Journey - Building & Construction Authority · Old Chang Kee and Ya Kun are names that we some of...

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POWERING PRODUCTIVITY WITH MECHC PRODUCTIVITY MYTHS YOU CAN DO WITHOUT CHARTING TRANSFORMATIONS – GET THE DETAILS ON THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY ROADMAP A CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY MAGAZINE Artist’s impression of NV Residences courtesy of City Developments Limited (CDL) A LEARNING JOURNEY WITH CDL

Transcript of Journey - Building & Construction Authority · Old Chang Kee and Ya Kun are names that we some of...

powering productivity with mechc

productivity mythS you cAn do without

chArting trAnSformAtionS – get the detAilS on the conStruction productivity roAdmAp

A conStruction productivity mAgAZine

Artist’s impression of NV Residences courtesy of City Developments Limited (CDL)

A leArningJOurney

with CDL

chief editorJeanna Das

ASSociAte editorLeong Ee Leng

Sub-editorSPeggy Lee, Tan Chee Kiat, Letchimi Palanisamy

contributorS for thiS iSSue:Ho Yong How, Joe Woo, Lim Peng Hwee, Ng Man Hon, Soon Lay Kuan, Tan Yong Beng

build SmArt iS publiShed bi-monthly by:

Building and Construction Authority5 Maxwell Road, #16-00 Tower BlockMND Complex Singapore 069110

Tel: 6325 7720 Fax: 6325 4800

Website: http://www.bca.gov.sg

We would love to hear from you if you would like to share any best practices and latest technologies that could improve construction productivity. Please email us at [email protected]

Written permission must be obtained from BCA to reproduce any part of Build Smart.

your guide to build SmArt

ceo’S meSSAge

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chArtingtrAnSformAtionS:

the detAilSp.16

rAiSing productivity

with SyStem formwork

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chArtingtrAnSformAtionS

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A leArning Journey

with cdlp.12

the benchmArk: the enhAnced buildAbility frAmework

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Journey to productivity

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re-engineering trAditionAl formworkS

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fAcilitAting the chAnge

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productivitymythS you cAn

do withoutp.10

powering productivity

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coretrAde: the trAde diplomA

progrAmme in StructurAl Steel workS

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ceo’S

Dear reader,

Welcome to the fifth issue of Build Smart. Apart from sporting a new look, Build Smart has also been covering several interesting developments since the start of 2011. But before I go further into those developments, let us take a moment to look at what keeps organisations at the forefront of their craft.

Old Chang Kee and Ya Kun are names that we some of us grew up with. These establishments have stood the test of time, as they have stayed relevant all this while. Not only did their loyal customers stay with them, but they have also won new customers from the current generation. Today, Old Chang Kee and Ya Kun are keeping pace with Gen-Y consumers through social marketing tools such as Facebook.

Similarly, whether you lead or work in a small-medium enterprise (SME), as a subcontractor, with a multi-national builder or developer or even a public agency, it is critical to to maintain your competitive edge by staying relevant. Besides being attuned to customers’ needs, companies have to look within, from their business objectives to processes and human resources.

I am glad to note that there are construction firms which realise the importance of staying ahead of the competition. These are firms which decided to leverage on the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund, and BCA has been facilitating their productivity journey through our Construction Productivity Centre team and account managers. It is this foresight to improve productivity that would put these progressive firms several steps ahead of their competitors. To date, BCA has committed close to S$9 million from the fund to help firms defray their business costs to help them enhance their productivity.

Shaking up the industry’s productivity standards is what we need to do. From launching the world’s first BIM e-submission of architectural model for regulatory approval, to committing S$250 million to help firms build up the capability of construction firms, to introducing a Construction Productivity Roadmap, we are making great strides in Singapore’s construction productivity movement. Another key milestone is the launch of Singapore’s first Construction Productivity Week in the last week of April, which has a whole list of events to engage and involve our entire industry.

BCA will continue to champion construction productivity, and I encourage firms who are considering CPCF help to give us a call. We are more than happy to work with you to help you make improvements in your processes and strategies to reap productivity gains.

Let me leave you with a quote from Jack Welch of General Electric: “An organisation’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.” In the same vein, I hope that your firm will pick up best practices from the various learning platforms during the Construction Productivity Week, and stay competitive and relevant to your clients, today and tomorrow.

dr John keungChief Executive Officer

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powering productivity

Since the introduction of the MechC scheme last year, we have seen numerous construction firms tap into its funding to power ahead in the productivity game. In fact, there have been more than 220 approved MechC applications from 120 firms to mechanise their processes.

Among those that have applied are specialist contractor Technocrete Pte Ltd and International powerhouse Alpine Bau GmbH. Build Smart uncovers how MechC has helped them power towards increased productivity.

technocrete pte ltd – getting the job done with less manpower

Incorporated in 1990, Technocrete Pte Ltd, a specialist subcontractor in concrete repair, structural strengthening and controlled demolition services, has increased their productivity five-fold after purchasing and leasing equipment under the MechC scheme.

