Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/12705

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item: Thesis-Full-text
A Parametric approach to optimize solar access for energy efficiency in high-rise residential buildings in dense urban tropics
(2022) Jayaweera N; Rajapaksha RMKU
Solar access in buildings is a topic predominantly investigated in the urban contexts at higher latitudes and to a much lesser extent in the tropics. Existing research focuses on ensuring unobstructed solar access, whereas, in the tropics, unobstructed solar access is avoided in buildings due to external heat gain. In addition, most regulations for high-rise residential buildings in the tropics are inadequate to ensure sunlight exposure for residents. Four research objectives were formulated in this study to investigate the definition, typology, planning and architectural issues of solar access in high-rise residential buildings in dense urban tropics. This study investigated the shading effect of the urban context on solar access in terms of energy savings and daylight in high-rise residential buildings in the tropical city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The methodology consisted of three phases. In Phase I, three simulation models of 11, 21 and 31 floors (SM1, SM2, and SM3) were developed based on the archetypal highrise residential building characteristics in Sri Lanka. In Phase II, the study demonstrated a parametric urban context for the simulation models utilizing simulation software Rhino3D and the Grasshopper interface. Archsim and DIVA4 plugins were used to simulate the effects of the urban context on spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), annual energy use for cooling, and annual day-time lighting energy use. A multiobjective optimization process applying the Pareto-front identified the thresholds for optimum solar access. Phase III of the study investigated the daylight and energy performance of external shading scenarios of a high-rise residential building in a dense urban context. This study defined the optimum solar access for a perimeter zone in a high-rise residential building that achieves 75 sDA with corresponding annual energy savings of 28%- 36% in the east-west and 8%-12% in the north-south directions. The prescribed building setback curves for ensuring optimum solar access were validated with three calibrated case studies located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. All case studies demonstrated 50% of interior spaces (living rooms and bedrooms) with 55 sDA (300lx|50) and annual energy savings of 26-31% in east-west and 8%-15% in the north-south direction. The Floor area ratios (FAR) calculated for optimum building density for SM1, SM2, and SM3 were 4.2, 6.5, and 8.4, respectively. (300lx/50) The best performance external shading scenario in the vertical façade of the 11-floor Simulation model 2 (vertical and horizontal shading on the nineteenth floor, horizontal shading only for the eleventh floor, and no shading for the second floor) satisfied 75 sDA at all floors with corresponding energy savings of 16%-20%. The best performance scenario was applied to a 17-floor case study building located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The simulation results indicated that 58% of the spaces had over 75 sDA for both Baseline and Best performance scenarios, while an increase in energy savings of 1%-3% was found in the Best performance scenario compared to the Baseline scenario of the case study. (300lx|50) This research study redefined solar access for the tropics, prescribed building setbacks for optimum solar access and informed optimum building density for the high-rise residential building typology. The study also identified the best performance external shading scenario for a high-rise residential building façade in the urban context. The research outcomes established in this study provide a much-needed platform to initiate the dialogue on solar rights in dense urban tropics.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Attributes of urban form fostering sustainability : an analysis of residential neighbourhoods in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(2021) Wijesundara GWJKK; Weerasinghe UGD
Despite increasing number of studies on evaluation of sustainable neighbourhoods and urban forms, only a few have paid attention to the identification of the components that influence the degree of inhabitants' gratification. A neighbourhood is a built entity that lays the experiences of daily lives of a group of inhabitants in an identifiable geographical space. The neighbourhood sustainability is the process of nurturing its environment to support and meet both economic and social needs of its inhabitants. A sustainable neighbourhood should ensure the desired quality of life and satisfaction of the inhabitants by intertwining the local; social, cultural, environmental, and economic facets enabling its sustenance as an appealing place to live. However, observations show that most neighbourhoods in the context of Southeast Asia poorly addressing this need. ‘Urban Form’ of such neighbourhoods is the physical