FARU - 2012

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/14710

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Now showing 1 - 16 of 16

item: Conference-Abstract
Mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
Abeynayake, MDTE; Thalpage, J
Although, the litigation process is the traditional mode of dispute resolution; drawbacks of litigation process have opened up the 'Alternative Dispute Resolution' (ADR) methods for construction disputes. Mediation can be identified as the commonly practicing ADR methods in international construction industry. However, the current experience of mediation in the Sri Lankan construction industry is not that much popular with compared to the other ADR methods. Hence, it is essential to i review the suitability of mediation for resolving construction disputes in Sri Lankan construction industry. ".' Literature survey was done together with the pilot survey for effectiveness in data collection and research problem was approached through case studies of three experienced ADR practitioners in construction dispute resolution. Relevant data were gathered through conducting semi-structured interviews among aforementioned ADR practitioners. Findings of this research study identified the mediation process, advantages, disadvantages, best ways of practicing mediation by overcoming the ' disadvantages, barriers for the implementation of mediation and best ways of establishment by overcoming the barriers. Based on the research findings, suitability of the process, practice and establishment of the mediation were evaluated to review the overall suitability of mediation in Sri Lankan construction industry. Results of this research indicate the process, practice and establishment of mediation is suitable for the Sri Lankan context. Further, this research is limited to the evaluating the suitability of mediation only in resolving construction disputes in Sri Lanka and data collection were limited to the experienced ADR practitioners who having analytical knowledge in mediation practice.
item: Conference-Full-text
Use of mathematical modelling for planning municipal solid waste collection
(2014-01-10) Warusavitharana, EJ; Ranasinghe, TKGP
When people hear the term "Solid waste management" thry immediatelY think oj rerycling. But it is not the aspect that requires the greatest expenditure, or has the greatest impact on the urban environment and public health. It is the "collection" oj municipal solid waste that has a significant impact on both municipal expenditure and public health
item: Conference-Full-text
The key factors affecting the competency in value addition to gem and jewellery in Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Samarasekara, KKGIC; De Silva, TKNP; Dharmaratne, PGR
Gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka plqys a vital role contributing immenselY toforeign exchange earning to the country's economy. The industrial value chain begins lvith gem mining and ends with retailing ofjewellery while, several stages are included amid. It is imperative to be discerned that every stage involves trading, resulting export of a larger amount if semi-finished products without adding the premium value which creates lack of competitiveness. S tatistical data illustrates a clear dispariry in terms of revenue generated through the gem exports as opposed to jewellery exports. Thus, the discrepanry between country's resource capaciry and its level of fabrication has inspired to conduct this research work.
item: Conference-Full-text
The correlation between colour associated thermal perception and preferred human activity
(2014-01-10) Hettiarachchi, AA; De Silva, N
Research has shown that colour stimuli could trigger certain fixed emotional and behavioural responses lVithin human beings. Consequentty, transcending its typical aesthetic value, colours have a greater potential to be integrated into design in a WqJ that can stimulate required emotions and behaviour in the built environment to enable optimum human performance. This attribute is identified in the present stuc!J as an important aspect of the Junctional value of colour'. Literature on theory of colour explains the relationship betueen colour and human's, thermal perception (TP), distinguishing warm colours (red, orange, yellozv), cools colours (blue, gree1J,purple) and neutral colours (white, grey, black). This stu4J emphasises that every human activity demands a unique thermal condition or environment for its optimum performance. In consequence, it was f!)Ipothesised that colours could be potentiallY used to manipulate human thermal environment as demanded by the activity intended in arry built space. Hitherto, the scientific investigations done on the nature and potential of this association are scarce. The present research attempts to provide evidence for TP related to a few selected colours, while identifying certain associated functions for aforementioned colours.
item: Conference-Full-text
Sustainable retrofitting: a case study in research led teaching (RLT)
(2014-01-10) Hyde, R
The research work reported here describes a project concerning the proposed renovation and retrofitting of a bioclimatic tower in Malaysia though a three day colloquium and charette exercise with students and practitioners. Following the completion of this project it was found that many of the characteristic's of both the activities and the knowledge outcomes during and from this exercise are consistent with what could called a research-led teaching approach (RTL). The paper first defines research led teaching and then describes aspect of the approached used in the project, which have similarities with RTL. Conclusions from this analysis suggest that conventional research processes and methodologies can frame important questions for practice, however often these cannot be resolved easily though conventional methods of architectural SCIence research. RTL, which takes questions from the convention research process and explores these through design, offers a model for future architectural research.
