Departmental Conferences

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Applicability of ICTAD price fluctuation formula for government funded intelligent building projects
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Jayaweera, SC; Perera, BAKS; Jayasinghe, SJARS; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
In high inflationary situations, government fiscal policies etc., have an effect on price fluctuations in Intelligent Building (IB) projects which are funded by the Government. It can increase the cost of material, plant and labour, while increasing the risks that both the contractors and the clients have to face. The use of the ICTAD price fluctuation formula in construction projects of more than three months duration, especially those of the Government, will help to recover these unforeseen costs at least to a certain extent. The formula however has its own inherent constraints. The objective of this research is to identify these constraints and suggest solutions to overcome them. An expert survey and a case study were done towards achieving the main objective. The case studies comprised a document review and semi structured interviews. Code-based content analysis was used to identify the significant conclusions that could be made from the semi-structured interviews. The QSR. NVivo computer software was used to simplify the content analysis. The results emphasised that in the case of IB projects of the Government, there is a difference between the actual price fluctuations and the corresponding figures obtained using Institute of Training and Development (ICTAD) price fluctuation formula as the formula had its own limitations. Therefore there is a need to modify the way the ‘cost adjustment’ factor is determined in IB projects of the Government. By using reliable price indices while taking steps to improve the currently available norms, it will be possible to make available to future IB projects a better operating framework.
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Application of lean construction principles and practices to enhance the construction performance and flow
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Madanayake, UH; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Lean thinking has now become a radical philosophy that has permeated and expanded in to several sectors other than just manufacturing. The concept of Lean thinking evolves the optimization of work flow related functions and the possible outcomes with its contribution to sustainable construction. Correspondingly, application of lean theories and principles in to construction sector has the potential to improve the quality of work, aggravate the function related effectiveness, minimize the cost components/ waste and increase the overall profit in both strategic and operational levels. Apparently, it appears that the lean techniques have immensely contributed for many possible cost reductions compared with the traditional project management techniques. However, few barriers for the implementation of lean principles are also on the contrary. The research aims to investigate the effects of Lean Construction applications while identifying the prevailing barriers related to the same. The research has exploited qualitative methods to explore the aforementioned research question. This paper presents an exploratory study from extent literature, predominantly based on a case study of a project management organisation whereas the arguments were strengthened and underpinned by the formation of a conceptual framework to explore the contribution of implementing lean construction techniques in sustainable construction. The research findings would ultimately help different stakeholders on applying lean theories in to practice.
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Assessing the impact of experienced project team members in green building projects
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Venkataraman, V; Cheng, JCP; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Project experience is generally regarded as highly valuable in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. This is also true for green building projects, which often need to deal with new building technologies and processes. This paper attempts to study the importance of experienced project team members for successful planning and executing of green building projects. Certified LEED green building projects in Canada were studied in this research. Project information, project team information, green building certification grade, and certification year were collected and analyzed using a link analysis technique. Organisations that have been involved in multiple green building projects and their inter-organisational interactions were identified. The results show that projects certified with higher green building certification grades often involve more experienced project team members, and that working with experienced team members can reinforce mutual experience as compared with working with less experienced member.
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Barriers to the implementation of concurrent engineering practices within the UK construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Manewa, A; Siriwardena, M; Ross, A; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Concurrent Engineering (CE) is considered as one of the emerging methods in the UK construction industry. The product and process optimisation through ‘integration’ is a key concern of CE. The integrative aspect is tri-fold, which comprises an integration of product(s), integration of process and most importantly the integration of supply chain. A correct adoption of the concepts and principles of CE into construction practice provides significant benefits to project stakeholders, such as reduced time and costs while improving the quality of products and process efficiency. However, its implementation is not optimised to its full potential within the construction industry. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the key factors that hinder the implementation of CE practices within the UK construction industry. Data were collected from an extensive literature review, observations and semistructured interviews and thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the collected data. The findings indicate that the inability of parties within the construction project settings to communicate effectively is the most significant high level barrier for achieving a wider application of CE practices within the UK construction industry. In total 4 high level barriers, 13 medium level barriers and 38 low level barriers to the implementation of CE with the UK construction practices were identified. The findings of this study will benefit construction organisations, who wish to implement CE practices within their practice.
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BIM as an effective information management tool for achieving key performance indicators in construction projects
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Wijekoon, KADNC; Manewa, A; Ross, A; Marsh, D; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
The UK Government mandates the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for all centrally procured Government contracts from 2016. This of course challenged the industry to shift away from the traditional ‘silo’ practices to ‘collaborative’ working environments. BIM provides a collaborative platform to share information between project stakeholders and also guides to deliver products/processes effectively and efficiently. However, what strikes for the practitioners to move for a BIM platform is how it will support the achievement of project specific Key Performance Indicators (KPI). There are massive information generation and heterogeneous flows can be identified throughout a project lifecycle and the value of that information is enormous. From the definition itself, BIM has the capability of absorbing every benefit which can be obtained through information management. This paper explains the use of BIM as an effective information management tool for achieving the KPIs in construction projects. Initially, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify the application of BIM in construction project lifecycle and its role as an effective information management tool. In addition to six (6) numbers of interviews were conducted among the construction industry professionals to identify the practical use of BIM in construction projects and its effectiveness in achieving project KPIs. The findings of the study illustrate the BIM driven construction project KPIs and their importance in achieving project goals.
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Building demolition waste management practices – an Indian case study
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Ram, VG; Satyanarayana, K.; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Sustainable development has become an increasing concern throughout the world in the last two decades. Construction industry generates a huge quantity of waste, which is termed as construction and demolition (C&D) waste. C&D waste constitutes a major portion of the total solid waste generated in a society. Therefore, adoption of sustainable practices in C&D activities is vital for a society to move towards sustainable development. Moreover, demolition is a phase of construction that produces a large quantity of waste and hence requires explicit attention. During the past few decades, considerable amount of C&D waste is recycled in the developed countries. However, there are very few actively functioning C&D waste recycling facilities available in India. This signals the magnitude of the problem that needs to be addressed with respect to C&D waste management in India. In this paper, a case study research methodology is adopted to study the demolition waste management practices being adopted in Chennai city and the barriers that prevent the recycling of C&D debris have been discussed. The practices were found to be driven purely by economic incentives and unauthorized disposal of C&D waste is prevalent. There is a lack of awareness regarding the recycling possibilities among the stakeholders. Moreover, there are no records containing details on the quantity of C&D waste getting generated. Lack of appropriate policies, rules and strategies to address the C&D waste management have also been found to be some of the major barriers for the lack of C&D waste recycling initiatives in India.
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Comparative analysis of adjudication and arbitration methods in Sri Lankan construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Abeynayake, M; Dharmawardhana, BC; Dharmawardhana, BC; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Construction claims are more technical intensive and multifaceted than other commercial disputes. The construction industry needs a fast and cost effective method for dispute resolution. Although the area of dispute resolution has been widely discussed and heavily researched, few studies have been conducted with respect to this research area in the Sri Lankan context. The aim of this study is to compare and contrast adjudication and arbitration methods use in Sri Lankan construction industry. To accomplish this aim, a literature survey would be conducted to find out available dispute resolution methods and the extent to which research has been carried out on arbitration and adjudication method. The developed questionnaire would be used to gather primary data from the professionals and the collected data would be analyzed using of statistical tools. Further, factors that can be used to compare arbitration and adjudication methods are presented in the latter part of the literature review. Semi structured interviews were carried out using the factors identified from literature review. The results of this research enable researchers to gain a better understanding on the current adjudication and arbitration methods, recognize significance of critical factors and suggestions for the development of adjudication and arbitration methods in the construction industry of Sri Lanka. The findings of this research indicate that the professionals who involve in the construction industry have overall average level of satisfaction on the current practice of adjudication and arbitration, however they believe that adjudication is an effective mechanism for dispute resolution rather than arbitration. It further revealed that the modernised stair-step model of dispute resolution strategy is the best. The research further makes recommendations in order to make ADR methods more effective and efficient.
