Departmental Conferences

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item: Conference-Abstract
Reuse of construction waste as coarse aggregate in concrete
Herath, HMUI; Nanayakkara, DN
The recycling of construction waste as concrete aggregates is an important way to contribute to sustainable development. However, the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) instead of natural aggregate influences the properties of concrete since it has high water absorption. Experimental studies were carried out on the improvement of RCA performance, especially to reduce water absorption. In this study, surface of RCA was coated with a mix of cement, rice husk ash (RHA) and water, so that its characteristics were improved. Concrete mixes were prepared using the treated recycled aggregates and physical properties of each concrete mix were studied.
item: Conference-Full-text
An Artificial Neural Network for Solar Power Generation Forecasting Using Weather Parameters
Amarasinghe, Gihan; Abeygunawardane, Saranga
According to the present context, electrical power generation of Sri Lanka primarily depends on hydro and thermal power plants. As a developing country with increasing electricity demand and strong national environmental policy, the focuses have been driven towards renewable power sources like wind and solar. As a result, number of wind and solar power projects in Sri Lanka has been encountering a considerable growth. Intermittency in the solar Photovoltaic (PV) power generation can significantly increase the variations in the supply side, especially when the solar power penetration is high. Accurate forecasting of solar power generation helps system control engineers with effective and efficient power plant dispatching and scheduling. Weather parameters such as solar irradiance, cloud cover and wind speed determine the solar power output of a PV panel. Machine learning methods such as neural networks, support vector machines and regression models have shown high performance on time series forecasting. In this paper, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is proposed to predict solar power generation using weather parameters. An application study is conducted using the Buruthakanda solar park. The results show that the forecasting performance of the proposed ANN model outruns the Smart Persistence (SP) model.
item: Conference-Abstract
Design and simulation of a robotic arm for a service robot
Pathirana, MGK; Perara, KTK; Sirithunge, HPC; Srima, PHDAS; Jayasekara, AGBP
This paper focuses on designing and simulation of an interactive robotic arm for pick and place and service applications. The robot is expected to have image processing and voice recognition capability. The mechanical structure is simulated using forward kinematics and for this, Denavit-Hartenberg parameter method is used for the proposed design and hence the mechanical structure is simulated in MATLAB and SolidWorks. SolidWorks structure comprises the proposed link lengths and joints which were used for forward kinematics calculations and workspace simulations. Static and dynamic torques are taken into consideration to determine the torques of joint motors. It is expected to find the design requirements and assess the scope of the robot arm before its manipulation.
item: Conference-Abstract
Investigation of a possible natural or artificial barrier to reduce urban C02 concentration
Mirihagalla, MKDL; Halwathura, RU
As the population and C02 level in urban areas are increasing day-by-day, attention should be given to identify sources, sinks and influence of CO? in urban areas. This research focuses on identifying a possible natural or artificial barrier to reduce urban C02 concentration, mainly produced due to the urban trafficThe study was done along byroads in Ratmalana, Dehiwala and Wellawatta urban areas and the C02 variation these roads were compared with the physical features besides these roads. The results of this study rerega 'relationship between physical features and C02 variation along byroads. Vegetation cover, arrangement of the buildings and the building size are very much related with the C02 variation along byroads. Presence offc-vegetation fences rather than walls beside the roads and more space between buildings help to reduce a significant amount of C02 concentration. Existence of high buildings and high walls increase C02 concentration non at those locations.
item: Conference-Abstract
Comparison of different types of pedestrian paving materials
Galabada, GH; Karunathilaka, KMHC; Halwathura, RU
The need for selecting correct material for the pedestrian paving is greater than ever before. Due to increasing number of pavements constructed in urban areas the climate conditions of cities are changing into unfriendly levels. With the escalation of prices of the conventional paving materials (asphalt, concrete) and sustainability concepts designers are on the verge of using alternative materials for the road construction which brings sustainable and eco-friendly, more energy efficient living conditions. In this research different types of paving materials are compared through a questionnaire survey, thermal performance test and a cost comparison. The results of the study indicate that the use of clay paving block pavement is more suitable than the conventional pedestrian paving methods. The low cost, the ability of accommodating and maintaining utility services, thermal comfort, aesthetic appearance and environmentally friendly behavior and user satisfaction can be highlighted as the key advantages of clay paving blocks.