The robotic demolition machine used for hacking works at the contiguous bored pile wall at Marina Coastal Expressway.

Mechanisation Credit (MechC) scheme is a huge boon to companies who want to stay ahead of the technological curve of construction. Build Smart gets in touch with two of the companies that have benefitted from MechC.

with Mechc

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For Technocrete Pte Ltd, the issue of productivity was a practical one. Its Assistant Manager Sammy Oh says, “In light of the increasing demand for faster construction and the higher foreign workers’ levy, productivity becomes an even more critical issue to get the job done with less manpower deployed.”

As a veteran in the industry involved in the alterations and upgrades to HDB flats, MRT systems and Changi Airport, Mr Oh revealed, “The MechC grant has helped small-medium enterprises (SMEs) like us significantly by providing financial reimbursement for the purchase and lease of equipment.”

what technocrete bought/leased:> Robotic demolition machines

productivity improvements:> Five-fold increase in productivity > Only one fifth of the initial manpower was required> Job completion in one fifth of the time usually

required if done with manpower alone

Alpine bau gmbh

Starting as a humble construction dealership in 1965, Alpine Bau GmbH is now an international powerhouse with offices in more than 30 countries. For the global leader of the construction industry, the MechC scheme meant something quite different.

Alpine Bau GmbH’s QA/QC Manager Mr Dharmendra Singh pointed out that Alpine Bau GmbH is “constantly looking out for methods and equipment that can improve our productivity.” In fact, it has formed a team of department heads to champion its efforts in raising productivity standards to ensure a safer, healthier work environment.

As a leader in service excellence, Alpine Bau GmbH Singapore has been awarded the planning and construction contracts for the Downtown line projects. With MechC, Alpine Bau GmbH purchased automatic wheel washers, which allowed it to eliminate the manpower needed to carry out the operation and provide more efficient services to its clients.

Mr Singh revealed, “The MechC scheme not only recognises our efforts in exploring more efficient and productive methods and equipment, but also encourages us to adopt new technologies for our own benefit.”

what Alpine bau gmbh bought:> Skid loader> Automated wheel washers

productivity improvement:> Use of automated wheel washers eliminated

the need for workers to carry out the operations. Hence, for a site that operates around the clock where two workers would be stationed at the exit point per eight-hour shift, the number of workers each day would be greatly reduced from six to zero.

“ The MechC scheme not only recognises our efforts in exploring more efficient and productive methods and equipment, but also encourages us to adopt new technologies for our own benefit.”

mr dharmendra SinghQA/QC Manager

With MechC, Alpine Bau GmbH purchased automatic wheel washers, which allowed it to eliminate the manpower needed to carry out the operation and provide more efficient service to its clients. (Right)

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PERI Asia Pte Ltd and Doka Formwork Pte Ltd are not strangers to formwork systems. After all, their formwork systems have raised a few colossal structures, with Marina Bay Sands and Marina Bay Financial Centre among them. They give us a low-down on system formworks.

Q contractors often perceive that adopting technology in their work processes is costly. what are the advantages of using system formwork?

peri: The "true" cost of a formwork system can only be derived after considering historically proven cost savings during the actual project construction.

Projects using system formwork often experience much higher productivity because of its labour, time and material efficiency.

dokA: The investment into system formwork at the beginning of the project is higher when compared to conventional solutions. However, using system formworks will result in an average reduction of one or two days per floor and a huge cut in labour hours.

Taking that into consideration, the investment in system formwork already pays off in a short time and would eventually reduce the total construction costs.

with SyStem formwork

rAiSing productivity

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Q what are the types of formwork systems your company offers?

peri: PERI offers a full range of formwork systems that provide the most cost-effective and productive solutions. Designed for applications in all areas of construction – residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and civil – our formwork systems are suitable for slab, wall, column, and even bridge and tunnel construction.

dokA: As a leading global single-source formwork provider, Doka offers economically-optimised formwork systems and a comprehensive range of services for efficient and speedy progress on all cast-in-place concrete projects.

The extensive product portfolio includes high-quality wall and floor-slab formwork systems, optimised load-bearing tower and propping systems, high-performance climbing and automatic climbing formworks and complete formwork solutions for tunnelling, bridge building and power-plant construction.

Q what challenges are your company facing in convincing contractors to make the switch from traditional formworks to system formworks?

peri: Singapore’s construction environment is unique. While the standards for quality, safety and productivity are generally high in Singapore, the construction industry is heavily dependent on cheap and basic-skilled foreign labour.

The challenge is to accomplish the desired results through well-trained system users. Most of our systems are available on a rental basis, which makes it much easier for contractors in terms of cost, planning and logistics.

dokA: Contractors often make straightforward cost comparisons between traditional system formwork with more sophisticated system formwork. The initial costs for system formwork will always be higher.

