SLIIT International Conference On Engineering and Technology Vol. 02 [SICET] 2023

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/3551

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 35

Open Access
Analysis of a Solar Thermal Based Hot Water System for a Non- Residential Application
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Aslam, M.A.
Industries in Sri Lanka rely heavily on the use of hot water for their day-to-day applications. Industries such as hotels and hospitals utilise electrically powered geysers, while industries such as wood treating factories, garment industries, and paper manufacturing industries rely on boilers to obtain heated water. The rising cost of electricity production and the pollution associated with current power generation technologies in Sri Lanka have led to a need for a water heating framework which focuses on harnessing renewable energy. Since Sri Lanka is located in close proximity to the equatorial belt, solar thermal water heaters were selected as one of the most viable options. In this study, a hospital was selected as the base scenario onto which a solar water heating framework was to be designed for. The framework focused on the feasibility of three collector types, i.e., Flat Plate Collector, Evacuated Tube Collector and Parabolic Trough Collector. Initially theoretical efficiencies of each collector type were determined for the average annual solar radiation in Sri Lanka. Finally, RETScreen simulation software was used to perform sizing analysis of each water heating system, analyse each systems financial viability and analyse the reduction in annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Open Access
Application of Peak Over Threshold Approach to Model Extreme Motor Insurance Claims: A Case Study
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Appuhamy, P.A.D.A.N.; Borelessa, N.K.; Ekanayake, E.M.P.
Prior to the economic recession in Sri Lanka, the motor insurance business grew significantly due to the excessive importation of vehicles. More vehicles on the road and reckless driving increase the risk of extreme claims, which creates a negative impact on the industry. In order to mitigate this issue, researchers attempted to model extreme claims and thereby to provide information for better management of business. The objective of this study is to identify the best fit model for tail of the claim distribution based on data obtained from a pioneer insurer in Sri Lanka from July to December of 2021. The Peak Over Threshold approach of the Extreme Value Theory was applied to model the extreme claims. The claims at 20 percentiles between 79% and 98% were considered as tentative thresholds and the excessive amounts over each of these thresholds were modeled separately as Generalized Pareto Distributions (GPDs) using four different parameter estimation methods. Then the Mean Squared Error (MSE) at each threshold for each parameter estimation method was examined to compare their performances. The threshold and the parameter estimation method with the minimum MSE were selected as their optimum values while identifying the GPD fitted as the best model. The Bootstrap goodness of fit measured the validity of modelling. The extent of claims varied from Rs. 2167.00 to 193,065.00 during the study period with a positive skewness of 2.45 and leptokurtic, which confirmed the existence of a heavy tailed distribution for claims. The best fitted model was the GPD with the shape and scale of 1.02 and 92.09 respectively, which was attained at the optimal threshold of 91st percentile using the Biased Probability Weighted Moment method. The information on the tail helps review existing strategies for the better management of risk due to such extreme claims in future.
Open Access
Appropriateness of Commercial Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Method for Subcontractor Disputes in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Hettiarachchi, D.D; Wijesinghe, T; Perera, B.K.C
Disputes in relation to construction sub-contractors are undeniable and quite diversified in common dispute arena with the legal concerns arising out of Doctrine of Privity of Contracts. Continuation of these disputes can adversely affect the cost, quality, and time metrics in a construction project. The merits of commercial mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method, in this regards Sri Lankan construction industry were less explored. Thus, the aim of this research is to determine the appropriateness of commercial mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method for subcontractor disputes. To achieve this aim, a mixed research approach was adopted. Qualitative data was collected through semi structured expert interviews. Then through a questionnaire survey, quantitative data has been gathered. While qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, quantitative data were analyzed through relative importance index and descriptive analysis based on central tendency dispersion. Initially, both common attributes of commercial mediation and subcontractor disputes in construction industry were listed out. Then, the inter-relationship between two factors were observed. According to the findings, bespoke and incomplete contracts, subcontractor unawareness and lack of knowledge about contract details, liability and responsibility issues, failure to respond in time, interface issues and lack of coordination were identified as the most significant attributes of subcontractor disputes. Further, it was proven that except the attribute ‘having freedom to accept or reject the solution’, all the other attributes of commercial mediation were applicable in resolving subcontractor disputes. Hence, the commercial mediation was determined as an appropriate alternative dispute resolution method in resolving subcontractor disputes in construction projects. All the limitations and necessary recommendations for further studies are presented at the end of the study.
