Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s tallest building, stands as a towering symbol of the nation’s progress and ambition on the global stage. Located at a historic site overlooking Stadium Merdeka, where the country’s independence was declared, this skyscraper beautifully melds historical significance with contemporary design. Sited within the prestigious Merdeka 118 precinct, the mixed-use development is built and owned by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB).

Merdeka 118 was inspired by Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj’s iconic hand gesture from 1957 during the declaration of the country’s independence, and the building features a multifaceted diamond-shaped façade and a distinctive spire. It houses a dynamic mix of a hotel, office spaces and retail outlets, topped by Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck. The iconic design is credited to Australian architect Fender Katsalidis who teamed up with the global multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design group RSP.

According to YTL Cement’s Construction Development Lab general manager (technical) Lim Tze Liang, the monumental project is a culmination of meticulous planning, innovative engineering and collaborative effort. “From conception to completion, the construction involved expert engineers, architects, designers, project managers, building materials providers and more, who operated like clockwork to realise this ambitious vision.”

He adds that the development of various bespoke materials, including the ECOConcrete formulated for high early strength and durability, serve as essential components for the construction of the building.

Lim explains that due to its height, Merdeka 118 necessitated bespoke concrete formulations to meet its exacting requirements.

“The project employed a unique blend of ECOConcrete designed to achieve high early strength within just 12 hours of pouring. This ECOConcrete not only met structural demands but was also aligned with sustainability goals,” he says.

Meanwhile, the raft foundation of Merdeka 118 - a crucial element for skyscrapers - demanded a substantial supply of concrete with exceptional strength and durability.

“A staggering 20,000 cubic metres, equivalent to eight Olympic-size swimming pools, were poured into a 4m-thick raft foundation. Precision and efficiency were paramount during this phase, requiring strict quality control and meticulous logistical coordination to ensure seamless execution,” he continues.

“As a 118-storey structure, Merdeka 118 required Ultra High Strength cast-in-situ concrete with a compressive strength of G105mpa and a high modulus of elasticity. This bespoke concrete solution allows for less steel reinforcement and gives the structure the flexibility to withstand strong winds. This project has set the precedent with the highest cast in-situ concrete grade ever utilised in the country.”

Lim points out that another remarkable feat and logistical triumph by YTL Cement was the development of a single-stage pumping of concrete from ground level to heights of up to 500m.

“YTL Cement is committed to advancing sustainability in Malaysia’s construction industry. In promoting a circular economy, we prioritise giving building materials a second life while ensuring consistent quality that customers can rely on,” says Lim.

Concerning the notion that environmentally friendly solutions like ECOConcrete cannot achieve high early strength, he clarifies that this misconception has been decisively debunked through its work on Merdeka 118.

As he puts it succinctly, “YTL Cement delivered ECOConcrete with up to 70% cementitious material replacement, achieving early strength within 12 hours. This achievement stands as a testament to the efficacy of ECOConcrete, showcasing its ability to match or even surpass conventional concrete performance.”

He adds that ECOConcrete is also capable of performing under low-temperature conditions.

This level of commitment to innovation extends to other products in the ECOConcrete range: EcoBuild, SuperBuild, FlowBuild and RapidBuild, each designed not only to meet performance standards but also to significantly enhance environmental sustainability.

The project demanded meticulous attention at every stage. “The YTL Cement team implemented stringent quality control measures, conducting daily micro-concrete tests and rigorous concrete trials to ensure consistent supply quality. Weekly reports on mortar prism strength and Blaine fineness were generated, underscoring our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards throughout the project,” says Lim.

Additionally, YTL Cement’s large and dedicated team of experienced experts (in tandem with other delivery partners) ensured the accuracy of every test and report while proactively addressing any challenges to keep the project on course.

“Meanwhile, pumping simulations were done to guarantee flawless concrete delivery, a critical factor given the project’s height and environmental requirements,” he says.

In ensuring consistent material quality and supply of eco-friendly concrete capable of performing under low-temperature conditions, two silos were dedicated to cement supply, which were crucial to achieving the required temperatures, Lim explains.

Being a vertically integrated entity, YTL Cement was able to have full control over the entire production process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products. “This integration enabled us to qualify all materials during the production and reception phases, safeguarding the quality and integrity of our products from start to finish,” he says.

The Merdeka 118 project is groundbreaking in many aspects. “YTL Cement brought together the right facility and key experts, introducing vertically integrated operations which demonstrated better control of the quality and process involved. Notably, the project introduced the first-of-its-kind ECOConcrete which, until today, remains the highest cast in-situ concrete grade used,” says Lim.

“Merdeka 118 is LEED Platinum certified and its towering stature underscores the country’s aspiration to reach for the skies by embracing both innovation and sustainability in modern architecture. Merdeka 118 should deservedly stand proud as it embodies the spirit of the nation’s independence and progress.”

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