WCS - 2015

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/16965

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  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    A guide for performance evaluation process for internationally funded community development projects in Sri Lanka
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Perera, R; Karunasena, G; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
    In today’s world, many development efforts are implemented as Community Development (CD) projects. Their unique nature and qualitative objectives raise a special challenge in performance evaluation as performance evaluation of CD projects is affected by several factors. Thus, this research was aimed at developing a guide for performance evaluation of CD projects implemented by Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) in Sri Lanka to streamline the process. As identified in literature review, four major impact areas from in and out of the CD project environment and five major stages of performance evaluation process were identified. Five CD projects were selected as case studies and interviews were conducted to gather data. The research identified existing and proposed strategies applied by NGOs. According to the findings, majority of CD projects have not practiced all identified stages by giving the same weight for each of them. The identification of lessons learnt and best fit practices are important factors, while responsible officers should carefully select representative stakeholder groups to share the evaluation findings in different ways.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    A review of the benefits and the hindrances to the sustainable conservation of heritage buildings in Malaysia
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Mansir, D; Kasim, N; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
    Malaysia has an array of Heritage Building’s (HB’s) most of which have been standing for centuries that are exceptionally valued from the point of view of Architecture and History. Valuable as they are, these HB’s are thus assets legally declared to be strictly protected (otherwise termed conservation) according to statutory guidelines. The National Heritage Act among others is a statutory document guiding conservation of HB’s in Malaysia superintended by The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. This study reviewed the benefits and hindrances to the sustainable conservation of HB’s in Malaysia. This study shows that while there are enormous benefits reaped from conservation of HB’s, there also exist hindrances to the conservation process that could be attributed to planning and implementation at a policy, program and project level. These hindrances ultimately poses challenges to conservation of HB’s thereby making conservation of HB’s in Malaysia unsustainable. A way forward lies in the need for immediate action to addressing such challenges through sustainable processes, principles and policies. One that strives to strike a balance between environmental, economic, social cultural benefits for all generations. One that is sustainable. As such, a prompt need for Malaysia to benchmark world’s best practices in the conservation of HB’s that will address notable challenges was recommended. Furthermore, owners of HB’s (public and private) must make continuous implementation of the results on such best practices a core priority thus making the conservation process sustainable.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    A study on applicability of bamboo fiber reinforced mycelium bonded saw dust material for partition wall
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Vithanage, ODPC; Chandrathilake, SR; Halwathura, RU; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
    In building construction there is a need of alternative materials which are low cost, high efficiency and environmentally responsible. This research presents an innovative solution for partition walls. The solution is produced by using sawdust, mycelium and other ingredients which are normally used in mushroom cultivation. In this material the mycelium acts as a natural glue to bind sawdust particles. Also bamboo fibre was introduced to increase the strength of the innovative material. The panel making process was done by four steps as preparing mixture, preparing mould to grow mycelium, getting mushroom cultivation and compressing and drying the panel. To find the standard of the properties of the material, compression strength parallel to surface and water absorption tests were done by using the test specimens of the new material. All the tests were conducted according to the ASTM D 1037 (1978) standard to keep the test results at a standard level. The compression strength test showed that the optimum amount of bamboo fibre proportion in order to get the maximum compressive strength. Other than that ultimate compressive strength, yield strength, density, specific strength and Young’s modulus were calculated too. The properties of new material were compared with Gypsum and MDF panels to find the position in the market. In this process mushroom is harvested as a by-product which leads to make a link between food industry and construction industry. This material fulfils the requirements of partition walls and can be applied as a green solution in partition wall construction.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    A study on limitations in material procurement practice for construction in public sector
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Edirisinghe, R; Kajendran, K; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
