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: Article-Full-text
Enhancement of River Bank Stability by Hibiscus tiliaceus Root Reinforcement: A Nature-based Solution
(The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka) Madhushan, LGC; Nawagamuwa , UP; Wickramasooriya, MDJP
Riverbank protection is becoming a significant environmental challenge in Sri Lanka. Although structural solutions have been commonly applied for slope stabilisation, many approaches using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been employed by humans for a long time to enhance riverbank stability as sustainable and ecologically practicable solutions. As an NbS, this research investigates the mechanical stabilisation potential of Hibiscus tiliaceus through field assessments and numerical modelling. Hibiscus tiliaceus is a native species that has been traditionally used in Sri Lanka. Field observations along the Kelani River (Hanwella to Kaduwela) showed that sections with Hibiscus tiliaceus displayed enhanced stability compared to non-vegetated areas. Numerical analysis was conducted using SLOPE/W software, simulating three slope geometries (1V:1H, 1V:1.5H, 1V:2H) under four hydraulic conditions: low flow, mid flow, full flow, and rapid drawdown in the river. The root reinforcement was modelled by incorporating depth-varying apparent cohesion based on literature-derived parameters. Results showed that vegetated slopes have consistently higher Factors of Safety (FoS), particularly on steep slopes under rapid drawdown. The findings highlight the importance of Hibiscus tiliaceus as a sustainable, cost-effective NbS for riverbank protection and offer a pathway for integrating tree vegetation into riverbank failure control strategies in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
IoT-based river water level monitoring system using LoRa technology
(Engineering Research Unit, 2025) Yapa, YMRNT; Sooriyaarachchi, SJ; De Silva, CR
Floods are one of the most destructive natural disasters, particularly affecting rural riverbank communities with limited access to early warning systems. Existing methods, such as manual monitoring and GSM(Global System for Mobile Communications)-based solutions, are often costly, power-intensive, and unsuitable for remote deployment. The aim of this research is to design and implement a lowcost, reliable, and energy-efficient IoT-based river water level monitoring system that provides real-time monitoring and alerts. The objectives include (i) accurate measurement of river water levels, (ii) reliable long-range data communication, (iii) real-time data processing and visualization, and (iv) threshold-based alert generation for disaster preparedness.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for sustainable urban expansion: a case study of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
(Engineering Research Unit, 2025) Keerthi, T; Senevirathne, SH; Wijesiri, CH
Rapid urbanization shapes the global environment. United Nation projections show that 68% of the population will live in cities by 2050, causing land demand, infrastructure stress, and environmental risks. In Trincomalee, accelerated growth, infrastructure deficits, and pressure on forests, wetlands, and coastal areas create planning gaps. This study applies an AHPbased multi-criteria suitability approach to support Trincomalee’s development plan by generating fine-grained, empirically derived suitability maps, overcoming limitations in current macro-level zoning and setting the foundation for a more systematic evaluation of future expansion needs. Although several studies in Sri Lanka have explored urban growth, a clear gap remains in district-level, high-resolution suitability assessments that integrate both environmental sensitivity and development priorities. To respond to this gap, this study develops an AHP-based GIS model aimed at identifying the most appropriate locations for sustainable urban expansion in Trincomalee. The outcomes offer practical value for planners by providing transparent, evidence-based spatial guidance that supports responsible land allocation, reduces conflicts with sensitive landscapes, and strengthens long-term, climate-resilient development planning.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
A Geo-Spatial multi-criteria evaluation approach for solid waste landfill site selection in Gampaha, Sri Lanka
(Engineering Research Unit, 2025) Vathsalayan, V; Keerthi, T; Keshara, KI
Solid waste management has become one of the most critical and challenging issues worldwide, and Sri Lanka is no exception. In Sri Lanka, the municipal solid waste production is estimated to be 7,500 metric tons per day, and a person generates 0.4 to 1.0 kg of waste per day [1]. As a result, a significant amount of waste that has not been collected is being openly disposed of, burnt, or disposed of illegally, thus contributing to environmental pollution, ecological degradation, and increasing health risks. The aim of this study is to select suitable waste landfill sites for the country’s rapidly urbanizing Gampaha district, in the Western Province. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play an important role in spatial decision-making for waste management, as they allow comprehensive analysis of diverse environmental, social, and infrastructural data layers over large geographic extents. These tools provide a systematic approach to the assessment of site suitability when combined with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is widely applied due to its ability to assign weights to criteria through pairwise comparisons, reflecting expert judgment. This integration of RS, GIS, and AHP-based MCDA has been successfully used in landfill site selection studies worldwide, and it offers a systematic and transparent approach for identifying suitable waste landfill sites in Gampaha District.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Design of H∞ controller for hybrid electromagnetic levitation system
(Engineering Research Unit, 2025) Dinendra, SMS; Muthukumarana, PM; Ilangarathna, IPRR; Hewawasam, HETS; Annasiwaththa, AWBI
The present research findings regarding the designing controllers for hybrid electromagnetic systems are limited to optimal working conditions, which is hard to fit with the realworld applications where systems encounter various disturbances and uncertainties. To address these challenges, a H∞ robust controller has been successfully designed for a system consisting of a Hybrid Electromagnet (HEM) which performs disturbance rejection and deals with model uncertainties.