But with 60 years of experience in formwork systems, we’ve discovered that the system formwork are safer, better and more cost-efficient. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for unskilled workers to safely achieve very satisfying rates on area per man-day with system formwork. The support from the Government and the gradual adoption by contractors in Singapore is a clear indication of the system formwork’s advantages.

01 & 02: The Marina Bay Financial Centre achieved a one-day cycle for each storey by using large-area Dokamatic tableforms.

Using the Doka Table Lifting System (TLS) to move stories, these pre-assembled tableforms sped up operations by easing pressure on the available cranage.

03 & 04: The innovative MAXIMO Panel Wall Formwork System is integrated with the PERI UP access scaffold which provides safe access for workers. As both systems can be crane-lifted in one unit, casting of a 5-storey wall can be done in three days instead of the usual 15 days.

0201

03 04

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re-engineering trAditionAl formworkS

Through the Productivity Improvement Project (PIP) scheme, Chang Hua Construction Pte Ltd (CHC) has re-engineered its conventional formwork installation process. Mr Li Fei Chang, Managing Director of Chang Hua Construction, shares with us some of his thoughts on productivity and CHC’s new system formwork.

Q what are chc’s plans to raise productivity for its projects as a progressive local construction company?

We anticipate more difficulties in securing skilled foreign talent as the economies of their native countries significantly improve. Coupled with the progressive reduction of Man-Year-Entitlement (MYE), the talent situation has driven CHC to move away from traditional construction methods and look into new ways to enhance on-site construction productivity. We’re planning to raise CHC’s productivity by adopting new construction technologies and developing our workforce.

Q what specific initiatives are chc currently adopting?

CHC is currently retraining and upgrading workers to build a team of highly skilled workers to improve on-site productivity, safety and quality. CHC is also implementing the aluminium system formwork to reduce material and time wastage and using more machinery and equipment to reduce manpower. In addition to those improvements, CHC is also adopting IT software to improve efficiency in detailed project planning and scheduling of construction activities.

Q how has the pip scheme assisted your company in raising productivity?

With the funding support from the PIP scheme, we are currently able to pilot the use of aluminium formwork at Domus, which is located at Irrawaddy Road. This enhances CHC’s competitiveness and enhances its productivity for on-site structural works.

Q Apart from acquiring the system formwork, is your company looking at conducting other projects under pip? how about other incentive schemes under bcA?

In addition to studying the application of BIM and Robotic Total Station to simplify our site operations, we are looking into conducting several PIP projects ranging from using jump-form and table-form system formworks, pre-fabricating bathrooms to utilising self-levelling screed. In the future, we hope to apply for BCA’s Mechanisation Credit (MechC) scheme to acquire equipment such as boom lifts, scissors lifts and toplifts.

li fei chang (Managing Director)

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the difference: System formwork fabrication

Formwork fabrication for concrete casting is one of the most labour intensive activities on any construction site. Until now.

With the aluminium system formwork, companies can do away with the labour-intensive timber formwork process. Here’s a table to show you how the aluminium system formwork matches up to the traditional timber system formwork.

traditional timber System formwork

Advanced Aluminium System formwork

Short material lifespan (a few uses)

Long material lifespan (more than 100 uses)

Higher life-cycle costs Lower life-cycle costsLabour-intensive Machine-intensive

Slower building time (Static formwork)

Faster building time (Modular formwork)

Chang Hua Construction (CHC) Pte Ltd adopts the aluminium system formwork process. With more than S$100 million in project contracts to their name since 1995, CHC has been actively involved in architectural and structural engineering. With the contract for the construction of Domus Condominium at Irrawaddy Road under its belt, CHC applied for the PIP grant to adopt the use of an advanced aluminium formwork system that will be used in the construction of the 29-storey condominium.

Using the aluminium formwork system, CHC aims to re-engineer its construction processes and achieve leaps in site productivity. By doing away with the planning and individual customisation needed in timber formwork, CHC estimates a whopping 30% productivity increase using the new aluminium formwork.

Through the Productivity Improvement Project (PIP) Scheme, Chang Hua Construction Pte Ltd has been able to improve their productivity by leaps and bounds by re-engineering the conventional formwork installation process.

01: An aluminium system formwork

02: Domus at Irrawaddy Road

01

02

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Journey to productivity

There’s no doubt that BCA knows where it’s heading. But there’s more to a journey than just its end. And BCA knows how to get there. Build Smart gives us an idea of what the journey to productivity will look like.

Of course, no initiative would be complete without a week to honour industry peers. With the inaugural Singapore Construction Productivity Week (25 – 29 April 2011), BCA hopes to gear the industry towards productivity improvements by increasing industry awareness of the latest initiatives and best practices. Highlights of the Week include:

> the Skilled builder competition. Held on 25 and 26 April 2011. It features four categories (system formwork installation, drywall installation, telescopic handler operation, crane operation) for skilled tradesmen to compete in.

> the building information modelling (bim) competition. Held on 25 and 26 April 2011. Professionals and students compete to use BIM software to put together a building design.

