Ct assignment

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND
DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (Hons)
MARCH 2015 INTAKE
Construction Technology 1 (BLD60104)
Assignment
Group members' name: Darren Loong Chi Yoong (0318029)
Lau Chin Sheng (0317899)
Kiing Kiu Chun (0318727)
Lee Jian Ru (0318132)
Tutorial group: 1 - Tuesday (2pm-4pm)
Lecturer: Ms. Azrina

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ........................................................................ 3-5
- Objective of this assignment
- Location background
Type of Roof .................................................................... 6-17
Type of Windows ........................................................... 18-24
Type of Doors ............................................................... 25-30
Type of Stairs ................................................................. 31-34
Conclusion ......................................................................... 35

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Introduction
The aim of this project is to identify, compare and contrast of the type
of roof, type of windows and doors, and type of stairs of chosen
building. This project split in 3 parts.
Part 1
Illustrate the type of the building with plan / sketches / photo /
diagrams.
Part 2
Identify and explain the type of roof, type of windows and doors and
type of stairs of the building with sketches/ photo / diagrams.
Part 3
Compare and contrast with one other types of and recommend an
alternative to replace the existing type of roof, window and door,
staircase.

4

Location Background
IOI Mall in Puchong is a modern 3-storey shopping and entertainment mall
with a total area of approximately 650,000 square feet. This mall with a
Mediterranean architecture was launched in June 1996. It is one of the major
shopping centre for residents in Puchong and the vicinity. The other shopping
centre is TESCO Puchong which is located just beside the shopping mall.
Servicing the needs of the people, this shopping mall has a few main tenants
that provide branded goods as well as entertainment for the entire family.
The 3 floors has a total of 147 outlets divided into Food Street, Entertainment
Wing, Education Corner and Fashion City to name a few. Jusco departmental
store houses a wide range of branded and local goods that you can choose from.
Example of goods offered at Jaya Jusco include clothes, food
stuff, stationary shoes and a variety of household products. Most of the items
here are reasonably priced.
Address :
IOI Mall Puchong
Bandar Puchong
Batu 9 Jalan Puchong
47100 Selangor.

6

Types of Roof
The types of roof found at the city mall we have chosen which is IoI city mall,
Puchong consists of the main roof is the pitched roofs, additional smaller
roofing which are glass roofs which are in a cone like shape and trapezoidal
roofs.
Function of the pitched roof
First and foremost, there are several types of roofing we have saw on our visit
to the city mall and we noticed each type of roofs found in the mall serves a
different purpose for the mall. The purpose of the main roof which are the
pitched acts as a shelter which provides protection from animals and weather,
notably rain, but also heat, wind and sunlight.
Besides that, the roof also has roof tiles. For IoI mall, they use clay roof tiles.
The reason for using clay roof tiles is because it is very durable as it does not
corrode (chemically inert) so it can withstand the climate change in Malaysia, it
Left section of IoI Mall roof
Right section of IoI Mall
Middle section of IoI Mall

7

provides a very aesthetically pleasing roof system and it is environmentally
friendly.
Suitability
The pitched roof used for IoI Mall is very suitable as Malaysia has a tropical
climate which means it experiences high temperatures and high humidity
throughout the year. Daytime temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F) year-round
and night-time temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F).
In this case, a pitched roof which has a slope can provide proper shade during
the day as well enhance the drainage as it will allow the rainwater to flow
towards the gutters which can help reduce the problems such as leakage if the
rain water has not been properly removed.
In addition, as most houses and residential area in Malaysia uses pitched roof as
well, using this type of roof is a good plan as it will be able to blend in nicely
with its’ surroundings and not stick out like a sore thumb.
In conclusion, the pitched roof is a good choice to be used as the roof for IoI
city mall as it sustain the climate change of Malaysia, it helps the shopping mall
blend in with the other residential areas in its’ surroundings and the clay roof
tiles used as the finish gives it a very aesthetic pleasing appearance.
Close up pictures of IoI Mall roof
Clay tiles found at IoI Mall

