Browsing by Author "Ramachandra, T"

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item: Conference-Full-text
3R.6R extended water hierarchy model for sustainable use of water during construction
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Waidyasekara, KGAS; De Silva, L; Rameezdeen, R; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
There is a broad consensus in literature that effective utilisation of natural resources in any industry greatly influences sustainability of built environment. Hence, better management strategies of water began to emerge in all sectors; thus, different dimensions are in need to assess different industries. With this scenario, water sustainability on construction sites is one significant area, which demands the attention of construction stakeholders. Today many construction projects survive on potable water, and many strategies are available that can reduce the amount of water consumed by the construction industry. Water hierarchy is one strategy proposed for construction sites to reduce potable water consumption and encourage alternative water sources within the site. Literature and preliminary interviews further support identification of new 3R principles: Regulations, Responsibility, and Rewards that can influence on better water management on construction sites. Therefore, purpose of this paper is to examine the applicability and implementation of 3R principles in conjunction with six stages (6R) of water hierarchy to improve efficient water use on construction projects in Sri Lanka. The study adopted triangulation convergence mixed method approach, and data collection involved case studies and a structured survey. Qualitative data is presented as narratives and quotations while quantitative data is presented as descriptive statistics. The results revealed that all factors were considered as ‘applicable’ and the possibility of implementing them on construction sites. Reuse and recycle were identified as the least applicable, and are rarely practised on sites, if it is not initially identified as a mandatory process. Experience and commitment of individual staff and costs are identified as important drivers on implication of each 9R principle. New 3R principles were recognised as supportive policies to implement all six existing stages of water hierarchy. Finally, the paper discusses the extended water hierarchy model developed for construction industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Adaptability of green BIM technology for the green buildings in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Rathnasiri, HWTP; Jayasena, HS; Madusanka, N; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
To raise awareness of green building constructions, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been incorporated with unique sustainable strategies. Green BIM technology is a significant innovation of BIM, emerged through the integration of BIM with sustainable strategies, which enhance the sustainable growth of buildings while making better opportunities to improve the performance of green buildings. However, the utilisation of Green BIM technology for existing buildings is less amongst green building practitioners though Green BIM is widely used for design and construction phases of buildings. In the Sri Lankan context, since BIM is not implemented yet in building construction, operation and maintenance, the inherent capabilities of Green BIM technology are hidden and invisible. Thus, an effort is needed to convince and prove the importance of Green BIM technology for green building practitioners. Towards this effort, the research is aimed at identifying the potential of implementing Green BIM technology for the existing green buildings in Sri Lanka where BIM is not applied. Accordingly, a mixed research approach was followed to accomplish the research aim. Literature review revealed that, the data availability required for Green BIM techniques and tools is the critical requirement to implement the Green BIM technology for the established buildings. A desk study was conducted to determine the required data and availability of the data was analysed through a questionnaire survey and a case study. The findings of questionnaire survey demonstrated that, there is an acceptable level of data within the current established green buildings. The results of the case study highlighted the potential of Green BIM implementation for the existing green buildings. Thus, the study concluded by identifying the ability of incorporating Green BIM technology for the existing green buildings considering the real-life context which ensure the Green BIM implementation for the green building sector in Sri Lanka.