> the build Smart conference. Held on 27 and 28 April 2011 at the Singapore Expo. Local and foreign speakers will share their experience and knowledge on construction productivity .

> the buildtech Asia 2011 exhibition. Held from 27 to 29 April 2011 at the Singapore Expo, the three-day trade exhibition showcases best practices adopted on site, innovative technologies and products to improve construction productivity.

> the build Smart Site tours. Held on 29 April 2011. It will take participants on a tour of innovative projects and sites with best practices.

With all that said, this is only the beginning. It’s going to be a long journey, but BCA will help you pack – look forward to more initiatives and incentives to improve your productivity. So let’s take our first steps toward greater productivity.

Every destination begins with a journey. But a key essential to starting a journey is a map. After all, we all need to know where we’re headed. This is BCA’s map for the future to productivity. With the Economic Strategies Committee’s (ESC) recommendation to raise productivity for sustained economic growth, BCA has kept ahead of the curve by consulting local and international industry experts.

What resulted was the Construction Productivity Roadmap – a vision to transform the current construction industry into a highly-integrated and technologically-advanced construction sector led by progressive firms and supported by a skilled and competent workforce by 2020.

BCA is adopting a four-pronged approach – regulating lower-skilled employment, enhancing the local workforce quality, imposing regulations to drive labour-saving technology and offering financial incentives to encourage manpower development, technology adoption and capability building – to see its plan through.

But BCA knows that introducing these initiatives isn’t enough. So instead of just adopting a passive, “let’s see how this goes” mentality, it is taking active steps to reach out to the construction industry.

One such measure was to establish the Construction Productivity Centre (CPC) and the Centre of Construction IT (CCIT). Created to educate and raise the industry’s awareness on productivity improvements and manpower development, both CPC and CCIT adopt customer-centric account management approaches to administer CPCF incentives.

For CPC though, reaching out to the industry is almost as important as providing funding. After all, no company will apply for incentives that it is unaware of. To this end, they have started a bi-monthly publication, Build Smart (which you’re holding), to showcase best practices and productivity success stories.

CPC isn’t stopping there. In fact, it plans to recognise productivity leaders through awards and establish benchmark indicators to create greater ownership and recognition among companies that perform.

9issue 05 > Build smart

the Benchmark:

the enhanced BuildaBility Framework

Productivity is a rather abstract term. After all, what does it mean? Fortunately for us, BCA has taken notice. BCA has just introduced the enhanced buildability framework, creating a transparent benchmark for us to measure companies by.

Since 2001, BCA’s mandatory buildability framework continues to be one of the key contributing factors towards improving on-site productivity. The enhanced buildability framework will encourage easy-to-build designs by requiring designers to deliver more buildable designs upstream. Builders will have to adopt more labour-efficient construction methods and technologies downstream. It is slated for implementation on 15 July 2011.

But what can we anticipate from the enhanced framework? Well, here is a run down of what can be expected from the new scoring system.

Not every company knows how they would measure up to productivity. Build Smart takes the pain out of the gain and shows you what the enhanced buildability framework is all about.

1 The Buildable Design Score will now award less points to designs that result in labour-intensive construction processes and systems, such as brick walls and walls with plaster finishes. The Score will also reward designs that adopt labour-saving and standardised components. Buildable features such as the use of off-form external finished walls, prefabricated bathrooms and industry-wide standardised floor heights with standardised precast staircases would be recognised with more points.

2 There will be a new Constructability Score that will assess builders’ site productivity by rewarding points to projects that move away from traditionally labour-intensive construction methods (such as traditional timber formwork) and switch to more labour-efficient construction processes (such as system formwork). The Constructability Score framework will also award points for good industry practices such as the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and on-site trade productivity monitoring.

3 The Constructability Score will now be a requirement for those who wish to apply to projects with a gross floor area (GFA) of more than 5,000m2. Builders will be required to submit the Constructability Score when they apply for the permit to commence work. If they require more time to plan or adopt new construction methods or technologies, they may submit the Constructability Score within three months after the permit has been issued (or six months for Design and Build projects).

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myth

1equipment purchase costs more than the hiring of foreign workers. it would be cheaper and easier to manage the workers, as the government might reduce the foreign worker levy over time.

The levy will not be reduced. Companies will need to change the way they operate their businesses, or get left behind.

Some business owners do not see the hidden costs of hiring more workers – costs that include levies, accommodation and transportation. With that said, businesses should capitalise on the CPCF while it is available, and change or mechanise some aspects of one’s operations.

myth

2we are sceptical of the generous cpcf, such as the mechc scheme – there might be conditions and expectations that are not stated in the application forms.

All our expectations are laid out clearly in the guidelines and forms. For example, companies should demonstrate at least a 20% productivity increase in their operations as a result of their equipment investment. While the goal is to raise productivity, BCA understands that investing in equipment can be a burden for some SMEs. That’s what the MechC scheme is for – to reduce the business cost of such investments. If a company requires more information, it should not hesitate to contact the CPCF hotline at 1800-325 5050.

