrium', thermal conductivity, thermal resistant, thermal transmittance di mana yang pastinya setiap kajian HARUS disertakan dengan formula-formula! Dan pastinya menggunakan instrumen/alatan yang berkaitan. [Haa..saya rasa untuk bercerita pasal formula dan peralatan, saya kena buka bab lain! Itu pun kalau ada permintaan..]

Jika penyelidikan kamu tidak mempunyai kajian numerikal/quantitative (formula), bagaimana kamu ingin katakan yang bangunan kamu selesa? Renung-renungkan.

Kemudian, kamu ingat K-Value, U-Value, R-Value? Ya, jangan lupa kaitkan ini di dalam dissertasi kamu, jika Thermal Comfort yang ingin kamu buat.

Seterusnya jangan lupa untuk membuka kitab-kitab Thermal Comfort yang paling popular sekali di dunia (Yes, I Really mean it..Di dunia..) iaitu ASHRAE STANDARD AND CIBSE STANDARD! Hukumnya WAJIB!
Dan pastinya kajian yang dibuat di Malaysia, harus juga dirujuk dengan UBBL 1984!
Baru kajian kamu efektif dan mencapai nawaitu sebenar Thermal Comfort.

Justeru itu, saya amat-amat berharap, kepada pelajar-pelajar dan juga bakal Penyelia, tolong fahami istilah 'Thermal Comfort'. Saya selalu memeriksa dissertasi pelajar-pelajar sebelum ini, maaf.. ramai yang tidak memahami maksud Thermal Comfort dan kadangkala membuat penyelidikan berkaitan udara SAHAJA tetapi tajuk di luarnya adalah Thermal Comfort. Anda boleh membuat kajian berkaitan dengan syarat menulis seperti contohnya "Thermal Comfort : In Focus of Temperature". Itu dibenarkan..

Sekian, Terima Kasih

"Sharing is Charing"
Bahasa di atas adalah semua ilham sebenar dari saya sendiri..

Nur Azfahani, 2010

Auckland

BUSBAR TRUNKING SYSTEM

What is BUSBAR? (extracted from http://www.wikipedia.com/)

A busbar in electrical power distribution refers to thick strips of copper or aluminium that conduct electricity within a switchboard, distribution board, substation, or other electrical apparatus. The size of the busbar is important in determining the maximum amount of current that can be safely carried. Busbars can have a cross-sectional area of as little as 10 mm² but electrical substations may use metal tubes of 50 mm in diameter (1,000 mm²) or more as busbars. Busbars are typically either flat strips or hollow tubes as these shapes allow heat to dissipate more efficiently due to their high surface area to cross-sectional area ratio. The skin effect makes 50-60 Hz AC busbars more than about 8 mm (1/3 in) thick inefficient, so hollow or flat shapes are prevalent in higher current applications. A hollow section has higher stiffness than a solid rod, which allows a greater span between busbar supports in outdoor switchyards. A busbar may either be supported on insulators, or else insulation may completely surround it. Busbars are protected from accidental contact either by a metal enclosure or by elevation out of normal reach. Neutral busbars may also be insulated. Earth busbars are typically bolted directly onto any metal chassis of their enclosure. Busbars may be enclosed in a metal housing, in the form of bus duct or busway, segregated-phase bus, or isolated-phase bus. Busbars may be connected to each other and to electrical apparatus by bolted or clamp connections. Often joints between high-current bus sections have matching surfaces that are silver-plated to reduce the contact resistance. At extra-high voltages (more than 300 kV) in outdoor buses, corona around the connections becomes a source of radio-frequency interference and power loss, so connection fittings designed for these voltages are used.



"Strictly for academic purpose only"

Passive cooling effects of courtyards

H. Safarzadeh and M.N. Bahadori
School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Blvd., Tehran, Iran
Received 9 August 2003;
revised 7 October 2003;
accepted 30 April 2004.
Available online 26 August 2004.

Abstract

The passive cooling effects of a courtyard of a small building were determined numerically, employing an energy-analysis software developed for that purpose. The passive cooling features considered were the shading effects of courtyard walls and two large trees (of various shapes) planted immediately next to the south wall of the building, the presence of a pool, a lawn and flowers in the yard, and the wind shading effects of the walls and trees. It was found that these features alone cannot maintain thermal comfort during the hot summer hours in Tehran, but reduce the cooling energy requirements of the building to some extent. They have an adverse effect of increasing the heating energy requirements of the building slightly. The same savings in cooling energy needs of the building can be obtained through many features such as wall and roof insulation, double-glazed windows, Persian Blinds, and special sealing tapes to reduce infiltration. They all save on heating energy requirements as well.