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Comparative study of water efficiency in green and non – green buildings in apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Silva, SN; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Dissanayake, DMPP; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
At present, the amount of water demanded exceeds the water quantity that remains as a resource and it becomes scarcer each year. When it comes to water consumption in buildings, apparel buildings consume a considerable amount of water for both production processes and to fulfil the requirements of a large number of occupants. However, there are different perceptions towards water efficiency. As an example, one party is aimed at adhering the green building concept in order to retrieve water efficiency while another perception focus towards achieving water efficiency through various methods without giving consideration for adaptation of green status. Therefore, this study looks at how water efficiency is addressed and what benefits have being received for green buildings compared to nongreen buildings. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was carried out with the purpose of getting familiarized with research areas. Case study method was used to compare water efficiency status in green and non-green buildings in apparel industry. Two cases are selected from each building type for the data collection purpose. Semi structured interviews were carried out with respective industrial personnel and findings of case study was analyzed using the Nvivo. Research findings revealed that both green and non-green building are having similar purviews on the consideration towards the water efficiency and integrated with high quality water efficient practices to enhance the water efficient performances of the buildings. However, certain good practices could be observed in green buildings compared to non- green buildings. That is, individual commitment of the organisation together with third party commitment is making the building more towards water efficient. Finally, the study provides recommendations for good practices towards water efficient practices in the apparel industry.
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Comprehensive study about Sri Lankan contractors’ estimation practice
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Ganeshu, P; Disaratna, PAPVDS; Francis, M; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
The “estimating process” is a significant element within the circle of construction due to the lack of financial resources available. Tender cost estimating in Sri Lankan construction industry requires extensive knowledge and expertise. This research proposed a best estimation practice to the Sri Lankan construction industry. This study expects it will fulfil the research gap and uplift the Sri Lankan contractors’ current estimation practice. The aim of this research is to suggest solutions to address the limitations of current estimating practice prevailing in the Sri Lankan construction industry comparing to the proposed best estimation practice. This research has been conducted through literature reviews, questionnaire survey and interviews. The questionnaire included sixteen steps identified as the best estimation practice through literature review and interviews, with a view to find out the current estimation practice of Sri Lankan contractors. The analysis of data revealed although they are following all sixteen steps, they couldn’t able to gain the maximum benefit of those steps owing to some limitations. Therefore in order to find out the solutions for those limitations Seventeen interviews were carried out. Among those, nine interviews were from contractors and eight interviews were from consultants. These conclude that limitations and solutions identified by the contractors were similar with those identified by the consultants. In the comparison of their opinions the degree of agreement on most of the factors between them is high. It shows consultants’ understanding about contractors’ works are quite high. The study recommended that both contractors and consultants give more attention to the cost estimating process to manage the projects in a better way and to hire qualified technical staff in order to obtain an accurate estimate. Contractors were requested to keep databases and to make relevant changes and modifications in their existing estimating practices in their future projects.
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Conceptual framework for sustainable public procurement process in construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Gunawardhane, KAP; Karunasena, G; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Public Procurement Process (Public PP) mainly focuses on the satisfaction of stakeholders in line with development objectives of the country. The importance of public expenditures within the world economy has stimulated and established interest in how public money is spent, with an emphasis on transparency and openness through the Public PP. This was identified as critical challenges with prevailing gaps of the Public PP when focuses on Sri Lankan construction industry. In this context Sustainable Public Procurement Process (SPPP) in construction industry emerge to Sri Lanka with numbers of benefits. Though it is a new concept to the developing countries, SPPP is not another type of procurement; it rather seeks to address the environmental, social and economic consequences of procurement actions. Moreover, the developed countries have implemented the SPPP successfully as a solution to challenges and gaps of existing Public PP. Hence, the SPPP has identified as one of most accepted alternative method to address the challenges and gaps of the Public PP in Sri Lankan construction industry. Thus, this paper has proposed a conceptual framework for the SPPP based on secondary data. Further paper explored the framework in line with significant stages of Conceptual, Planning, Tendering/ Purchasing, Implementation, and Closeout with due consideration to the relationship of these all five stages of the Public PP. Relevant areas scrutinised through the comprehensive literature review to develop the proposed conceptual framework. Further, experts in the field of construction procurement also consulted to gather the opinions in order to evaluate the feasibility of conceptual framework.