8

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pitched roof
Advantages Disadvantages
Loft Space
- constructed in such a way as to
afford plenty of usable space, either
as much-needed storage or even as
additional living space.
Expense
-the more complex design, additional
building materials and extra man-
hours cost significantly more than a
flat roof.
Lifespan
-is almost certain to offer a much
longer lifespan than a flat roof, with
materials that are more durable and
weather resistant.
-The internal accommodation will be
more efficiently insulated and will not
suffer from the extremes of
temperature.
Foundations
-Pitched roofs also place a greater
burden on the foundations of the
building and this may have
implications for the depth of the
footings.
Natural
- can be more effectively blended in
to either the rest of the property (in
the case of an extension) or to
neighbouring buildings, while also
helping to retain a sense of
individuality and character.
Leakage problem
-a few slipped tiles may be the result
of failure of individual tiles or the
effect of a storm or extreme weather.
-moss on roof could create blockage
which could prevent rainwater from
flowing to the gutters outlets and
other drainage points on the roof.
Function the glass roof
One
of
the
possible
problems
that

will
be
faced
when
a
pitched
roof
is

used
which
can
lead
to
leakage

problem
which
is
the
blockage
of

the
gutters
which
could
have
been

the
cause
of
moss
growing
on
the

roof

9

Secondly, we also noticed there was the presence of glass roofs. The function
for the glass roof is to provide the shopping mall with more light so it will give
off a more welcoming atmosphere compared to a shopping mall which is dark
and gloomy which will give off a more dull atmosphere. Less lighting would be
needed with the presence of glass roof as they are used to provide more light
from the sun. Hence, with the presence of the glass roofing, the IoI mall can
reduce the energy usage. Besides that, it is weather resistant therefore the
maintenance would be lower as it will not corrode or rust even if there is drastic
climate change.
Suitability
The glass roof is very suitable to the IoI mall. This is because the glass roof is
not only nice but the benefit it has provided for the mall such as providing extra
light from the sun which gives the sun a more welcoming look as it looks
bright. Besides that, it also saves energy as it provides natural lighting which
reduces the need for light bulbs to help light up the room.
Top view of the glass roof
Bottom view of the glass roof

10

The glass roof also indirectly helps regulate the temperature for the shopping
mall. This is because the glass roof is a poor heat insulator, hence it allows sun
to pass through the roof which can make the temperature in the room less
chilly.
In conclusion, the glass roof is a suitable to be used at IoI mall because it brings
a lot of benefit to the mall even though it is quite costly to build, in the long
run, it can help the mall save more money from the lack of usage of light bulbs.
Advantages and disadvantages of Glass Roof
Lighting Factor
-this installation does not reduce light
in the room, rather provides more
light.
Heat Factor
-during hot days, the areas which are
under the glass roofs would tend to
have higher temperature as glass is
not a good heat insulator which
allows the heat energy to go into the
shopping mall.
Energy saving
-glass roofing allows the sun to pass
through. This allows the place to
receive more sunlight which reduces
the amount of light bulbs needed for
the mall to brighten up the shopping
mall.
Easily dirty
-Those areas which are under the
glass roof are noisy and easily
accumulate dirt, if we close these
spaces with glazed roofs would not
present such inconveniences.
Aesthetic look
-glass roofing gives the shopping mall
a more modern look to the building.
This will make it look more appealing
to the customers which go to the
shopping mall.
Expensive
-to improve the safety and security of
the roof to prevent breakage, glass can
be either toughened or laminated.
Hence, it will increase the price of the
glass roofing would increase.
The glass roof could easily get dirty
which means it is high maintenance to
keep as glass is quite prone to dirt
sticking to it.

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Function of the trapezoidal roof
Last of all, we have found the zinc coated trapezoidal roofs. Unlike most
shopping complex, IoI mall has a rooftop parking. With the presence of the
rooftop parking, a shade must be provided for the cars. The function of the
trapezoidal roofs are to reflect the sun away from the car as well as to provide a
proper shade for the cars. This is to ensure the car does not absorb the heat
given off by the sun which could spoil the car if the car is exposed to the heat
of the sun in the long run.
Suitability
In my opinion, the trapezoidal roofing is suitable choice as a shade for the cars.
This is because it is made of metal which makes it a good heat insulator. This
can help remove excess heat given off by the sun.
Besides that, it is the sheet metal has been galvanized which means it has an
extra protective layer on top of the metal. This will act as a sacrificial metal
which will rust instead of the metal beneath of the sacrificial metal. This will
make the sheet stronger as the layer of rust can prevent further rusting.
Last of all, it is economical which means it is cheap. This tells us that it can be
easily replaced if some damage were to have been done towards the sheet
roofing such as dents or if the sheet roof was already faulty from the start.
In conclusion, I think the use of trapezoidal roofing is a good choice as the roof
for the carpark as it is a god heat insulator, economical and it is durable.
The picture on the left shows the
effects of using glass a roof. The
glass roof does not reflect or insulate
the heat away hence it will increase
the temperature inside the roof.

