Browsing by Author "Guruge, K"

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Driving Towards Sustainability During the Construction Phase of Roads in Sri Lanka by Mitigating CO2 Emission: A Systematic Literature Review Approach
(SLIIT, Faculty of Engineering, 2024-10) Yaparathnea, I.H.G.Y.M. Udari; Guruge, K
Climate change has become a pressing concern for humanity in the contemporary era. Scientists believe that the acceleration of global warming and climate change is directly linked to the rising concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). This has become a challenge for many developing countries. The construction industry is one of the sectors that significantly contributed to heightened carbon emissions into the environment. Road construction involves various activities and processes that release substantial amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Addressing these issues are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and fostering sustainable development. The development of road infrastructure generates CO2 emissions across various stages. Notably, the construction stage is responsible for a significant portion of these emissions. Despite this, research efforts in Sri Lanka have primarily focused on reducing CO2 emissions in building construction projects, with limited attention to strategies specifically targeting road construction projects. The construction phase of road development has thus far been overlooked in terms of CO2 emission reduction strategies. Consequently, this study seeks to raise awareness among academics, professionals, and practitioners involved in road development projects about the factors influencing CO2 emissions during the road construction phase. The objectives of this study are to examine the factors affecting CO2 emissions during road construction development, identify the activities and processes contributing to CO2 emissions during the construction phase of road projects, explore existing sustainable strategies used in road construction to mitigate CO2 emissions, and assess their applicability to the Sri Lankan Road construction sector. A systematic literature review was conducted to achieve these objectives, selecting the fifty-six most relevant past research studies.
Open Access
Effective Waste Management Strategies of Bentonite in Sri Lanka
(SLIIT, 2022-02-11) Guruge, K; Coomasaru, P
One of the greatest challenges of Bentonite usage in construction industry is, managing the wastage created in sites thus, it has to be given attention. Therefore, the study would be conducted focusing on the domestic piling construction sites and the process followed by them. Although it is a chemical, it is recognized to be safe for both the environment as well as mankind in an ecological and health protection perspective. However, a proper disposal method in order to reduce the further issues as excessive waste in sites is needed. Therefore, this study aims to explore an effective method regarding the waste management strategies for Bentonite in Sri Lanka. The objectives of the study are, identifying the wasting methods of Bentonite, identifying causes of disposing Bentonite and determining the most suitable method for Bentonite disposal. Data for the objectives one and two were collected through a literature survey and analyzed by using NVivo which was validated using a questionnaire by majority of 5-10 years experienced professionals aligning to mixed method approach. Data for the third objective was found by aegis of the same questionnaire. Noticeably, it was validated through interviews by the industry experts with more than 30 years of experience. The study found that, site conditions are the most relatable reason for the Bentonite waste. Apart from that ‘weather’ and ‘manual handling errors’ can be additional reasons for the wastage. Moreover, most sites consider either ‘when the slurry forms into a cake’ or ‘silos are full’ as the causes for disposal. Furthermore, it has identified that the majority of sites dispose the waste to disposable lands using bowsers as of the disposal method after reusing 3-4 times. The suggested method appears to be cost effective and efficient in comparison to the others. Furthermore, it can be rather safe and environmentally friendly.
Open Access
Strategic implementation of PPP for small-scale infrastructure in Sri Lanka: a comparative analysis of alternative PPP models
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Guruge, K; Coomasaru, P; Weeraman, C
This study aims to provide a thorough comparison of Private Finance Initiative (PFI), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), and Joint Venture (JV) models for Small-Scale Infrastructure Development (SSID) in Sri Lanka and devise innovative, tailored recommendations to maximise efficiency, effectiveness, and compatibility. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research systematically examines the key features, benefits, and limitations of PFI, BOT, and JV models in the context of SSID. A compatibility assessment is conducted, focusing on financing approaches, stakeholder engagement, and other critical success factors. The findings reveal that the BOT and JV models are superior to the PFI model due to their balanced stakeholder engagement, risk sharing, and alignment with critical success factors. Based on these insights, the study formulates novel, customised recommendations for optimising the selected model's efficiency, effectiveness, and compatibility with SSID in Sri Lanka, with the aim of informing policy and practice. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for future research exploring alternative financing models and emerging technologies in SSID, opening new avenues for innovative approaches to infrastructure development in Sri Lanka. In conclusion, this comprehensive comparison offers valuable guidance for academics, industry professionals, and policymakers seeking to enhance small-scale infrastructure development in Sri Lanka, emphasising the importance of selecting the most suitable financing model.