item: Conference-Full-text
Reflecting regional identity in building entrances: reflections on the emerging trends in institutional gate houses, Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Samaratunga, M; Gunarathne, N
Reflecting on emerging trends in the built environment is significant in understanding the past, present and future of the local and global aspects of human development. This paper focuses on gate houses in institutional buildings and explores the emerging trends in designing entrances and the under!Jing factors that forced their change along, with their contribution to regional identity.
item: Conference-Full-text
Reading the patterns of transport network and population distribution; fractal geometry application in Kurunegala township and its surrounding areas, Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Herath, K; Jayasinghe, A
Tbe ReCIprocalrelationsbip between tbepopulation distribution and the transport nenvork pattern bas been JJJidefydiscussed,for example iuhen tbe population increases; demand for transport related infrastructure increases and tnce versa. But the relationship betueen the road netuore pattern and population distribution bas not been adequatefy investigated and lacks the appropriate method especialfy in Sri Lankan spatial and transport planning studies. In sucb a context, tbis research explores the feasibility of an emerging method called 'Fractal Geometry' to explain the relationship betiueen road network patterns and population distributions. Tbus, tbis stmfy calculated the road and population distribution fractal dimensions based on tbe 'mass radius' fractal geometry method and anafyzed tbe relationship between these tuo variables. Findings of the stucfy baue revealed a strong correlation and liner relationship between thefractal dimensions of road and population distribution. According/)', tbe stucfy concludesfractal geometry as a useful tool in understanding the relationship betueenpopulation distribution and tbe road netuork
item: Conference-Full-text
Literature review on lean implementation cases in the construction process
(2014-01-10) Thilakarathna, N; Senaratne, S
Lean construction is a concept still neu/ to many in the construction industry around the world. All construction activities can be divided into two; conversion activities wbicb produce tangibles and flOlv activities u/hich bind such conversion activities during the delivery process of the output. Although all activities expend cost and consume time) Lean Principles states that on!; conversion activities add value and these sbosid be made more efficient) 7vhereas non valtte-addingflO1v activities should be reduced or eliminated. By eliminating wasteful non value-adding activities) processes can become 'lean' which provide 'more lvith less' resources.
item: Conference-Full-text
Indoor comfort implications of urban microclimate: case study of office buildings in Colombo
(2014-01-10) Perera, NGR; Emmanuel, MPR
The equatorial tropics are experiencing an explosive urban grol1Jth. With intensified urbanisation comes a rapid increase in atmospheric carbon, dl1Jindling resources and concerns over energy seainty. In this context the need to achieve thermal comfort I:y the adoption of passive strategies assumes a great significance
item: Conference-Full-text
Identification of traditional surface decoration techniques in earthenware products of Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Ranasinghe, WMND; De Silva, N
Clqy is a natural, earth made resource, JJJhichgoes back to the pre history of man, JJJithits infanry as a useful material in the past. Clqy was identified as a material to produce culinary utensils and obiects. When fired, c!qy gets hard enough to make durable objeas and it adds a value to the product. At the beginning, designs were in primary stage and the onlY purpose JJJasto fulfil the requirements and functional value, but later on people considered about the aesthetical pleasing value. People came up with decorative effects to enhance the beauty and functionality of the product. Outer appearance or suiface decoration gives more value and the first impression about the product. According to the above considerations suiface appearance could be identified as an important aspect of a ceramic product.
