Browsing by Author "Dahanayake, KWDKC"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

item: Conference-Abstract
Developing a maintenance strategy plan to improve energy efficiency of HVAC system
(2015-04-08) Fernando, SS; De Silva, END; Dahanayake, KWDKC;
In managing energy in buildings, a greater focus has been given to the HVAC system as it generally consumes more than 50% of total energy usage in buildings. Proper maintenance had been identified as a significant factor to improve energy efficiency of HVAC systems. For instance a proper maintenance plan can save 5% - 20% of energy bills without a significant capital investment. Thus, the research aims to develop a maintenance strategic plan to improve energy efficiency of HVAC systems. Survey technique was adapted to collect data on HVAC system failures, impact of failures, frequency of each failure, significance of causes for failures and HVAC Maintenance requirements to ensure efficiency. A statistical analysis was carried out to develop a maintenance strategy plan. Maintenance strategic plan is proposed by using the preventive and predictive maintenance strategy. This proposed plan may be useful for building managers to manage energy by adopting efficient maintenance strategies.
item: Conference-Full-text
Developing a Maintenance strategy plan to improve energy efficiency of HVAC system
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2013-06) Dahanayake, KWDKC; De silva, N; Fernando, SS; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG
In managing energy in buildings, a greater focus has been given to the HVAC system as it generally consumes more than 50% of total energy usage in buildings. Proper maintenance Had been identified as a significant factor to improve energy efficiency of HVAC systems. For instance a proper maintenance plan can save 5% -20% of energy bills without a significant capital investment. Thus, the research aims to develop a maintenance strategic plan to improve energy efficiency of HVAC systems. Survey technique was adapted to collect data on HVAC system failures, impact of failures, frequency o each failure, significance of causes for failures, and HVAC maintenance requirement to ensure efficiency. A statistical analysis was carried out to develop a maintenance a strategy plan. Maintenance strategic is proposed by using the preventive and predictive maintenance strategy. This proposed plan may be useful for building managers to manage energy by adopting efficient maintenance strategies.
item: Conference-Full-text
Impact of aesthetic appearance to facilitate corporate business objectives in organisations
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2014-06) Chathuranga, DAK; De Silva, N; Dahanayake, KWDKC; Ranasinghe, M; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Fernando, NG
Aesthetic appearance is a judgment of value based on the appearance of an object. Shapes, proportions, rhythms, scale, degree of complexity, colours, and illumination are the subject matter of formal aesthetics. Aesthetics appearance is an important field in psychology as aesthetics influences the human mind and can lead to psychological reactions, both positive and negative. Creating an aesthetically distinctive identity of development will become an integrated part of the community because user’s state of mind and feeling affected by the emotional elements in design. However, this area has not been addressed in detail. Thus, this research focused to identify and analyse parameters of aesthetic appearance of buildings and their impact towards corporate business objectives of commercial organisations. The research used case study approach and two commercial buildings were selected as cases. Data were collected using semi structured interviews. Data analysis was done using content analysis. Five parameters were established to analyse the aesthetic appearance. Findings revealed that all forms and elements of aesthetic appearance are full of potentially symbolic meanings and have considerable impact on corporate business objectives. Though, there are considerable aesthetic applications as mentioned above, still there are substantial deficiencies in current practices of adaptation of aesthetical appearance for building design in Sri Lankan context.
item: Conference-Abstract
Impact of aesthetic appearance to facilitate corporate business objectives in organisations
Chathuranga, DAK; De Silva, END; Dahanayake, KWDKC; Ranasinghe, KAMK
Aesthetic appearance is a judgment of value based the appearance of an object. Shapes, proportions, rhythms, scale, degree of complexity, colours, and illumination are the subject matter of formal aesthetics. Aesthetics appearance is an important field in psychology as aesthetics influences the human mind and can lead to psychological reactions, both positive and negative. Creating an aesthetically distinctive identity of development will become an integrated part of the nmity because user’s state of mind and feeling affected by the emotional elements in design. However this area has not been addressed in detail. Thus, this research focused to identify and analyse parameters of aesthetic appearance of buildings and their impact towards corporate business objectives of commercial organisations. The research used case study approach and two commercial buildings were selected as cases. Data collected using semi structured interviews. Data analysis was done using content analysis Five parameters were established to analyse the aesthetic appearance. Findings revealed that all forms and elements of aesthetic appearance are full of potentially symbolic meanings and have considerable impact on corporate business objectives. Though, there are considerable aesthetic adaptation as mention above still tere are substantial deficiencies in current practices of adaptation of aesthetical appearance for building design in Sri Lankan context.
item: Conference-Full-text
Improving indoor air quality from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka
(2015-06-12) Dahanayake, KWDKC; Weddikkara, C
Indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes a major consideration in indoor environments as it directly affects occupants’ health and comfort. Sick building syndrome (SBS) and adverse perception on IAQ had become significant issues of poor IAQ in Sri Lankan context. These IAQ problems arise due to poorly designed, maintained, or operated ventilation systems. Further, different types of ventilation systems such as natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation have different impacts in IAQ. Yet, it is important to identify IAQ issues in order to improve IAQ through effective ventilation systems. Therefore, this research was aiming to identify IAQ issues with the intention of improving IAQ from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach based on questionnaire survey and observation were used in order to achieve the objectives. A statistical analysis was carried out to obtain findings of the research. The study revealed that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings were healthier compared to occupants in MVAC buildings.
