Other Research – Reports

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Browsing Other Research – Reports by Subject "Civil Engineering-Thesis"

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    Cost increases due to earthquake resistant detailing of concrete structures
    Perera, DFU; Jayasinghe, MTR
    There are two major factors that discourage the use of earthquake resistant design and detailing of structures constructed in Sri Lanka. They are the belief that the earthquake resistant structures will cost a lot more than the normal structures and the misconception that Sri Lanka is located at an area where no earthquakes will occur. On many occasions, the assumption that a particular area is seismically inactive has been proven wrong at the cost of human life and severe destruction to the infrastructure of an area. This is true for Sri Lanka as well since a number of earthquakes have been reported in the recent past in Central India and one event close to Sri Lanka which have hitherto be considered as seismically inactive. British Standard Codes of Practice used in Sri Lanka for structural design does not cover earthquake design and some of the reinforcement details widely adopted are not desirable with respect to earthquake performance. Earthquakes are among the most awesome of natural forces. They occur suddenly, generally without warning, and within 10-20 seconds can turn cities into wasteland. Most earthquakes around the world occur on well defined tectonic plate boundaries, and are known as inter-plate earthquakes. Earthquakes within a tectonic plate are called intra-plate and are spread across the whole of the plate rather than being confined to the boundaries. These occur less frequently. Since Sri Lanka is located away from well known plate boundaries, any earthquake occurring in Sri Lanka is intra-plate type. In an intra-plate area, it is almost impossible to predict the location or likely time of an earthquake event (Hutchinson et al., 1995). However, it is now widely accepted that the risk of earthquakes and their potential for damage especially in heavily populated areas can no longer be ignored. In summary an earthquake event in Sri Lanka may be considered to be low risk but of high consequence
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    Development of pre-tender planning procedures for Sri Lankan contractors
    De Silva, MWJA; Wijetileka, GGM
    The construction industry of Sri Lanka has been experiencing major changes during the last fifteen years. A considerable number of foreign contractors moved into handle major State sector construction organisations lost their Due to losses or projects. monopoly, and had to compete for jobs, other organisational changes, some were closed down. A large number of new contractors entered the industry. As a result of all these the tendering has become very competitive. However, the performance level of local contractors (private and state sector both) was found to be less satisfactory in number of projects that then foreign Major problem with local contractors is Among various reasons for counterparts. the poor progress causing delays, this unsatisfactory performance, inadequate pre-tender planning (plannning at tender stage by contractor) was identified as an important hidden reason, contractors are not fully aware of the importance of proper pre-tender planning to make competitive and realistic tender bids. Many local The need to develop on appropriate pre-tender planning procedure was strongly felt, tendering system of local contractors and also to discipline them at construction stage. It would help to improve the A pre-tender planning procedure is developed considering all the aspects. It may be used by any contractor with necessary adjustments to suit its organisation. It is recommended that in the future each contractor will develop its own pre-tender planning procedures. Possible constraints in adopting the proposed procedures are highlighted. Improvements and changes required in the organisations, to adopt the proposed procedure effectively, are suggested.