Browsing by Author "Thurairajah, N"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10

item: Conference-Abstract
Application of passive solar building design techniques in apparel buildings
(2016-07-25) Waidyasekara, KGAS; Neydorff, SC; Thurairajah, N
The green building concept has been successfully adopted by many countries in their construction to save energy, protect environment, and recycle the materials. Green building design minimizes the negative human impacts on the natural resources. Passive solar building design is one of the subcategories of the green building concept. Execution of the concept of passive solar building design in the tropical countries has a greater potential to reduce national as well as world's fossil fuel consumption. The research shows, apparel industry is one of the major sectors which uses more energy for the production, thermal and visual comfort of employees during the operation as well as for the maintenance purposes. Hence, the energy cost has become a significant issue in many countries including Sri Lanka. The main aim of this research is to identify and analyze the concept of passive solar building design as an energy conservation method for apparel buildings in Sri Lanka. A literature synthesis is carried out on energy conservation methods, design techniques and systems of passive solar building design under the green building concept. Suitability and application of passive solar techniques within Sri Lankan context is identified through the questionnaire survey among the industry experts. The survey found that current usage of passive solar systems in apparel sector is very low. Passive cooling and day lighting systems were identified as suitable techniques to Sri Lanka as a tropical country. Moreover, research findings provide valuable information about buildings based on environmental design tactics, which promote sustainable construction.
item: Conference-Abstract
Architecture of ensemble neural networks for risk analysis
De Silva, N; Thurairajah, N; Ransinghe, M
Assembling of nemal networks refened to as "Ensemble nemal networks·· consist with many small "expei1 networks" that leam small parts of the complex problem. which are established by decomposing it into its sub leYels. Ensemble nemal network architecnue has been proposed to so lYe complex problems with large munbers of variables. In this paper. this architecture is used to analyze maintainability risks ofhigh-rise buildings. An ensemble neural network that consists with four expert networks to represent four building elements namely roof. fa<;:ade. basement and intemal areas is deYeloped to forecast the maintenance efficiency (ME) of buildings. The model is tested and the results showed good performance. The model is fmther validated using a real case study.
item: Conference-Abstract
Architecture of ensemble neural networks for risk analysis
De Silva, END; Ranasinghe, KAMK; De Silva, CR; Thurairajah, N
Assembling of neural networks referred to as “Ensemble neural networks” consist with many small “expert networks” that learn small parts of the complex problem, which are established by decomposing it into its sub levels. Ensemble neural network architecture has been proposed to solve complex problems with large numbers of variables. In this paper, this architecture is used to analyze maintainability risks of high-rise buildings. An ensemble neural network that consists with four expert networks to represent four building elements namely roof, façade, basement and internal areas is developed to forecast the maintenance efficiency (ME) of buildings. The model is tested and the results showed good performance. The model is further validated using a real case study.
item: Conference-Abstract
Building project performance evaluation model
(2016-09-21) Wadugodapitiya, RRMMK; Sandanayake, YG; Thurairajah, N
Building project performance evaluation is a novel research interest in performance measurement (PM) and it is the process of quantifying the efficiency and effectiveness of construction activities. The traditional view of PM highly relies on financial and accounting data, which gives only the past performance. Moreover, the construction industry has been always criticized for its under performance due to its uniqueness in nature. According to past researchers, there is lack of an appropriate PM system to improve construction performance. There is therefore a necessity for multi-dimensional approach to measure the building construction project performance. Past literature reveals that both balanced scorecard (BSC) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) tools have been used in manufacturing industry for performance evaluation. This study therefore developed a multidimensional performance measurement model for building construction project performance evaluation by integrating BSC and AHP tools. Comprehensive literature review and preliminary survey approach were used to develop a novel extended BSC model, which comprises with six perspectives namely, Client, Financial, Internal business processes, Project team, Health, safety and environmental, and Innovation, learning and growth. Extended BSC model further comprises with key building project performance indicators (KBPPIs) in each perspective. Structured questionnaire survey was then conducted to collect data and AHP tool was used to analyze and prioritize BSC perspectives and KBPPIs. Survey findings revealed that client and financial perspectives have relatively two times higher important level than other perspectives in the model while, three times important than innovation, learning and growth perspective. In conclusion, this novel multi-dimensional performance measurement model can be duly applied by construction industry practitioners to optimize building performance.