Keywords: Courtyard; Passive cooling; Building energy analysis
Article Outline

1.
Introduction

2.
Description of the building

3.
Development of an energy-analysis software
3.1. Consideration of thermal- and flow-networks for the building
3.2. Development of the governing equations for the energy analysis of the building
3.3. Heat transfer through ground in courtyard and the basement
3.4. Determination of the shaded areas in the courtyard and on the south wall of the building
3.5. Determination of the heat transfer coefficients
3.6. Determination of air flow rate through the building due to wind effects
3.7. Estimation of the hourly ambient air temperature and solar radiation

4.
Solution of the governing equations to estimate the energy needs of the building

5.
The result of the energy simulation for the Green Building
5.1. Description of the energy conservation and the passive cooling features of the courtyard

6.
Conclusions

Acknowledgements

References



Building and Environment
Volume 40, Issue 1, January 2005, Pages 89-104

Industrialised Building Systems (IBS)

Pelaksanaan Industrialised Building Systems (IBS)
Pengenalan kepada IBS
(diekstrak dari laman web rasmi JKR www.jkr.gov.my)

Sistem Binaan Berindustri bermaksud satu sistem atau kaedah pembinaan yang mana komponennya dihasilkan di dalam keadaan terkawal (di kilang atau di tapak bina), diangkut dan dipasang dalam kerja pembinaan dengan menggunakan pekerja yang minimum di tapak.

Syarat-syarat Kontrak
Maklumat lanjut mengenai Syarat-Syarat Kontrak IBS:-

1. DASAR - DASAR TENDER
Agensi-agensi perlu memastikan supaya dasar-dasar kerajaan yang sedia wujud dipatuhi sepenuhnya. Antaranya ialah :-

Matlamat serta strategi di bawah Dasar Pembangunan Nasional diberi perhatian;
Dasar Kualiti Alam Sekitar diambil perhatian ;
Dasar Pelaburan Asing dan Pemindahan Teknologi dilaksanakan bagi kontrak antarabangsa ;
Memasukkan dasar keutamaan bumiputera sebagai satu syarat tender dan kontrak. Peluang kontrak diberi kepada kontraktor tempatan dan keutamaan hendaklah diberikan kepada kontraktor bumiputera dengan penglibatan sekurang-kurangnya 30% daripada nilai kontrak serta mengambil bahagian secara aktif dalam sesuatu projek.
2. PERANCANGAN
Agensi-agensi yang ingin melaksanakan sebarang perolehan kerja, perlu terlebih dahulu mengambil kira perkara-perkara berikut :-

Ringkasan Projek. Menyediakan ringkasan projek jika projek baru, dengan memberi butir-butir mengenai tujuan projek dan rekabentuk projek secara am.
Pemilihan Tapak / Pengambilan Balik Tanah. Adalah tanggungjawab agensi pelaksana untuk memilih tapak dan juga mengambil tindakan-tindakan seterusnya untuk pengambilan tanah sebelum projek bermula.
Peruntukan/Pembiayaan. Semua ketua agensi perlu memastikan bahawa agensinya sedia mempunyai peruntukan Belanja Mengurus atau Pembangunan yang diluluskan sebelum sebarang perolehan kerja dibuat.
Perlantikan Kontraktor. Semua perolehan kerja kerajaan hendaklah dibuat dengan melantik kontraktor yang berdaftar dengan Pusat Khidmat Kontraktor. Kontraktor yang mengambil bahagian dalam perolehan hendaklah berdaftar mengikut kelas, kepala & sub-kepala yang bertepatan dengan perolehan yang dibuat. Agensi perlu mengenalpasti dan memastikan perolehan yang dikhaskan kepada Kontraktor Bumiputra selaras dengan peraturan berkaitan yang dikeluarkan oleh Perbendaharaan dari semasa ke semasa.
- SPP Bil. 2/1995

3. PENGURUSAN TENDER-TENDER KERAJAAN
3.1.Jabatan-jabatan dikehendaki mengikuti garis-garis panduan yang berikut untuk menggelakkan kelewatan pengurusan tender-tender kerajaan.