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A conceptual lean-based framework for improving the environmental performance of ready-mixed concrete production processes
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Nellickal, AG; Rajendra, AV; Palaniappan, S; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
The Ready-Mixed Concrete (RMC) industry is one of the fastest growing construction sectors and plays an important role towards infrastructure development. The RMC industry is expected to rise from INR 155-160 billion in 2009 - 2010 to INR 395 - 400 billion in 2014 – 2015 in India. The use of RMC for construction has proved to be advantageous due to its assured quality, accuracy in the mix proportion, faster construction, less workforce and improved workspace utilization. The RMC industry life cycle consists of five major phases namely manufacturing of raw materials, transportation of raw materials to batching plant, batching plant operations, delivery of concrete to site and site activities for placing and compaction. Significant amounts of resources such as materials, energy and water are used during these five phases. The transportation of raw materials and concrete is considered as one of the major sources of energy use and emissions. This study investigates the application of lean concepts for improving the environmental performance of RMC industry operations. First, the current status of RMC industry is presented. Second, a detailed study of resources used during various phases of RMC industry is summarized based on case studies carried out in Chennai. Third, lean concepts relevant for construction to minimize or eliminate non-value adding activities and wastes are discussed. Finally, this study presents a conceptual framework based on lean thinking to improve the environmental performance of RMC industry. This framework can be used to evaluate alternate RMC production scenarios and enhance the decision-making process for better production and environmental performance.
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Construction and demolition waste recycling: the case of construction waste management (COWAM) project
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Samarasingha, IGT; Karunasena, G; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Construction waste in general consists of both waste generated by construction as well as demolition. Disposal of demolition waste is becoming a growing problem which became evident after the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, particularly in Sri Lanka. Management of these wastes came into picture with the establishment of a C&D waste recycling plant by the Construction Waste Management (COWAM) Project. With the development of construction industry, the question arises whether COWAM plant alone is capable of managing such waste. Thus, this paper presents recommendations to further improve the COWAM plant by expanding the same into other local areas. COWAM plant was selected as a single case study and data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. It revealed lack of funds to establish recycling plants and infrastructure and unavailability of a proper C&D waste management policy in Sri Lanka as major problems. Taking contracts to demolish buildings and increasing the number of productions are the most important recommendations to improve the COWAM plant. Further, allocation of requisite budget for infrastructure and public awareness is recommended to enhance the COWAM concept in Sri Lanka.
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Development of a customer satisfaction assessment model for the immigration and emigration service in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Madhusanka, HWN; De Silva, N; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Immigration and Emigration Service (IES) is among the most vital set of state services of a country. In Sri Lanka it has played a great role with the augmented rates of immigrants and emigrants during past few years. The efficiency of this service relies on its customers’ satisfaction. Thus the focus of the research was to identify the level of satisfaction of customers regarding the quality of services, and to suggest appropriate further improvement strategies to maximize its efficiency. Quantitative approach was used for the effective fulfilment of desired objectives. During the first phase of data collection, two preliminary surveys were carried out to filter and specifically identify the factors to be included in the satisfaction assessment. Subsequently, the customer satisfaction assessment was completed focusing on 125 customers. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 4 experts, aiming to identify possible improvement strategies for further enhancements in the service quality. Twenty eight factors were established to appraise the immigration and emigration service quality. The service quality assessment using IPA matrix revealed that the customers were satisfied with 15 factors and dissatisfied with 13 factors. Thus, several improvement strategies were proposed to improve the current service quality.
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Dimensions of sustainable construction: the perspectives of construction stakeholders
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Goh, CS; Rowlinson, S; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
The recent trend of sustainable development in the Hong Kong construction industry has drawn construction organisations’ attention to sustainability issues. However, the fragmented nature of construction industry has led to divergence in stakeholders’ understanding of sustainable construction, in addition to the traditionally debatable concepts of sustainable development. This paper explores and examines how different stakeholders perceive and treat sustainable construction. Twenty two interviews were carried out with stakeholders from various backgrounds including architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, developers, facilities managers, environmentalists, suppliers, and sustainability consultants. The results show that there is still a disagreement on embracing the economic and social pillars in sustainable construction, whilst the environmental pillar is acknowledged by the majority. In addition to the triple bottom line, sustainable construction is also linked to culture and health and safety. Interestingly, this study found that construction stakeholders perceive sustainable construction as an ideal situation in which it is very hard to attain zero carbon and complete sustainability in real life development. In view of the absence of a clear definition and direction in applying sustainable construction, a gap can form in sustainable practices when incompatible goals are set by various parties due to their different interests. As a result, more effort should be made by providing a platform for the diverse interest groups of construction stakeholders to share ideas, communicate and distribute sustainability information.