Trapezoidal roofing which provides shade for
the cars
The trapezoidal roofing is still strong even with
a layer of rust which means it has been
galvanized

12

Advantages and disadvantages of Trapezoidal roofs
Good Heat Insulation
-the colour coating on these sheets
has strong insulating properties and
thus these sheets give the excellent
protection against heat.
Noise
-the sound of rain tapping on the roof
is like living inside a drum. In a
rainstorm or hailstorm, living beneath
thin sheets of metal is bound to be
noisier than living beneath thick slate
or tile.
Corrosion Resistance
-manufactured using superior quality
of steel and aluminium, these sheets
have excellent anti-corrosion
properties.
Denting
a metal roof can dent if large
hailstones fall on it. Aluminium and
copper, much softer than steel, are
more prone to denting.
Economical
-requirement of extra costs like
installation and maintenance costs are
minimum due to which these sheets
have excellent economical value.
Lightning
-there are many documented instances
of lightning striking trees or other
high objects located near metal roofs
rather than the roofs themselves
The dent which has been made on the
sheet would reduce the appearance of the
sheet.
Using these sheet roof can cause a lot of
noise to occur during rainy season
which could be very irritating to some
people
Since the roof is made of metal, it is
more prone to getting lightning strike
which could damage the cars in the
process

13

Part 3
Substitute for the pitched roof
For the main roof, I would suggest to change the type of the roof used which is
from pitched roof to gambrel roof. I would suggest this because it is quite
similar to pitched roof but has a few added advantages to which I believe the
mall needs.
A gambrel, or barn roof, is much like mansard in a sense that it has two
different slopes. The difference between the two is that the gambrel only has
two sides, while the mansard has four. Recently, this style or roof is not only
found on top of barns, farm houses and log cabins. They are also seen on Dutch
Colonial and Georgian style homes, as well. Hence this proves that, gambrel
style of roofing is getting more popular.
Advantages and disadvantages of gambrel roof
Loft space
-Much like the pitched, the gambrel
provides extra living space for a
garret, attic or loft. Plus it’s simple to
frame out.
Weather
- These roofs are not ideal or
advisable in areas that
experience snowfall, heavy winds,
and heavy breezy weather as it is not
tough enough to handle the pressure.
Cost
-These roofs are not only easy to
build. However, they are time and
cost saving too.
Facing
- South facing heavy winds and rain
can harm the roof top area.
Style
-the roof has two curved lines that
present an uncomplicated and stylish
look. The unwavering style looks
satisfying and fashionable.
Discrimination
- It is not very easy to differentiate
between gambrel roofs and bold roofs
that posses change in affix designs.
Examples of Gambrel roof

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Substitute for glass roof
For the glass roof, the thing I would subsititute would be the shape of how the
glass roof has been constructed which is in a cone like shape which I think to
be more costly instead of replacing it with a flat roof which serves the same
purpose but saves costs on the material used.
A cone like shape which is found at IoI mall
The flat glass roof which I suggest to change which is
cheaper and it can be an extra walk way.

15

Advantages and disadvantages of flat roof
Cost
-flat roofing is generally considered
to be a more affordable option at the
point of construction and involves
considerably less materials and labour
than a pitched roof.
Poor drainage
-flat roofs do drain, but not nearly as
efficiently as a roof with any kind of
pitch. Therefore water has a tendency
to puddle and remain on the roof,
which could lead to the roofing
material breaking down or to eventual
leaks, particularly along the seams.
Design
-typically the design of choice for
smaller structures, such as garages
and extensions. While flat roofs are
designed to hold standing water to
some degree, a slight pitch of only a
few degrees is usually incorporated to
enable rainwater to drain away into a
hopper.
Maintenance
-constant checking for leakage is
required so a leakage does not occur.
The materials used for flat roof are
not usually long lasting which the
normal lifespan given is about 20
years only.
Stability
-Although any excursion to the roof
should be dealt with using care and
caution, flat roofs offer significantly
more stability and horizontal surface
than sloped roofs do.
Collects Debris and Dirt
-A roof that is flat, such as a flat
concrete roof, is more likely to collect
debris that will typically slide off a
sloped roof.
Method of Installing
The method of installing the roof for both gambrel roofing and glass roofing
are the same. Hence, both have the same procedure:
1st
step: Tearing off the roof and preparing the roof deck (remove the old roof and fix
the problems found in the previous roof such as leakage)
2nd
step: installing roof deck protection (deck protection for is in the foundation
on which a good roof system is built)
3rd
step: install leak barriers (prevent leakage)
4th
step: starter strip shingles (to help in wind resistance)
5th
step: nailing of shingles (take your time nailing the shingles as improper
nailing could cause future problems)
6th
step: installing your shingles
7th
step: install flashing and ridge vents (flashing is used for water proofing and
ridge vents help reduce hot moist air in your attic)

