Research Publications
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Publication Open Access Waste Polyethylene Reinforced with Coconut Fibers for Sustainable Construction: A Mechanical and Physical Property Evaluation Study(Dr D. Pylarinos, 2025-10-06) Dharmaratne, P. D; Galabada G.H; Malkanthi S.N; U.Halwatura R.This study evaluates the feasibility of using waste polyethylene as a construction material. To achieve this, a series of polymer composites were developed using waste Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with coconut fiber (coir). The mechanical properties, including the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and elastic modulus, were assessed, along with the water absorption as a key physical property by following the ASTM standards. The composites were fabricated using the hand layup technique with varying coir-to-LDPE weight ratios and fiber lengths, followed by a hot-press machine manufacturing under controlled conditions. The results demonstrated that different fiber lengths and content levels influenced the mechanical properties, optimizing them at various configurations. A maximum tensile strength of 12.56 MPa was achieved using 40% coir content with 4 cm fiber length. The highest elastic modulus value of 0.46 GPa was achieved at 50% fiber content with 4 cm fibers. At 30% fiber content with 3 cm length, the maximum flexural strength value of 33.77 MPa was obtained. The impact strength reached its maximum value of 1.22 kJ/m² with 40% fiber content and 2 cm fiber length. The high water absorption exhibited by the composites, can be mitigated by applying waterproofing chemicals immediately after fabrication. It was found that the integration of fiber content and length affects the composite's properties. Depending on the required characteristics, appropriate fiber lengths and mix proportions can be selected, making these composites suitable for various applications in the construction industry. Additionally, proper waterproofing immediately after manufacturing the composite is proposed to enhance its performance as a construction material.Publication Open Access The Properties of Lime/Soil Concrete(SLIIT, 2022-02-11) Perera, J; Chandrasiri, JThe investigation of materials for replacing cement in concrete manufacturing has garnered steady interest from experts in recent years. However, the majority of past researches have only focused on the use of lime as a cement substitute in producing Lime Concrete. The reason for this is that lime concrete can be made easily and cheaply while still providing a durable material that can minimize negative environmental impacts. Even though lime is used as an alternative material the integration of a new material as a replacement for conventional aggregates has been limited. As a result, this study will attempt to examine the various compositions of hydraulic lime as a partial replacement of cement while completely replacing the coarse and fine aggregate with a soil to find the influence on the physical characteristics of Lime/Soil concrete. This will also help in decreasing the ecological imbalance caused due to the excess use of conventional aggregates. Locally available reddish-brown laterite soil was used in this study without any modifications. C30 concrete mixes containing 0%, 10%, 15% of hydraulic lime replaced with OPC and complete replacement of aggregate with laterite soil were casted before subjected to water curing. Workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and water absorption test were conducted in accordance with the existing standard. Based on the results obtained from the study it has shown that even with complete replacement of aggregate with laterite soil it was able to produce workable concrete with satisfactory strength that can be employed for ground improvements in pavement design and to manufacture economical non-load bearing concrete blocks. The targeted strength still can be achieved with replacement of 15% hydraulic lime for a lower cost. With the accomplishment from the composition, future studies will be able to better assess the long-term effects of construction operations on the environment.