item: Article-Abstract
Adjudication practice and Its enforceability in the Sri Lankan construction industry
Jayasinghe, HM; Ramachandra, T
Construction activities involve many temporarily assembled multiple stakeholders with multiple interests, which make the process complex. This results in numerous disputes on construction projects. Although various forms of dispute-resolution methods are available, an increased preference toward adjudication over the other methods is seen in many jurisdictions. However, in Sri Lanka it has yet to receive its recognition, and there is no legislative framework to enforce an adjudicator’s decision. This research therefore investigates the effectiveness of the current adjudication practice with the special emphasis on need for its enforceability in the current context. Practitioners’ views were sought using semi structured interviews conducted among 20 experts who constituted two major groups: construction professionals and legal professionals practicing in Sri Lanka. Content-analysis technique was used to analyze the collected views. According to analysis, 71 % (out of 92) of disputes referred to adjudication were unsuccessful where neither party was satisfied with the final outcome. However, 94% of 71% of those disputes were subsequently resolved amicably on the basis of adjudicators’ determination while the remaining 6% were referred to arbitration. This suggests that although adjudication is being practiced as a resolution method, it is not effective in its own right Certain limitations of the adjudication practice in Sri Lanka affected its effectiveness. Key limitations include lack of awareness among industry practitioners, absence of legal ascent, and lack of competent adjudicators to resolve complex disputes. Findings further indicate that the meager enthusiasm among the practitioners toward enactment is due to the inability to ascertain the extent of enforcing and failure to understand the benefits of statutory adjudication. The research therefore suggests that the relevant government bodies need to work toward enactment of statutory adjudication while establishing an appropriate climate for its implementation in Sri Lanka. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)LA .1943-4170.0000178. © 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
item: Conference-Full-text
Adoptability of green lease in developing countries: the case of Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Hettige, NC; Perera, BAKS; Mallawaarachchi, H; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
The concept of Green Buildings is now being promoted as there is an increasing requirement for energy efficient buildings. With the boom of Green Buildings, Green Lease concept has become significant. However in Sri Lanka, presently Green Lease is not practiced very much. Nevertheless, attempts at adopting Green Lease cannot be ignored as there are clauses relevant to green buildings even in the existing lease agreements. Therefore, this research was carried out to investigate the adoptability of the Green Lease concept in Sri Lanka. Firstly, a literature synthesis was carried out to understand the Green Lease concept and its significance. Semi structured interviews and a documentary review were done thereafter to further identify the importance, and enablers and barriers of Green Lease. Subsequently, the findings were validated through expert interviews. The analysis revealed the significance of the Green Lease concept which provides a healthier work environment, lower utility charges and a good reputation for both the tenant and the landlord. However, there can be enablers and barriers of Green Lease. The contribution from the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL), the Government’s attempts to promote sustainable activities and conducting of business in Green Buildings are few of the enablers. Factors such as lack of policies and government rules, and poor awareness of the community about Green Lease are the significant barriers. The Government’s positive influence and the promotion of the Green Lease within the community will be beneficial towards adopting Green Lease. Several suggestions to minimize the identified barriers also have been made through the developmentof a framework.
item: Conference-Full-text
Adopting net zero energy building concept to reduce energy cost of commercial buildings in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Weerasinghe, I; Mallawaarachchi, H; De Silva, L; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
Fulfilling energy demand has become a major challenge faced by most of high rise buildings today as it creates high utility cost to the organization. Hence, most of the organisations, especially in commercial building sector seek better options to fulfil their energy demand as a major energy consumer among the other building facilities. Hence, several energy management practices have been introduced to enhance energy efficiency. In the governing concern on less energy and less environmental impact, Net Zero Energy Building concept has received attention. Net Zero Energy Buildings have a greatly reduced energy demand by an equivalent generation of energy from low-cost, locally available, non-polluting, renewable sources. However, the adaptation of this concept has become a major challenge due to various barriers. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the barriers to adopt Net Zero Energy Building concept to commercial buildings in Sri Lanka for proposing probable solutions. As this research required a detailed investigation, case study approach was selected under qualitative phenomenon. Three cases were conducted in three selected commercial buildings to collect the data. Cross-case analysis technique was applied as the appropriate data analysis technique. Nvivo and Decision-Explore software’s are used to analyse and present the data. As the focal point of the research, barriers to adopt Net Zero Energy Building concept was determined relating to five major categories, such as, financial, legal, policy, social, and technical barriers. According to case study findings, this concept is more suitable for new building constructions than the existing buildings, as it is more effective to adopt it at the early stage of the building. Further, major barriers include limitations of organisational internal policies, preference of organisations for short term profits, unawareness and government rules and regulations. Accordingly, a framework is developed to propose probable solutions. The developed framework gives a value to the research, as it could use as a firm base in both organisational and national levels to adopt Net Zero Energy Building concept to reduce energy cost of commercial buildings in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
