Browsing by Author "Ekanayake, L"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

item: Thesis-Full-text
An Analytical study of effective formwork systems for high-rise building construction in Sri Lanka
(2015-02-22) Gunatilaka, WADA; Ekanayake, L
Formwork system is the most important factor determining the project success especially, in high-rise building construction projects in terms of speed, quality cost and safety of the work as it accounts 40% of the total project cost of the structure. The contractor needs to complete the project in the shortest time possible as a means to minimise the cost and the clients wants the building to start the business as early as possible. The most effective way to speed up the works in high-rise buildings is to achieve a very short floor cycle to have the structure of typical floors completed in the shortest time. That directly depends on the selected formwork type for the particular construction project. Thus, appropriate selection of an effective formwork system is crucial factor in successfully completing any high-rise building project. Two case studies were carried out to analyse the cost for different types of formwork: modern conventional method; semi-system formwork; and, Aluminium panel system formwork use in construction projects. Case study projects were selected among high-rise buildings projects more than 25 stories which are located in Colombo metropolises in Sri Lanka. The results indicated that the cost of formwork does not directly affect to the total project cost but the type of formwork is highly affected to the total project cost especially, in high-rise building construction projects. Accordingly, the Aluminium panel system formwork reduces the project duration and hence, the total project cost and gives construction structure a very high quality finish though the Aluminium panel system is very expensive itself. Moreover, this study reveals most cost effective formwork system for high-rise buildings more than 25 stories is the Aluminium panel system comparatively. Thus, this outcome is useful to decision makers to select the most appropriate formwork system for high-rise building construction.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Application of project management concept on road and bridge construction claims
(2015-02-28) Gopallawa, T; Ekanayake, L
Road Development Authority of Sri Lanka (RDA) is the client organization for the National Roads administration operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Highways. Since 1986 up to end of 2003 most of the road and bridge construction works were handled by Road Construction and Development Co (pvt) Ltd.which was known as (RC & DC), the main contractor organization and the subsidiary of the Road Development Authority. Independent Consultants and Contractors were handling some of the road and Bridge construction works procured through competitive tenders that was mainly foreign funded projects. After the closure of RC & DC in December 2003, the works which could not be handled by RDA directly were given on contract following the procurement procedures provided in government tender guidelines. Those contracts were categorized as foreign and locally funded projects. In contracts administration claim situations are common due to disputes with parties where independent consultants administrate the works of independent contractors. The appointment of an independent consultant to work as the contract administrator is one of the important arrangements in contract Administration. It was examined in this research how far the Construction Project Management approach could be used to minimize delays in claim situation in road and bridge construction works. The main objective of this research is to study how far the Construction Project Management concepts can be used for road and bridge construction works while evaluating selected case studies to see how this concept could be applied in road and bridge construction claims. To full fill this purpose a literature survey was carried out. It was revealed that there was a necessity to appoint an independent Project Manager for large projects to take impartial decisions in the interest of both the client and the contractor. The findings are based on 7 case studies carried out in depth
item: Conference-Full-text
Developing psychological contract to sustain construction industry workforce: a review of literature
(Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2011-12) Chandradasa, V; Ekanayake, L; Ratnayake, N
Sri Lankan Construction Industry suffers due to shortage of construction labour though the country records an unemployment rate above four percent. About seven percent of the physical production workforce in the industry is above its retirement age and they still have to struggle due tounavailability of effective and lifelong social security systems(VVijewickreme and Ekanayake, 2010). For the same reason,the industry finds it difficult to attract youth and retain experienced people within the construction industry. Inability of the construction industry to retain its experienced workforce is one of the main barriers to effective technology transfer (VVeerasinghe and Ekanayake, 2011). Hence, the requirement of good human resource management practices in making the existing employees more productive and retaining them has become important. It is found that satisfied employees are those who enjoy coining to work with an attitude to excel and exhibit a sense of pride and ownership in their work (Healthcare Registration, 2007). The key issue in the formation of this employee-employer relationship is the emergence of psychological contract (Barnard, 1973). Psychological contract emerges when an individual believes that he/she owes the employer certain contributions as hard work and loyalty, in return for certain inducements as high pay, job security etc. (Rousseau, 1990).This paper discusses the theoretical background and two models of psychological contract which can be related to the physical production workers of the construction industry. This paper is prepared based on an initial literature survey on an ongoing PhD-research work in the department of Civil Engineering.