The construction industry, just like any other industry, is always in a battle to cut costs. One of the hardest costs to keep down though, is the cost of transitioning from an established, labour-intensive form of construction to a more advanced system of building.

BCA’s Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF) schemes are intended for that very purpose. Schemes like Mechanisation Credit (MechC) scheme and Building Information Technology (BIM) fund exist to defray such business costs and increase productivity through technology adoption.

Although these schemes have benefitted more than 500 firms in the construction industry to date, there are continuing myths that are impeding the construction industry’s growth. BCA staff from the Construction Productivity Centre (CPC) and Centre for Construction IT (CCIT) help dispel some of these myths.

Productivity Myths you can do WITHouT

There’s nothing more difficult in business than to keep costs down. And some businesses fall into the common pitfalls of construction while trying to do so. Build Smart talks about some of the productivity myths clouding the construction industry.

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About your Account managers

The MechC team comprises a team of friendly account managers, many of whom have years of experience in the construction industry. Together, they helm part of the Productivity Development (Mechanisation) Department of the Construction Productivity Centre that is ever ready to help firms on their productivity journey.

The BIM team is a part of BCA’s Centre for Construction Information Technology (CCIT), a team set up to advise and handhold companies on BIM adoption and BIM e-submissions. With several successful handholding sessions under their belt, the BIM team continues to advise companies to embark on their BIM journeys.

BCA understands that the cost of investing in equipment can be a burden for some SMEs. That’s what the MechC scheme is for – to reduce the business cost of such investments.

If you require more information, do call the CPCF hotline at 1800-325 5050 and we’ll see how we can help you.

myth

3the mechc application forms are too difficult to fill up.

There are only three key sections to the MechC form – general particulars, details of equipment and declaration. Company owners who have difficulty in filling up any of the sections can approach the MechC team. Applicants can also come to our office for advice and help.

In fact, a number of companies have successfully made multiple applications for different equipment under the MechC scheme.

myth

4bim is just a software. it will not have much of an impact on my construction projects.

BIM software is more intelligent than 2D CAD software. It can generate 3D models easily to help the client visualise the design better and speed up design clarifications and the decision-making process.

Architects and engineers can use BIM to perform analysis and improve the performance of their designs. BIM software can then produce consistent drawings (plan, elevation, sections and perspective), generate quantity and calculations accurately and quickly form the model with a click of a button.

The real power of BIM shows when different professionals of a project team come together to coordinate different aspects of building design. By resolving design conflicts during the designing phase, BIM helps avoid costly reworks on site.

myth

5bim can be costly – one needs to buy software and send staff for training.

The initial cost for software, hardware and staff training is far outweighed by time savings and cost of conflict avoidance. Comparatively, the annual maintenance cost of the software is about the same as that of a 2D CAD. Companies will realise a breakeven point after one to two projects.

With BCA’s BIM fund, companies can receive up to a 50% subsidy for training, software and hardware acquisition or leasing costs.

myth

6it will be hardfor my 2d cAd technicians to be trained in bim.

It is a natural progression for your 2D CAD technicians to pick up BIM software. They are already equipped with the skills to manipulate CAD entities like line arcs and circles. With BIM, they will manipulate building elements like doors, walls and windows. Your technicians will need some time to familiarise themselves with the locations of the right functions in BIM software to perform what they already know and automate their mundane tasks.

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In line with the Government's push towards productivity-driven economic growth, City Developments Ltd (CDL) has been taking the lead in influencing their project partners to adopt sustainable, easy-to-build and productive construction systems in their projects. It is CDL’s belief that the developer should drive and influence the supply chain to achieve safety, quality and productivity. Because of this belief and commitment, CDL was able to achieve high quality and productivity in its projects.

What’s the motivation behind the progressive developer’s belief? The National Productivity and Continuing Education Council, led by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, paid a visit to CDL’s project sites NV Residences and Livia Condominium in March to find out.

The key buildable systems adopted in this project include the precast concrete external wall, prefabricated bathroom unit and drywall system. Use of these components has helped to improve productivity, leading to cost savings and timely completion of the projects.

A leArning JOUrneYwith cdl

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prefabricated bathroom units

Prefabricated bathroom units are constructed at the factory and then transported to site for installation. This minimises the amount of wet trades carried out on site, leading to a saving of manpower on site by 70% to 80%. Hence, higher productivity and better quality works can be achieved.

drywalls

The adoption of drywalls in place of bricks enhances productivity. Bricklaying is a tedious job that requires skills and time. With drywalls, it is estimated that manpower savings could be as high as 40% to 50%. This is because overall structural design can be more efficient as workers can put up drywalls – which are lighter – much faster than laying bricks.

benefits of installing drywall systems:

> Better quality gives even and straighter finish

> Cleaner site works

> Higher productivity

> Environmentally- friendly

benefits of installing prefabricated bathrooms:

> Higher quality and durability

> Reduced installation times

> More accurate prediction of cost and timescales

> Environmentally- friendly

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chArtingtrAnSformAtionSWith S$250 million for companies to improve productivity, the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF) looks set to transform the way construction firms operate forever. Build Smart has a look at the details.

