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The primary aim of this research is to solve the timetabling optimisation problem of bus service with multiple bus types consideration. A bus timetabling optimisation model with bi-objective functions is constructed. The first objective is to minimize the total bus dwell time for all bus stops along the route. The second objective is to minimize the total passenger waiting time for all passengers at all bus stops. Both objectives are considered simultaneously in the model by using weighted optimisation model with one objective function. Genetic algorithm is used to decide the bus departure time and type of bus used for every trip. Moreover, the passenger demand distribution is used to simulate the bus dwell time at all bus stops in the algorithm. Real-life bus passenger data such as passenger demand is used to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed timetable and the productiveness of the timetabling optimisation model. The proposed optimal bus timetable from optimisation model is able to reduce the total dwell time by 14.88% and the total passenger waiting time by 23.55% compared with the bus timetable currently used. The result shows that the constructed bus timetabling optimisation model is effective to provide a reliable bus timetable by balancing the benefits between the bus passengers and operators.

This study provides a performance analysis of using a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) to supply water for toilet flushing and garden watering, with reference to a student accommodation hall in the University of Nottingham Malaysia in Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia. Three different models were used in this analysis, in which the monthly analysis was based on the mass-balance approach, while the daily analysis was based on the yield before spillage and yield after spillage algorithms to define the tank release rule based on different sizes of storage tank (i.e. 3, 5, 7 and 10 m3). The performances of the various storage tanks were presented for water saving and reliability. The monthly analysis found promising results of collectable water on the demand, in which the average reliability is higher than 50%. Also, the daily water balance simulation verified the results from the monthly analysis. A cost analysis was performed that the best storage rainwater harvesting tank size was 10 m3 for the combined demand of toilet flushing and garden watering. Based on the findings, the proposed implementation of RWHS in the chosen campus university was reliable, not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable.

Big data have rapidly developed as a viable solution to many problems faced in engineering industries. Specifically, in the industry of water resource engineering, where there is a tremendous amount of data, various big data techniques could be applied to achieve innovative and efficient solutions for the industry. This study reviewed the proposal of big data as potential approaches to solve various difficulties encountered in managing water resources and related applications in Malaysia. The advantages and disadvantages of big data applications have also been discussed along with a brief literature review and some examples of case studies.

Numerical investigation is conducted to study the thermal performance of a double layer microchannel heat sink (DLMCHS) with the feature of interrupted flow in the bottom layer. The bottom layer has two transverse microchambers in which staggered triangular ribs are added to provide flow disruption. The width of the triangular ribs was varied to understand the effects of fluid flow and heat transfer. The thermal performance of the DLMCHS is evaluated relative to the plain non-interrupted DLMCHS using a dimensionless ratios of average Nusselt number. It is found that the heat transfer rate can be increased with the larger width of front triangular ribs as well as larger width of back triangular ribs, potentially yielding up to 41% enhancement relative to the plain non-interrupted MCHS. The results show that the staggered arrangement of triangular ribs in microchamber can be designed to play a role to divert and converge the flow to achieve better mixing in addition to the advantage of higher heat transfer surface area.

Malaysia is one of the few developing countries rich in natural resources and it aims to achieve a high renewable energy penetration by the end of 2030. Malaysia’s energy sectors are rapidly evolving due to increasing energy demand in the country. Therefore, the use and development of renewable energy should be emphasized, not only to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel resources, but also to reduce the impact of fossil fuels on climate change. This study aims to comprehensively review renewable energy resources and non-renewable energy resources that can be utilised at least possible costs. Malaysia currently relies heavily on fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal and crude oil for its energy production. This paper explores the energy sector in Malaysia in broad terms, and particularly examines the diversification of its energy production to achieve a least cost configuration. The roles of renewable energy and nuclear energies as alternatives to close the gap of depleting fossil fuels and growing energy demands to improve energy supply security in fuel diversification are also explored using system dynamics to provide a clear understanding of the least cost option for an optimum energy penetration for Malaysia.

Light Rail Transit (LRT) is one of the sustainable transports which is highly promoted by Malaysian government with the intention to ease traffic congestion. However, it is observed that a few of LRT stations in Klang Valley are underutilised and have lesser amount of user. Location of the stations should not be a reason for this as they are usually strategically located and designed to encourage their surrounding residents to commute by walking. Instead, inadequacy of proper pedestrian infrastructure and facility is considered as one of the main factors that affects the commuters’ choice when choosing their mode of transport. The infrastructure design and facility can be measured and evaluated with the Pedestrian Walkability Index. This paper introduces the concept of Pedestrian Walkability Index as a measurement tool for pedestrians’ mode of choice. A new assessment form was created and customised for this purpose by adopting the Krambeck’s Global Walkability Index. Subsequently, three LRT stations were reviewed based on this assessment form and the results for each LRT station were presented. Results showed that Station Asia Jaya has the highest Walkability Index (3.36), followed by Station Sri Rampai (3.15) and Station Miharja (3.08). Results also showed that as the Walkability Index increases, the amount of pedestrian increases as well. The equation for the Pedestrian Conversion factor was found to be y = 9266.5x − 28,014. This can be used as a guide for future LRT station refurbishment project as well as new train station development projects.

