ALTERNATIVE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

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(Constraints in supply of sand): **

2.

Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked the Minister for National Development what are the strategies and efforts of the Ministry to prepare the workforce to make the transition to alternative building construction methods in view of the constraints in the supply of sand for construction works.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Indonesia announced the ban on the export of land sand on 23rd January 2007. While there are other regional sources from which we can procure land sand, it is more sustainable for the construction industry to switch to alternative construction methods and materials that rely less on the use of concrete and sand. Sustainable construction includes the use of steel, dry walls, glass and metal claddings.

Such sustainable construction practices are not totally new to our local industry. Glass and metal claddings are commonly used for the facades of buildings here. Dry wall systems are gaining popularity in residential projects. In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of buildings being constructed with steel structures, such as the National Library, Supreme Court, Changi Terminal 3, One Raffles Quay, Fusionopolis.

Nevertheless, given that concrete-based construction has been the predominant form of construction, BCA will work with the industry to ensure that the construction workforce has the necessary skill sets in sustainable construction, in particular, structural steel works. The architects and structural engineers are already trained in steel design and construction as part of their professional training, and could attend re-orientation courses, if necessary. BCA will also conduct training courses to equip the existing pool of

technical and supervisory staff as well as workers with the relevant skill sets in steel construction. In addition, BCA will certify and facilitate the entry of new foreign workers skilled in steel construction.