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2 enhance the quality of the construction workforce

From July 2011, MOM and BCA will introduce the new tiered-levy framework that will distinguish the skills and experience of foreign construction workers. These measures will encourage firms to upgrade and retain more experienced and better skilled workers. BCA will increase the number of high value construction trades recognised under the Construction Registration of Tradesmen (CoreTrade) scheme from seven to 17 in the second quarter of 2011. BCA will also appoint additional training and testing facilities for CoreTrade registration.

3 impose regulatory requirements and minimum standards to drive widespread adoption of labour-saving technology

The Buildability Framework will be refined to include a new component called ‘Constructability Score’ in addition to the existing Buildable Design Score. To be implemented in the second half of 2011, it will require companies to demonstrate how they have made improvements by adopting labour-saving construction methods and technologies.

4 offer financial incentives to encourage manpower development, technology adoption and capability building

BCA will raise funding support and extend the funding for other schemes under the CPCF, namely, MechC, PIP and the BIM Fund. The Workforce Training and Upgrading (WTU) scheme will also co-fund the relevant training and skills assessments for the new trades under CoreTrade, as well as more productivity-related courses.

In June 2010, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) did something radical – it launched the S$250-million CPCF. In line with the Government’s push for productivity-driven economic growth, CPCF is nothing short of industry changing.

What’s so revolutionary about CPCF? For one, it’s a game changer – its aim is to incentivise mechanisation, upgrade the skills of professionals and build the capabilities of the entire construction industry.

With more than 500 firms in the construction industry benefitting from various schemes, CPCF has done reasonably well. In fact, 65% of these firms are small-medium enterprises (SMEs) that are open to technology and ready to take on the world.

With close to S$9 million committed so far, CPCF looks set to lift the construction sector’s long-term productivity through a formulated, holistic framework – the Construction Productivity Roadmap. Endorsed by the National Productivity and Continuing Education Council (NPCEC), the Construction Productivity Roadmap aims to realise a highly integrated and technologically advanced construction sector led by progressive firms and supported by a skilled and competent workforce by 2020.

For its aims to be achieved, the Construction Productivity Roadmap has adopted a four-pronged approach designed to transform the construction industry.

1 regulate the demand and supply of low-cost, lower-skilled foreign workforce through the foreign worker levy and man-year-entitlement (mye) system

In response to the easy availability of low cost foreign workers and to steer the construction firms towards a greater adoption of technology, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has further raised the foreign worker levy and cut the MYE quota for foreign construction workers.

what is the construction productivity roadmap?the roadmap is a four-pronged approach that strives to enhance productivity in the construction sector.

mAn numberS down, levy upRegulate foreign workers demand through

Man-Year-Entitlement (MYE) cuts and increased levy

the SmArter workforceEnhance quality of construction workforce

through CoreTrade and tiered levy

conStruction productivity

roAdmApmAking the ruleS Impose regulatory requirements and

standards through raising buildable design requirements, introducting the constructability

score and making BIM e-submission mandatory

in better compAnyIncentivise firms to adopt

technology & build capability

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chArting trAnSformAtionS: the detAilS

Build Smart understands that sometimes acronyms and terms can be confusing. MechC, PIP, BIM, WTU – what do these mean? Well, we’re here to lend a helping hand. Here are the schemes under the CPCF.

productivity improvement project (pip) Scheme

If you’re looking to improve the work processes at your company, then PIP is the scheme for you. PIP covers a range of facilities – manpower, equipment, material, software, consultancy services and intellectual property acquisition costs – that aims improve your on-site productivity by at least 20%.

Firms that implement selected construction systems, such as system formwork and climbing scaffold, or use materials such as self-compacting concrete, gypsum board or other similar drywall systems used in residential projects and prefabricated bathrooms, will also receive higher funding.

who is it for?

Developers, consultants, contractors, suppliers and other construction-related companies.

examples:

level Subsidy

Firm > Up to 50% funding of project cost > Capped at S$100,000 per

application Prefabricator > Up to 50% funding of project cost

> Capped at S$500,000 per application generally

Group (joint project by at least two unrelated companies)

> Up to 50% funding of project cost > Capped at $500,000 per application

Industry (led by public agency with at least two unrelated companies)

> Up to 70% funding of project cost > Capped at S$1 million per

application (for private sector companies only)

PIP funding could help you implement better work processes.

mechanisation credit (mechc) Scheme

If you’re looking to reduce the cost of technology adoption through the purchase or lease of equipment, then MechC is the scheme for you. Once you can demonstrate a 20% productivity increase for your construction project through a technological switch, MechC is yours for the taking.

who is it for?

