What is IBS?

Industrialised Building System (IBS) is a construction method where components are manufactured in factory or onsitu in a controlled and monitored environment, transported and installed with minimum workforce. This system is widely used in developed countries. There are 5 common types of IBS; a. b. c. d. e. Precast System Steel Timber Blockwork Concrete Frame Frame System System System System Formwork

What

are

the

benefits

for

using

IBS?

The main benefits are: a. Higher quality products with minimum wastages due to factory-controlled prefabrication environment. b. Elimination of the timber formwork usage and great reduction of props through the usage of prefabricated elements d. e. Sturdy Minimum or and labour safe system work as platforms bricklaying formwork provided and by for the work site prefabricated is no casting. elements. used. c. Faster completion due to the introduction of prefabricated components replacing in-situ construction. usage plastering longer

e. Less cost in overall construction budget due to all of the above. What is the main purpose of introducing IBS in Malaysia? IBS is widely accepted in developed countries. IBS in Malaysia was first introduced in the Pekeliling Flat project in Kuala Lumpur. IBS helps to reduce foreign labour as well as to increase quality and faster construction work. Government intends to generate IBS component manufacturing industry which would be able to contribute to the GDP. What does it mean by 70% IBS Usage? The Manual for IBS Content Scoring System (IBS Score) issued by CIDB Malaysia is a guide to calculate the scoring or the percentage of IBS usage in a development project. A Higher IBS score is a reflection of a higher reduction of on-site labour, lower wastage, less site materials, cleaner environment, better quality, safer construction sites, faster project completion as well as lower total construction costs. The breakdowns of 100% percentage are as follows; Structural system : 50% Wall system : 30% Other simplified construction solutions : 20% Further details on the calculation method can be referred from the IBS Score manual. What is the role of IBS Centre?

To realise the governments aspiration to transform the Malaysian construction industry into a modern construction system, The IBS Centre was set up in January 2007 as a One-Stop-Centre especially in assisting IBS related issues involving governments projects. The IBS Center has 5 elementary tasks; Industry Planning, Promotion and Marketing, Verification and Certification, Training and Technology Development. The IBS promotional posters state that IBS reduces construction cost, but through my experience, I beg to defer. Can you please comment? It is true that, if you only compare the cost of materials, IBS components cost higher than the conventional way. An IBS manufacturer/supplier would have to spend a huge sum of money for the factory setup and would incorporate its investment cost into the price of IBS products. Nevertheless, similar to other consumer goods, we would have to fork out higher price for a premium brand. IBS is a premium brand of construction it offers better quality, productivity and safety; hence the higher cost. In addition, we need to look at the bigger picture and compare the cost of the whole project. Much could be saved with a higher quality and reduction of rectification works offered by IBS construction. The short time of construction also means faster return on investment (ROI). For house buyers, it means getting away from paying more interest to the bank. For owners of factories or offices, they can begin their operation earlier. Also, in even larger perspective, imagine how many billions the government could save by reducing the dependency on foreign workers and the outflow of our currency. What are the contents and main focuses of IBS Roadmap? The IBS Roadmap was approved by the Cabinet on 29 th October 2003. The IBS Roadmap 2003-2010 was introduced to cater to the needs of the Malaysian construction industry, emphasising the use of IBS and to provide the industry with a fundamental plan that involves all the important aspects in this evolution process. The IBS roadmap was formulated based on the 5-M strategy of; Manpower, Materials, Management, Monetary and Marketing (5M) and as a reference for all parties in implementing all programs towards the modernization and industrialization of the Malaysian construction sector. A new IBS roadmap for the period beyond 2010 is in progress and will be issued in 2010. What type of courses is offered by the IBS Centre? The IBS Centre offers 7 professional training courses: Module Module Module Module Module Module IBS01 IBS02 IBS03 IBS04 IBS05 : : IBS06 : : Analysis Analysis : : IBS Precast and and Introduction Score Concrete Design Design Modular to Calculation Project Planning Precast Steel IBS and and Concrete frame and MC Submission Execution Structures Structures Design

Coordination

Module IBS07 : Procurement and Contract Administration. Is there any courses offered by the IBS Centre for contractors to become IBS component Installers? IBS Centre does not offer the courses. Instead, it is offered and conducted by the Construction Personnel and Contractor Development Sector, CIDB. You may contact the sector for any information on the courses or refer to CIDB website @ http://www.cidb.gov.my For existing IBS contractors, only accreditation to evaluate their qualification is needed.