Competitive tendering was one of the main procurement methods for construction projects in the 20th century. Due to the disadvantages such as impacts of design change, quality of final products etc., continuous application of this tendering method to construction projects has become quite arguable. This research has examined and compared clients’ view and contractors’ view on competitive tendering in the Sudan construction industry. Considering their opposite positions in relation to competitive tendering, clients and contractors have been compared. 16 comprehensive questions were asked. The outcome shows that there is virtually no difference between clients’ view and contractors’ view in competitive tendering. Therefore, competitive tendering may be still efficient and effective in the 21st century as both parties are well aware of the advantages and disadvantages. Further researches are required possibly in other countries to verify the findings of this research.

Technology transfer in the international construction industry is an important source as it helps companies move to better stages of design and construction capabilities. Three main barriers of technology transfer in construction have been identified through literature review—language barrier, cultural barrier and procurement options. The importance of these barriers has been identified through survey in the construction industry in Iran and Malaysia. 102 responses were received. Through SPSS analysis, the impacts of these barriers have been identified. The impact percentages are: language barrier 12.1%, cultural barrier 52.8% and procurement options 88.3%. Future researches are required in procurement options particularly in developing countries.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming a new requirement for a successful business in the 21st century. This trend continues to be strengthened throughout the industry and the construction industry cannot be exceptional. Extensive literature reviews on CSR in the construction industry have been conducted to find out the current status. Ten leading construction companies in the global construction market have been selected and their CSR reports have been analysed in five broad areas—“Leadership, visions and values”, “Workforce activities”, “Stakeholder engagement”, “Community activities”, and “Environmental activities”. Five-Malaysian construction companies have been selected, each representing a different range of turnovers to reflect the industry wide perspective. Comparisons have been made between global companies and Malaysian companies, resulting in large gaps between these two groups. Qualitative interviews have been conducted with the executives of the Malaysian companies to identify the causes of the gaps. The interview questions included CSR reporting, funding, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), challenges of CSR implementation, roles of government, CSR initiatives, future CSR activities, etc. CSR commitments of global construction companies have been identified and the current status of CSR of Malaysian companies has been grasped. The comparison shows that Malaysian companies lag behind global companies in almost all aspects of CSR. The obstacles have been found out to be studied in future—financial constraints, management attitudes, roles of government, and the trend of CSR in the industry.

This paper presents the experimental results on the utilisation of Rice Hush Ash (RHA) as a replacement for mineral filler in asphaltic concrete pavement in Malaysia. Asphaltic concrete mixes containing RHA at different amounts and control specimens were prepared in accordance to Marshall Mix design, and their performance on stability, flow and bulk density were evaluated. Optimum binder content (OBC) and voids analysis were also conducted to compare performance of RHA at different contents. Results reveal that all RHA mixes have satisfied the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) specification on wearing course in regard with Marshall Stability and Flow, especially RHA-75. This material is potentially to be used as partial or fully substitution of mineral filler (stone dust) in pavement construction.

Corporate ethics and business ethics are becoming new requirements for a successful business in the 21st century. This trend continues to be strengthened throughout the industries and the construction industry cannot be exceptional. This research provides a practical framework of ethical decision making for construction together with the perceptions of construction professionals in respect to ethics and culture. A project factor approach is incorporated in the framework to reflect the unique feature of construction. The framework is based on Agent (virtue ethics) - Action (deontology) Results (consequentialism) model and the stakeholder concept of construction projects. The framework also intends to identify the ethical directions either mean-oriented or end-oriented. The effectiveness of the framework has been proved through a survey with construction professionals in Malaysia. The survey also includes cultural dimensions as ethic is a subset of culture. The outcomes of the survey shows that the construction professional in Malaysia are slightly more mean-oriented than end-oriented, and their cultural dimensions are more power oriented (PDI), more individualistic (IDV) and more masculine (MAS) compared to the Malaysia national level cultural dimensions.