The adoption of integrated project delivery in public sector projects in New Zealand: the way forward
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Naismith, N; Tookey, J; Hoseini, AG; Kekreja, R; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
The construction industry in New Zealand is responsible for around 40% natural resources, 30% energy consumption, and 30% greenhouse gases. The increased costs in natural resources, and energy, together with environmental concerns have pushed the demand for green buildings. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) process has emerged as an enabler for green buildings. Successful IPD combines the partnering concept and lean thinking, it addresses the participant’s expectations, cuts costs, eliminates waste, reduces variability and generates value for all the participants. Yet many public sectors owners, do not have the authority to adopt features of IPD. However, owners can benefit from the IPD philosophy and features to take advantage of some key benefits. The purpose of paper is to examine the IPD tools and techniques appropriate for public sector organizations in New Zealand and to examine the barriers that public sectors organizations face in New Zealand while adopting those IPD features. A pilot study was conducted to examine these issues, semi structured interview were carried out with four public sector construction industry specialists. The interviews revealed that there is a gap between current and best practice in the New Zealand construction industry that is impacting on the adoption of IPD or IPD approaches. To improve the delivery of public sector projects a checklist of specific IPD tools and techniques appropriate for NZ public sector projects has been developed.
item: Conference-Full-text
Alcohol consumption patterns of construction workers in Hong Kong
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Rowlinson, S; Shen, Y; Koh, TY; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
Alcohol consumption is prevalent among construction workers, and it may have negative implications for workers’ overall health, productivity, and safety performance. The alcohol-related risks are associated with drinking pattern and consumption volume. To understand the drinking pattern and help devise effective interventions to prevent drinking problem in construction workers in Hong Kong, the research team conducted a one-month drinking pattern survey with a convenience sample of construction workers on railway projects in Hong Kong, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) as the primary instrument. With 1203 valid responses, the research team compared alcohol-related risk exposure among different categories of workers through Chi-squared tests. The results showed that 16.6% of respondents drink excessively, and 28% drink in a harmful way. Furthermore, male workers are prone to more severe alcohol-related risks than their female counterparts, Nepalese workers are exposed to more severe alcoholrelated risks than their Chinese counterparts, workers in four trades (i.e., mechanics, welders, shotfirers, and miners) are more likely to experience alcohol-related risks than others, and workers in the age group of 30-39 are subject to more severe alcohol-related risks. The findings can help regulatory bodies formulate industry-wide codes of practice and prompt management to give special attention to certain categories of workers.
item: Conference-Full-text
Alternative materials for sustainable road construction in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Kodithuwakku, HDDP; Ramachandra, T; Kajavathani, P
The current socioeconomic demand requires adequate engineering performance and environmentally friendly materials from the perspective of sustainable development. The scarcity of conventional natural resources and the severe environmental consequences of extraction have prompted research into alternative materials and resources for use in the road industry. Based on the findings of the existing studies, this research aims to explore the suitability of alternative materials for road construction projects towards sustainability in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research strategy was employed in the current study, and the questionnaire was distributed among 44 professionals involved in different types of road projects. The collected data were analysed by using Relative Important Index (RII). 84% of respondents considered alternative sustainable construction materials are highly suitable for the construction of road elements. Bituminous materials, natural soil, crushed rock and cement concrete are mostly commonly traditional materials. Construction and demolition waste (C&D), fly ash, plastic waste, and waste rubber tires were selected as the best materials for base construction, cement kiln dust waste, fly ash, glass waste, and waste rubber for sub-base and C&D waste and glass waste for sub-grade construction. Alternative sustainable materials can solve the waste disposal issue, scarcity of natural materials, and cost savings. Thus, this study presents a collective listing of the most viable alternative materials already in use by the global industry, with the goal of establishing a noble notion for better incorporation of alternative sustainable materials into road construction in Sri Lanka.