item: Conference-Abstract
Investigation of the most effective method of installing CFRP strips in retrofitting concrete beams
Amarasinghe, NA; Gamage, JCPH
This paper is based on an experimental analysis carried out in order to identify the best method of installation of CFRP strips to enhance the flexural capacity of a reinforced concrete beam. Of the two me“ot installation; EBR (externally bonded reinforcement) and NSM (Near surface mounted) the NSM me o as been proven to be better in qualitative terms. The research gap of quantitative validation of this concept is fulfilled by this research paper. Two new methods of integration of EBR and NSM method were also experimented with the objective of increasing the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete elements by increasing the effective area of CFRP strips used. Suggestions to eliminate the failure modes observed in theexperiment and to enhance the flexural capacity are also discussed in this paper.
item: Conference-Abstract
Use of paddy husk ash as a binder in improvement of soft peaty clay
Madhuransi, LWI; Kulathilaka, SAS
Ground improvement in soft soils through pre-consolidation by preloading with or without vertical drains or vacuum consolidation has the main drawback of time consumption. Deep mixing with the cement is an alternative solution that has been studied and it was found that cement percentages of 20-30% are required to obtain a sufficient level of improvement. In view of the high cost involved the study of the use of paddy husk ash (PHA) also known as Rice Husk Ash (RHA)-another pozzolonic material which is a waste product of rice production has been conducted. Improvement through mixing natural peat with different proportions of cement and PHA was studied in this project. Engineering properties of samples comprise with different mix proportion of cement and PHA were compared with samples of untreated peat. Improvement in compressible characteristics and shear strength were evaluated through performing one dimensional consolidation test and undrained triaxial test.
item: Conference-Abstract
Shear strength characteristics of unsaturated residual soils
Ganeshalingam, C; Kulathilaka, SAS
The tropical climate conditions cause the residual soils near ground water level to be in an unsaturated state generally. Matric suction enhance the shear strength of the soil. In tropical countries like Sri Lanka where the soil formation is mainly residual, this added shear strength is no longer reliable due to frequent rainfall periods. With rainfall infiltration, the matric suction reduces and the shear strength diminishes making the slopes vulnerable. Therefore, it is necessary to study how the moisture content of soil is affected after the rainfall and how it can be related to shear strength. As an initial step, the variation of apparent cohesion with degree of saturation was investigated in the present study for residual soil obtained from the site of the failed slope at Southern Transport Development Project in Welipenna. Direct shear tests was preferred in the study over triaxial test because of the shorter time taken for the pore water pressure to reach equilibrium.
item: Conference-Full-text
Use of levelized costs and screening curves to select the optimum generation mix for sri lankan electricity sector
Jayaratne, W; Dasanayaka, SWSB; Mudalige, D
Sri Lanka is facing problems in selecting optimum electricity generation mix due to the environmental pressures and economic constraints. With limited hydro resources which have already been harnessed up to maximum level, the only options available are diverting to alternative sustainable energy sources. In this context this study assesses the available generation alternatives for Sri Lanka in terms of financial, social and environmental constraints by using levelized generation cost and screening curves mechanism. Each generation option is thereby selected on analytical hierarchical process (AHP) technique based on four attributes of levelized cost, energy security, environment damage cost and social benefits and thereby optimum generation mix is decided. The identified generation options have been analyzed for next twenty year of life span for calculation of levelized generation cost, energy security and technological constraints, environmental damage cost and social benefits with analytical hierarchical process technique. Research findings show that coal and combined cycle diesel power stations are suitable for base load and high capacity operations at 80% to 90% loading at higher energy security with maximum social benefits. However, hydro and wind power stations are suitable for running at 30% to 40% loading at lowest levelized generation by minimizing environmental damage cost but not base load operations. Presently, Hydro power stations are running for base load operations which have been proven to be re-evaluated in this study despite the proposed generation mix does not include solar power generation due to many factors. Therefore, it is recommended to run existing hydro power generators at 30% to 40% loading at base load operations while coal and combined cycle diesel generators to be run at 80% to 90% throughout the clock. The methodology employed and the policies derived can be used as guides to similar types of research in other countries as well.
item: Conference-Full-text
In-house development & implementation of ‘corebrain’ warehouse management system: a case study
Madurapperuma, S; Ebert, LJ; Kuruppuarachchi, D
In the modern complex business context where the customer needs and wants are changing radically, the fulfillment of these consumer demands were mainly laid on third party logistics. A new business concept which evolved along with the world trade is now managing the product flow from origin to the destination. In order to provide an innovative solution to customers, visibility of information and uninterrupted communication, information communication technology (ICT) plays a significant role in 3PL industry both globally and locally. Advantis 3PL Plus as one of the main Sri Lankan origin leading third party logistics service providers in the Asia Pacific region saw this challenge of adopting low cost digital technology in order to handle vital information along with the product flow to illuminate origin and destination. As a result, an initiative has taken to develop an in-house Warehouse Management System (CoreBrain) by capturing all modern warehousing operational scenarios and standards. This paper illustrates how Advantis 3PL Plus developed ‘CoreBrain’-Warehouse Management System (WMS) to cater ICT facility for industrial sectors such as apparel, pharma and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) to operate in low cost with 100% inventory accuracy and information visibility for decision making.