Risk management is one of the most important areas in project management particularly in the construction industry. However it is not possible to analyze all of the potential risks as it will require too much time and effort. Therefore in order to identify and analyze the significant risks, the risks should be categorized and ranked. This research applied the concept of risk significance index score to construction projects in Malaysia. A comprehensive list of 40-potential risks has been developed through literature review and an interview survey. A questionnaire survey was conducted to produce project risk significance index score for the risks. The ranks of the risks have been identified and solutions for the significant risks have been produced through interviews. This research proves the practical use of risk significance index score for construction projects in Malaysia.

Cost estimating is one of the most important areas in construction project management.Three are various ways to do cost estimating with different efficiencies and possibly with differentaccuracies. In addition it is a complicated process including various activities. Standardized pricebooks will help improve the process and accuracy of cost estimating. However there is no publishedprice book in the Malaysia construction industry. This research has investigated and identified thecurrent practice of estimating in the Malaysia construction industry together with the possibilities ofintroducing a price book to the industry. Primary methods of estimating, efficiency of the currentmethods, significance of activities related to estimating, factors affecting the accuracy of estimatingare investigated through a survey. Further the obstacles in introducing a price book have beenidentified. The survey participants agree that the government should initiate the introduction of a pricebook in the Malaysia construction industry. The outcomes of this research can be also used to improvethe competitive advantages of quantity surveyors, consulting engineers/architects and contractors inrespect to cost estimating for construction projects in Malaysia.

In view of the importance of recycled aggregates concrete with primary aim to minimise environmental impacts from construction waste, this study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of recycled aggregates on concrete elastic modulus. The outcomes indicate that type of recycled aggregates influences the development of concrete elastic modulus. In general, the use of recycled aggregates posts significant reductions in concrete elastic modulus.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature on stiffness modulus of asphaltic concrete. The asphaltic concrete mixture were prepared based on Marshall Mix Design method using two different types of bitumen, the 80/100 penetration grade bitumen (80/100 PGB) and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), both with five percent bitumen content. Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus (ITSM) test of 1000 N loading was then performed at three different temperatures (25 °C, 30 °C and 40 °C). The results showed that stiffness modulus decreases with increases in temperature for both 80/100 PGB and SBS, which shows the important role of temperature to stiffness modulus of asphaltic concrete. Also, the results showed a higher stiffness modulus for SBS mixtures compare to that of 80/100 PGB mixtures.

In view of the importance of undergraduate students professional attributes development in higher education, this study was conducted in order to investigate the effectiveness and relevancy of the two years undergraduate studies pre-requisite for industrial internships. The outcomes indicate that the two years conducing learning environments provided have been effective in stimulating cognitive learning and motivate students for ethical practice that fulfilled the industrial expectations.

Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, and they are always at risk when making their daily trips. Hence, roadway design and traffic’ control devices need to consider pedestrians’ safety. Pedestrian walking speed is fundamental to any roadway and traffic’ control design. Unfortunately, no specific guidelines exist for pedestrian crossing speed in Malaysia. The ultimate goals of this research are to establish the local pedestrian crossing speed and to identify the contributing factors. A total of 1579 samples on pedestrian crossing speed were collected at signalized and non-signalized crosswalks. The Bi-variate analysis (chi-square test) was carried out to study statistically the association of the contributing factors. The Bi-variate analysis shows that crosswalk type, age and gender significantly contribute to pedestrian speed in Malaysia. However, lighting (daytime and night-time) and race are not contributing to the pedestrians’ speed. Besides, pedestrians at non-signalized crosswalk have significantly faster crossing speed than at signalized crosswalk. Chi-square test also showed that children pedestrians are the fastest group, and elderly pedestrians are the slowest group in terms of pedestrian crossing speed. Moreover, male pedestrians have significantly faster crossing speed than female pedestrians do.

This paper explored the factors influencing commuter’s preferences of using park and ride (PnR), by investigating their travel mode choice behaviour, and assessing the effectiveness of PnR facilities. Binary logistic regression (BLR) was used to develop travel mode choice model which provides insight into commuter’s considerations contributing to the utilisation of PnR facility. Several scenarios were modelled to investigate the effect of policy changes on commuter’s travel mode shift, which could be essential in formulating effective strategy to promote the use of PnR. The results revealed working trip, short travel time (< 15 mins) and medium long travel distance (1–3 km), were the main considerations of commuter using PnR. The significant influencing factors were determined as travel distance from origin to departing station and from arriving distance to destination, trip purpose, frequency of using light rapid transit (LRT), education level and occupation. 3 scenarios were modelled which revealed that provision of parking subsidy, medium travel distance (around 10 km) and medium travel time (around 20 mins) encouraged commuter to use PnR while travelling in group discourage the use of PnR.