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Analysis contractors' head office overhead on compensable delay events
Ramachandra, T; Rotimi, JOB; Kanageswaran, R; ;
Contractors’ claims for extension of time and/or cost reimbursements could result in disagreements that may not be amicably resolved by the parties concerned. Consequently significant additional costs are incurred in construction projects due to disagreements over these claims. A major criticism of the Sri Lankan construction industry is persistent delays in project delivery. A contributory factor to those delays is disagreements over certain percentage of business’ overhead expenses that are unrecoverable by the contractor. This unrecovered head office overheads (HOOH) is an actual loss to the contractor and the contractor could makea claim for the actual costs incurred during the delay. The selection and application of the most suitable recovery or calculation method is critical for both clients and contractors.As an aspect of a larger study which develops a HOOH claim process model, the current study focuses on the review of the methods currently being practiced to recover HOOH claims internationally as well as within the Sri Lankan construction industry. The preferred methods used within Sri Lankan construction industry to evaluate contractors’ claims are the formula approach and actual method by contractors and clients respectively. This study shows that salaries and wages of head office human resources and transporting and travelling costs contribute significantly to the contractors’ HOOH.There are a number of issues with the quantification approaches used during the HOOH claim stages that result in conflicts. The research therefore suggests that there needs to be pre-established claim-tracking processes for claim initiation, quantification and evaluation. The preestablished process would provide a clear understanding of HOOH claims and positively direct claimants to agreed claim records, HOOH cost data and quantification approaches.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Analysis of disputes towards effectiveness of negotiation in the Sri Lankan construction industry : contractors’ perspective
Viththakan, KP; Ramachandra, T
Sri Lankan construction industry is one of the growing industry from the recent past upon end of the three decade civil war. Because of the multi-party involvement in the construction industry and complex in nature, parties are always prone to face numerous disputes in their journey while attempt to safeguard their respective interests. Once the disputes emerged amongst the parties, they seeks suitable ways to solve the disputes in an amicable manner to the parties however it is not always possible for them to reach such amicable solution while maintain the interest of the all parties. Compare with the other approaches available for dispute resolutions, negotiation said to be as easiest, very efficient and economical and less time consuming process. However, the negotiation in the Sri Lankan construction industry is an undesired process for the parties in disputes due to higher rate of its failures. This research were conducted to analyses disputes towards the effectiveness of negotiation in the Sri Lankan construction industry by identifying the causes for the positive and negative outcome of the negotiations and investigating the relationship between negotiation outcome to project characteristics, professionals involved in negotiation, time taken for negotiation, monitory value involved, and causes of dispute etc. Data was collected and analyzed using document analyses methodology using quantitative data analyses techniques respectively. The research concludes that unethical, unprofessional practice of the construction professionals and appointment of in-house team of client as contract administrators and aging of negotiation along with some of the project characteristics such as types of the client, procurement method etc. were major contributors possess significant relations to the negotiation outcome despite the common factors: unpreparedness, skill level of negotiator, model and tactics, cultural barrier and gender mix in the team were found in the literature review.
