Effectiveness of top-down construction method in Malaysia

Abstract

Top-down construction (TDC) method provides a significant saving in the construction time. The building sequence starts with the construction of retaining wall and the underground load bearing elements which carry the future superstructure. This research aims to evaluate the strength and weakness of TDC approach compared to the conventional bottom-up method in Malaysia through different aspects and improvements are proposed at the end of the study. The questionnaire survey is conducted with the targeted parties who are working in the construction industry. 102 respondents have been responded to the survey. Then, a TDC project in the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) is selected as the case study in this research. Project information and interview sessions are conducted with the person in charge of the project to obtain an in-depth understanding of the constraints of this method. Survey results show that TDC method is safer for deep underground construction and lesser effects to the surrounding buildings in Malaysia. However, training is required for the contractors to increase the project efficiency. Conclusively, some improvements should be adopted when top-down method inevitably becomes a tendency in the construction industry in Malaysia.