Contractors, specialist contractors and subcontractors.

examples:

equipment cost (purchase) Subsidy (capped at S$200,000 per company)

For equipment costing S$100,000 or less (e.g. scissor lift, automated wheel washer)

Up to 50% or S$20,000 grant per application (whichever is lower)

For equipment costing S$100,000 or more (e.g. tower crane, concrete pump)

Up to 20% or S$100,000 grant per application (whichever is lower)

equipment cost (lease) Subsidy (capped at S$50,000 per company)

For leasing equipment which costs S$30,000 or less

Up to 50% or S$6,000 grant (whichever is lower)

For leasing equipment which costs S$30,000 or more

Up to 20% or S$30,000 grant (whichever is lower)

Construction equipment could be yours at a reduced cost.

17iSSue 05 > build SmArt

building information modelling (bim) fund

If your company is looking to use BIM software to improve productivity, the BIM fund might be just the assistance your business needs. Firms can apply up to three times for either of the mentioned schemes.

who is it for?

Consultancies and construction firms.

examples:

level Subsidy (capped at S$105,000 per firm)

Firm > Up to 50% for training, software and hardware acquisition/leasing costs

> Capped at S$20,000 per applicationProject Collaboration

> Up to 50% for training, consultancy, software and hardware acquisition /leasing costs

> Capped at S$210,000 per project, and a cap of S$35,000 per discipline*

* discipline refers to architects, C&S engineers, M&E engineers, QS, PM & contractors.

The BIM software could save you time and money.

workforce training and upgrading (wtu) Scheme

If you’re looking to upgrade and retain your loyal employees, the WTU scheme is just for you. This scheme co-funds the cost of skills assessment and selected training courses for tradesmen, foremen, supervisors and local Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs).

who is it for?

Industry firms who wish to upgrade their workers.

examples:

courses and Assessment Subsidy

> CoreTrade Familiarisation Courses (FC)

> Skills Assessment (SA) > Selected courses for

supervisors and local PMETs

> Workers get to enjoy up to 80% subsidy for course and assessment fees

> Local PMETs get to enjoy up to 50% subsidy on course fees

bcA-industry built environment Scholarship

If your business is looking for new blood to rejuvenate your firm, wait no more. The BCA-Industry Built Environment Scholarship will help you attract better calibre students to join the industry by subsidising your scholarship offer.

who is it for?

Industry firms.

examples:

type of Scholarship Subsidy

Scholarships for undergraduates studying in built environment courses

> 50% of the annual scholarship sum

> Capped at S$7,000 for each scholar per year

With the WTU scheme, your staff will always be at the top of their game.

All you need to know About cpfcIf you wish to know more about any of the CPFC schemes, please do not hesitate to contact BCA.

contAct detAilS: mechanisation credit SchemeMs Tan Mui Kheng (Tel: 6325 5067)E-mail: [email protected]

productivity improvement project SchemeMs Ng Geok Kuan (Tel: 6325 5068)E-mail: [email protected]

workforce training & upgrading SchemeMs Angelic Loh (Tel: 6325 2096) E-mail: [email protected]

building information modelling fundMs Cindy Liew (Tel: 6325 1107)E-mail: [email protected]

bcA-industry built environment Scholarship SchemeMs Tan Hoon Wee (Tel: 6325 5027)E-mail: [email protected]

For any enquiries, please call the CPCF hotline: 1800-325 5050.

You may also visit http://www.bca.gov.sg/ cpcf/cpcf.html to find out more.

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22 build SmArt > iSSue 05

Facilitating the chAngeSingapore’s construction industry is on the threshold of change – a change to make local construction more labour-efficient and more technologically-savvy. But before BCA can implement all that good stuff, it needs to go back to the beginning – to the place where all construction ideas take shape. And BCA intends to do just that – with mandatory plan submissions in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) format.

The vision of a residential block of flats or a nice-looking industrial factory all begin at the same place – it all begins with an idea. The realisation and actualisation also comes from a similar place – the plan and the engineering software – that makes building a dream possible, and more importantly, calculable.

BCA is at a stage where it wants to revolutionise the construction industry. But to do so, it needs to start at beginning – it needs to change the way construction ideas are envisioned and measured in the planning stages.

And BCA intends to do just that. With a five-year plan to have the industry make the software switch, BCA aims to see wider use of BIM by 2015, with the public sector taking the lead as early as 2012.

23iSSue 05 > build SmArt

BIM, a 3D modelling tool that enables construction firms to visualise building designs better, detect design problems early and enhance planning and coordination, will eventually become the mandatory format for all plan submissions for projects with a gross floor area (GFA) of more than 5,000m2 by 2015.

what will bcA do to help the industry to facilitate this change?

BCA has already developed a set of BIM submission templates to help professionals and companies get acquainted with BIM since January 2010. In fact, companies can now develop and submit their plans in BIM format electronically.

BCA is also working with BuildingSMART Singapore – a non-profit alliance of the building industry – to develop a design-objects library and project collaboration guidelines for professionals by early 2012.