Sebelum satu-satu tender itu dijemput, satu carta (jadual) hendaklah diadakan bagi menunjukkan anggaran masa untuk tiap-tiap peringkat dari tarikh tender ditutup hingga keputusan dibuat.
Penilaian tender hendaklah dilakukan dengan segera dan tidak melewati tempoh yang ditetapkan di dalam carta (jadual).
Lembaga Tender hendaklah bersidang dalam tempoh 2 minggu selepas penilaian tender selesai.
Keputusan sesuatu tender itu hendaklah disampikan kepada penender yang berjaya menurut carta (jadual) yang ditetapkan.
Di mana sesuatu tender itu perlu dirujuk kepada Perbendaharaan untuk keputusan, rujukan tersebut hendaklah sampai kepada Perbendaharaan dalam tempoh 7 hari selepas keputusan Lembaga Tender.
SPP 7/79
3.2. Agensi-agensi perlulah memastikan :-

3.2.1. Semua tender kerja dipanggil secara tempatan. Sekiranya kontraktor tempatan tiada kepakaran atau sukar dilaksanakan secara usahasama, tender antarabangsa bolehlah dipelawa.
3.2.2. Bagi menggalakkan pemindahan teknologi dan penyertaan kontraktor tempatan dalam kerja di mana kontraktor tempatan tidak mempunyai pengalaman dan kepakaran, tender kerja hendaklah dipelawa secara usahasama antara syarikat-syarikat tempatan dengan kontraktor antarabangsa.
3.2.3. Sekiranya kontrak kerja itu dibiayai oleh institusi kewangan antarabangsa, kontraktor yang dilantik adalah terikat kepada ketetapan peraturan institusi tersebut. -
SPP Bil. 2/1995


Perolehan/Tender

Garis Panduan Penyediaan Dokumen Tender


Pengenalan

Garis panduan ini bertujuan untuk menggariskan panduan bagi penyediaan dokumen tender untuk perlaksanaan IBS di JKR. Garis panduan ini memberi penerangan mengenai tatacara penyediaan dokumen tender untuk perlaksanaan projek secara IBS.

Kaedah Perolehan

Selaras dengan arahan Kerajaan untuk menambahkan peratusan komponen IBS dalam rekabentuk dan pembinaan projek-projek Kerajaan, satu kaedah perolehan telah dirangka di mana terdapat tiga (3) jenis pemanggilan tender boleh dilaksanakan, iaitu:

Alternatif 1: Rekabentuk sediada kepada IBS
Reka & Bina tetapi telah mempunyai rekabentuk konvensional yang perlu ditenderkan dengan segera. Kaedah ini ialah:

Kerajaan akan memberikan rekebentuknya semasa proses tender kepada Kontraktor;
Kontraktor dikehendaki menukarkan rekabentuk konventional tersebut kepada rekabentuk berasaskan komponen IBS yang akan dijadikan asas utama tender;
Kontraktor perlu mengemukakan dua harga tender yakni satu berasaskan IBS sebagai asas harga tender utama dan harga rekabentuk konventional sebagai perbandingan harga sahaja. Walaubagaimanapun jika Kontraktor hanya menawarkan salah satu harga tender sahaja, maka Kontraktor tersebut tidak layak diperakukan untuk disetujuterima.
Jika Kerajaan berhasrat untuk menerima tawaran Kontraktor yang berasaskan harga konventional, maka satu Surat Niat hendaklah dikeluarkan kepada Kontraktor yang berjaya sebagai tawaran alternatif.



Alternatif 2: Tender secara Reka dan Bina
Reka & Bina: Tiada Rekabentuk dan pelaksanaan projek perlu disegerakan tetapi sebelum dibuat pemanggilan tender hendaklah dilaksanakan proses pra-kelayakan bagi memastikan hanya Kontraktor yang berkelayakan dan berkemampuan sahaja yang akan menyertai tender tersebut; dan

Alternatif 3: Rekabentuk IBS sepenuhnya
Tender konventional: Rekabentuk sediada dengan menggunakan komponen IBS yang direkabentuk oleh Kerajaan berasaskan system IBS terbuka.

CONTROL SYSTEM ENGINEERING?

Norman (2000) states that control systems are an integral part of modern society. The rockets fire, space shuttle lifts off to earth orbit, automatic mechanical parts, transportation delivering material (lifts, gondola, etc.), are just a few examples of the automatically controlled system that we can create.

The best knowledge that can be related towards this systems in a building surveying scope is Building Automation System (BAS); which known in Malays as 'Sistem Automasi Bangunan'. BAS has significant impact towards Intelligent or Smart Building System.