Open Access
Computational Approach for Determining the Variation of Coefficient of Secondary Compression in Secondary Settlement Prediction of Soft Soils
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Thilakarathne, T.M.D.; Vidurapriya, K.V.D.; Thilakasiri, H.S.
Secondary consolidation settlement takes place in soils after the completion of primary consolidation settlement, which is due to the dissipation of pore water pressure under the applied loads. The secondary settlement usually occurs due to the plastic adjustment of the soil particles and most commonly takes place in organic fine grained soils or soft soils. Hence, it is important to accurately estimate the secondary settlement in soft soils as the final stability of infrastructures built on soft soil grounds mainly depends on the amount of secondary settlement that takes place after the end of primary consolidation settlement. The coefficient of secondary compression (C) is a governing parameter in predicting the secondary settlement which is the slope of the consolidation curve for void ratio versus time. Also, various empirical correlations have been found by the past researches to find the value of the coefficient of secondary compression. In most of the instances, the secondary settlement is estimated by considering the coefficient of secondary compression as a constant value. However, the C value shows a variation with time and this could affect the secondary settlement estimation. Hence, it is necessary to investigate how the variation of coefficient of secondary compression affects the estimation of the secondary settlement in soft soils. In this study, the settlement data obtained from the Weligama Bay Marriot Resort and Spa project, Sri Lanka, is compared with the settlement values obtained from a computer generated programme. The progarmme simulates the settlement by considering the variation of the coefficient of secondary compression and by considering a constant coefficient of secondary compression value. The results show that the consideration of varying coefficient of secondary compression (with time) gives more accurate results than considering a constant coefficient of secondary compression in settlement prediction in soft soils.
Open Access
Conceptual Design of Short Range - Low Altitude Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle For Landmine Detection
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Daisan, G
Over the past five decades, landmines are creating serious problems all over the world. Even though many UAVs are being developed for demining, many of them are not available to the humanitarian activities. Designing a UAV for demining from the air is challenging and there are only a few UAVs employed in landmines search in Sri Lanka. This research designs a fixed-wing UAV with a total mass of 47 kg, with 10 kg dedicated to payload. It can fly with a maximum speed of 30 m/s continuously for 40 minutes. This UAV detect landmines using ground penetrating radar in no wetted areas. Several manual calculations and software such as Microsoft Excel, XFLR 5, X-Foil, CATIA V5, and ANSYS 19 were used to complete the conceptual design.
Open Access
Critical Driving Factors Influencing Awareness and Application of Industrialized Building System (IBS) Technology Among the Building Contractors in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Chandrasena, S; Mallawaarachchi, H
As the commonly applied approach in building construction, conventional construction approach is linked to low quality and productivity, higher danger to employee safety, high reliance on labour and cost and time overruns. Hence, Industrialised Building System (IBS) has been emerged as an alternative for conventional construction by overcoming its shortfalls. Previous studies identified the lack of awareness and application can be taken as most critical factor influencing the application of IBS. Also, there are some of other critical factors which directly influence for this regard. Since a few studies has been focused on evaluating the significance of such driving factors, the purpose of this research was to assess the criticality of driving factors influencing awareness and application of IBS technology among the building contractors in Sri Lanka. In order to fulfil aim and objectives of the research, deductive approach under quantitative phenomenon was used. The Survey strategy was adopted as the most ideal research strategy as this research focused on evaluating the criticality of driving factors. Questionnaire survey was used as the primary data collection technique. Accordingly, the questionnaire was distributed to 50 randomly selected practitioners from the building contracting organisations, such as Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Engineers to collect the data. Data were analyzed by using Weighted Mean Average (WMA) and Relative Importance Index (RII) techniques. As derived through analysis, 13 factors affecting the level of awareness and application of IBS, which were identified through literature review were assessed to determine the significant factors. Results revealed that cost of construction is the most significant factor while small contractors’ involvement is the least significant factor. As the main implication this research provides a basis to further improve the use of IBS technology in Sri Lanka and introduce different methods to reduce the initial cost of the construction.
Open Access
Determination of the Growth Curve of Chlorella sp. under Optimum Conditions in Automated Growth Chambers for Biofuel Production
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Viduranga, S.A.V.; Balasooriya, B.L.W.K.; Bandara, N.G.C.