item: SRC-Report
Applicability of a carbon tax system in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(2018) Ramachandra, T; Karunaratne, T
Global warming and subsequent climate change have been identified as critical global issues which need urgent and close attention. Nevertheless, addressing this has become a problem due to the direct relationship between development and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, with the introduction of Paris agreement, countries are trying to reduce GHG emission by using various emission reduction policy instruments. Price based emission reduction instruments are deemed to be effective in achieving emission reductions, as they induce emission reductions through price signals, and also generate revenues which can later be used. Carbon tax systems and emission trading schemes are identified ax the most popular pricing instruments. However, implementation of carbon pricing instruments in not that common seen. Hence, this research focuses on identifying the applicability of carbon pricing instruments to reduce GHG emissions in apparel sector, which is also a highly energy intensive sector in Sri Lanka Data collection was done through semi- structured interviews and questionnaires. Data collected through questionnaire survey was analysed using Fuzzy Extended Analytic Hierarchy Process (FEAHP), while data collected through interviews were analysed through content analysis. A preliminary survey w dene to validate literature findings, which was used in the questionnaire. Questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the response of apparel firms to carbon pricing instruments. When evaluating the response of firms, the importance given by firms to decision alternatives was analysed using FEAHP. Accordingly, investing in new technologies was found as the most important decision alternative for apparel firms with an importance weight of 0.24, while shifting cost to customers was found as the decision alternative with lowest importance with a weight of 0.17. From the expert interviews, it was found that the carbon pricing revenue should be used to programmes which targets emission reductions. Further, the expert interviews revealed that there could be barriers at organisation level, sector level and national level when implementing a carbon pricing instrument. Hence, it was found that the necessary steps should be taken at all those three levels to overcome the barriers and implement a lasting carbon pricing instrument which is capable of achieving emission reductions.
item: Conference-Full-text
Applicability of green human resource management concept to achieve sustainable goals of green buildings in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Weerasinghe, RL; De Silva, L; Mallawaarachchi, H; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, GI; Ramachandra, T
Nowadays in world, construction of green building becomes a new trend. Many studies noticed that there are considerable amount of investments to the green buildings than conventional buildings. Since in last decade, the world has concerned about green building concept as one of the solutions to reduce environmental impacts. In achieving such foremost benefits of green buildings, human resource plays a vital role, especially to achieve sustainable goals of green buildings. Green Human Resource Management came into practice as a newest concept to create green responsive employees who make a significant contribution to environmental sustainability. However, Human Resource is not utilized in effective and efficient manner in most of the organizations. Therefore, the intention of this research is to investigate the applicability of Green Human Resource Management concept to achieve sustainable goals of green buildings in Sri Lanka. As this research required an in-depth investigation, the research problem was approached through three case studies which are conducted in three selected green buildings in Sri Lanka. Content and cross case analysis techniques are used to analyse the data. QSR. Nvivo software is used to simplify the data analysis. As key research findings derived through case analysis, in Sri Lanka, existing green buildings have not been implemented the proper Green Human Resource Management process. Hence, the gaps in existing Human Resource Management process in green buildings are identified in relation to the job analysis, recruitment, selection, induction, training and development, performance evaluation and discipline management. Improper job designing, not including green competencies, use of traditional Human Resource Management process, unawareness, no proper performance evaluation criteria are identified as major gaps in Human Resource Management process in green buildings. Accordingly, a framework is developed to propose various strategies to fill the gaps in existing process to effectively utilize the Human Resource for achieving sustainable goals of green buildings in Sri Lanka as the main implication of this research.
item: Conference-Full-text
Applicability of phase change materials (PCMS) for peak load shifting of air conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems of office buildings in tropical climates
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Wijewardane, MA; Figurado, SA; Kajaharan, M; Weerasinghe, NDAM; Ranasinghe, RACP; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) Systems are often used to maintain the thermal comfort and the indoor air quality in office buildings in tropical climates. These ACMVs usually account for more than 50% of the total energy consumption of the buildings. Compared to other available technologies, use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) has been identified as an attractive innovative technology to reduce the peak cooling load and also to shift the peak cooling load to after office-hours. Temperature of building envelopes constructed using conventional materials such as bricks and concrete tend to vary with the surrounding environmental conditions, as they only absorb or release the sensible heat. On the contrary, PCMs can absorb or release much larger amount of thermal energy from/to the surrounding as latent heat, while maintaining the building envelope temperature unaffected under varying environmental conditions. Thus, conventional building envelopes accompanied with PCMs are able to significantly reduce the external heat gains into the conditioned spaces of the buildings, resulting a significant reduction in the peak cooling load. This study is mainly focused on exploring the applicability of PCMs for hot and humid tropical climates. Numerical analysis supported and validated by an experimental program and a case study revealed that by covering exterior of building envelop with 5 mm - 10 mm thick PCMs can reduce the building peak cooling load by 8% - 12%. Moreover, it was found that the peak cooling load could be easily shifted to after office hours by increasing the PCM thickness. Economic analysis showed that the PCMs with higher thermal cycles reduces the pay back periods up to 2 - 3 years and, further supported the use of low-temperature PCMs for building applications. Findings of this study recommend to incorporate the PCMs on the building envelops of the sunlit walls to reduce the peak cooling load of the building with the aim of reducing the energy consumption by the ACMV system.