A control system can be defined as a subsystems assembled for the purpose of controlling the outputs of the processes. For example, a thermometer in a building which act as sensors, measure the room temperature and react or response based on a given input or stimulus and creates a thermal comfort zone in the areas. This is the advantage of control systems engineering. With this system, we can move large equipment with precision that would be impossible before. The best example is lift or elevator systems. Elevators can carry us quickly to each floor and automatically stops at the required floor (Norman, 2000).


p/s: one of the related scope in BS is BS. Huhh??
Building Surveying = Building Services
see B.S = B.S :)


Sr Pn Nur Azfahani Ahmad
MSc. in Building Services Engineering (Heriot-Watt Univ, UK)

A REVIEW ON THE USAGE OF SUSPENDED CEILING IN PROVIDING BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATION IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

By : NUR AZFAHANI AHMAD, Building Surveying Department, FSPU, UiTM.

Abstract

In recent years, many commercial buildings are fully-equipped with services installation. A modern building is expected to be a source of energy appliances which provide means for communication, electricity, telecommunication, networking, lighting and many more whilst providing facilities for visual and acoustic comfort. Space will always be required within the building in which to accommodate these building services. In these days of rapid technological changes, it is often to has a ceiling in offices into which the services can be installed. This ceiling is recognised as a suspended ceiling.

It is important to analyse the effectiveness of suspended ceiling in providing means of access and spaces for building services components in terms of installation cost, type of services and maintenance works application. This is necessary to get in-depth data on the most economic and effective option in providing spaces for services installation. A proper consideration should be given in selecting suspended ceiling, because a wrong choice can raised the installation costs of building services between 50% or up to 75% of the total construction cost. Commercial buildings requires a vast range of services and it is important for designers and engineers to design proper spaces; which is suspended ceiling to accommodate these needs. Their decision will contributes to the quality and effectiveness of this element in distributing services to the entire building.

Keywords: Suspended Ceiling, Building Services, Services Installation, Maintenance

Introduction

From the early era of construction, a building was significant to give a reliable place of social and functional identity whilst creating the humanised space to carry out daily tasks and functions in comfort. A building must satisfy three conditions, which are the needs for commodity (comfortable environment conditions), firmness (stability and safety), and delight (aesthetical and psychological appeal) (Wooten, H, 1964).

Meanwhile, Roger Greeno (1997) reports that a modern building is expected to be a source of energy appliances which provide means for communication and electricity whilst providing facilities for visual and acoustic comfort. According to Franz, H and Sontag (1974), with increasing mechanisation of modern offices, more and more attention has to be paid to the proper accomodation of electric cables and wires and their accessibility at all times. In office buildings, it should be possible to install a good deal of additional electrical services at a later date. With the increasingly extensive use of computer in the offices, more data terminals are being provided, requiring cables for their connection to the data communications system.

All these criteria and performance requirements can be carried out by innovation of internal construction element that are recognised as the suspended ceiling. During the late 1960s, suspended ceiling has been developed to support building’s performance requirements which consists of commodity, firmness and delight aspect (Hale, G, 1972). By the early 1980s, the Construction Industry and Research Association (CIRIA) recognised that this internal element can facilitate more, including visual and acoustic comfort.

In these days of rapid technological changes, it is often necessary to have a ceiling in offices into which the services can be installed, and then changed without the complete dislocation of the normal use of the building. The suspended ceiling is designated to provide means of access for the purpose of the services installation, including electrical fittings and computer networking cables (Chudley,1999). Greeno (2001) reports that to meet the requirements for facilitating building services installation in the building, there are characteristics which suspended ceiling should have and these are stated as below: -

(i) Easy to construct, repair, maintain and clean.

(ii) Provide adequate means of access for maintenance of suspension system, to conceal services and light fittings.

(iii) Provide sound insulation and absorption.

(iv) Provide fire protection especially to structural steel beams that supports concrete floors.

(v) Conform to requirements of Building Regulations especially the restriction of spread of flame over surfaces of ceilings.

What is Suspended Ceiling?

BS 6100: part 1 (1984) defines suspended ceiling as ‘a ceiling hung at a distance from the floor or from the roof above and not bearing on the walls’. Ambrose (1991) defines suspended ceiling as a ‘separate ceiling structure that hung from the overhead structure, deriving support from it but not necessarily reflecting its profile or detail’. This is done to create needed space for services element such as lighting, HVAC service, fire sprinklers, and smoke detectors. It also can provide different form of ceiling and aesthetic functions.

