IKEA Cheras, one of Malaysia’s prominent retail landmarks, was completed in 2015 and stands as a major addition to the region's commercial infrastructure. The project was spearheaded by IKANO Corporation, with McConnell Dowell (M) Sdn Bhd as the main contractor. The development includes expansive commercial spaces designed to house IKEA’s wide array of products, providing a strategic retail hub within Kuala Lumpur.
Scope of Work
Cergas Setia’s Involvement:
- Reinforced Concrete Raft Slab:
- Our team was responsible for constructing the reinforced concrete raft slab, ensuring a stable and robust foundation that could support the significant load of the building structure.
- Perimeter Wall:
- We constructed the perimeter wall that not only provided security and defined the boundary of the IKEA Cheras site but also integrated with the overall architectural design of the building.
- Concrete Tower Raft:
- Cergas Setia handled the construction of the concrete tower raft, a critical component that supported vertical structures and contributed to the overall stability and durability of the building.
Theoretical Challenges and Solutions
Challenges:
- Site Constraints:
- The construction site was in a busy urban area, which presented challenges related to space constraints and logistics. Managing the transportation and storage of materials required careful planning to avoid disruptions.
- Structural Integrity:
- Ensuring the structural integrity of the reinforced concrete elements was crucial, especially given the significant loads they needed to bear. This required meticulous attention to detail in the design, mixing, and placement of concrete.
- Waterproofing:
- Given Malaysia’s tropical climate, waterproofing was essential to prevent water ingress that could compromise the longevity of the structure. Achieving effective waterproofing on such a large scale posed challenges in terms of materials and techniques.
Solutions:
- Advanced Planning and Coordination:
- Through detailed planning and coordination with other contractors, we managed to optimize material delivery schedules and minimize site congestion, ensuring smooth progress.
- High-Quality Materials and Techniques:
- We employed high-quality concrete and reinforcement techniques, ensuring that all structures met stringent safety and durability standards. The use of admixtures such as Expancrete helped in creating shrinkage-compensating concrete, reducing the risk of cracking.
- Effective Waterproofing Systems:
- By using advanced waterproofing materials and methods, we ensured that the reinforced concrete structures were well protected from moisture, thus enhancing their durability and reducing maintenance needs.
This project highlights Cergas Setia’s expertise in handling complex construction challenges and delivering high-quality results in urban commercial projects