manifestation, expressing respective sustainability appeal sensed by the inhabitants. This is the intangible, significant finding, demonstrated in the physical design. This study attempts to explore the determinants of Urban Form that contribute to the Neighbourhood Sustainability for the inhabitants’ appeal. Specific intent of the research is to conduct a detailed investigation on the urban form of three urban residential neighbourhoods of Colombo, selected from the city core, intermediate city, and outer city. While it examines the degree of inhabitants’ appeal based on their evaluations, it assesses the neighbourhood sustainability under the three main sustainability parameters: environmental, social, and economic facets. Physical and non-physical attributes of the neighbourhood form, such as density, layout, land-use, connectivity, transport infrastructure, building typology and architectural character, were investigated by using secondary data. Structured interviews were carried out with thirty-five inhabitants; household representations, in each neighbourhood to ascertain inhabitants’ perception while physical observations were made to identify the deterministic attributes. This research develops an integrated approach recognizing the fact that environmental, social, and economic goals in appealing neighbourhoods are often mutually reinforced with the urban form of a neighbourhood. It recognizes the physical and non-physical attributes of the urban form of a neighbourhood and each of their contribution in fostering sustainability to create an appealing environment for its inhabitants. Consequently, it establishes an overall sustainability rating on the inhabitants’ perception and validates through case studies with reference to the attributes of urban form. This leads to formulate the requisites of an exemplary urban form; verbalizing its attributes that are determining the sustainability of neighbourhoods.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Investigation of the interaction effects of sitting comfort and discomfort factors
Thariq MGM; Munasinghe H
Comfort and discomfort are two stages in human comfort perception in sitting and the two stages may overlap. Whereas, comfort and discomfort in sitting are affected by different set of underlying factors. The understanding of how various individual underlying factors of comfort and discomfort at their different levels interact to produce perception of comfort and discomfort in sitting is lacking in the existing literature. The knowledge generated in this regard may help in further advancing the seating comfort theories which in turn may help in adding comfort to the seat in its design process. Hence, the objectives ofthe study were respectively as follows: 1. to investigate the effect of interactions ofthe sitting comfort (emotional) factors and discomfort (physical) factors at their different levels in producing comfort and discomfort perception respectively while sitting; 2. to quantify and reconfirm the factor structure ofsitting comfort and discomfort under the present study context; 3. to propose a model explaining relationship between comfort and discomfort perception in sitting. Two experiments were conducted to fulfill the objectives. The first experiment was conducted employing subjective method under the university class room settings. In that, 50 university students rated their feelings elicited with five different types of student chairs using questionnaires. The second experiment was conducted to test the fitness of the model under the laboratory conditions employing both objective and subjective methods. Twenty university students evaluated three different types of office chairs. Under the objective method, posture movements were recorded using video camera. For the subjective method, questionnaire was used. SPSS 13.0 version statistical software was used to analyze the data. The results obtained under the factor analysis in both experiments quantified and confirmed the factor structure of sitting comfort and discomfort. The multivariate analysis indicated that relax and relief feelings in sitting comfort perception are partially emotional unlike impression feeling. Under the laboratory conditions, the study intended to confirm the subjective ratings given for each chair by objective methods i.e. posture movements. The results obtained in the body posture movements confirmed the results obtained in the subjective ratings. The study could find the interaction effects of physical factors with each emotional factor at each level at 7 point rating scales. The results show that when comfort is perceived, emotional factors are found at higher levels while physical factors are found at moderate or below moderate levels. Higher levels of discomfort (physical) factors are dominant over higher levels of comfort (emotional) factors. Accordingly physical comfort needs are primary which confirms the previous findings that if the physical comfort needs are not satisfied (if higher levels of discomfort factors are present), contribution of higher levels of emotional feelings to comfort perception diminishes. Hence emotional comfort needs become secondary. The