16

8th
step: install ridge cap shingles (helps protect some of the highest stress and
vulnerable areas of the roof)
9th
step: cleaning up the job site
Substitute for trapezoidal roof
As for this roof, what I suggest for substitution is the material used which in
this case, they use a metal which will rust which makes the sheet roof looks
worn out as well as dirty. The material I suggest that should replace the current
material is aluminium roof sheets.
Advantages and disadvantages of aluminium sheets
Does not rust
-aluminium is a metal that will not
rust. Hence, it can retain the original
appearance of the sheets.
Expensive
-Aluminium at $1250 per tonne, is
almost ten times as expensive as steel.
Strong
-strength-wise it is comparable to
steel. It is much stronger than steel at
lower temperature. Unlike steel,
aluminium does not become more
brittle during lower temperature.
Noise
-the sound of rain tapping on the roof
is like living inside a drum. In a
rainstorm or hailstorm, living beneath
thin sheets of metal is bound to be
noisier than living beneath thick slate
or tile.
Lightweight
-aluminium is light. Hence, it is easier
to work with as well as carry around.
Repair would be faster with carrying
a light weight metal such as
aluminium.
Low melting point
-aluminium has low melting point
compared to most metal such as steel.
The melting point of aluminium is
roughly 660 degree celcius.
Pictures and examples of aluminium sheet roofing to replace the
old material

17

Method of installing metal roof
1st
step: Make sure the first panel is installed square - all the other panels will
follow it.
2nd
step: On exposed fastener panels: While you don't have to predrill holes for
your screws, predrilling panels will make it easier to get the screw lines
straighter. - You can predrill a stack of about 10 panels at a time. - Make sure
you measure for predrilling accurately.
3rd
step: If you pop lines for your screws, make sure to use blue chalk, and
NOT RED CHALK. Red chalk is very difficult to get off and can stay on for
months, while blue chalk will usually wash off with the next rain.
4th
step: If you need to cut panels lengthwise, you can score them with a box
cutter several times, and then bend it back and forth until it breaks off,
producing a clean edge. You can also use tin snips or the TurboShear Drill
Attachment for cutting them.
5th
step: Screw your fasteners in straight, and don't overtighten them. The best
way to do this is to set your drill tension, preferably testing it out on a scrap
piece of metal or on an area that will be covered over by a ridge cap or other
flashing.
6th
step: Wear protective rubber coated gloves while working with metal
roofing and flashings. This not only protects you from the sharp metal edges, it
also gives you a better grip on the metal roofing.
7th
step: After you finish installing the metal roofing, make sure to brush off
any metal filings / shavings that are on the roof. Otherwise they will cause
unsightly rust spots where they rest on the metal roofing.

18

Types of Window
The types of window found at the Puchong IOI city mall, are Awning window
and fixed/picture window.
Function of the Awning window.
• To provide a means for admission of natural daylight to the interior of
building.
• Serve as a means of providing the necessary ventilation.
• Three general objective of providing a means of ventilation are:
- To extract moisture from existing space where it is produced in
significant quantities.
- To provide for occasional rapid ventilation where moisture presence
is likely to produce condensation.
- To achieve background ventilation which is adequate without
affecting the comfort of the existing space.
Suitability
We can say that the reason Awning window is used in IOI mall alone or in
combination with other windows is because they’re often placed above or
below a fixed (picture) window to allow ventilation without blocking the view.
They’re the perfect window for rainy days, as their awning-like angle lets in
fresh air but keeps the rain out; correctly placed, they can also be an excellent
option for letting light and fresh air into your place and maintaining privacy.
Awning
window