Microalgae have a great potential for producing biofuels because of their capacity to accumulate high content of lipids. Chlorella sp. is the mostly applied microalgae sp. for biofuel production at the industrial level. The current study aimed to determine the optimum conditions for mass culture Chlorella sp. and to generate a growth curve to determine growth patterns over time. The samples were collected from Chlorella pure cultures available in the laboratory. Chlorella colonies were identified morphologically. Liquid cultures were prepared in BG 11 medium, The effects of four different temperatures (20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C), two light intensities (6000 lux and 2000 lux.) under aerated and non-aerated conditions on the growth of Chlorella cultures in 250 mL flasks (n=3) were studied using a custom-designed automated growth chamber using Arduino technology. The culture growth was monitored by determining the cell density (cells/ml) and light absorbance (750 nm) at 0, 96, 192, 288, and 384 hours after inoculation. and After 16 days, cells were harvested (6000 rpm, 5 min, room temperature) and the dry biomass (g/ml) was measured after oven drying at 70 °C. Optimal conditions for the efficient mass culture of Chlorella sp. were found as 30 °C temperature, 6000 lux light intensity with aeration conditions. Under those optimum growth conditions, 6L photo-bioreactors were designed. Absorbance and cell density (cells/ml) of Chlorella sp. were monitored with time to develop the growth curve of Chlorella sp. The growth of isolated Chlorella sp. was characterized by an exponential phase from 8.86 to 45.41 hr after inoculation with a specific growth rate of 0.06 hr-1 and a doubling time of 11.46 hr. The Chlorella growth rate was 0.027 hr-1 without optimum conditions, and the doubling time (Tg) was 25.6 hr.
Open Access
Development of a Virtual Platform for Rotary Inverted Pendulum Controlling
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Kumarihami, U.H.P.; Annasiwaththa, B.I.
Higher education sector is currently moving back towards onsite teaching/learning environment. And most of the universities are adapting some online teaching methods to enhance learning experience of students. Though hands-on experience is delivered through practical classes in physical mode, for control systems engineering undergraduates, it is important to understand the basics through interactive learning. As virtual platforms are well known for providing opportunity for interactive learning, this study was focused on developing a virtual platform, based on a commonly used Rotary Inverted Pendulum System. To benefit students from all the levels, Linear Time Invariant Model, Nonlinear Model and the actual model was considered for the study. LQR controller gains were derived based on the mathematical model, and further modifications were done to produce a Linear Time Invariant model closer to the prototype. Both linear and nonlinear models were observed after applying same LQR gains and the prototype was applied with gains derived for the physical system. The virtual platform visually presents the behavior of the nonlinear model. This platform can be used as a tool for students at every level as it does not require to install any additional software, other than widely used Matlab. Thus, this would be an effective tool to be used along with onsite teaching / learning environment.
Open Access
Development of Coir Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcing Bars for Concrete Structures
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Tharmarajah, G; Wimalasuriya, W.B.U
At present, global warming increment and petroleum reserve depletion have been a major threat to the environment. These occur due to various human activities. Construction industry contributes 40 % for the global carbon emission. From that 10% is contributed from the manufacture of cement and the rest is contributed by the other requirements in the construction industry. Therefore, scientists are now more focused to involve bio-based products to minimize the emission of carbon. This resulted in, paying more attention towards the natural composite materials that can be used instead of artificial materials. Scientists are eager to find natural materials which are locally available. The structures built today, does not survive the entire service life of the structure. This is due to corrosion of steel, especially in coastal areas. So, in order to overcome this, use of a natural material which can provide the same tensile strength can be used. Over the past few decades engineering materials like composites, plastics, ceramics has dominated the engineering industry. There are new polymer materials introduced such as glass fiber, carbon fiber and aramid but they are not eco-friendly. The main problem associated with these is the high production cost. Therefore, new composites which are environmentally friendly should be found in order to replace other materials. Even though there has been much research published on different natural fiber composite materials, here an attempt has been made to use coir to produce reinforcement bars in order to combat corrosion
Open Access
Development of Roughness Prediction Model for Sri Lankan Expressways
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Nilawfer, S; Madushani, S; Sandamal, K; Gomes, A
Expressways play a pivotal role in industrial and export development in Sri Lanka by providing access to the production sector in addition to the passenger transport in between transport hubs. A reliable pavement performance prediction model is essential for pavement management systems to optimize the cost of maintenance and rehabilitation planning. In this study, pavement roughness prediction of expressways in the long-term performance was conducted using International Roughness Index (IRI) which is used as a global parameter to measure the ride comfort of road users and the unevenness of pavement. Firstly, initial IRI values for Sri Lankan expressways were established by using current data and found that, it varies between 0.90 to 1.45 m/km. Secondly, IRI prediction model developed with cumulative traffic volume, considering outer lane IRI as the dependent variable due to higher deterioration rate compared to inner lane. Moreover, it was found that, there is a good relationship between IRI with cumulative traffic with R-squared of 0.60. Further, it can be concluded that, the outcomes of this study can be effectively used for Sri Lankan context in long term performance evaluation and expressway maintenance planning.