results obtained further indicate that comfort (emotional) and discomfort (physical) factors can co-exist as non-dominant in the non-dominant zone. The nondominant zone, in general, includes discomfort factors levels between 1 and 4 comfort factors levels between 1 and 5 at the 7 point rating scale. In the non-dominant zone, neither comfort nor discomfort factors dominate the perception, therefore, the report on comfort/discomfort often differ among individuals. From the findings ofthe study, a graphical model was presented to represent the relationship between comfort and discomfort perception in sitting. The results show that various individual factors ofsitting comfort and discomfort at their different levels have varying degree of relationships with comfort and discomfort perception. The overall results obtained show that the relieffeeling is the stronger and the impression is the weaker factors among the emotional factors investigated in affecting comfort perception and evaluation. Upper back pain, mid back pain, low back pain, upper leg pain and fatigue are important physical factors in affecting discomfort perception and evaluation. The level of influence of various individual factors on comfort and discomfort perception needs to be considered in developing multidimensional scale for chair evaluation purpose. The results further show that the chairs need to be designed to give more reliefwhich may produce more comfort. It is assumed that the physical design features such as curved seat front edge, appropriate lumber support, seat that supports backward and forward movement and the seat cushion that is not too soft and too hard may give more relief feelings. However, the effect ofthese seat features on relieffeelings need to be investigated
item: Thesis-Abstract
Process of causing influences on fashion of costumes
Ranathunga, GM; De Silva, Nimal
Textile industry in Sri Lanka makes a massive contribution to her economy. As it is largely compromised of ready-made garment productions, fashion designing, the essential component that plays a pivotal role in the industry, deserves a careful and comprehensive study. Creating new fashions is the key to the product development in the textile industry. A new creation would not simply become a fashion unless it conforms to some underlying theories which are expected to be brought to light through this research. Using the Grounded Theory Methodology it attempts to analyse some aspects of its spectrum, such as ‘how a fashion influences the wearer’, ‘what makes a fashion popular’ and ‘what psychological, economical and social forces give rise to new trends and creations’. Several such theories have been ascertained and the possibility of their modification as to the practicability in the future application to the product development of the fashion industry has been discussed. The apex assertion of this exploration is that, ‘The adaptation of costumes in Sri Lanka is not oriented towards environment but to the task expected with the dress’ This fact should be taken into consideration in future development planning in fashion industry of Sri Lanka.
item: Thesis-Full-text
The Anatomy and historical development of Sinhala typefaces
Samarawickrama, SSMR; Manawadu, S; Dalvi, G; Arangala, R
This thesis is an epistemological study, which presents various knowledge-building activities for Sinhala typography. Initially, it presents a historical analysis on Sinhala typefaces and the morphological characteristics of letters. These characteristics articulate the anatomy of Sinhala. The historical outline on the Sinhala letters and typefaces are discussed in relation to the introduction of the printing press and various technological developments. Using this a chronological timeline of Sinhala typefaces was developed. Followed by gaps in the current typographic knowledge, and its limitations are analyzed and discussed. The core contribution of this thesis is a comprehensive study on the anatomy of Sinhala based on distinct visual properties of each letter. We report how these visual properties are manifested in typefaces from 1737 CE to 2013 CE. These visual properties are also compared with existing typographic knowledge systems from scripts around the world. We suggests 59 (sub categorized into 19) visual properties distinct to the Sinhala letter. We believe that our research on the morphological characteristics (visual properties, referencing lines, grid and vocabulary) that defines the anatomy of Sinhala fill up the existing knowledge gap in Sinhala Typography. The thesis reveals that the existing typefaces were developed intuitively by designers or copied, adapted to overcome technological changes. It also speaks of an absence of formal knowledge on Sinhala typography, more specific to typefaces design. As a result, the number of typefaces designed today (considered as original typeface designs) is lesser than of what was found prior to the introduction of digital (Sinhala) typefaces used as body text. The thesis primarily contributes knowledge towards building a theoretical framework for Sinhala anatomy, it also contributes knowledge to type design process, typographic pedagogy, typographic history, and methodology that can be adopted by other scripts to define the anatomy and to analyze typefaces.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Climate-sensitive urban public space : a sustainable approach to urban heat island mitigation in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(2016-09-15) Perera, NGR; Mahanama, PKS