The increasings demand for sophisticate services provision in buildings has resulted in an increased use of suspended ceiling to house all building services. Burberry (1997) states that, the design decisions of suspended ceiling were influenced by balancing required performance against acceptable cost. Designers, owners and users of buildings have a responsibility not only to design well but also to adopt responsible standards towards building services installation. The economical layout and careful analysis of loads to be met are critical to the efficiency of economy and installation at suspended ceiling.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF SUSPENDED CEILING

There are several British Standard references that can describe the performance requirements for suspended ceiling in detail. It is essential to overview the performance requirements of suspended ceiling and use the British Standard references as a guide and benchmark. It is also important to consider the ceiling in relation to partitioning system and raised floor system especially when the building consist maximum usage of mechanical services that may be used by the building. Louise Holgate (1987) lists the performance requirements for suspended ceiling as belows:-

(i) Accessibility – It is important to consider the provision of access point which often associated with future need to change lighting or partitions. Access points may present fire test problems. Checks on air-tightness may be needed. Adequate space allowance must be provided within this void for installation as well maintenance. The most noticeable development over the past years is the easiest means of access, which is modular panel, which can be removed over the whole area of the ceiling.

(ii) Fire Precautions – Any fire resistance of a suspended ceiling can be added to that of the floor above. Experience of real fires has shown that dry suspended ceilings have to be carefully designed, installed and maintained. The more complex the ceiling the less likely it is contribute to fire resistance. We should consider fire precautions into two aspects; fire resistance of construction and surface spread of flame characteristics. Fire breaks will be required within the suspended ceiling if fire compartment walls stop at ceiling. If access for servicing is to be provided, care must be taken not to affect the fire resistance. Figure 1 shows the basic approach to avoid fire from spreading to the other compartment of cavity in the building.

(iii) Appearance – Suspended ceiling is essential in providing concealment for services pipes or for visual and aesthetic purposes. A lowered ceiling can be applied to increase the quality of interior spaces and improve its height proportion. The setting out of modular ceilings, the junction detail between ceiling and wall, and the quality and accuracy of workmanship should be put in consideration during its installation.

(iv) Durability and Maintenance Aspects – Suspended Ceilings need to be design properly before its installation, to extend its working-life durability. The maintenances need to be carried out regularly to avoid any emergencies or complaints from client. Building maintenance manuals should include very detail information about cleaning and maintenance methods that suitable for each types of ceiling systems.

(v) Sound Control – A measure of sound absorption is shown in the sound absorption coefficient; the higher the coefficient, the better the absorption. Suspended ceilings can contribute to the sound resistance and absorb sound thus correct the acoustics problem. Absorption material that suitable for sound control is mineral fibre-tiles. Suspended ceilings are normally used to provide the correct acoustics requirements in a room. The machinery used in an open-plan office; such as computers and printers, needs acoustic absorbent material which can only be suitably placed at ceiling level. Wall finishes, partitions, carpet and furniture need to be taken into account when considering the acoustics of the space (Holgate, L, 1987). Table 1 shows the types of acoustic absorbent for suspended ceiling.

Table 1: Types of acoustic absorbent for suspended ceiling

Types	Characteristics
Resonant Panels	To absorb sound near their resonance frequency (50-500 Hz). The examples of material are plywood and hardboard.
Porous Surface Panels	To absorb frequencies of 500 Hz – 4000 Hz. The example of material is mineral fibre.
Semi-Perforate and Perforated Composite Panels	It has a porous material surface material which is textured, perforated or drilled to improve acoustic efficiency and appearance. The example of material is Gypsum Plasterboard.
Perforated Panels	These panels are back with independent acoustic absorbent materials used over an airspace combine the advantages of porous absorbents with resonant panels.

Sources: Blanc, A (1994), Mitchell’s: Internal Components, Longman Scientific, Essex, pg 45.

THE COMMON TYPES OF SUSPENDED CEILING USED IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

In providing building services installation in to commercial buildings, suspended ceilings are categorised by method of construction and type of form. There are several types of suspended ceiling which are widely used in providing spaces for services. Each one of these types has its own capability and quality.

One of the most familiar and economical option for suspended ceiling is a Jointless Ceiling Systems. This type of suspended ceiling have 2-4 hours fire resistance with a class 0 surface spread of flame specification. Light fittings, ventilation ducts, electrical cables and many more services can be easily accommodated in the suspended ceiling if there are proper plan of design during the early stage of construction.

This ceiling is suitable to apply to any shape of the building and easily accommodate to any size of light fittings. There is absorbent quilt for sound absorption purpose. Usually, the jointless ceiling with plasterboard will be screwed to metal framework.

There is also another option of suspended ceiling, which known as Frame and Tile Systems. It consists of tiles or planks laid into a framework suspended from the structural ceiling above. The framework may be exposed, concealed or semi-concealed. Materials and finishes for tiles and panels can be various, including mineral fibre tiles, metal trays and open grid tiles.