item: Conference-Full-text
Application of client’s quantity surveying practices in the power sector in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Melagoda, DG; Jayawickrama, TS; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
The effective use of Quantity Surveying practices is vital for the construction sector and its contribution to the overall economic growth and development of the country. With today’s competitive economy, the profession has been identified as paramount in a broad range of development sectors. In Sri Lanka, Quantity Surveyors’ involvement is limited to the construction stage of power generation and distribution projects as Consultant’s Quantity Surveying and Contractor’s Quantity Surveying practices. With the amplification of the power sector, cost and time overruns have been identified in power generation and distribution projects due to the absence of cost plans and the poor documentation of bids and contracts, leading to disputes, legal costs and poor administration of projects. Therefore, the involvement of Client’s Quantity Surveyors in power sector projects has been identified as important. This is an emerging path for Quantity Surveyors to contribute their expertise in Sri Lankan public sector developments projects. In this context, the study investigated the applicability of client’s quantity surveying practices in the Sri Lankan power sector. A mix research approach was adopted in the study including a preliminary survey and a questionnaire survey. The findings of preliminary survey were analyzed with content analysis technique. Data collected through questionnaire survey were analyzed using Relative Importance Index. It was identified that non-involvement of client’s Quantity surveyors in the Sri Lankan power sector is due to the lack of recognition of the requirement of the profession in the sector and execution of duties demanding quantity surveying expertise by other professionals in the power sector.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Application of off - site construction in Sri Lanka
Sanjeepan, R; Ramachandra, T
The end of World War II brought an increment in the necessity of building construction along with insufficient provision of conventional constructions. The innovative techniques of Offsite Constructions (OSC) was brought into action to cope up with the risen demand as it delivers the products in desired quality and reduced time of construction. In the present global context, the credit goes to OSC for its process of planning, designing, factory fabrication, transporting and making an assemblage of the fabricated components in a rapid and time-saving on-site fixation, with its appreciable benefits of budget feasibility in cost without hampering the quality or strength of the end product against the conventional construction methods. The implementations of these techniques are rarely bought into practice in the Sri Lanka construction sector. With the aim of increasing the adoption of offsite constructions in Sri Lanka this research examines the nature and level of adoption of different off-site construction systems in Sri Lanka, benefits and barriers in implementing off-site construction methods, and identify the challenges faced in the application of off-site construction methods. Through the snowball method of sampling 60 offsite construction professionals were picked as research samples. The research embraced the survey method; data was gathered through a well structured close ended questionnaire. The data was then statistically analyzed implementing percentage, weighted mean rating and standard deviations to obtain the objectives of the study. The research concluded that all the OSC methods (i.e.; volumetric systems, panelized systems, hybrid construction, and sub-assemblies) are equal in offering high satisfaction, and would boost benefit/income through superior quality, less duration, financial benefits generation from early completion, and onsite less safety risks. The implementation of these methods also minimizes the waste leading to a reduction in the project budget. Contractors‟ profit is high in OSC due to low competitors in industry and due to “design and build” type quotation. The study also brought to light that some critical and dominant challenges out of many are still existent in Sri Lankan construction industry, requiring proper attention for minimizing, or alleviating their impact on the OSC application, such as lack of experienced llaboration groups, complicated project planning and coordination, uncertainty of market demand, unpredictable planning decisions, unable to freeze design early on, fragmented nature of the construction industry, lack of awareness of prefabrication by the market and public, owners‟ negative perception, highly respective construction tolerance, transportation restraints and special requirements to unload OSC components, high initial and capital cost, longer capital payback period, resistance to change, lake of guidance and information, lack of technologies and testing institute, and limited suppliers for OSC components. However, the research also brought to a highlight the benefits such as increasing product quality and reducing construction duration, ensuring time certainty and cost certainty, compensating for shortage of skilled workers, increasing sustainability and value are usually offered or ripped through the implementation of the OSC techniques. Many empirical suggestions were offered in this research to alleviate the obstacles and challenges to the implementation of OSC techniques; including removing logistical constraints, incapability for on-site alterations and expanding the design alternatives.