Open Access
Durability of Cold Formed Steel Structures used in residential and industrial construction
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Cooray, K.P.; Tharmarajah, G
Cold formed steel is an attractive alternative to traditional construction materials such as masonry and concrete owing to the advantages such as easy fabrication, light weight, reusability of the material and higher level of recyclability. Cold formed steel buildings are also appreciated for better insulation and lower energy consumption during operation. However, durability of the steel was the main concern for stakeholders as corrosive conditions can damage the material and deteriorate the condition of the building. Therefore, it is important to understand the durability of cold formed steel coated with zinc and zinc alloys. In this study, experimental data related to durability studies available in literature was collected and presented through an analysis. The data obtained from literature indicate that if the building envelop was designed appropriately to protect the steel from exposure conditions, the steel can fulfil the expected service life of residential buildings independent of environmental and climatic conditions. Therefore, this study helps to alleviate concerns regarding durability of cold formed steel in residential construction.
Open Access
Effect of Project Duration Decision at the Bidding Process on Cost Overruns of Sri-Lankan Building Projects
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Kumarathunga, J.U; Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K.; Kalugala, C
Cost overruns are a significant issue in the construction industry, particularly from the standpoint of clients. Many studies have been interested in the unpredictable situations that lead to cost overruns, with the primary goal of pinpointing the precise causative factors. There is a knowledge gap about whether cost overruns could be prevented through effective decision-making at a project’s earliest phases. Therefore, the aim of this research was to critically review if the impact of the project duration decision taken at the bidding process could lead to cost overruns of Sri Lankan building projects, and to provide recommendations of preventive measures to be taken. Deductive research approach and qualitative analysis was used to achieve the four main objectives set for this study. The literature review was able to identify the significant causative factors for cost overrun in the construction industry. The analysis of data collected through questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews revealed that there are several causative factors for cost overrun, that stem from the project duration being excessive or inadequate : Claims and disputes, inadequate planning and scheduling, unrealistic work schedule, expense due to completion delay and extension of time, and difficulty in predicting the future. This study was able to identify that there is a relationship between project duration decision and cost overrun, where if the project duration decided at the bidding process is excessive or inadequate, it will be causative of cost overruns. Finally, this study has provided preventive measures to avoid cost overrun at the bidding process when deciding the project duration.
Open Access
The Effect of Timely Delivery of Construction Projects on the Economic Growth in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Dehereagoda, H; Gamage, I.S
Economic growth is the increase in the production of goods and services in the economy from one time period to the next. Construction, as the sector with the biggest multiplier effect, has helped continue to accelerate Sri Lanka's economic growth. Timely construction output generates socioeconomic growth and wealth generation in a country. Delays are one of the major issues in the construction industry in Sri Lanka, which can have an ultimate impact on the growth of the national economy. Therefore, the research aims at investigating the effect of the late completion of construction projects in the public sector on the factors contributing to economic growth in Sri Lanka. A mixedmethod approach was adopted, using preliminary interviews and questionnaires as data collection techniques. The collected data was analyzed using manual content analysis and the relative importance index (RII). Twenty (20) factors contributing to the economic growth in Sri Lanka were identified through both literature and preliminary interviews. Among them, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), external debt, an effective procurement system, open direct assessment, and a proper system of transportation are themost important factors, as highlighted by the respondents. The impact of the delay in completion of public sector construction projects on the identified factors was identified through the questionnaire and classified into three levels: less impacted (RII < 50%), averagely impacted (50% < RII < 70%), and highly impacted (RII > 70%). Including foreign direct investment, credit to the private sector, a proper system of transportation, the material price index, imports and exports, and the service sector overall, twelve factors have been dispersed between 0.65 and 0.70, which represents an overall percentage of 60%. So the findings validate that there is a strong impact on economic growth from public sector project delays. In a nutshell, the research findings revealed that the on-time completion ofpublic sector construction projects strongly affects economic growth, which thereby emphasizes the importance of the on-time completion of construction projects. This study further recommends that in order for a project to proceed well and be completed on schedule, sufficient planning should be done before construction begins with the aid of new technology.
Open Access
Effect on Time Management Due to Variations in Road Construction Projects in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Atapattu, A.L.S.O.; Bandara, R.P.H.S.