item: Conference-Full-text
Evolution of female costume in Sinhala tradition
(2014-01-10) Pathirana, H
According to tbe Oxford English dictionary tbe meaning of costume denotes (the distinctive s!Jle of coiffilre,jelvellel)" and appare' of a period, cot/nfl)', class or a group '. Costumes are considered as things that are laid 011 the human boqy for beauty) aesthetics and junction. Bocjy shape orfigure is believed to be the c!lllllt/ative reStllt of a iuoman's skeletal structure and distribution of muscle on the borfJl. The ftlJlale figure in ma'!)' cultures has been uorsbipped as the .rymbol of ftrtility and prosperity. The femate form IS considered as more attractive than its male counterpart. In general ftmale figures are narrouer at the waist than at the bust and hip area, and accentuated with long hair that foils along the back
item: Conference-Full-text
Evaluation of critical success factors for road construction projects in Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Seneviratne, LDIP; Sriyananda, DH
A construction project is commonlY acknOJvledged as successful when it is completed on time} nitbin budget, and in accordance nutb specifications and to the stakeholders} satisfaction. However} outside the control of the management} there are many factors 7vbich could determine the success or failure of a project Search for tbe factors influencing project success is not new in management studies particularlY} in the domain of construction and project Illanagement. The last tJJJOand half decades have uitnessed a drastic increase in "critical success [actors" (CSFr) research. HOJJJever, there is 170sucb sttlcfy on the implemmtatiol7 of CSFs in road construction projects in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Dissemination of academic research knowledge to construction industry: insights from knowledge management literature
(2014-01-10) Hadiwattege, C; Senaratne, S
Academic research in built environment consists 0[ cognitive, affective as well as behavioural components. Existing built environment research does not reveal maf!J encouraging signs 0[ changes in the wqy that the construction industry and construction research knowledge is exchanged. Different . research dissemination mechanisms have at different performance levels in respect to the wqy they provzded for outcome dissemination. Honeuer; the effectiveness and the efficiency are claimed to be relativelY fewer and under-developed within the construction industry compared to other industries.
item: Conference-Full-text
Current urban design paradigms and their application: research needs
(2014-01-10) Lang, J
During the past fifty years many books and research monographs have been published in the domain of urban studies. Much has been written on urban design. An observer would think the two subjects are independent. This paper argues that they should not be and the mechanism for linking the two is through sets of climaticallyand culturally appropriate generic designs
item: Conference-Full-text
Connectivity analysis as an alternative predictor of transit demand: a case study of the railway network, Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Jayasinghe, A; Pathiranage, N
RapidlY increasingtraffic congestionin urban and suburban roads raises the urgent needJor an efficient raillvay servicein Sri Lanka. In studies on rail transportation planning, boneuer, travel demand has often taken a back seat to design and engineering[eateres; perhaps due to the lack of adequate data availabiliry. Taking its cues from this insufftcienry, this stucjy explores the potential of using "Connectiviry.Analysis" to serve as an alternative methodology of travel demand Jorecasting. The connectiviryof railway stations in termsof railway and road accessuere computed separatelY f?y using 'Connectiviry.Analysis' and f?y anaIYsingthe relationship with travel demand Jor stations Ivithin the railzvay nellVork of Sri Lanka. Results revealeda significant correlation betueen transit demand and the connectiviryof raihvay stations, such that connectiviry values have the capabiliry to explain over 77% of the variation in rail transit demand. Therefore the stuqy suggests that the "Connectiviry .Analysis" method can serve as an alternative predictor of transit demand, in the absence of good, qualiry data on trip-making and emplqyment trends.
item: Conference-Full-text
An agent based simulation for home interior designing
(2014-01-10) Mohotti, WA; Kulawansa, KADT
Interior design is the art of making a space both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing; this is achieved mainlY I!J apPD!ing interior design principles. Human involvements in the field of interior design do not produce a perfect design and do not apply all relevant techniques in the field of interior design. Furthermore, designing interior space I!J getting the service of an interior designer consumes a considerable amount of time and monry. This agent based simulation solution for the interior designing process, using agent technolo!!J can help to address the highlighted issues. There are several agents for different elements in the interior spaces in this technol0!!J, such as a chair agent, a table agent, a light agmt, a fan agent etc. According to architectural principles, these agents Jllill consist of different properties. By considering the individual properties, these agents adjust the required elements in the proper order using interior design techniques. The Final output is obtained by communicating betueen different agents. By implementing this kind oj agent base interior designing systet», normal clients as Jllei/as interior designers can befacilitated, as agent technolo!!J has both pOlller and control.

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