item: SRC-Report
Application of value engineering to building refurbishment projects
(2017) Ekanayake, BJ; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T
Refurbishment projects are characterised with uncertainty and complexity that result in subvert of value for money. In this context, value management (VM) is endorsed as an approach to optimise value for money of construction projects. Enhancing VM application in refurbishment projects seems less, even though employing VM application in new building projects continues. This research developed a framework to enhance VM application in hotel refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka, since refurbishment projects that have employed VM are comparatively high in hotel sector. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, documents review and observations. The manual and code-based content analysis was used for data analysing. The study revealed that VM is employed in an ad-hoc manner, primarily as a cost reduction exercise. The VM workshops adopted for the case studies were derivatives of the standard SAVE 40-hour job plan and contractors' change proposal. However, this study proved that the ad-hoc application of VM could reduce the project cost on average by 6.81%. Nevertheless, the ad-hoc VM studies contributed to time overruns of 1 to 3 months. Absence of evidence of quantifying the impacts of the other value for money attributes; quality, guest satisfaction and achievement of sustainability was noteworthy. The two topmost challenges to implement VM in refurbishment projects were the inadequate awareness of the client about the significance of VM and insufficient time to conduct the VM study while the project is ongoing. The current study introduced a framework for enhancing VM application in hotel refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka by incorporating strategies on raising awareness, training and development on VM, choosing the appropriate timeframe to apply VM, choosing the appropriate composition for the VM team, choosing the appropriate VM job plan and enabling legal provisions and assistance from regulatory bodies.
item: Conference-Full-text
Approaches to foster green building constructions in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Thalpage, R; Karunasena, G; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
With world’s trend, though the Sri Lankan government has taken a substantial effort for local green building movement, still it has not become as a major and pressing concept in Sri Lanka due to several barriers. Those barriers could be identified under five key areas as financial barriers, regulatory barriers, social barriers, knowledge/skills barriers and industrial barriers. Thus, the purpose of this study is to recommend the probable approaches to foster green building constructions in Sri Lanka by overcoming the existing barriers. A qualitative research approach was adopted for attaining the research aim while conducting semi structured interviews with 15 local professionals who are in local regulatory bodies for green buildings and sustainable constructions, who are involving with green building constructions as well as who have not still involved with green constructions but expect it in future. The findings were analyzed with content analysis technique. It was recommended to follow simple and primary green strategies, take the correct consultation, implement mandatory regulations, make collaboration between existing authorities, increase public awareness, correct common misconceptions, provide knowledge and education, promote research and development, government takes the leadership and take the support from organizational managements as few major approaches to overcome the identified barriers for Sri Lankan green building constructions. The recommended approaches can be followed by industry players in order to foster green building constructions in national level, local level or organizational level and it will provide a basis to achieve the sustainability goal of Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Are green buildings economically sustainable? a LCC approach
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Weerasinghe, AS; Ramachandra, T; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
In the context of Sri Lanka, the number of green certified buildings is still at a minimal level and the reason could be attributed to green building investors who continue to perceive that green buildings are costly and the initial cost premium ranges from 20 to 25% and fail to appreciate the subsequent benefits in terms of running costs. However, in the global context, researchers have indicated that green building construction cost varies largely between -15 to 21% while only a little information is available on the status of operation and maintenance costs reduction. As part of the larger study which investigates the impact of sustainable features on life cycle cost of green buildings, this paper presents a comparison on life cycle cost of green certified industrial manufacturing building with that of a conventional building to establish the economic sustainability of green buildings. Quantitative data on the construction and running costs of green and conventional buildings were collected and analysed using Net Present Value. The analysis shows that the construction cost of green industrial manufacturing building is 28% higher than that of a conventional building while the reduction in running costs is 39%. Overall the green buildings offer an economic benefit of 50% savings over its life time. It is expected that the outcome of this research would contribute to the organisational learning of green built environment and thereby uplift the sustainable construction.