Variations are reoccurring and inevitable incidents in construction projects. It alludes to any adjustment in project scope at any instance of construction process. There are numerous causes of variation depending upon different parties involved, complexity of project and the type of project. These variations are acknowledged to affect different viewpoints of the projects. The thesis evaluated the effect of time management due to variations in road projects in Sri Lanka to diminish them. In order to achieve the study objectives, a basic survey of literature review was done accompanied with a quantitative survey with industry experts were carried out to gather data on impact of time management due to variations in construction projects. Through the writing study, 50 causes of variation orders were recognized but, they were shortlisted since there were so many similar causes. Out of them design faults were identified as the major cause of variations. When it comes to the impact on time overrun, it was discovered that variations affect on time of a project adversely. Finally, mitigation strategies for variations have been proposed in the study. The recognized results from literature overview were moreover subjected to a test by the 33 specialists in the industry including contractors, consultants, and clients to be more precise. The results were analyzed using SPSS. The study's final recommendation is that to all parties to get involved, to reduce variation orders beginning with the initial design phase, manage variation orders during the construction phase using an efficient change management system, and adopt various technologies to speed up the variation management procedure.
Open Access
Enhancement of Images Under Low Light Conditions Using Artificial Intelligence
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Marzook, M; Herath, M; Liyanage, M; Thilakanayake, T
Images taken in low light conditions do not contain all the information well-lit images contain. Various features including the colours of objects, details and the quality are lost. Extracting these features from images is very important for any kind of application of it. This study proposes a model to enhance the features of the image taken under low light conditions, by delivering a solution which improves the quality of the image through Artificial Intelligence. Through the proposed method, the clarity of the image is improved, making it closer to a well-lit image equivalent. Both Image Processing and Deep Learning based techniques are explored, including Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based generative models. The Generative models considered are Autoencoders (AE) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). The study has been carried out by using several datasets combined together, which include image pairs of well-lit and low light images. A comparison between the two CNN-based generative models is carried out. Through the study, it is quantitatively found, by the Structural Similarity Index and supported by the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, that the proposed CNNbased Autoencoder model overrides the proposed CNN-based GAN model. This is further supported by qualitative observations of the image results. Both models, however, greatly enhance the low light images, bringing to light features that were not visible beforehand, and also provide results with good colour accuracy. Through this research study, the methods and solutions to enhance low light images have been addressed, as well as providing a comparison between two suitable models, Autoencoders and GANs. The proposed solution is able to address many of the limitations existing in the extent literature.
Open Access
𝒌 – Graceful Labeling of Triangular Type Grid Graphs 𝑫𝒏(𝑷𝒎) and 𝑳 – Vertex Union of 𝑫𝒏(𝑷𝒎)
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Indunil, W.K.M.; Perera, A.A.I.
Graph labeling is one of the most popular research topics in the field of graph theory. Prime labeling, antimagic labeling, radio labeling, graceful labeling, lucky labeling, and incidence labeling are some of the labeling techniques. Among the above-mentioned techniques, graceful labeling is one of the most engaging graph labeling techniques with a vast amount of real-world applications. Over the past few decades, plenty of studies have been conducted on this area in various dimensions. Grid graphs are very much useful in applications of circuit theory, communication networks, and transportation networks. However, in the literature, there are not many research papers on the graceful labeling of grid graphs except a few on odd graceful labeling. In our work, we prove that triangular-type grid graphs, 𝐷𝑛(𝑃𝑚) and 𝐿 – vertex union of 𝐷𝑛(𝑃𝑚) admit 𝑘 – general graceful labeling and 𝑘 – even and 𝑘 – odd graceful labeling. Further, we introduce combinatorial proofs for them as well.
Open Access
Health, safety, and environmental impacts of road infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka; Impact analysis on ongoing and temporarily suspended road works
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Kariyawasam, D.D.S.A.; Gomes, P.I.A.