item: Conference-Full-text
Preventing accidents in building construction through safety management
Perera, HN; Somachandra, V; Samarasiri, NC
Building Construction sector is one of the major sectors in the construction industry in Sri Lanka. As in other sectors, building construction workers also have to face various types of hazards and accidents. Due to these accidents, there is a significant lost to the industry in terms of valuable lives, wasted time and cost overruns and these adversely affect the reputation of the construction industry. The construction includes the different specific areas such as building, road, tunnel, bridges, harbors, reservoirs etc. But, the most researchers have carried out research in the general area of construction without any separation. Further the Health and Safety of Building construction have not been covered properly by the researchers in the past. However, one of the different areas of the industry, building construction has become the most hazardous industry compared to others. This study identifies the global practices to reduce the accident probability in Building construction projects. It also identifies the accidents that frequently happen, causes for those accidents, and the impact of those accidents on the on Building Construction projects in Sri Lanka. And also from the research it is possible to investigate the applicability of globally identified best practices in Sri Lankan Building Construction Projects. The main objective of this research was to develop a guideline for Sri Lankan Building Construction projects, which would be useful in reducing accidents probability in order to minimize various losses in Sri Lanka building construction projects. Currently there is no proper research carried out regarding this issue to reduce accidents probability and minimize losses in Sri Lankan Building construction projects. Thus, this research is useful to fill that research gap in the Sri Lankan Building Construction Sector.
item: Conference-Full-text
Iot based smart waste bin model to optimize the waste management process
kumari, PKS; Jeewananda, THNL; Supunya, NHPR; Karunanayake, VJ
Waste management has become one of the crucial universal problems at present. The rapid growth in world population, their complex living styles and the rate of urbanization have increased the amount of solid waste produce. Therefore, having a proper monitoring mechanism is a must to manage the situation. This paper suggests a solution to enable the society to automate and optimize waste management process using Internet of Things (IOT) technologies. The proposed solution will notify the user and other authorities when the waste bins are getting filled or when there is an unusual condition inside the bins like having high temperature or high humidity. Users can take necessary action based on the details. Researchers have used the layered architecture to develop this model and the main objective of the project is to gather waste collecting data and inform householders and relevant authorities online. The proposed model provides dashboard, sound and light alerts in the system.
item: Conference-Full-text
Impact of corporate governance on financial innovation: a conceptual framework model
Mahesh, DD; Sinnathamby, V; Kuruppu, GN; Dasanayaka, SWSB; Samarasinghe, GD
This paper presents a conceptual framework that could be applied to the relevant empirical research studies on the relative importance of the concept of corporate governance in order to strengthen the innovative practices in financial services industry. The main data and information for the development of this model is obtained from of the available literature, web sites and supplemented with interviews conducted with key relevant stake holders in financial sector. Thus, this research framework could be utilized to examine the corporate governance and innovation related issues in the other industrial sectors though it has been originally designed for the financial services industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
“Ethical management practice” as a csr tool to ensure the corporate sustainability of construction industry: a conceptual review
Somachandra, V; Sylva, K
Construction industry is one of the main contributors to the national economy in most countries with the industry metabolism of businesses including constructors, clients, material producers, professional service suppliers and construction enterprises, amongst others. In a largely diversified industry like construction, inter-organizational relationships grounded through ethical practice and behavior is of utmost importance to establish sustainable relationships. Nevertheless, globally, the construction industry has been reported as an industry with poor ethical performance due to corrupt practices, health and safety catastrophes and triggering damage to the environment. Thus, if the construction industry is not guided by a proper ethical framework, the damage it could do to the economy, society and ecosystem is unrecoverable. This study attempts to identify the nature of ethical management practices in construction industry and its stakeholders, through extant literature. Also it reveals the prevailing ethical issues of the industry related to its stakeholders. Further, this study identifies the costs of these unethical management practices along with the emerging need and paybacks of properly developed ethical framework to ensure the sustainability of the industry. Further research will aim to develop an ethical management framework for Sri Lankan construction industry in the light of this review. Mix methodology will be utilized, to achieve this objective. Critical unethical management practices of Sri Lankan construction industry stakeholders will be identified thorough a questionnaire based on Relative Importance Index. Recommendations to mitigate the identified critical unethical management practices will be formed through an interview survey with industry experts using content analysis method. Based on those inputs, an ethical management framework for Sri Lankan construction industry will be developed.