item: Conference-Full-text
Emerging research on women's empowerment in post disaster Reconstruction
(2013-11-14) Thurairajah, N; Amaratunga, D
The seeming randomness of the occurrence of disaster, its impact and uniqueness of events demand dynamic, real-time, effective and efficient solutions from the field of disaster management and thus making this topic necessary. Although disaster management efforts are designed to benefit both men and women, in real practice a larger share of benefits and resources goes to men and women continue to remain marginalised. The lack of involvement of both men and women in disaster management has exposed them to more potential dangers. Recent studies have reflected the need for gender consideration in disaster management and emphasised its importance in building disaster resilient communities. Inclusion of women's contribution to the post disaster reconstruction is a major concern for policy makers and researchers in building disaster resilient communities. A mid-term review of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction in the Yokohama world conference on natural disaster reduction highlighted the need for community involvement and empowerment of women at all stages of disaster management programmes as an integral part of reducing community vulnerability to natural disasters. Women are less likely to migrate to different places during post disaster phase due to their domestic responsibilities and other cultural systems which lead them to more vulnerable positions. This indicates the need to include women's needs and contribution in post disaster reconstruction. The concept of empowerment can be illustrated as a social process in addressing the above since it occurs in relation to others and as an outcome it can be enhanced and evaluated against expected accomplishments. In this context, this study seeks to identify and investigate the emerging research need in the knowledge on women's empowerment in the post disaster reconstruction in Sri Lanka. The study has been based on a theoretical as well as practical ideas obtained through a comprehensive literature review. It is expected that the study will serve as a platform for researchers who are interested in building disaster resilient communities in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
The impact of professionals’ knowledge on innovation adoption in the construction industry: A critical literature review
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2022-06-24) Weerapperuma, U; Jayasena, S; Rathnasinghe, A; Thurairajah, N; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Gunatilake, S
The construction industry is one of the leading economic sectors in any country yet is renowned for its reluctance to adopt novel innovations. Meanwhile, research has found that the decision of any industry on the adoption or rejection of innovations depends on its positive or negative perception, which is stipulated by industry professionals’ knowledge. Therefore, this research aims to disclose how the professionals’ knowledge affects successful innovation adoption specific to the construction industry. A qualitatively based extensive literature synthesis has been conducted concerning three concepts to provide a holistic view of innovation decisions. Namely, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Technology-Organisation-Environment framework (TOE), and Diffusion of Innovation theory (DOI). The findings revealed that the "existing knowledge" of professionals was a key factor in innovation decisions. Accordingly, five main perceived attributes (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) have been identified through Roger’s innovation-decision model, and decisively common measurement items have been documented under each perceived attribute that comprehensively endorses the "existing knowledge" of construction professionals. Furthermore, this contemporary study found that all the recognised measurement items extensively affect innovation-decision. In the absence of a pragmatic decision framework, this article provides a clear impression for both technology developers and their users/stakeholders on crucial elements of innovation adoption that have been concerned via decision makers' technological perception.
item: Article-Full-text
A knowledge framework for blockchain-enabled smart contract adoption in the construction industry
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2023) Weerapperuma, U. S; Rathnasinghe, A. P; Jayasena, H.S; Wijewickrama, C.S.; Thurairajah, N
Purpose A novel facet of the construction industry's (CI) digital transformation relates to the rise of smart contracts, and the contribution of blockchain technology in this domain appears to be nascent but rapidly gaining traction. Although the benefits of digitalisation for technologically less enthusiastic CI are irrefutable, the adoption of smart contracts has been found to be low pertaining to industry professionals' behavioural factors stimulated by technological perception. The challenge undertook by this study, therefore, is to develop a knowledge framework for blockchain-enabled smart contract adoption in the CI. Design/methodology/approach From a methodological perspective, this study employed a qualitative approach that involved semi-structured interviews with ten (10) highly experienced CI practitioners involved in digital innovations for data collection. Directed content analysis was performed using NVivo 12 software, which enabled the creation of preliminary open codes. Subsequently, these open codes were grouped into similar categories to develop axial codes. Finally, the study presented final themes along with their corresponding descriptions. Findings Notably, research findings expanded the current body of knowledge on perceived attributes and their measurement items to determine the perception of innovation adoption in CI, where a total of nine (9) perceived attributes were associated with thirty-two (32) measurement items. Originality/value The measurement items were seen as having an extensive impact on the CI professionals' decision to adopt blockchain-enabled smart contracts. With ensuing implications, this study represents one of the first to present a knowledge framework exclusively customised for blockchain-enabled smart contracts, laying the groundwork for effective technological adoption by CI professionals.