item: Article-Full-text
Development of a plastering mortar using waste bagasse and rice husk ashes with sound mechanical and thermal properties
(Elsevier, 2022) Srikanth, G; Fernando, A; Selvaranjan, K; Gamage, JCPH; Ekanayake, L
The concept of using cleaner production technologies has become prominent in the present context for achieving sustainability in construction. Incorporating agricultural waste as cement replacements has shown enhanced mechanical and durability properties of the resulting mortar. A comparative study on the mechanical, thermal and environmental performance of a newly developed lightweight mortar containing agro-wastes namely Bagasse Ash (BA) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) were investigated. Ordinary Portland Cement was partially replaced by BA at dosages of 0%, 5%, 15%, 20%, and 30% and RHA at dosages of 0%, 5%, and 15% by weight. A detailed investigation was carried out to determine the optimum material mix design which achieved good material properties. Results indicated that the addition of 30% BA as a partial replacement for cement improved the thermal performance by causing a 33% decrease in the thermal conductivity. Additions up to 30% of BA or 15% each from RHA and BA can be used to obtain mortar with compressive strengths complying with the standard values. At the same time, the combination of BA and RHA (15% each) decreased the thermal conductivity up to 31% compared to the conventional mortar. Further, the environmental assessment indicated that incorporation of BA and RHA in mortar can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., 28% reduction per kg of BA).
item: Thesis-Abstract
Exploring the project risk management in construction supply chain : of construction companies in Sri Lanka
(2015-02-08) Abeyruwan, KANV; Ekanayake, L
The shortcomings of current project risk management processes, tools and techniques, the construction industry still suffers from poor project performance. The increasingly complex and dynamic nature of projects, coupled with new procurement methods, the tendency to use risk quantification and risk response planning amongst the project team members. However, communication of construction project risks is poor, incomplete, and inconsistent throughout the construction supply chain. Project team members adopt different terminologies for describing risks, use different methods and techniques for dealing with risk analysis and management, which producing different and conflicting results, leads to poor project performance. Consequently, project members do not adequately deal with problems resulting from decisions taken elsewhere in the chain. The focus of quantitative risk analysis based on estimating probabilities and probability distributions for time and cost risk analysis, do not encourage project participants to in-depth understanding of the underlying elements and structures which constitute project risk. It does not allow the risks, problems, remedial measures, and lessons learned from previous projects to be captured and re-used when developing new projects. A common methodology for describing risks based on a hierarchical-risk breakdown structure has been identified and it provides the basis for developing a sharable knowledge-driven approach to risk management. A need for better knowledge through research is present in many of the above areas, but what seems to be especially important is the present lack of frameworks for decision support within supply chain risk. The work presented in this research is aimed to Explore the Risks Associated with Construction Supply Chain and identify a continuous risk management framework capable of enhancing the probability of project success. And also to lead the industry to establish construction supply chain risk management practices that are self-sustaining and continuously improving, effective continuous knowledge capture, re-use and learning process.
item: Thesis-Full-text
The Labour motivation of construction industry in Sri Lanka
(2015-02-23) Widanagamachchi, UC; Ekanayake, L
Construction is the fourth highest sub sector in Sri Lankan economy which contributed 8.1% of overall GDP in year 2012. Labouer is an important resource in construction because it is the one that combines all the other resources namely materials, plant and equipment, and finance in order to produce the various construction products.Labourers on civil engineering projects are frequently confronted with problems that could lead to demotivation; thus, join and retain them in construction field in Sri Lankais a key challenge. Thus, the research problem is articulated for this study as:why construction labourers do not motivate to join and retain in the construction field in Sri Lanka? Survey research methodology was used to investigate the research problem. Structured questionnaire was used data collection in this study. Sample of 60 construction labourers was obtained across construction sites of ICTAD certified medium scale construction companies, which are located in Colombo area in Sri Lanka. The phenomenon of ‘labour motivation in construction’ was examined through self-administered questionnaire. Percentage and Relative Important Index (RII) data analysis techniques were used to analyse the data. The results indicated of top six significant factors for lack of motivation for construction work force: lack of income; poor retirement benefits; difficulties in understanding technical drawings; temporary nature of the job; hard working; and, lack of social recognition; thus, most important demotivating factors in the eyes of construction workers in Sri Lanka. Mitigating these de-motivators through effective motivation strategies will increase motivation of construction labourers to join and retain in construction field; thereby, improve productivity of construction work force.
