CHAPTER 2
OVERVIEW ON IBS
2.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter will cover on the basic theories of the Industrialised Building System like the definitions, characteristics, types and the advantages of IBS. All of the information is important in improving on the understanding of this industrialised building system, in general.

2.1 DEFINITIONS Researches have interpreted IBS differently according to their understanding. Thus, resulting in various definitions of IBS. Among the early ones is Junid (1986) who proposed that IBS is a process by which the building components are planned, conceived, fabricated at the factory, and being transported and erected on site. The system has both the software and hardware, including system design, which is a complex process of studying the requirement of the end user, the market analysis as well as the development of the standardized component. Another researcher named Paris (1997) defined IBS as a system that uses an industrialised production technique, either in the production of component or during the assembly of building, or both.

In addition, IBS is defined as a construction process that utilises techniques, products, components, or building system that involves prefabrication work, be it off-site or on site, under controlled environment, and being transported, positioned, and on-site installation with minimum site works. This definition is defined by the IBS roadmap (2003). Besides, other researches named Rahman and Omar (2006) have defined IBS as, the pre-fabricated components that are used to build a construction system. The components are manufactured systematically using machines, formworks and other forms of mechanical equipment. They are manufactured off-site and once completed, they will be delivered to construction sites for assembly and erection. While Chung and Kadir (2007) interpreted IBS as a mass