Types of building structure common in Malaysia - Estate Agent's Examination Part 1&2

c) Describe the types of building structures that are commonly used in the housing project development in Malaysia. (10 marks)

(25 marks, 2014 Q3)

There is a definition of "building structures" according to general convention.

Within the context of the built environment, the term ‘structure’ refers to anything that is constructed or built from interrelated parts with a fixed location on the ground. This includes buildings, but can refer to any body that is designed to bear loads, even if it is not intended to be occupied by people (engineers sometimes refer to these as 'non-building' structures – such as bridges, tunnels, and so on).

[As the question asks for types of building structures, so it is confined to structures of buildings. Most buildings in Malaysia are of the three (3) main types - Solid, Timber and Frame. These are like the examples below:

Solid - single storey houses with concrete and bricks build in Kampung.

Timber - wooden houses on stilt

Frame - high rise offices

See picture below for these three types of structures:

Concrete Single Storey Bungalow

Wooden house on stilt

High rise frame structure

Of course, most residential houses in Malaysia are constructed with Solid Concrete Structure like the picture below:

Double Storey Terrace

In his commonly found building structure, it combines reinforced concrete with bricks for most of the body and in some instances, metal and timber can be used for aesthetic values.

Metal can be found in fencing and balcony for its durability in external parts of the building. Timber are used mostly in flooring and roofing for the easier construction and on-site adjustments.

For further readings on structures, please see below]

Structures can be classified in a number of ways:

Type: