Building Condition Assessment

Objectives of the BCA Program

The BCA program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is developed with the following objectives:

• To determine the current physical condition of all relevant campus buildings.

• To develop a comprehensive and centralized building inventory management system.

• To support the Asset Management Division in evaluating current asset values.

• To enable data-driven planning for maintenance, refurbishment, and retrofitting works.

• To ensure compliance with legal and safety requirements under national regulations.

Scope of Assessment

The assessment covers a variety of building types and facilities within the UTM campus. These include:

• Student Accommodations (residential colleges and hostels)

• Academic Buildings (lecture halls, tutorial rooms, and laboratories)

• Administrative Facilities (offices for faculty and university administration)

• Support Buildings such as:

  • Cafeterias and dining facilities

  • Sports complexes and recreation centers

  • Health clinics and medical support buildings

The prioritization of student accommodation buildings reflects the university's commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive living environment for its students.

Methodology

The BCA process is conducted in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) developed by the Forensic Engineering Centre (FEC), UTM. The methodology is divided into two stages:

Visual Inspection

A preliminary examination focusing on visible signs of deterioration, such as:

• Cracking and surface deformations

• Water ingress or leakage

• Structural settlements

• Rusting and corrosion

Detailed Inspection (Conditional)

Performed only when critical defects are identified during the visual inspection. This stage includes:

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) such as:

  • Ultrasonic pulse velocity testing

  • Rebound hammer testing

  • Moisture content measurements

  • Thermographic imaging

These methods allow for the evaluation of hidden structural issues without causing damage to the building.

Data Analysis and Risk Evaluation

All findings are catalogued and assessed to determine the severity and potential consequences of the detected defects. The analysis supports the following activities:

• Classification of building condition based on standardized rating systems

• Estimation of remaining service life

• Prioritization of repair and maintenance tasks based on risk level

• Projection of future maintenance budgets

This enables the university to allocate resources more efficiently and address the most critical issues in a timely manner.

The Building Condition Assessment program at UTM is a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing the quality, safety, and performance of university infrastructure. By adopting a systematic approach supported by technical expertise from the Forensic Engineering Centre (FEC), the university ensures that its physical assets are managed sustainably and in compliance with national regulations. The outcomes of this program will serve as a cornerstone for long-term strategic planning, efficient resource allocation, and optimal facility management.

For further understanding of the Building Condition Assessment (BCA) process, feel free to watch the following Youtube video playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkaHdE-BxR5VXIuH1x0ZZ1Lnht0R6pl02