item: Conference-Full-text
Local construction companies and mega projects: foreign presence in the Sri Lankan construction industry
(Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2014-03) Jayasooriya, NK; Ekanayake, L; Hettiarachchi, MTP
The Sri Lankan Construction Industry has been booming for the past few years, with the emergence of several mega projects. Mega Projects are currently led by foreign consultancy and construction companies with the foreign aid, and this has caused several concerns in the local construction industry. This research identifies the issues and constraints relating to the local construction companies, when entering into Mega Projects. Further appropriate solutions for the identified issues have also been provided in the research, with the required justification. The research methodology comprises literature review, incorporated with a one to one discussion with the professionals in the industry, including Engineers, Architects,Managers, CEOs, Government Officials, Banking Sector representatives, Foreign Construction Company representatives, and a questionnaire survey carried out with 32 professionals related to the construction Industry. As a conclusion, the research provides the best course of action, for the two major issues identified, with justifications and the research would be a base for the future research to further conduct thorough research on the solutions identified in this research.
item: Conference-Full-text
Local Construction Companies And Mega Projects: Foreign Presence In The Srilankan Construction Industry
(2014-06-10) Jayasooriya, NK; Ekanayake, L
The Sri Lankan Construction Industry has been booming for the past few years, with the emergence of several mega projects. Mega Projects are currently led by foreign consultancy and construction companies with the foreign aid, and this has caused several concerns in the local construction industry. This research identifies the issues and constraints relating to the local construction companies, when entering into Mega Projects. Further appropriate solutions for the identified issues have also been provided in the research, with the required justification. The research methodology comprises literature review, incorporated with a one to one discussion with the professionals in the industry, including Engineers, Architects,Managers, CEOs, Government Officials, Banking Sector representatives, Foreign Construction Company representatives, and a questionnaire survey carried out with 32 professionals related to the construction Industry. As a conclusion, the research provides the best course of action, for the two major issues identified, with justifications and the research would be a base for the future research to further conduct thorough research on the solutions identified in this research
item: Thesis-Abstract
Readiness of internet user for e-commerce - case studies from Sri Lanka
Jayasekera, JC; Wijesundara, M; Ekanayake, L
Electronic commerce (E-Commerce) has emerged with the development of Internet and spread rapidly because of its capability of improving efficiency and productivity in many business areas. Many countries paid attention on developing e-commerce and its usage and benefitting from it today. However the adaptation of developing countries to e-commerce was a challenge because of the infrastructure limitations and other issues related to consumers. Sri Lanka has not yet passed the medium level of e-readiness because of the less coverage of Internet and low computer and Internet literacy levels. However the existing Internet users display comparatively high adaptability to e-commerce transactions. Sri Lankan Internet user has a moderate level of Internet shopping usage while more people pay bills through Internet and access Internet banking application. With this the current level of ecommerce readiness of country can be said as in a higher medium level compared to the world averages and display better performance than other countries in region and similar economic indicators. Income and education is positively related to Internet shopping while age group 20-40 dominated in purchasing goods and services over the Internet. People who pay more household bills displayed significantly high usage of Internet shopping. Sri Lankan males were more interested in buying on Internet compared to females. However the spending on Internet and frequency of online purchases were in very low levels and less availability of buying options coupled with low trust on e-commerce sites created such a behavior. Current Internet users display very healthy reactions to e-commerce and less shadows of traditional trading mechanisms also acts -positive. Development of infrastructure creating high awareness and opportunities will improve the Internet usage and the e-commerce involvement of people in Sri Lanka. With a matching e- commerce model, there is a high possibility in creating a very active e-buyer community in future if authorities take the correct actions soon.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Stakeholder management issues in construction projects : a case study
Kulathunga, WVUR; Ekanayake, L
