Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
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Recent Submissions
item: Conference-Abstract
Assess the impact of internal curing in roller compacted concrete using roof tile waste as fine aggregates
(Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Dilsara, VGS; Jayantha, WRAN; Mampearachchi, WK; Pasindu, HR; Damruwan, H; Weerasinghe, P; Fernando, L; Rajapakse, C
The construction industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly practices, resulting in a growing interest in utilizing waste materials in concrete production. As environmental concerns continue to grow, innovative solutions are becoming essential to reduce waste and promote sustainability. One promising approach involves incorporating waste materials into concrete as internal curing agents (ICAs) to address the challenges associated with proper concrete curing. Proper curing is essential for enhancing the durability and mechanical properties of concrete, but conventional curing methods often have limitations, especially in concrete with a low water/cement ratio. This has led to a significant focus on exploring alternative methods, with internal curing gaining considerable attention. The concept of internal curing involves utilizing materials based on the ability to absorb and release water within the concrete matrix. This facilitates a more consistent and extended curing process. This research intends to address a gap in sustainable construction practices by assessing the feasibility of using roof tile waste as an internal curing aggregate (ICA) to replace fine aggregates in roller-compacted concrete (RCC). The utilization of roof tile waste not only encourages recycling and reduces landfill waste but also leverages its water absorption and desorption properties to improve the curing process.
The research involved a comprehensive series of laboratory experiments to assess the potential usage of roof tile waste as an ICA. Furthermore, the study evaluates the impact of roof tile waste on the mechanical properties of RCC, specifically focusing on compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength. To achieve this, RCC samples were cast with varying percentages of roof tile aggregates (RTA) replacing fine aggregates: 5%, 10%, and 15%. Each sample was subjected to testing to assess its performance compared to externally cured conventional RCC and uncured conventional RCC.
The findings from the experiments revealed that the incorporating of roof tile waste as an ICA significantly affects the mechanical properties of RCC. The optimal performance for internal curing with RTA occurs at a 10% replacement level, balancing the benefits of internal moisture retention and the mechanical integrity of the concrete. The research emphasizes that utilizing 10% RTA replacement can lead to significantly improved early-age properties, demonstrating an 18% increase in 3-day compressive strength compared to traditionally cured RCC. This advancement is advantageous for pavement construction as it facilitates quicker access to traffic and shortens construction schedules. However, the study also identified certain constraints. Even though the early compressive strength displayed substantial enhancement, the tensile and flexural strengths of RCC samples with RTA were lower than those of conventionally cured RCC. This indicates that while roof tile waste is effective in enhancing early age compressive strength, further optimization is needed to improve its impact on tensile and flexural properties.
item: Conference-Full-text
Design tolerance as a pedagogical tactic: the possible role of architectural design in facilitating on-site labour training
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Hettiarachchi, G; Pathiraja, M; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
This paper is the initial publication from a research project examining the role of architectural design in enhancing the skills of the construction workforce in Sri Lanka. For years, the country has faced challenges in implementing effective capacity-building initiatives, resulting in a proliferation of substandard buildings and hindering the socio-economic advancement of construction workers. Regretfully, the practice of architecture rarely develops pragmatic strategies to confront labour training as a design prerogative. Birthed off in such a context, this paper investigates the potential contribution of architectural design to labour upskilling by adopting the function of 'Design Tolerance' as a pedagogical tactic. Given the theory-driven nature of this inquiry, the paper first evaluates 'Design Tolerance' as a theoretical construct before elucidating its contextual significance within the scope of the broader investigation on labour upskilling, particularly on the use of real building projects as on-site training grounds. Placing 'Design Tolerance' at the crux of the dual objective of 'compromising precision' and 'accommodating error', the theoretical arguments then lead to a case-study analysis organised under three categories: (i) tolerance by the system, (ii) tolerance by detail, and (iii) tolerance by procurement. Subsequently, 13 design tactics attributing to the idea of 'Design Tolerance' are identified, offering a technical foundation to re-interpret and define the role of architectural design in on-site labour training.
item: Conference-Full-text
Implementation of biophilic design concept in leisure industry: benefits and challenges
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Wickrama, WDRP; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Victar, HC; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
This study investigates the incorporation of Biophilic Design (BD) into the Leisure Industry (LI), with a focus on its ability to improve human well-being and economic productivity. Biophilia, a fundamental human tendency to form a bond with the natural world, has significant ramifications for architecture and recreation, especially in improving physical, psychological, and cognitive well-being. The study centres on the implementation of BD in LI facilities and assesses its importance, benefits, and challenges. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews to offer an avenue to explore the comprehensive views of 15 BD experts on its implementation in LI through this study. The results indicate that although BD has had positive effects in promoting health and environmental sustainability, there are still obstacles to its widespread adoption due to differing client expectations and a lack of awareness. The study emphasises the importance of increased education and advocacy to successfully incorporate BD principles into the LI, in order to promote a sustainable and health-focused approach to building design and leisure activities
item: Conference-Full-text
Heat transfer analysis during chili drying in a packed bed dryer
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2024-06-27) Rajapakshe, M; Premanath, MK; Jayatunga, GK; Amarasinghe, BMWPK; Subasinghe, T
item: Conference-Full-text
Investigating the bond strength of oxygen plasma-treated finished cotton-based fabric bonded with thermoplastic polyurethane film adhesive
(IEEE, 2023-12-09) Wanigasundara, HKAS; Rathnayake, RMHC; Perera, MYA; Ratnayake, RMVS; Abeysooriya, R; Adikariwattage, V; Hemachandra, K
Textile bonding is an emerging technology among manufacturing seamless garments. However lower bond strength is recognized as a limitation in applying this technology for Cotton-based bonded garments. The cause for this issue was studied in the aspect of the Cotton fabric surface. Adhesive bonding theories indicated that the impact of the bond strength depends on the surface energy, surface cleanness and surface area of the substrate. Therefore, this study is focused on the effect of plasma treatment as a surface modification method on the bond strength between Thermoplastic Polyurethane adhesive and Cotton fabric surface to overcome the impact of lower bond strength. Optimal bonding conditions were identified as 170 °C of final pressing temperature, 5 bar of pressure and 120 °C of laydown temperature. Plasma treatment was conducted in presence of Oxygen plasma for 10 minutes and 58% and 69% increment of peel strength was observed in relation to the reference fabric sample at 30 seconds of pressing time for both white and black colours respectively. In accordance with the facts, this study has implications for the apparel industry, as it could lead to the development of more durable and comfortable seamless garments made from cotton.