item: Conference-Full-text
Assessing sustainability of road projects in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Hapuarachchi, HNM; Jayawickrama, TS; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
Road construction is a continuously evolving notion and a key player in nation’s economy. It has been identified as causing a range of countless environmental, social and economic impacts. Hence, there is a dire necessity of Sustainability Assessment (SA) in road construction. Many developed countries have their own rating systems for assessing road construction although this is lacking in developing countries. However, a commonly accepted assessment method for road construction over its life cycle is not available up to date. Addressing these gaps, this paper presents a framework for SA in road projects in Sri Lanka pertaining to construction activities associated in road life cycle under the three pillars of sustainability; i.e. Environmental, Social and Economic. A comprehensive literature survey was executed exploring road sustainability impacts and measures globally. An expert survey was carried out under two rounds with three professionals in road construction and sustainability to verify literature findings, and to explore more sustainability impacts and measures in road construction in Sri Lanka. A framework was developed including 10 major road sustainability impacts, 13 sub-impacts and 29 measures in a hierarchical structure. A pairwise comparison was carried out for the elements in the framework distributing 32 questionnaires among professionals. Collected data were analysed using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Analysed results weighted each element with a score resulting “Standard of living (0.2362)” and “Resource usage (0.2228)” as the most significant impacts where “Measures of improving Accessibility (0.1205)” as the most significant measures in the framework.
item: Article-Full-text
Assessment of costs and benefits of green retrofit technologies
(Elsevier, 2023) Periyannan, E; Ramachandra, T; Geekiyanage, D
With the rising impact of greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and the global interest in sustainability advancements within all sectors, construction industry practitioners are also interested in incorporating sustainable features and practices into their buildings. Nevertheless, most of the commercial buildings in Sri Lanka had been constructed during the unprecedented urbanization between 1995 and 2010, thus, before sustainable concepts became more prominent. Therefore, existing buildings in Sri Lanka is experiencing ever-increasing energy consumption, resulting in higher utility costs, with which green retrofitting has become imperative, notably in hotel buildings. This study, therefore, conducted an economic evaluation of three existing hotel buildings to establish an account of the cost implications and saving potentials of different green retrofit technologies. The data collected through document reviews and site visits were analysed using net present value and simple payback period calculations. Although number of retrofitting technologies have been incorporated in the selected buildings, more weight has been given to incorporating technologies to achieve energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Considering the financial viability, all the implemented green retrofits have a positive return on investment and less than ten years of payback period, except LED televisions. Amongst the implemented retrofits, biomass boilers, energy-efficient chillers, and solar PV systems have the highest energy-saving efficiency, followed by VFDs and LED lighting, while LED televisions have the lowest. The study's findings contribute to industry practitioners identifying the appropriate green retrofits based on the cost implications and savings potential and enhancing the sustainability of the built environments by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural resources.