19

Advantages and Disadvantages of Awning window
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
They maximize ventilation but still
block rainwater from coming
inside.
Screens for awning windows are set
on the inside, so you may end up
with some dirt on your floors.
Can be positioned anywhere—next
to windows, arranged in columns,
or placed above patio doors and
picture windows.
Awnings that are within reach from
the exterior ground of the home can
pose a security risk.
Awning windows are great for
bedrooms and other areas that need
to maintain privacy but still let
some light in.
If you’re installing an awning high
up, consider self-cleaning glass for
the exterior surface. Otherwise,
cleaning is a tougher task.
*Self-cleaning glass : if dust and crud accumulate on the glass in the horizontal
position, rain or a quick squirt of the hose is all it takes to get the window
clean.
Function of the Picture/fixed window.
-Excellent insulation
-Weatherproofing
-Picture window’s uncluttered simplicity minimizes obstruction of your
desired view.
-not for ventilation (it’s fixed; couldn’t open.)
Picture/fixed
window

20

Suitability
In the IOI mall, the picture window (also known as the fixed window) is the
simplest and yet most versatile element of the window décor, letting in light but
keeping out the elements. Because it doesn’t open and has no moving parts
(hence, it’s “fixed”), the picture window offers excellent insulation and
weatherproofing. Plus, the window’s uncluttered simplicity maximizes the view
of the outdoors and allowed more daylight to enter the existing space.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Picture/fixed window.
Part 3
Substitute for both Awning and Picture windows.
For the type of window, I would suggest to change all windows in Puchong IOI
mall into picture/fixed window with stained glass. This is because stained glass
provide more aesthetic ambience to the existing space. Hence, it will be another
attractive spot of the mall. However stained glass contribute limited daylight to
enter the mall and limited ventilation from the picture/fixed window but these
Picture windows offer an
unobstructed view of the outdoors.
Generally for looks only and won’t
help with ventilation on their own.
If combined with patio doors or
open-and-close windows, picture
windows bring the perfect balance
of light and ventilation.
The large expanse of glass can
make them vulnerable to breakage.
Excellent insulation and
weatherproofing.

21

problems can be overcome by installing
ventilator and a more sophisticate lighting
system.
Normal Stained glass
window.

22

Advantages and Disadvantages of Picture/fixed
window(with Stained Glass.)
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Versatile. Stained glass is no
longer limited to inoperable
picture windows. It can be
found on many different
windows from awning to
casement.
• Limited light. Light can still
pass through, but busy designs
and dark colors can limit the
amount of passable light,
making the room appear darker.
• Attractive. Stained glass
windows are often used to add
visual interest to a boring
room. The window becomes
the focal point, while giving
the space a personal touch.
• Obstructed views. Stained glass
windows offer privacy, but
distorted views work both ways.
When looking out or in, the
scenery can appear blurry and
washed in color.
• Privacy. Because they’re
ornately decorated, stained
glass windows offer more
privacy than other windows.
• Overuse. When used as an
accent piece, stained glass can
be pleasing to the eye. Outfit an
entire room with it and the look
goes from elegant to garish.

23

Method of installing
1. Installation against double channel sealed unit.
2. Installation against single channel sealed unit.

24

3. For installation in locations with condensation problems or against
single pane windows, additional vents for air movement are needed

25

Types of Door
The types of door that we found at the mall we have chosen which is IoI mall,
Puchong are, exterior and interior doors, then it is further broken down as
solid wood doors, glass door and automatic sliding glass door.
Function of the Door
Exterior doors and interior doors that we found in IoI mall, Puchong serve a
different purpose for the mall. The purposes of exterior door are provide
security for the shops and people who visit the mall, preserve the internal heat
of building, maintain levels of sound insulation, protection from weather such
as thunderstorm, and glass doors that are transparent help to increase the
appearance of the mall. The purposes of interior door are used to close the
access through internal walls, provide security, and some of the solid wood
door inside the mall act as fire door.
Function of Glass Door
In IoI mall, Puchong, we noticed that there are two types of door, glass door
and solid wood door, and both of them serve a different purpose for the mall.
Glass doors mostly serve as shop front in IoI mall, Puchong.
Frameless glass shop front