Mineral fibre tiles need to have protective edges because this material is vulnerable and easily damaged.

Table 2 The advantages and disadvantages of frame and tile systems.

Criteria	Advantages	Disadvantages
Access	All panels are easily removed thus provide easy access for maintenance. Good access to the ceiling void at the head of partitions.	For concealed panel framework, it will makes access difficult compared to exposed panel framework.
Sound	Good for sound absorption.	Low in sound insulation because of the lightness of the ceilings.
Lighting	For Concealed System-Provide a good surface and good reflective finish.	Provide Exposed System-Provide Poor surface For Uplighters.
Installation	Easy connections to adjacent surfaces because tiles can be cut to fit.	Materials can be easily damaged during services installation
Fire	-	Have large number of joints thus reduce fire resistant capability.

Source: Holgate, Louis (1987), Design Data, AJ Focus, Architecture’s Journal, London

Integrated Services Frame and Tile System ceiling is the new breed of frame and tile system. It has a much larger grid layout than the other ceiling systems. Parts or the entire supporting frame should be constructed with larger metal sections. The frame can support air intakes or extracts for air-conditioning system, light fittings, alarm system, audio and speaker or fire protection system to suit within the module.

In the mid 90s, the new era of building designers have prefer a new ceiling system that is more artistic, hip and stylish due to represents a serious attempt to generate a passively-ventilated building without losing architectural repose. Louvre/open grid system is the new option of ceiling system that consists of a series of louver panels made from timber or metal. These types of ceiling effectively gives support within as a suspended ceiling and give a visual cut-off when seen from below, although most of the area is open. The grid or louvers area generally of timber or metal suspended from the structural ceiling above.

This type of ceiling used in areas where there are a large number of services. It can conceal service pipes and ducting. The means of access is acceptable and easy. In term of sound, it will provide poor sound absorption because of the louvers construction. It will provide poor fire resistance although sprinklers have been connected. In term of services installation, a variety of light fittings can be fit into the cell and open grids can be lit to give different effect for the light. For areas with different shapes and sloping ceilings, the louvers and grids are difficult to fit.

SERVICES ACCOMMODATION IN SUSPENDED CEILING

In most multi-storey commercial buildings, suspended ceilings fulfill its purposes of providing services, distribution space, conceal both services and structure, protect structure against fire and also give acceptable decoration internal finish. Azfahani, N (2004) reports that one of the commercial buildings in Scotland used a suspended white metal vaulted panel ceiling that serves to reflect the light from luminaries suspended below and also to conceal the return air duct and to carry sprinkler heads, electrical ducting, and communication cablings.

In general offices building throughout the nation, the users tend to operate mostly as individuals, thus each work station have one electrical supply outlet, telephone cable supply outlet and computer supply outlet from the multi-sided power post that came from suspended ceiling. The arrangement is designed to maximise flexibility so computers and furniture can relocated easily. In each work station, the users need to be encouraged to use their power post appropriately.

§ Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Cooling Systems (HVAC)

The interior of buildings are ventilated in order to provide comfort environmental condition. In the UK, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) guide suggests that the quantity of fresh air needed can vary from 8 litres per person/second in fairly smoke free environments. Whilst in the Malaysia, the Uniform Building By-Laws (1984), the fresh air needed in rooms are 28 nos of air changes rate/hour. Thus, there are need to provide natural air inlet, natural air outlet and mechanical inlet and outlet as well (CIBSE, Guide B2, 1998). Heating, ventilating, cooling and general treatment of the building’s interior thermal and atmospheric condition is a multidimensioned task. Air conditioning in HVAC term can be defined as the cooling of interior air, which include filtering out of dust and odours, freshening with outdoor air, adjustment of temperature and relative humidity (James E. Ambrose, 1991).

HVAC systems generally include the heat-generating system, a cooling system, an air-handling system, a control system for hand adjusting and automatic monitoring of the system operation. When designing the heating system for a building in the UK, the fundamental considerations are the internal room temperature to be maintained. The temperature of the flow in low-pressure hot water heating systems is 80ºC with a 10-20ºC drop. By assessing the temperatures needed at the heat emitter in each room and the drop in flow temperature, the size of the distribution pipework can be assessed.

Whilst in Malaysia and other tropical countries, designing the air-conditioning system for a building requires a balance temperature within the comfort natural environment outside in a range 17-22ºC. A wide range of air-conditioning system can be installed to supply fresh air and extract heat. A centralised unit of air-conditioning system is essential to allocate into a suspended ceiling in providing thermal comfort to the occupants. The suspended ceiling helps to provide space for fresh air distribution from the central air handling unit.

