1 Introduction

The general principles of the assembly of buildings will be examined with reference to direct influences on construction. The discussion is limited to consideration of existing resources and constraints and principally in relation to conventional construction.

2 Constraints and Resources

In Singapore the combination of constraints and resources are probably unique compared with elsewhere. For this reason techniques of design and construction may be used successfully here where they have been considered unsuccessful elsewhere. However these constraints and resources also limit the constricting process in a number of ways. For this reason the government sometimes steps in to influence the development of the construction industry.

The effect is best examined by looking at the resources and constraints, but as a generalisation it could be said that the accent is often on speed of construction, that quality is not as commonly achieved as elsewhere. In terms of construction methods the effect is, as a result of incentives, that the processes are mechanised comparative to overseas projects but that waste occurs due to the availability of various resources and lack of experience in certain areas.

The basic constraints on the construction process are control mechanism, construction resources, locational constraints, client requirements and restrictions, and design.

- control mechanisms

- construction resources

- locational constraints

- client requirements and restrictions

- design

The basic resources are :

- finance

- time

- technological & information

- administrative

- managerial skill

- materials

- labour

- plant

3 Environmental Requirement

Temperature

Ranges may be lower than some overseas areas so in some cases joints may be less significant or further part, however on large areas and exposed faces and due to thermal shock joints are important and the requirements may be higher than those required in overseas design. Thermal shock may also act to cause cracking of surfaces through the release of stresses built into materials during manufacture e.g. bricks.

Sunlight

Ultra-violet light is considered significant in the deterioration of mastics, sealants, plastics and paints etc. However, deterioration is sometimes more likely to be due to poor application, use of old stock etc.

Moisture

Since freezing may be ignored except for special applications some design requirements used overseas are not significant here. However design principles applied here (cyclic absorption and evaporation) together with high temperatures and humidity lead to problems with micro-organism and fungi etc. Detailing to minimise staining is important. Rising damp due to neglect of DPCs is common.

4 Integration and Coordination of Construction

Structural Problems of Construction

- Loadbearing : stability develops during construction (except for considerations of temporally works e.g. formwork).

- Frame construction : temporary provisions for stability then rigid joints, bracing, shear walls.

- Special structure : bridges, space structures : provision for erection stresses, sensitivity to construction or uneven loading.

Safety Margins, Construction Instability

- Safety margins : reduce by accurate design

- Failure characteristics : e.g. in-situ vs prestressed

- Construction instability : appropriate temporary support, e.g. shell construction, air-stabilised construction.

Settlement of Structures

- Ground conditions : flexibility of structure where settlement occurs

- Effect on building design and detailing

Services Installation

- Relationship to building use and structure

- Provision of services

- horizontal, vertical, ducting, ceiling spaces, penetration of slabs, beams etc.

- Integration of installation.