Browsing by Author "Wimalaratne, PLI"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

item: Conference-Full-text
Comparison between the terms constructability and buildability : a systematic literature review
(2021-07) Wimalaratne, PLI; Kulathunga, U; Gajendran, T
Buildability deals with the optimal integration of construction expertise at various project stages to achieve the overall project goals. Incorporation of buildability improves the construction project performance in terms of its cost, quality, productivity, safety, and results early completion. Thus, having a sound understanding of buildability concept is paramount for finding solutions for transforming current practices towards successful project deliveries. The numerous past studies reviewing the concept of buildability in the past have highlighted the interchangeability of the terms “constructability” and “buildability”. However, in some studies, these two terms contradict rather than considered similar. Moreover, the application of the concept of buildability is widely discussed during the design phase while some studies recommend it to be applied in the construction phase. Thus, there is no clear consensus on the clarity of the key constructs of these terms or when to apply buildability. This paper aims to systematically review the application of the concepts “buildability” and “constructability” in the construction sector and compare the definitions to understand the key constructs and best phase of the construction project for its applicability. A structured literature review covering indexed publications from 2011-2021 was carried out to identify the existing literature. Following a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique, a total of 38 out of 162 research contributions have been considered for an in-depth analysis. The choice of interpretations, comments, statements, perspectives, and definitions used in 38 studies were examined. The study identified the key constructs of two terms and recommends applying buildability throughout the lifecycle of the project.
item: Conference-Full-text
Knowledge sharing strategies to improve buildability of construction projects in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2024) Wimalaratne, PLI; Kulatunga, U
Sri Lankan construction industry faces persistent challenges related to buildability, impacting project efficiency, cost, and quality. These issues also hinder the industry's ability to achieve sustainable solutions and practices. Buildability involves integrating knowledge and expertise at the right time through the most appropriate source. Enhancing buildability within construction projects requires effective knowledge sharing among project team members who possess multifaceted construction knowledge and experience in various disciplines. However, the current poor knowledge-sharing practices hinder the potential benefits of this valuable resource. Therefore, it is important to establish the best knowledge-sharing strategies to improve buildability in construction projects. By examining current practices, identifying the best strategies, and analysing the lived experiences of construction professionals, this paper aims to provide actionable insights for leveraging knowledge sharing to overcome buildability issues and achieve more successful and sustainable project outcomes. This research explores the lived experiences of industry practitioners to identify context-specific knowledge-sharing strategies that can enhance buildability in construction projects in Sri Lanka. 12 number of in-depth interviews are employed following thematic analysis to derive the ‘knowledge sharing strategies’. The study reveals 36 knowledge-sharing strategies that can improve buildability within construction projects in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
A methodology to study the complexity of buildability in construction projects: Phenomenological research perspective.
(2022-06-24) Wimalaratne, PLI; Kulatunga, U; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
The construction industry is crucial to the economic development of any nation. However, the achievement of the project objectives has become challenging in the construction industry. Thus, research on improving the construction project performance is often appealed. One of the reasons for poor performance in the construction industry has been identified as lack of buildability. Buildability is expected to give a boost to construction project performance throughout the entire project life cycle. Even though the existing knowledge domain suggests various buildability guidelines, appraisal systems, and concepts targeting different phases or different elements of construction, there is no established set of practices or directives that can be incorporated into a construction project throughout its various stages to improve construction project performance. This is mainly due to the absence of clear identification of the deep meaning of the key drivers of the buildability concept. Therefore, it is important to obtain a clear picture of the key drivers of this concept. This challenge may be handled by obtaining perception from the industry experts with regard to their lived experience concerning buildability. This paper utilises works of literature related to research methodology to design a suitable research framework for this study. The research onion model was adopted for the framework development and phenomenological philosophy was proposed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The paper highlights the importance of adherence to micro-interactions and a systematic approach to research work throughout the research process to maintain the quality of the study.
item: Article-Full-text
OSH management framework for workers at construction sites in Sri Lanka
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2012) De Silva, N; Wimalaratne, PLI
Purpose – This study attempts to identify a simple and efficient framework to be implemented in the Sri Lankan construction industry to inculcate a “safe and healthy” working environment for its workforce. Design/methodology/approach – The occupational safety and health (OSH) management strategies that could be implemented in the construction sites were identified through a comprehensive literature survey and a pilot survey. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the safety and health (S&H) experts to explore the most effective OSH management strategies and thereafter to derive OSH mechanisms to promote the safer and healthy environment in the construction sites. Success of these mechanisms in the local industry was analyzed and was subsequently used to develop the OSH management framework. Findings – A total of 35 significant OSH management strategies, unsafe and unhealthy factors as risk factors for fatal and non-fatal situations were identified. A further ten OSH management mechanisms were established as adequate safety supervision, site environment, controlling the workers’ safe and healthy behaviour, centralized OSH management unit, resources and insurance policies, management commitment, supportive devices, OSH documentation, OSH education and awareness, and OSH committee. Further, these ten mechanisms were used to establish the OSH framework to be implemented in Sri Lankan construction sites. Originality/value – OSH management in the Sri Lankan construction industry can be enhanced by implementing the proposed OSH management framework.