Construction industry, irrespective of its nature and magnitude, is affected by various problems which ultimately lead projects to failures. Surprisingly, most of these problems are nontechnical but related to different aspects of Project Management. Stakeholder Management is a critical component in Project Management which is largely responsible for either the successful delivery of a project or its failure. There are hundreds of examples from all over the world, for failures in construction projects due to ineffective management of Stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to investigate how far the theories and concepts of Stakeholder Management are being practiced in the Construction industry of Sri Lanka by using a case study project and thereby to identify the main issues in Stakeholder management in construction projects. In the study, among the few models developed for Stakeholder management in businesses, one model was selected as suitable and data collected was analyzed in comparison with the guidelines given in the selected model. The main issue in Stakeholder management of construction projects, as identified in this study is that more attention is usually paid on the key stakeholders with all three attributes of Power, Legitimacy & Urgency whereas latent stakeholders are given less significance. However, with the finding of the study it was noted that there is a tendency of latent stakeholders to behave dynamically to gain access to other stakeholders and become more powerful and influential towards the Project. In order to overcome similar issues in future Projects, it is recommended not only to study the individual impact of each latent stakeholders but to analyze their impact with every possible combinations of other stakeholders. It is recommended to expand the scope of the study in to different sectors of construction industry and to reach a more generalized conclusion on main issues of stakeholder management in construction projects in Sri Lanka.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Trends in integrating disaster risk reduction initiatives in newly disigned buildings in differnt hazard prone area in northern province
(2015-09-18) Rajkumar, K; Ekanayake, L
This research is done for MBA programme in project Management year (2010/2011)in the University of Moratuwa. The main objective of the research is to study the trend towards Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives in the northern province of Sri Lanka. The School buildings, hospitals, housing construction and common building construction were considered during the study. One divisional secretariat division (Vadamarachi East) was selected for the field study since this division was affected by both Tsunami and war and there are lots of development activities in progress by various organizations in the Province. The data were collected in stages (a) to analyze the managerial initiatives,(b) the field level initiatives and achievements. The managerial and coordination mechanism information were collected through interviews with the relevant authorities and theinformation from government policies and new Act enactment. The application and implementation status were analyzed through field visit to the project locations which have been implemented by various organizations in the selected divisional secretariat. There were lots of national level initiatives took place after Tsunami. A solid development management and monitoring strategies were developed, but in the field level achievement was far away from the target. This was confirmed from the field level physical work done, the type plans developed by various organizations, the existing local authority’s standard for building approval. The DRR initiatives not properly implemented in the field level.The reasons were identified during the analysis as follows: (i) Disaster risk reduction is not adequately considered as a priority in development planning processes, (ii) Inadequate enforcement and authoritative powers to implement and monitor disaster preparedness and mitigation measures,(iii) Lack of technical and legal framework to integrate DRR into national and sectarian planning, (iv) The responsible body not realized the importance of disaster risk reduction application, (v) The political situation in the province and the lack of understanding between central and provincial governments is negative for DRR achievement, (vi) the provincial council give priority for other subject. (e.g.: political solution and administrative power sharing) and (vii) Lack of public awareness, people mentality and cultural believes (Vasthu). The following recommendations are proposed for future development to change the situation in positive direction. The local authority capacity and awareness among the responsible people need to be improved ( refer chapter 4.4 & 5.6). The existing coordination mechanism between national level and local level need to be improved (refer chapter 5.6). The authority for implementation of DRR initiatives should be more decentralized. It is important to create appropriate focal point in the field level to ensure and monitor the DRR activities implementation (refer chapter 4.1). The authorities should consider DRR initiatives during land allocation for construction purpose (refer chapter 5.6). The NGOs and INGOs need to maintain proper coordination mechanism with the responsible authority to implement the DRR initiatives successfully. The annexure 9 attached as guidance for future application. The National level: The central government should appoint a permanent coordination body involving ministers, government department, NGOs, UN agencies and private sectors. The government should accommodate periodic evaluation mechanism to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives The donors should insist the authorities to accommodate DRR activities during the financial assistant.