WCS - 2024

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/22691

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Browsing WCS - 2024 by Author "Abeynayake, MDTE"

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    AI models for predicting construction disputes in Sri Lanka
    (Department of Building Economics, 2024) Kiridana, YMWHMRRLJB; Abeynayake, MDTE; Eranga, BAI; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
    Construction disputes pose persistent challenges in Sri Lanka's construction industry, leading to project delays, cost overruns, and strained professional relations. This research seeks to alleviate these issues by introducing an AI-powered predictive model designed to identify and analyse dispute risks at the project's outset. By offering proactive insights, the AI model aims to enhance decision-making and facilitate the implementation of dispute prevention strategies, thereby improving overall project outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study comprehensively examined project features contributing to disputes within the Sri Lankan context. Quantitative data on project characteristics and their correlation with dispute occurrence were gathered through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights into dispute causes and stakeholder challenges were obtained via in-depth interviews with industry experts. Through meticulous analysis of this combined data, key predictors of construction disputes were identified, including contract ambiguities, unrealistic timelines, payment delays, poor communication, and unforeseen site conditions. These findings drove the development of a machine learning-based predictive model trained to recognise patterns, predict dispute likelihoods, and suggest their nature based on identified risk factors. This innovative AI tool has the potential to revolutionise dispute management practices in Sri Lanka's construction industry. By providing stakeholders with early warnings of potential disputes, the model enables proactive mitigation strategies, such as enhanced contract drafting, optimised communication, and timely alternative dispute resolution. The long-term impact of this research extends to fostering a more collaborative and sustainable construction industry, ultimately contributing to the successful delivery of projects across Sri Lanka.
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    Incorporating digital technologies for alternative dispute resolution in the Sri Lankan construction industry
    (Department of Building Economics, 2024) Abeywickrama, APTM; Abeynayake, MDTE; Eranga, BAI; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
    The Construction Industry (CI) faces disputes that cause several negative impacts such as project delays and cost overruns. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods are often recommended in resolving disputes due to their time and cost efficiency. However, with the technological advancements of the CI, it is necessary to incorporate Digital Technologies (DT) for effective dispute resolution. Thus, the study aims to explore the applications of DT in ADR in the CI to address the challenges in the Sri Lankan context. The research aim was accomplished through a quantitative approach by conducting a questionnaire survey with the participation of 37 respondents. Collected data was analysed through descriptive analysis. The findings identified three major causes of construction disputes in the Sri Lankan context contract-related factors, financial and economic factors, and task factors. Further, negotiation was found the most commonly used ADR method in Sri Lanka followed by arbitration and adjudication. Findings indicated that DT such as MS Office Packages, Virtual Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have high levels of effectiveness in enhancing ADR processes. BIM and Virtual ODR were highly valued for their ability to facilitate visualisation and remote dispute resolution respectively. The study suggests that DT applications can significantly improve ADR processes, enhancing efficiency and decision-making in dispute resolution, and calls for further research on global applicability and ethical implications.
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    Role of prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction in enhancing construction productivity: Sri Lankan perspective
    (Department of Building Economics, 2024) Madushan, F; Abeynayake, MDTE; Illeperuma, IE; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
    Low productivity is an inherent characteristic of the construction industry. Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) is widely acknowledged for its high level of productivity. Thus, this study focuses on increasing the Construction Productivity (CP) in Sri Lanka through the implementation of PPVC. Herein, the research objectives are to explore the role of PPVC in increasing the CP and investigate the barriers to implementing PPVC in Sri Lanka. The research aim was accomplished by collecting data through expert interviews and analysing it through manual content analysis. Findings revealed that in Sri Lanka, the average CP rate can be doubled by implementing PPVC. Overall, PPVC increases the CP by reducing labour, accelerating project duration, making project management much more effective and minimising wastage. Nonetheless, the use of PPVC is relatively limited in Sri Lanka. The high initial cost is the main barrier to the adoption. Findings identified the necessity of specialised machinery, production plants, and skilled labour as the main cost drivers. Complications and high costs in transporting PPVC modules are critical barriers to the implementation of PPVC in Sri Lanka. Additionally, less demand, lack of technical expertise and less enthusiasm for research and development act as barriers. Most of the contractors do not have the technical capability needed for PPVC. Moreover, less governmental support and material shortages hinder the adoption of PPVC. Having an in-depth understanding of the barriers forms the foundation to tailor strategies and overcome the challenges. Accordingly, this research sheds light on the realm of concurring PPVC in Sri Lanka.
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    Smart contract applications for mitigating disputes in the construction industry
    (Department of Building Economics, 2024) Bandara, RMOH; Abeynayake, MDTE; Illeperuma, IE; Eranga, BAI; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
    Disputes frequently arise in construction projects due to the complexity of the processes and challenging environment, resulting in cost overruns, delays, wastage, and low productivity. Thus, the Construction Industry (CI) is enthusiastic about innovative dispute mitigation measures by incorporating digital technologies. Consequently, Smart Contracts (SCs) have emerged as a pioneering approach to digitise construction contracts and thereby mitigate construction disputes. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate the applications of SCs to mitigate disputes in the Sri Lankan CI. The research aim was approached through an explanatory mixed method. Initially, a questionnaire survey was carried out to collect quantitative data which was followed by qualitative expert interviews. Quantitative data were statistically analysed through Mean Weighted Average (MWA) and Relative Importance Index (RII) whereas qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The study identified the root causes of construction disputes in the Sri Lankan context as poorly written contracts, poor preparation and approval of drawings, lack of communication and coordination, poor supervision and site management, and contain of contradictory and inaccurate information in the contract documents. The findings highlighted that SCs can significantly reduce construction disputes by replacing ambiguous processes with clear, automated processes. By linking payments to milestones, storing project data transparently, and potentially triggering actions based on safety or quality data, SCs streamline communication, ensure everyone plays by the agreed-upon rules, and thereby minimise disputes. Future researchers are suggested to explore the practical challenges and strategies for implementing SCs in the Sri Lankan CI.