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Dispute adjudication board as an ADR method in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Abeynayake, M; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Unresolved disputes can lead to project delay, increased tension and can damage long term business relationship. As a result, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods were evolved during the passage of time to resolve construction disputes. Dispute Avoidance Procedures, which include Dispute Review Boards (DRB) and Dispute Adjudication Boards (DAB) are used in the construction industry since those methods are encourage parties to resolve their disputes at site level. The DAB first started to use in Sri Lanka after the FIDIC (1999) red book was introduced to use and due to the insistence of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank as funding agencies for the mega development projects. Although many research papers of foreign countries stated that their success with the DAB, Sri Lankan construction industry mostly practiced adjudication in ad-hoc manner. This research was carried out to provide suggestions to overcome the barriers to implement the full term DAB method in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is indeed necessary to find out the genuine reasons behind the reluctance of stakeholders in Sri Lankan construction industry towards ADR methods and why stakeholders even do not use adjudication which has been recognized as an effective and efficient ADR method, elsewhere in the world. Questionnaire survey was carried out among contractor and consultant organisations and semi structured interviews were carried to gather descriptive answers from them. The research revealed the barriers to implement the full term DAB in Sri Lanka and provides suggestions to overcome those barriers. The research would also be conducted based on the provisions in Conditions of Contract for Construction for Building and Engineering Works Designed by the Employer (FIDIC 1999) first edition and Standard Bidding Document Procurement of Works Major Contracts (ICTAD/SBD/02) second edition. A pivotal conclusion of this research is that the stakeholders in the construction industry prefer “adjudication” as an effective ADR method.
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Effect of accuracy and timeliness of information on performance of contractors
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Suventhiny, J; Jayasena, HS; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Improper information flow within the construction parties are most frequently experienced in Sri Lankan construction industry. Due to this situation, contractors faced several difficulties on their performance in terms of cost, time, and quality. Therefore, this paper intends to identify the accuracy and timeliness of information on performance of contractors. The aim is to identify how deficiencies in accuracy and timeliness of information affect performance of contractors in terms of cost, time, and quality. The outcome of this study will be beneficial for practitioners in Sri Lankan construction industry to reduce practical issues related accuracy and timeliness of information. Detailed questionnaire survey was used to identify the significant factors relating to accuracy and timeliness of information. Findings revealed that ‘mistakes in design’ and ‘incomplete drawings’ as the most significant factors on cost performance of contractors; ‘delay in design’, and ‘slow drawing revision and distribution’ as the most significant factors on time performance of contractors and ‘mistakes in design’ and ‘incomplete drawings’ as the most significant factors on quality performance of contractors. Further, factors were categorized as agreed factors and disagreed factors based on contractors’ and clients’ and consultants’ perspectives. Important finding of the study is that there are number of factors considered highly significant by contractors but clients and consultants do not assume them to be so. Furthermore, the study recommended clients, contractors and consultants to hold their responsibilities with regard to information related issues on performance of contractors. Findings will be further useful to build a good relationship between stakeholders and improve the performance of contractors.
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Effective leadership behaviours in construction safety practices
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Mustapha, Z; Aigbavboa, C; Thwala, WD; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Effective leadership behaviours have been shown in literature to be a contributing factor to construction safety practices. However, researchers have neglected the leadership behaviours and have their focus on the construction projects features of management. The inclusion of leadership as a part of an organisation has been the subject of interest all over the world. This development has driven researchers’ interest to come out in a holistic manner to give the clear understanding of leadership. The review of literature in the existing body of knowledge becomes paramount in order to continue with the research on the subject matter. The review will also enable the road map for the future to be drafted. This development has led to the review of empirical studies conducted by researchers on leadership in the construction industry. The research adopted literature study from various sources such as reviews of leadership behaviour in the construction safety practices. This review of literature led to the selection of appropriate literature for the study. A rigorous process was carried out in the selection of appropriate literature for the study, from a total number of fifty-two studies reviewed, out of which thirty-five empirical studies were selected. The findings from literature were summarised through coding, according to the publication outlet, authors, nature of the study, country of publication, target population, methodology and key findings. It was found out that most of the empirical studies have focussed on construction projects features management, while less attention has been given to several other equal dimensions, particularly leadership behaviours in the construction industry. This study focussed mainly on the effective leadership strategies in achieving organisational goals. Discussions also included the health and safety improvement in the construction industry and types of motivational measures for safety.