§ Electrical Installations

Installations using electricity for power supply, lighting, environmental control, communications, security and computing are now essential provisions in all buildings. In some large commercial buildings, the pattern of layout and use made of electronic equipment has connected for very large open spaces with cable access to every point. Christopher (1988) stated that for office buildings, the overall power consumptions will require the use of three-phase supply. There are many user outlets to serve, especially in multi-storey structures, there will be items in common use which will require a power supply, particularly the heating boilers and air conditioning.

A three-phase busbar panel can present a means of easy connection for single-phases rises to the various level in the building. A final sub-circuit will extend into the user’s areas via a consumer control board where the isolation switch and fuses are located. There are a three-phase supply busbar throughout the full height of the building and tap-off single-phase supplies as required to each floor level (Howard, C. A, 1988).

A typical three-phase busbar supply system consists of four copper rods threaded through rigid insulators to space the conductors apart and a cover ing of trunking to protect against electrocution.

§ Fire Fighting Installations

Fire fighting installations that usually installed in suspended ceiling are categorised under active fire control, and this is included sprinkler systems, smoke and heat detectors, fire detectors and fire alarms. As an office with full of technology components, th e suspended ceiling system need to be provided with fire protection system that link directly to the nearest fire station. In the event of fire, direct signal will be transferred to the fire station, within 30-60 seconds. There are sprinkler heads, smoke detectors and heat detectors in range of 12 square meters for each components. Water sprinklers will provide an automatic spray out-and-out to the area of fire. The water supply for sprinklers are gain from the suction tank that supplied from a water main. For the office areas that have floor area of 1500 square meters, the number for sprinkler heads are 125 sprinkler heads. All fire protection system in the building is control by the system control unit in the control room.

For sprinkler, it consists of a grid of water pipes under the ceiling with delivery heads. When the temperature rises, the liquid will expands, breaking the sprinkler’s bulb that is preventing the water passing. A jet of water then impinges on the shaped plate, delivering a spray of water over10 m² area. For smoke and heat detectors, they have sensors that can close an electrical circuit to provide alarm. They are widely used and supply with battery backup (Burberry, P 1997). In larger buildings, it is necessary to have an alarm system for any fire detector to activate audible alarm throughout the building. Manual alarm and automatic detectors should be incorporated into the system and operate on a phased basis to avoid congestion in the escape route.

§ Signal and Communication Systems

Every commercial buildings these days has communication systems fully operated for the building. In many buildings, there are close circuit television (CCTV), public address, computer networks or intercom systems (Harold, K and Derek, O, 1985). Each of these systems is typically operated with separate wired, low voltage and direct-current electrical system.

§ Lighting System

Individual lighting fixtures, both permanently installed and movable, abound in great variety. There are pendant types, surface mounted types, semirecessed, recessed any many more. Lighting require considerable structural support at suspended ceiling, but small fixtures are often structurally supported by the connecting boxes installed with wiring. The aim of the lighting control is to minimise the energy consumption associated with lighting whilst maintaining a comfortable light level. Usually, in each commercial buildings, there will be one device provided to control of the fittings, allowing the lamps to be switched depending on daylight penetration. There are individual controller within the office spaces. The benefit of this lighting system is there are no need to install switch drop in the wiring circuits which not only saves on the installation costs but also increases the flexibility to mix with other services in the suspended ceiling. There are Tungsten Halogen type of lamp, Fluorescent Lamp, Compact Fluorescent lamp and Sodium Lamps (Peter, B, 1997). Figure 10 (a)&(b) shows the principle of glare classification.

SPACE AND PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

Space and the cost of providing space for building services distribution is usually at a highest priority. Considerable care is needed for building services in providing adequate space for the safe and efficient maintenance of the installations. The needs for access is also important and need to be restricted for maintenance purpose. There is guide for space requirement provided in BS 8313 (1997). This code provides recommendations on space provisions for safe access, installation and maintenance of service ducts.

§ Space Allowances For Ducts

Table 2 Specific Requirements For Ducting Space.

Space for air ducts	Space for supply and return air ducts can be estimated by dividing air volume flow rate by a velocity 0f 4 m/s.
Vertical ducts for piped and electrical services	The installation space for each floor is between 1m2 – 2m2 for each 5000m3 of building volume.
Space for additions and alterations	Provide 10% - 15% extra space for future additions and alterations.
Depth of ceiling voids	Ceiling voids should have minimum depth of 500mm free of structural member. Each service duct should serve a maximum area of 1000 m2.