    Due to the high accountability of public construction projects, several rules and regulations are being adopted in material procurement practice in public sector. These rules and regulations are practiced as per the framework provided by Procurement Guideline 2006 - Goods and Works and the Manual. Procurement Guideline 2006 is published by National Procurement Agency, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. This procurement guideline is applicable for any Procurement Action financed in whole or in part by Government of Sri Lanka or a Foreign Funding Agency. While these guidelines are being implemented, there are several limitations found by the practitioners. Hence this research was aimed to study the practical issues in implementing procedures stated in the Procurement Guideline 2006 - Goods and Works and the Manual. This study was done by collecting data from semi structured interviews with the industrial professionals who involve in public sector construction material procurement such as Architects, Contract Administrators, Procurement Officers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Contractors and Site Engineers. Findings of this study revealed that there are limitations existing in public sector construction procurement practice and that create cost and time overrun and quality issues.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    A study on the impacts of schedule compression techniques on construction projects in Sri Lanka
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Theivendran, J; Gunatilake, S; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
    Construction delay is considered to be one of the recurring problems in the construction industry and it has an adverse effect on project success in terms of time, cost and quality. Previous researchers have stressed the importance of early identification of construction delays and have suggested major delay-reducing remedies. Among this, ‘Compressing Schedule’ is a commonly used method to expedite the construction process. The consequences of schedule compression can be troublesome if productivity and quality of the project are sacrificed for the sake of remaining ahead of schedule. Therefore, this research was carried out to identify the impacts of schedule compression techniques on projects and suggest the strategies to be followed to overcome those negative impacts. A questionnaire survey and ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with Sri Lankan construction contractors. Altogether, 11 number of schedule compression techniques were found to be commonly used in the Sri Lankan context. Additional cost, quality issues, productivity problems, conflicts, coordination problems and abortive works were highlighted as the recurring negative impacts. In order to mitigate the impacts, the research has stressed and recommended strategies for each technique.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    A system for implementing resettlement housing projects in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Luxman, A; Perera, BAKS; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
    With the end of the armed conflict in May 2009, the resettlement activities of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) commenced in November 2009 in the Northern Province (NP). Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and foreign governments were involved in providing transitional shelters, repairing damaged houses and constructing new houses. The number of houses initially planned to be constructed could not be completed on schedule. According to media reports, there have been issues during Before Construction Period (BCP) and During Construction Period (DCP). Thus it has become necessary to propose a framework to identify a suitable system for implementing housing projects in these areas. This study develops an approach to solve identified problems using a mixed research approach. The Relative Important Index and Spearman Rank Correlation were used for the data analysis. A suitable system consisting of two frameworks was then developed to make the beneficiaries aware of the importance of keeping land documents safely to prove their ownership of the land and also on the proper utilization of funds they receive through grants. The Implementing Partners also need to conduct awareness programmes on these aspects. Authorities need to issue land documents and resolve common issues related to land ownership and the Banks need to serve the resettled people well and open new branches and mobile banking services in the areas.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    An investigation into skilled labour requirement in Sri Lankan building construction industry
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Anuruddika, N; Sandanayake, YG; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
    The construction industry, being predominantly labour intensive, heavily relies on the adequate supply of workforce and their skills. With the speedy growth of Sri Lankan construction industry after the ethnic war, demand for skilled workforce has been increased. The overall aim of this research is to analyse the present situation of skilled labourers in Sri Lankan building construction industry with respect to skill trades, in order to address the timely need of the present and future context of the industry. The research was conducted using a questionnaire surveys among project managers in the building construction industry. The questionnaire survey was carried out to identify the significant skill trades and to investigate the current status of the skills and future required skills. Further, the questionnaire used to identify the skill shortage in building construction industry. Skills related to service installation was identified as significant as the skills related to structural construction. However, the current status of the most of the skill trades is that these are not sufficient to fulfil the demand of the industry, except for bricklaying and plastering. The future supply of the skills also indicated an unbalanced level in likely demand and likely supply of skills. Hence, the government, industry and construction companies are having a responsibility of addressing the shortfall. It is also important to consider more training schemes and attractive remunerations with benefits to create a positive attitude towards the building construction industry among migrants and young generation in Sri Lanka.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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.
  • item: Conference-Full-text
    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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    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.