item: Conference-Full-text
Improving indoor air quality from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2013-06) Dahanayake, KWDKC; Weddikkara, C; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG
Indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes a major consideration in indoor environments as it directly affects occupants' health and comfort. Sick building syndrome (SBS) and adverse perception on IAQ had become significant issues of poor IAQ in Sri Lankan context. These IAQ problems arise due to poorly designed, maintained, or operated ventilation systems. Further, different types of ventilation systems such as natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation have different impacts in IAQ. Yet, it is important to identify IAQ issues in order to improve IAQ through effective ventilation systems. Therefore, this research was aiming to identify IAQ issues with the intention of improving IAQ from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach based on questionnaire survey and observation were used in order to achieve the objectives. A statistical analysis was carried out to obtain findings of the research. The study revealed that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings were healthier compared to occupants in MVAC buildings.
item: Article-Abstract
Investigate fire safety aspects of high rise buildings in Sri Lanka: strategies framework
Waidyasekara, KGAS; Thilini, PGID; Dahanayake, KWDKC
High Rise Buildings (HRB) have become much popular in recent years. Due to high occupancy in high rise buildings they have become high risk type facilities in case of fire. Properly designed, maintained and operated fire protection and detection systems have become much significant in high rise buildings. Ineffective fire protection and detection systems may lead to fatal disasters. The study aims to identify and analyze fire safety management (FSM) aspects of HRB and to discover the management role in improving the FSM aspects for safe working and living environment for users of HRB. A literature review, preliminary survey, questionnaire survey and interviews were conducted to gather relevant information. The data collected from high rise condominiums, hotels, hospitals, offices and professionals from the fire service department. According to the research findings, mainly 22 FSM aspects were identified which need to be addressed in HRB. Conducting more education and training programs, providing clear signage indicating exit routes and location of fire safety equipments, and providing and maintaining a high-tech passive and active fire protection measures were identified as the top three FSM aspects in HRB in general. Finally, inspection strategies framework was proposed to assist managerial level to minimise the fire hazardous occur in HRB
item: Conference-Abstract
Living in low income condominiums : end users’ perspectives
Wijayamali, DMD; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Dahanayake, KWDKC
The demand for low income condominiums in the city of Colombo has gradually increased in the past few decades in order to provide accommodation for low income earners and resettlement of shanty dwellers with the upsurge of land values in urban areas. Living in a condominium is considerably different from living in a sovereign house. In a condominium, personal ownership is limited to interior of the unit and requires sharing responsibilities with all the unit owners for the exterior of the complex. Identifying the issues in condominiums which have been designed for the low income community> is essential to provide better living environment. Thus, it is vital to identify the satisfaction level of occupants who are settled in low income condominiums with respect to their living condition. Therefore, this study aims to fill the existing research gaps by investigating the existing living condition of condominiums which designed for low income families in terms of user satisfaction. First, a literature survey was carried out. This was followed by a comprehensive questionnaire survey as the data collection technique. Data were collected addressing the satisfaction on living condition under five main areas namely; social condition, facilities availability, management and maintenance of facilities, design and construction, and legal aspects. The results were analysed calculating the percentage values of each aspect. It was identified that 12% of occupants were only satisfied with the social condition in condominium living. In terms of satisfaction level on facilities availability, electricity, telecommunication and water received the highest percentage that is 65%, 62% and 57 % respectively. Moreover, the survey results show that occupants are dissatisfied with quality of construction work, maintenance and management aspects. Less awareness about the legal aspects was another issue among the occupants. Finally, this study suggested conducting post occupancy evaluation will provide stable and sustainable environment for future condominium developments.
item: Conference-Full-text
Living in low income condominiums: end users’ perspectives
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2014-06) Wijayamali, DMD; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Dahanayake, KWDKC; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Fernando, NG
The demand for low income condominiums in the city of Colombo has gradually increased in the past few decades in order to provide accommodation for low income earners and resettlement of shanty dwellers with the upsurge of land values in urban areas. Living in a condominium is considerably different from living in a sovereign house. In a condominium, personal ownership is limited to interior of the unit and requires sharing responsibilities with all the unit owners for the exterior of the complex. Identifying the issues in condominiums which have been designed for the low income community is essential to provide better living environment. Thus, it is vital to identify the satisfaction level of occupants who are settled in low income condominiums with respect to their living condition. Therefore, this study aims to fill the existing research gaps by investigating the existing living condition of condominiums which designed for low income families in terms of user satisfaction. First, a literature survey was carried out. This was followed by a comprehensive questionnaire survey as the data collection technique. Data were collected addressing the satisfaction on living condition under five main areas namely; social condition, facilities availability, management and maintenance of facilities, design and construction, and legal aspects. The results were analysed calculating the percentage values of each aspect. It was identified that 12% of occupants were only satisfied with the social condition in condominium living. In terms of satisfaction level on facilities availability, electricity, telecommunication and water received the highest percentage that is 65%, 62% and 57 % respectively. Moreover, the survey results show that occupants are dissatisfied with quality of construction work, maintenance and management aspects. Less awareness about the legal aspects was another issue among the occupants. Finally, this study suggested conducting post occupancy evaluation will provide stable and sustainable environment for future condominium developments.