For most companies though, the key consideration would be the cost of the transition. Don’t worry though – BCA has introduced the BIM fund to help local companies with BIM-related costs like hardware, software and training.

Companies can get up to 50% of the costs for training, consultancy, software and hardware acquisition and leasing costs. Capped at S$20,000 per discipline, individual companies can apply to use the fund thrice. Collaborating companies have their applications capped at S$210,000 per project, with each BIM discipline capped at S$35,000.

whAt iS bim?

BIM, a 3D modelling tool, enables all parties in the construction value chain to visualise the design better, detect design problems early, and enhance planning and coordination among building professionals. It has consistently helped companies to save time and costs for their building projects.

“ BCA’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) Fund has also started to attract interest from the industry… To steer the industry towards adopting BIM, BCA will require electronic submissions of architectural, structural and M&E plans using BIM for regulatory approval by 2015, starting with architectural submissions in 2013. The public sector will drive BIM adoption by working towards specifying BIM as a requirement in new building projects from next year.”

ms grace fu Senior Minister of State for National Development

24 build SmArt > iSSue 05

It takes more than steel to frame something as visionary as the Marina Bay Sands. It takes courage and skill. More importantly, it takes knowledge.

By strengthening three core areas of study – Foundation Skills, Technical Knowledge and Craft skills – the Trade Diploma in Structural Steel Works will guide you through a range of theoretical subjects like Construction Technology, Computer-Aided-Design, Communication and Supervisory skills, Piling Works, Steel Structures Construction and Welded Connection.

Lasting a total of 567 hours, the programme also includes hands-on modules like gas cutting, hot bending, welding and joining of steel members. After the programme, you will become part of a skilled, knowledge-based and decisive workforce that will build modern-day steel structures like the Marina Bay Sands.

For more information, please call BCA Academy at 6248 9999. You can also email our friendly staff at [email protected].

With its many international accolades, the Marina Bay Sands is the talk of town. But do you know what it takes to design and build the Marina Bay Sands? The Trade Diploma Programme in Structural Steel Works can show you the ropes.

Hands-on training on erecting a steel structure

by lim peng hwee

coretrAde: the trAde diplomA progrAmme in STRUCTURAL STEEL WORKS

for enQuirieS, plS contAct:

bcA AcAdemytel: 6248 9999, emAil: [email protected]

ride on the productivity wAve BY SIGNING UP FOR THESE COURSES

conStruction productivity And cApAbility fund (cpcf) courSeS

> Certificate in Interior Finishing Coordination

> Certificate in Pavement Construction and Maintenance

> Certificate in Precast Concrete Construction Supervision

> Certificate in Waterproofing Supervision

> Certificate in Building Measurement

> Certificate in Geotechnical Instrumentation for Supervisors

> Certificate in Levelling and Setting Out

> Certificate Course for Structural Steel Supervisors

> NBQ in Project Supervision

> Higher NBQ in Project Supervision

> Advanced NBQ in Project Supervision

> NBQ in Supervision and Coordination of M&E Works

> Higher NBQ in Supervision and Coordination of M&E Works

> Advanced NBQ in Supervision and Coordination of M&E Works

> NBQ in Operation & Maintenance

> Higher NBQ in Operation & Maintenance

> Advanced NBQ in Operation & Maintenance

16 new courSeS Are now AvAilAble.

50% to 80% of the trAining coSt cAn be SubSidiSed under the cpcf Scheme.

the additional courses are:

Specialist diplomas (pmets)

> Building Information Modelling (BIM)

certificate courses (pmets)

> Project Management for Professionals in the Building and Construction Industry (in collaboration with SPM)

> Construction Productivity Management (in collaboration with SCAL)

> Design of Precast Concrete Structures for Engineers

> Workshop on Site Management of Precast Concrete Construction

trade diplomas (foremen / Supervisors)

> Structural Steel Supervision

> Reinforced Concrete Supervision

> Plumbing Technology

> Electrical Technology

certificate courses (tradesmen / foremen)

> Builders Cert in Plumbing and Pipefitting

> SEC(K) in Precast Concrete Components Erection

> SEC(K) in Structural Steel Fitting

> SEC(K) in Interior Drywall Installation

> System Formwork Training

> Mechanical Elevated Work Platform

conStruction productivity And cApAbility fund (cpcf)

technology Adoption

For more information, please call the CPCF toll-free hotline at 1800-325 5050

mechAniSAtion credit (mechc) Scheme

Provides assistance to companies to defray up to 50% (S$100,000) of machinery cost

productivity improvement proJect (pip) Scheme

Encourages companies to build up their work processes to achieve productivity gains with up to 50% to 70% (S$100,000 to S$1 million) co-funding

building informAtion modelling (bim) fund

Provides assistance to companies to incorporate BIM into their work processes to offer new value-added services with up to 50% co-funding (S$20,000 to S$210,000)