item: Conference-Full-text
Effectiveness of lean manufacturing layout of a firm within the apparel industry of sri lanka: a case study
Ratnayake, RMDK; Dinosha, V
The study is based on Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer ABC and its SBU of Best Clothing to identify the effectiveness of a lean layout. Apparel export industry is the most important and dynamic contributor to Sri Lanka’s economy. The share of the world market clothes and its share of exports of Sri Lanka are steadily losing since 2000. The imports to US from Sri Lanka have reduced by 1 % in 2015. The time has come for Sri Lanka to look beyond the ordinary clothes and move from low -cost strategy. Retailers are demanding more on increasing for short lead times, to meet the customer demand. They prefer in maintaining a low inventory, material just in time at a low cost as to reduce the tax and increasing interest rates. Effective facility layout design reduces manufacturing lead time, increases the quantity and efficiency of the plant. In today’s society no style longs for more than a week. Four fashion seasons namely spring, summer, fall, winter is blending out 52 "micro-seasons" per year. For a style changeover, an effective layout is set to reduce the loss in efficiency because it will minimize the changeover time by developing multi skilled employees and easy changeover of machines with the size of the layout. Therefore, the findings of this research show that there are two aspects that must be fulfilled for a lean layout to be effective. They are better organizational performance and contented employees. The organizational performance was measured using quality, speed, flexibility, dependability and cost. The employee contentment was measured using safety and ergonomics, income generated, relationship and support received from superiors, peers and supporting department, opportunity for skill development and career growth.
item: Conference-Full-text
Evaluation of quality control measures and competency of the staff in non-accredited testing laboratories in sri lanka
Maduranga, M; Mudalige, DM
The purpose of this research was to identify the quality control measures adopted by non-accredited testing laboratories (excluding medical and calibration laboratories) in Sri Lanka and to examine the competency of the staff in conducting the tests in non-accredited laboratories using ISO 17025 as the guidance. A field study based on a structured questionnaire and personal interviews was carried out in ten (10) non-accredited laboratories in Sri Lanka. Eighteen test methods (18), twenty one (21) actual tests were observed and twenty four (24) employees were given a structured examination. The study analyzed non-accredited laboratories based on management and technical requirements of ISO 17025. Several specific clauses stipulated in ISO 17025 were considered for the assessment. Each clause selected was subdivided in to a set of objective requirements which was examined in each laboratory/test method/test. The laboratory was decided to have complied with minimum quality control procedures related to the clause if these requirements are met as per the acceptance criteria developed by the researcher. The study identified that less than 40% laboratories observed, used adequate quality control methods in conducting the tests in aspects related management system, equipment and reporting results. Less than 70% laboratories observed, used adequate quality control methods in conducting the tests in aspects related to internal audit, organizations and laboratory environment. Erroneous procedures and deficiencies in conducting the test were observed in many aspects. Ignorance of conditions laid down in the relevant test method/standard, inappropriate handling of testing equipment or standards by the staff, non-use of quality control samples when required and errors in documentation and issuing of the test report were the four major shortcomings observed in test methods. Three major deficiencies in laboratory quality control included calibration issues, not enough facilities to monitor the test environment and lack of documentation in quality procedures. The study also revealed the poor competency and knowledge of the laboratory staff in general quality principles. Although 56% of the employees examined had sufficient technical knowledge to carry out the given test, only 30% had satisfactory understanding of general quality management policies laid down in ISO 17025. The outcome of this research is that due to inadequate level of quality control procedures implemented in most of the non-accredited laboratories and due to the lack of knowledge of the staff in these testing laboratories in quality assurance principles, the ability of non-accredited laboratories to consistently deliver reliable and valid results is highly doubtful. Finally, this paper presents recommendations for an effective and reliable laboratory network in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
An analysis of employee welfare practices in oil and gas construction projects at Qatar
Dissanayake, LC; Somachandra, V; Mudalige, DM
Oil and Gas construction industry has been identified as a very dangerous and risky construction industry sub-sector in the world compared to building and other infrastructure sectors. This field requires highly experienced employees. Those employees are fully open to dangerous situations and risky environment and it may course to lose their life/body parts, permanent disabilities or mental issues. Nowadays, many of Oil & Gas construction companies are using advanced technology to accelerate the works and protect their employee’s from risk. But still, there is risk and incidents are reported all over the world. In this research paper, welfare facilities in Oil & Gas construction industry in Qatar are considered and is aimed to find out awareness of the welfare facilities within that field. First of all, the researcher carried out a thorough literature review using past published books, magazines, journals and the internet. Then the online survey was designed using 30 numbers of questions to collect the required data. Around, 50 numbers of responders are responded to the questionnaire and most of them are supervisory level. 59% are fully aware about facilities and other 41% are partially awareness about the welfare facilities. According to this study, some of the welfare facilities have to be improved and developed around some key areas, like orientation programs, well experience staff for safety department and health and insurance benefits.