26

Automatic sliding glass door
Automatic sliding glass door that is found in front and at the sides of IOI mall,
Puchong. Automatic sliding glass door will detect whether there are people in
front of the door. If someone is detected, the door will open automatically,
when no one is detected, it will automatically close the door.
Suitability
Glass doors are a great choice for businesses and it provides a lot advantages.
One of the distinct benefits of doors made from glass is the fact that they allow
light to pass through. For doors which open to the outside there is the benefit of
being able to enjoy natural sunlight entering the mall. Not only does this
sunlight look and feel much more pleasant than artificial light, but it also helps
to reduce the need for that artificial lighting, lowering costs as well as
representing a greener alternative.
But even in cases where the door is not an exterior one, a glass door still allows
light to pass from one room to the other, not only creating a visually more
attractive space, but also a more practical one, since there are fewer shadows
and darker areas, maximising the efficient use of the room.
Automatic sliding glass door that operate automatically is more convenient for
customers who want to enter particular enclosed place.
In conclusion, I think the glass door is a good choice to be used as the door for
IoI mall as it is convenient and suit the business purposes .

27

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glass Door
Appearance
- The glass doors add richness, light,
beauty and charm.
Privacy
- Glass doors need curtains to install
along with them to attain privacy.
Easy cleaning
-They do not swell from exposure to
moisture, bring visual openness, easy
cleaning.
Fragile
-Liable to crack or break if they
receive a very sharp knock or heavy
blow.
Good Resistance
-Resistant to termites and other
insects.
-Cannot rust, peel, come off, or
corrode.
Intensive installation
-Hard to install, labour cost increase.
Function of Solid Wood Door
We also noticed that there are solid wood door inside IOI mall, Puchong. Solid
wood door mostly serve as fire door in IoI mall, Puchong.
Fire
door
in
the

mall

28

Fire doors are part of a building's passive fire protection system, an essential
requirement for public buildings. Fire door serves to protect escape routes of
the mall.
Besides, we also found that solid wood doors are used as the back doors of the
cinema in IOI mall, Puchong
Suitability
Solid wood doors are a great choice for fire doors because it fulfils the
requirement of fire doors. Fire doors are manufactured to withstand the spread
of fire for a given period of time, normally a minimum of 30 minutes. Fire door
may be solid construction or made with a special core, often flax board or wood
composite material that required longer time to burn. Solid wood doors can be
made from a variety of hard or soft woods. Therefore solid wood doors can say
have high fire resistance because fire has to burn through many materials. Solid
wood door is also good sound resistance, which suit cinema theatre door
requirement.
In conclusion, I think the solid wood door is a good choice to be used as the
door for IoI mall as it is durable and have good sound and fire resistant.
Fire
door
in
the
mall

29

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solid Wood Door
Durable
- Solid wood door will last very long
if good materials are used.
Cost
- A good quality hardwood can be
very expensive.
Good sound resistance
- Have the greatest sound deadening
abilities.
Heavy
-Heavy and hard to carry.
Good fire resistance
-Provide more resistance to fire than
engineered wood or hollow core
doors.
shrinkage and expansion
-More prone to shrinkage and
expansion due to temperature and
moisture changes.
Substitute for solid wood door
For the solid wooden door, the thing I would subsititute would be the steel
doors. Some people may feel that they can save some money by purchasing
wooden doors. Actually, sometimes wooden doors are more expensive . Wood
absorbs moisture easily, it can peel, bubble, bow, twist and warp; resulting in a
costly replacement. Wooden doors are not energy efficient and they require
routine maintenance. But, steel metal doors require less maintenance .Steel
doors are energy-efficient and can even lower your establishment’s heating and
cooling costs. Obviously these traits are especially handy in environments with
high precipitation and temperatures like Malaysia. Steel doors even have higher
fire resistance than solid wood door.

30

Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Door
Durable
- Steel door last longer than wooden
door
Easily dented
- Dent easily when get knocked by
hard object.
Good resistance
-Metal doors can handle bad weather
and will not need any annual upkeep.
-It won’t rot and spilt
lack of insulation
-Not suitable in climates with very
low or very high temperatures.
Good fire resistance
-Provide more resistance to fire than
wood
Intensive installation
-Hard to install, labour cost increase.
Example
of
steel

door

31

TYPE OF STAIRS
Introduction
There are various types of stairs that can be built in different type of spaces, such as straight
stairs, L-shaped stairs, U-shaped stairs etc. The suitability what kind of stairs is to be used
depends on the design and size of the space. Stairs that are used for the construction of malls
is usually only used as an emergency staircase because most malls today have an escalator or
travelator installed.
There are many stairs that can be found in IOI Mall and they are only used as an emergency
stairs. The type of stairs that is used in all the emergency stairs in IOI Mall is the U-Shaped
stairs or is also called 'Half landing stairs'.
Examples of the type of
stairs that can be built.
The U-shaped stairs that is used as the
emergency stairs of IOI Mall.