When are the professional courses conducted? The schedule for those courses can be referred via IBS Centre homepage at www.ibscentre.com.myor directly from our office. How can my company be listed as IBS component manufacturer? Firstly, the IBS component manufacturer need to register at the IBS Centre, and then the verification will be conducted by officers from the IBS Centre. Upon completion of the verification process, a report will be released. Certification will be issued 1 month after the date of the released report. The registration form can be obtained by downloading the form IBS Centre website. How can I get information on manufacturers of IBS products or IBS installers and IBS consultants? The IBS Center has published the Orange Book, which is a directory of manufacturers, installers and consultants of IBS, registered with CIDB. The directory can be downloaded from our website. What are the benefits for companies listed as IBS component manufacturer? Only companies listed in the IBS Manufacturers/Distributors/Suppliers and On-site Manufacturers Directory (Orange Book) will be considered for government projects. The orange book is used to promote the listed companies as certified IBS manufacturers. The Orange Book can also be downloaded from our website or you may get the copy from our office for free. Does an imported IBS product need to be verified? Any IBS products manufactured in Malaysia or imported from other countries should go through the verification process in order to be listed under the Orange Book. How many IBS component manufacturers are listed to date? There are more than 100 companies of suppliers and manufacturers listed in the Orange Book and the numbers are continuously increasing. I am an experienced consultant in IBS projects. What are the criteria for me to be a registered IBS Consultant? For consultants, there are four professional courses that you must attend, namely IBS01, IBS02 and IBS03. These modules are compulsory while another module is an option. How do you calculate the IBS Score? The IBS scoring system was made accordingly to the following principles: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Repeatability The assessment of IBS score is made based on 3 main components, 50% for structural system, 30% for wall system and another 20% for other modular applications. The Manual for IBS Content Scoring System can be downloaded from the IBS Centre website for reference. Usage of Application Application Lowering prefabricated of of foreign and standard Modular labour precast components components Coordination dependency

Most of my projects are in rural areas in which the transportation network is limited. Should I still need to use IBS? IBS is not only about precast concrete. Instead, there are many IBS construction methods for you to consider. You may use blockwork system which is easier to transport, or use load bearing wall system for easy installation. Timber frame and lightweight steel frame are also good options. There are still other cheaper IBS systems which you can consider. Where can I get information on IBS in Sabah and Sarawak region? Any information regarding IBS and related subjects can be obtained from the Sabah CIDB regional office in Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak CIDB regional office in Kuching. My home was built using precast concrete system. My question is, can I do any renovation work? Normally for terrace houses, renovation job involves the rear and front side of every unit. Knowing this, most developers will not use IBS on both sides. In other words, for the front and rear sides of terrace houses, conventional method of using brick are considered practical. What is the best system to be used for building a bungalow? In developed countries, detached houses or bungalows are mostly built using either timber frames or lightweight steel frames or both. In Japan as well as Scandinavian countries, detached houses using timber frames are very common. Nowadays, peoples are more concern on environmental issue and many have shifted to a low energy home using environmental friendly materials and efficient IBS construction method. Anyway, it depends on your choice. At the IBS Center, we have an IBS bungalow show house using Blockwork System. Does CIDB have facilities for IBS component testing? Yes, Makmal Kerja Raya which is under the purview of Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM) has the facilities to do the testing. The laboratory is located next to the CIDB Convention Centre in Jalan Chan Sow Lin. What is the role of architect in making IBS a success? Many of worlds most reputable architects are using IBS in their projects. Architects like Ando Tadao, Norman Foster are well known for using load bearing precast concrete wall and steel structure in their projects. Despite using these materials, the architects are able to maintain the aesthetic look in their projects. So it is untrue to say IBS limits the architects creativeness.