item: Article-Full-text
Lean integrated project delivery for construction procurement: The case of Sri Lanka
(MDPI, 2022) Hettiaarachchige, N; Rathnasinghe, A; Ranadewa, K; Thurairajah, N
The choice of proper procurement methods has an impact on the overall productivity and sustainability of construction projects. The current procurement methods have alerted the construction industry (CI) due to the exacerbating fragmentation among parties and the resulting low level of productivity. Therefore, introducing a new procurement system to eliminate the above challenges is imperative to the CI. Therefore, this research investigated the applicability of lean integrated project delivery (LIPD) as a construction procurement system and developed a framework for its successful implementation. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted, informing an interpretivism stance. Accordingly, semi-structured interviews with 15 Sri Lankan (SL) CI experts were conducted to determine the applicability of the LIPD concept in a real-life CI context. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the collected data. This research identified the significance of LIPD compared to existing procurement methods, which may contribute to the long-term planning and management practices in the CI. However, the findings elicited several barriers that could hinder successful LIPD implementation. As a result, some of the strategies discovered include providing LIPD training and awareness, obtaining expert support, and encouraging professionals. This is the first study of its kind to reveal a LIPD framework in a developing country like SL without restricting itself to a specific construction type. Therefore, this study is expected to impact the global CI by paving the way for LIPD as a new procurement system to improve the performances of similar CIs in developing countries across the world.
item: Conference-Full-text
Principles of circular economy for building sector: a systematic review
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Gowsiga, M; Ramachandra, T; Sridarran, P; Thurairajah, N
Globally, the building sector accounts for almost 40% of resource use and waste production and nearly 33% of greenhouse gas emissions. The Circular Economy (CE) and the adoption of its principles are currently recognised as one of the options to address these unsustainable issues. Despite, these principles are represented differently within three main domains: (1) collections of R-imperatives or R-framework, (2) CE loops, and (3) the ReSOLVE model, makes it a challenge for embracing CE principles in the building sector. A systematic literature review was carried out to respond to the research question "What are the R-imperatives that are applicable for the building sector as CE principles?", using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). It yielded a total of 23 papers to analyse. This review confirms that although alternative domains exist, the most practical CE principles seem to be confined to R-imperatives. The study provides 17 R-imperatives in the descending order of their circularity, along with their definitions. Finally, these R-imperatives are logically linked with principles of other two CE domains. This would provide a clear understanding of CE principles and thereby enable CE applications in the building sector.
item: Conference-Abstract
Towards long-term sustainable performance of post-disaster housing reconstruction : second life for temporary housing
(2021-07) Rathnasinghe, A; Sirimewan, D; Shandraseharan, A; Thurairajah, N; Thayaparan, M; Waidyasekara, KGAS
The pressing human needs caused due to post-disaster effects may force donors to provide a roof above the heads of the displaced communities than focusing on fulfilling the references of a ‘home,’ which is a step toward restoring a certain sense of stability embedded with social, cultural, economic, and other interactions. And several displaced communities around the world continue to live in their temporary housing on a long-term basis. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating methods to consider a second life for the post-disaster temporary housing which may ensure long-term sustainable performance. A comprehensive literature survey has been carried out in attaining the aim. Many studies have found that the rapid post-disaster housing re-construction strategies through universal working standards have become unsustainable and culturally unacceptable in the long term. Furthermore, in various instances, the real-life post-disaster temporary housing has been simply dismantled or abandoned due to the end of usage and cultural incompatibility, without giving any concern for future disasters. This could be minimised by transforming the donor initiated temporary housing into a permanent basis. To achieve this, scholars have identified the need of considering the socio-cultural and related physical needs through active involvement of affected communities. Therefore, to achieve prolonged use of temporary housing, the findings suggest that the social and cultural needs of communities and associated physical transformations need to be considered by the donors. The findings serve as a way forward to explore a transformational space that can accommodate social and physical transformations in post-disaster housing reconstruction.