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Feasibility of the delay and disruption protocol for claims management in Sri Lankan construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Pathirana, RANM; Seneviratne, LDIP; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Delay and disruption claims are difficult to resolve due to issues in claims management in construction industry. Those issues are occurred due to wrong practices in the industry and having vague areas in delay and disruption. Although, there are some methods to diminish delay and disruption events, still there is no proper way to deal with those issues. Having a guideline for claims management is an effective mechanism. In that scenario, Society of construction law’s (SCL) delay and disruption protocol is the commonly used guideline in other countries and which have comprehensive scope. Hence, it is required to discover how far SCL protocol is appropriate to Sri Lankan construction industry. Therefore, the aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of adopting SCL protocol for dealing with issues in delay and disruption in claims management in Sri Lankan construction industry. A comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey and semi structured interviews were done as the research method for this paper. Interviewees were selected from questionnaire survey. The findings of this study prove that having a guideline for claims management is important and awareness of SCL protocol in Sri Lanka is comparatively less. Further, it demonstrates that adopting SCL protocol to Sri Lankan construction industry is feasible. Management can achieve sustainable construction practices such as using human resource efficiently, willingness to work and effective time management. Finally, it confirmed that implementing SCL protocol will improve knowledge related claims management and it will enable to improve the claim practitioners’ practices.
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Framework for ensuring effectiveness of maintenance in building services
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Jayasinghe, DPSD; Disaratna, PAPVDS; Weerasinghe, RPNP; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Maintenance management of building services has become one of the critical issues among building sector professionals recently. The interruptions or damages to the building services extensively affect the core operation of the business. Therefore, appropriate maintenance management arrangements are required to sustain a proper building services system. Building practitioners tackle various issues and seek a variety of alternative solutions to deliver an effective maintenance strategy for the building services. However, the lack of consideration on the overall effectiveness of maintenance services has faced frequent problems such as human errors, health and safety issues, resource scarcities, and time delays. In order to address those problems, this research has been carried to develop a framework that ensures the effectiveness of maintenance activities of the building services in Sri Lanka. An extensive literature review was mainly carried to discover the impact of effective maintenance activities towards the building services. Afterwards, a preliminary experts’ survey was conducted to obtain the factors affecting to effectiveness of maintenance activities. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted among maintenance personals to rank identified factors according to their impact. Further, semi-structured interviews have been carried out mainly to identify the limitations of maintenance work. The framework highlights the factors that affect the effectiveness of maintenance activities of building services. Further, the framework facilitates to address the limitations of maintenance activities of building services. The framework can be used as clear evidence to convince both top management and owners of organisations to ensure the effectiveness of maintenance activities as well.
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A framework for the evaluation of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance in apparel industry buildings in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Vijerathne, MGDT; Senevirathna, LDIP; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
In the modern world, many people spend large portion of their time in built environments. Accordingly, significance of built environments’ performance is increasing over past two decades. It draws the attention towards the concept of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) to determine how well built environments are performing as IEQ performance directly affects occupants’ health, comfort, satisfaction and ultimately for a productive work environment. Moreover, IEQ concept can be considered as an integral part of total building performance approach. Today in Sri Lankan industrial sector, especially apparel manufacturing sector grows upward in speedily. For this rapidly development, performance of the built environment is vital as it is having direct relationship with occupants’ productivity. At the present, various approaches to evaluate IEQ performance has being developed. However, it is evident that there is no holistic approach. Similarly in Sri Lanka, there is no comprehensive framework applied in industrial buildings to evaluate IEQ performance. This necessitates the important of developing a holistic IEQ evaluation approach which would greatly benefit to the industrial sector. Survey methodology is used in the research and RII is employed as a data analysing tool to validate the IEQ indicators which have been identified in literature review and modified in preliminary survey. Further, it is established the most significant indicators based on their importance towards IEQ performance in apparel industry buildings with AHP tool. The developed framework comprised with four main IEQ indicators as thermal comfort, indoor air quality, acoustic quality and lighting quality. This framework focused on holistic approach to measure IEQ performance which will allow acceptable built environment while processing continuous improvements.