§ Installation

To avoid difficulties during the services installation; the minimum distance between the outer space of any service and any obstruction should be 25mm for pipes and cables, 75mm for union joints and 100mm for ducts. The suitability of the building structure from which the ceiling is to be suspended should be verified. Then, top fixings can be installed. Hangers for ceiling should be vertical and should not press against insulation covering ducts or pipes. Wire hangers should be carefully straightened and tensioned before use. Installation should be considered whether the the grids are exposed or concealed. For service outlets, the air terminal devices or similar equipment should be incorporated in the ceiling (British Standard; BS 8313: 1997).

§ Maintenance

i. For maintenance purposes, sufficient space should be provided for the operation, inspection and repair of valves, dampers, cleaning points, expansion joints and other fittings, and the cleaning and painting of the inside of the duct and the services within it. Additional spacing exceeding 250mm is needed for access of tools and work on pipes and ducts.

ii. Services should be arranged so that it is possible to remove one without disturbing the others.

iii. Careful consideration should be taken to the demolition of the duct and disruption of other services will be acceptable when a service is to be maintained.

iv. The manufacturer should provide advice on the care and maintenance of ceiling components especially at access locations. If replacement of lamp is needed, the ceiling should be considered clean afterwards.

v. For the decoration work, manufacturer should provide recommendations on the best method for redecoration.

vi. For the surface spread of flame characteristics of the infill units, care will be needed to make sure that maintenance works does not change it. Paint of non-bridging consistency should be applied to prevent bridging the joints between units or filling in the face of units.

vii. In term of extensive removal and replacement works, it is wise to appoint suspended ceiling specialist to do it (British Standard; BS 8290-3:1991).

§ Access

It is important that access is provided to ducts, large enough to be entered. Access is needed to achieve good maintenance, operation and installation of the services. BS 8313 (1997) stated that there are minimum sizes for horizontal ducts and vertical ducts that should be followed. For horizontal ducts, it is 600mm x 900mm wide/long or 600mm wide x 600mm high. For vertical ducts, it is 600mm wide x 1800mm high or 600mm wide x 1400mm high. If it necessary to maintain and the enter the duct, the maintenance working space should be less than 700mm (width), 1000mm (height) with volume 1.4 m³ for horizontal ducts or 600mm (width), 750mm (depth) with volume 0.9 m3. There are also need to consider access level based on maintenance frequency especially on electrical services (CIBSE guide, 1996).

There are 3 types of access level, which are :-

§ Access for Frequent Maintenance – All services equipment should have permanent clear and immediate access with adequate space provision to settle the task.

§ Access for Maintenance on an Occasional Frequency – Access can be achieved by removal of clearly marked panels in suspended ceilings. It is good to have quick-release fasteners to screwed fixings.

§ Access for Emergency Repair and Replacement – If is essential to replace major plant or equipment, the arrangement of permanent clear access for emergency repair need to be informed and agreed with the client. Sufficient standby design and work layout should be specified.

CONCLUSIONS

Highly serviced buildings such as commercial or office buildings, can raise the installation costs of building services by up to 50%-75% of the total construction cost. Whilst, services elements can also take up 15% of a building’s volume (Fred Hall, 2003). This shows that building services are very important to commercial buildings and must not be neglected. It is important to accept and understand the increased need for building services element in the building. One of the major factor that will be needed to consider in providing spaces for building services installation is the choice of suspended ceiling. The relationship of this component towards buildings services installation, contribute to the quality and effectiveness of the building in distributing services to the entire building. Even though there is also raised floor that can provide spaces for building services installation, it is essential to consider the most economic and effective option to distribute services.

Judy Shaw (2002) reported that the demand for raised floor has remained static for the past 2 years. It is believed that the cleverer information and technology installation could see most of the services run in the suspended ceiling. Simon Ridyard (2001) believed that raised floor is not economical because the value of spending on floor is a lot more higher, while the occupants may not benefit the floor directly. The main point is raised floor is only able to lay the power cables, voice and data communications which will only serve ¼ of services element compared to suspended ceiling. It proves that suspended ceiling is the most economic and wise option in providing space for building services installation. This is because, suspended ceiling has provides 60% of building services installation in the commercial buildings and raised floor only provides 40% of building services installation. Today, the structure of suspended ceiling can integrates with the new technology of Building Management System (BMS) and at the same time, remain to be cheaper than raised floor.

A good suspended ceiling should obtain all performance requirements that are essential and these are best followed using BSI Standard Guide. High consideration should be taken on the costs of the construction, the maintenance and the access to install the services.

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