item: Conference-Abstract
The Appreciation of the sense of space through the acoustic landscape of urban parks : case study of urban parks Colombo
Waduthanthri, YH; Amendra, S
The main goal of this study is to analyze the human sense of space of an urban park through the acoustic landscape of it. The research will be done in sample four sites in and around Colombo Sri Lanka; viharamahadevi park, diyathauyana , independence square premises and the study was done maintaining the equality of the case studies by observing in the same time during congregative Sundays . And the acoustic landscape will be appreciated through several methods of study. the analyze will based on the acoustic characterization of the park’s interior noise levels of selected functioning and isolates spaces , and by two separate socio- acoustic surveys to the visitors and selected sample of people to check there perception on acoustic quality , of the above mentioned urban parks . The measurement of acoustic characterization is done by recording the sounds and plotting in to graphs where decibels and frequency compared. And a social survey is done by giving a questioner to the random users of the parks .so that the data will be analyses on charts and graphs. The second phase of the study is done by giving the above recorded sounds to the selected group of people and through a questioner the idea on the sounds will be collected and graphed. The study and the summery prove that the urban parks in Sri Lanka contain lots of unwanted, unpleasant and unexpected sounds that the people does not expect or prefer other than the human favorable and natural acoustic sounds.So that the noises affect the concentration and disturbed the perception.
item: Conference-Abstract
The Landscape and the tourist attraction : a study with reference to Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka
De Silva, N; Chandrasekara, DP
This research investigates the link between landscape and tourist attraction in Sri Lankan context. Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country and the landscape is the main tourist attraction. But there is no proper identification on the significant factors which attract tourists to those landscapes. A well adopted tourism landscapeof Nuwara-Eliya city was selected as the case study.Three most attractive locations t Nuwara-Eliya;Lake Gregory premises, Moon Plains and Mackwood- The literature review identified six“landscape aspects” and nine “landscape components”which attract tourists to landscapes. Those aspects were “experiential”, “ideological”, “imaginary”, “out of ordinary”, “unspoilt”, and “scenic” and the components were “flora & fauna”, “settlements”, “enclosure”, “memories”, “land use”, “sound”, “sight”, “land form” and “air/climate”. Thus, the study investigates which landscape aspect attracts the tourists in to a landscape and which landscape component becomes most significant and why it becomes that much significant for visitors.Mixed method of qualitative and quantitative surveys with in-situ observations, questionnaire based interviews and photographic analysis were used for data collection with thirty randomly selected tourists as the sample. This study reveals that landscape aspect which attract tourists differ with most significant landscape component of the space. One landscape component could play different roles in different landscapes. Tourist attraction to a landscape is proportional to the endurance of most significant landscape component. Further, it was found that the visual perception is the ultimate satisfaction of tourists. The outcome of the study could be used as a design tool in the landscape architectural design developments to sustain the tourism landscapes.
item: Conference-Abstract
Urban design for developing a sense of community in culturally-diverse neighbourhoods
Bandara, V; Monteyne, D
A sense of community is a fundamental requirement for communities to thrive and prosper. However, in today’s multi-ethnic environments developing or maintaining a sense of community is becoming increasingly challenging especially in cities such as Calgary, Canada, which are experiencing rapid population diversification. Thus, there is a growing need for such cities to actively support their diverse populations in building a sense of community. Nearly a century of scholarship points to the link between the physical environment and social behaviour and recognizes the urban environment as a catalyst in enhancing a sense of community among citizens. However, assessments to identify how urban environments can facilitate a sense of community among diverse populations remain rare in urban planning and design. The aim of this case study was to identify how the physical environments can support building a sense of community among culturally-diverse populations, and thus identify strategies for making cities more resilient and sustainable in the face of rapid demographic changes. For this research, the Family Housing Complex at the University of Calgary was selected as a case study due to being a widely-diverse population living in a single neighbourhood. Using a number of observation techniques and interviews, the study focused on the diverse day-to-day encounters among residents to identify opportunities for developing a sense of community among them.