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Function of U-Shaped Stairs
The basic function of a stairs is that it is a path that connects one level to another level. As
the stairs in IOI Mall acts as an emergency stairs, its specific function is to allow the patrons
to use the stairs in the event where there is an unforseen circumstance such as a breakdown
in the lifts or the escalators and when there is a fire. The U-shaped stairs is basically two
parallel flights of stairs connected by a rectangular landing that requires 180-degree turn in
the walk line. The 180-degree turn creates a substantial space for patrons to land, unlike
other type of stairs where there is limited or no space to land.
Advantages & Disadvantages of U-Shaped Stairs
Easier fit into an architectural plan
- U-shaped stairs is easier to draw out on a
plan of a building compared to other type of
stairs. It is also easier to be measured by the
quantity surveyor. This makes U-shaped
stairs the most common type of stairs used in
to construct commercial buildings.
Difficult to build
- Requires a longer period of time to design
and build because of its number of flights of
stairs and the landings.
The landing has a wide space
- The landing of a U-shaped stairs is very
wide and usually in a rectangular shape. This
creates a space for patrons to rest while
climbing up the stairs or even rush down
without having to collide with other patrons
in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Requires more floor space to build
- U-shaped staircase a wide staircase due to
its separation of the flights of stairs with a
rectangular landing therefore it requires a
wider space to build.
Safe
- The flights of stairs are shorter so a fall
down a staircase will be unlikely and even if
there is a fall the injury may not be serious,
as he or she will stop at the landing.
Costly
- Constructing a U-shaped staircase is costly,
as it requires more building materials and
more labour cost.
A clear photo showing three flights of stairs
where the top stair and middle stair is
connected by the 180-degree turn.
180-degree turn creates a
landing space.

33

Suitability of U-shaped Stairs
U-shaped stairs is probably the most suitable type of stairs to be used as an emergency
staircase in a commercial building such as a mall. This is because it is the safest type of stairs
compared to other types of stairs. The patrons of the mall can rush down the stairs quickly
during the event of an emergency. It is also user friendly because of the 180-degree turn
landing, making patrons who have difficulty in walking have a temporary space to rest.
Substitute to U-Shaped Stairs
The type of stairs that is suitable to substitute U-shaped stairs is straight stairs with central
landing. This type of staircase is similar to the U-shaped stairs except there is no turns and
the landing is smaller than that of a U-shaped stairs.
A short flight of stairs before
a landing makes it safer for
patrons to climb and go down.
A photo showing three flights of
stairs taken from below. The
180 degree turn can be seen
clearly.
Straight stairs with
central landing.
An example of a straight
stairs with a landing.

34

Advantages & Disadvantages of Straight Stairs
Easy to construct
- Straight stairs is easy to design and
construct. It does not require a large
workforce to construct it.
Falls can be serious
- As a straight stairs directly connects one
floor to another without any turning, unlike
the U-shaped stairs, the flight of stairs would
be longer and a person who falls down while
walking on the stairs may result in severe
injury.
Inexpensive
- Straight stairs is less costly than U-shaped
stairs because construction is simpler and
less time consuming.
Requires more space to construct
- A landing which is to be constructed
between a flight of a straight stairs may
require extra space. This will also result in
difficulty accomodating in the floor plan.
Uninterrupted view
- A person who is travelling up or down a
straight stairs has a clear view of the entire
flight therefore there is a lower risk of
collidng with someone who is going in
another direction.
No visual barrier
- Because there is no visual barrier between
the two floors connected by a straight stairs,
there is often a lack of privacy.

35

CONCLUSION
Through this assignment, our group managed to anaylse and identify the types
of roof, windows, doors and stairs of IOI Mall Puchong. We have used our
knowledge that we have learned in Construction Technology 1 and apply it in
this assignment. We have understood that different types of building have
different types of roof, windows, doors and stairs. The selection of the types of
roof, windows, doors and stairs depends on the design of the space and the
peference of the contractor and designer. Different types of roof, windows,
doors and stairs have different functions and its advantages and disadvantages.

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