Road networks are considered to be the primary mode of transport in Sri Lanka. Road infrastructure plays an important role in the country’s economy. The work environment of construction projects is generally considered one of the most dangerous places for work. The current economic recession faced by Sri Lanka has led to the temporary suspension of road works. The aim of this study is to identify the main types of health, safety, and environmental issues that occur in the construction of different ongoing and suspended road infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. Questionnaire surveys, discussions, and site observations were carried out to collect data from road projects of different classes. Data analysis was done using the SPSS (Version 28) statistical software. The findings of the research indicated that vehicle collisions were the most common type of occupational accident faced in road construction in Sri Lanka. The fatality rate caused due to poor health and safety management of road construction works was compared with the construction of buildings and other developing countries. The results obtained from the study also identified that negligence was the main factor that influenced low safety standards on-site, which in turn impacted the performance of the construction project. Measures taken by construction companies of different grades to improve health and safety standards were also studied in the research. It was also evident that suspended road projects had an adverse effect on the environment, as it was seen that these sites possessed a loss in diversity, high chances of sediment erosion, and a rise in mosquito breeding locations. The findings of this research highlight the need of prioritizing health and safety in road projects and also enable construction companies to handle construction work in a way that minimizes environmental damage occurs.
Open Access
Human Following Robot
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Batheegama, M; Mendis, A; Jayawardena, M
The main purpose of this project is to develop a robot that can follow a human to help their activities easy in a well-planned manner. The first implementation of this project is to detect a human and follows the human in a single human environment. The last implementation is to upgrade this into a robot that can detect humans in a busy environment. When designing a robot to work as a human follower it must fulfill some requirements. The issues which are more focused to resolve in here are, the size and mobility while tracking the humans and obstacle detection of the robot. There are many human assistant robots that manufacture small scale in size, but they are not capable of well-assistance and also most of the physically large robots find it hard to assist and handle some activities. Most of the humans following robots are designed for single work, therefore people tend to spend more money on buying robots to fulfill various work. Usually, the components that are used to develop human detection robots are expensive and it is one of the reasons why these types of assistants are expensive. Here, one of the problems which is mobility of the robot while tracking was resolved by developing a more suitable structure, improving the motor-control method, and adding a step-climbing mechanism to the robot. As the robot is manufactured to follow a human, a method to identify a human using image processing is implemented. Also, a method of detecting the position of human is also implemented. And also, the power plan design and all the electronic developments including the power supply unit development and also the power level checker as well has been implemented. Finally in order to make it less complex the circuit has made on PCB.
Open Access
The Impact of Labour Motivation on Project Performance with an Insight into the Sri Lankan Construction Industry
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Lakshan, H.G.S; Wijesinghe, T; Perera, B.K.C
Construction labour is a vital resource in the construction industry as they mostly reshape the raw materials into skyscrapers and other living enclosures. In Sri Lanka, the construction industry has been constantly exposed to many uncertainties and challenges. Being a developing country that lead to many socio-economic issues and constant changes in the living standards caused demotivational impacts on the Sri Lankan labour force. Thus, optimizing labour productivity through labour motivation is a significant challenge due to the various category and type of labours. This study aims to identify and evaluate different labour motivational factors in improving the building construction project performances. In accomplishing the aim, the mixed method approach was used and 5 number of interviews, 39 questionnaire responses were taken into the analysis. After the analysis there were 14 most significant labour motivation factors which applicable for Sri Lankan building construction industry. Cost centers for those were collected from the expert interviews and their cost on motivation factors were analyzed the data collected from the questionnaire. After the analysis financial and time cost centers have been identifies as the major cost centers that have been incurred when implementing labour motivational factors. Moreover, checked the association between labour motivational factors and project performance in terms of time saving, cost saving and quality improvement. As a result, they were associated with them. A framework was developed to aid in the selection of best motivational factors in optimizing project performance. As the last part of this study, the motivational recommendations were made to increase the labour productivity. Furthermore, these findings will be useful in optimizing building project performance.
Open Access
Impact to the Quantity Surveyors Due to the Current Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Manawasinghe, S.I; Gunarathna, N; Perera, S
This research focuses on the impact to the Quantity Surveyors due to the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka. The Easter bomb attack, covid 19 pandemic, and political instability can be seen as the proximate causes of the current economic crisis, while there were many structural issues of the local economy which had paved way for the same. As a developing country, the crisis had a stronger impact on the construction industry than other industries of the economy. The main reasons for the collapse of the construction industry are the suspension of construction projects by the government, the increase in the price of construction materials, the lack of investors to invest in new projects, and bottlenecks in terms of wrong policy directives. The professionals in the construction industry were severely impacted by the downfall. Among the professionals in the construction industry, this study focusses on QSs- (Quantity Surveyors). Thirty (30) semi-structured interviews were carried out in terms of data gathering. The survey findings demonstrated the type of organization and working experience of QSs. The collected data were analyzed using techniques of thematic analysis. Moreover, the findings identified factors which were the challenges due to current economic crisis and proposed strategies to help overcome those challenges