Second Draft - Reader Response on The Concrete Advantage

In the article (The Concrete advantage) written by Greenrooftops organisation taken from the website, it stated that various stakeholders will benefit from the enhancement of the greenroofs with the installation of waterproof concrete as it simplifies the design, building and maintenance processes.

The unique specialities of the waterproofing concrete yield positive outcomes. Waterproof concrete have permanent built-in waterproofing which cannot be tampered or worn out as compared to green-roof membranes during or after the construction phase. Minor defects such as cracks can be identified and reconditioned easily. In addition, defects can be rectified by adopting the polyurethane grout injection to fill up the gaps from the bottom deck and it does not damage the plant life. Application of membrane can be eliminated thus shortening the drafting process. The cost per square foot for installation not only decreases but it also lowers the overall construction cost.

The idea of adopting waterproof concrete helps elevate the prospects of different group of people. For the designers, the detailing process is shortened and hence constructions can commence earlier. Construction is also simpler, efficient and inexpensive hence increasing the value of the property for the owner.

I agree with the author that installation of the waterproof concretes results in construction time saving to a certain extent as the step to application of membrane has been eliminated prior to placement of the improved concrete structures.

Although the author mentioned that the construction may commence earlier as the design process has shortened. One factor which the contractor has to look into is the process for the production of the waterproof concrete that may incur more time to produce as compared to the original concrete, taking into consideration of the additional step of pre-mixing the waterproofing ingredients into the concrete. This may leads to longer waiting time for the arrival of the precast waterproof concrete to construction site upon placing order to the supplier. Hence, contractor has to allocate sufficient time and coordinate well in the ordering of materials process to meet the schedule for completion of the project. During the installation process, contractor may requires more time to plan and be extra cautious when lifting and placing the concrete as the improved concrete has extra loads due to the waterproofing mixtures.

In conclusion, with well coordination and detailed planning during the initial stage of construction, waterproof concrete is cost effective, less risky, environmentally friendly, having a high investment value in the long run and lower payback period can be achieved as the maintenance is lesser and easier in the future.

Summary: The Concrete Advantage

With the high initial investment of the greenroofs, various stakeholders will benefit from the enhancement of the greenroofs with the installation of waterproof concrete as it simplifies the design, building and maintenance processes.

The unique specialities of the waterproofing concrete yield positive outcomes. Waterproof concrete have permanent built-in waterproofing which cannot be tampered or worn out as compared to green-roof membranes during or after the construction phase. Minor defects such as cracks can be identified and reconditioned easily. Defects can be rectified by adopting the polyurethane grout injection repair to fill up the gaps from the bottom deck and it does not damage the plant life. Application of membrane can be eliminated thus shortening the drafting process. The cost per square foot for installation not only decreases but it also lowers the overall construction cost.

The idea of adopting waterproof concrete helps elevate the prospects of different group of people. For the designers, the detailing process is shortened and hence constructions can commence earlier. Construction is also simpler, efficient and inexpensive hence increasing the value of the property for the owner.

All in all, waterproof concrete is not only durable, but cost effective, less risky, environmentally friendly, having a high investment value in the long run and having a shortened duration for construction.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH FOR ME

In Singapore’s education system, English is a mandatory subject to be taken by all primary and secondary school students.  I am grateful and fortunate that English is introduced to me early in my preschool life from simple “ABC” rhymes being played and taught by my childhood teacher to comprehensive learning of the language in college life now.

In my tertiary education, submission of reports or assignments in English from time to time is required. Hence, mastering good English writing skills is essential as the assessors will understand the contents of my reports.  

Being worked as a Property Officer in the industry field of estate management in 2014 and 2015, I often have to liaise with various stakeholders and government agencies personnel. Therefore, having good command of English and good writing skills such as writing formal emails are important. From my past learning experiences, the relevant government’s agencies officers won’t treat my referral cases seriously if I wrote improper and broken English context to them. Poor command of English between two officers in a phone conversation may also leads to misconception of a particular case’s information resulting in time delay to get the problems solved.

English, an international language, is widely used in many parts of the world. I need to write and speak English well and will continue to improve my English language constantly in term of verbal or written through conversing and reading more in English.

My English learning journey will never end as there is a Chinese idiom that said live and learn continuously as it is never too old or too late to learn.