Manipulating the urban fabric is fundamental to mitigate and adapt to the warming trend in the growing high-density tropical cities. However, excessive data needs, weak analytical methods and the un-coordinated planning regimes pose barriers to achieving this aim. The main aim of the research is to bridge the gap in urban design-climate links, being translated into guidelines for real-world applicability in a background climate affected by global warming. The study is limited to the warm humid tropical climate of Colombo, Sri Lanka, as the experimental context for the research. The main research questions are related to; the microclimatic background condition under current and future warming scenario; sensitivity of the key urban morphology variables that will define and drive the decision making process; and the planning and policy implications that link climate and urban design. The study employs the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) system as a method of contextual analysis, together with LCZ-based morphology simulations (ENVI-met), utilising Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) as the key dependent variable. Statistical analyses (SPSS) of the results test the applicability and sensitivity of urban morphological variables to help mitigate / adapt to local and global warming. The findings indicate that the Sky View Factor is the most influential urban indicator of local climate. In general, night-time shows better correlation with MRT. The nature of the Pervious Surface Cover has little or no effect on reducing MRT. And, the correlation of variables with MRT is stronger in a climatic background affected by global warming. The work contributes a ‘conceptual framework’ for the deeper understanding of the effect of building morphology on local level warming in the tropics. Policies that give effect to these findings are presented in a manner that requires minimal data input. Protocols for mapping of LCZs and relative warming effects, and sensitivity analysis of key design parameters for the mitigation of UHI in the tropics are presented. The socio-economic and planning practice implications of a LCZ-based planning approach are explored.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Colour associated thermal perception : manifeststion and contributing factors with reference to red and blue
(2016-01-16) Hettiarachchi AA; De Silva N
Theory of colour, a long-established tradition of artists, differentiates between warm and cool colours. The lack of scientific and statistically substantiated knowledge on aforesaid colour associated thermal perception (CTP) deems to hinder its optimum integration in built environment. Current investigation seeks scientific explanation on manifestation and contributing factors of CTP with reference to a warm colour (red) and a cool colour (blue). Hypothesised potentials of CTP to manifest as a psychological response, a biological response altering core body temperature or an actual thermal sensation caused due to heat radiation emitted via coloured surfaces were tested. A crossover experiment was executed with a sample of healthy, normal sighted, male undergraduates (n=111) selected via stratified simple random sampling (age 19 – 30) using two colour workstations (red and blue) under controlled laboratory conditions. CTP was rated in a 5- point Likert scale while the induced feelings, emotions and preference to each colour treatment were recorded via a questionnaire survey. Temporal artery temperature (TAT) of subjects and the surface temperature of work stations (SFT) were recorded through infrared thermal monitoring. Substantiating colour theory, subjects demonstrated a propensity to perceive red as warm/hot (64.2%) and blue as cool/cold (59.3%). As revealed by logistic regression, CTP neither manifests due to a fluctuation in core body temperature nor as an actual thermal sensation. CTP is a psychological response characterised by common as well as colour specific factors. CTP of both red (RTP) and blue (BTP) are statistically explained by the psychological state induced by each colour, pre-conceived learnt ideas influenced by education, and subjects’ preference. One’s favourite colour and religion are found to influence RTP while age and surface temperature of the applied colour are revealed to influence BTP. Integration of CTP in built environment to psychologically manipulate the perceived thermal environment against the actual thermal condition to achieve the desirable thermal milieu is highly recommended.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Concepts, principles and methodologies used in Sinhalese Jewellery
(2014-08-19) Pathirana, DSH; De Silva, N
It is evident that, the things that we produce today, mark the capabilities of people, that gives predictions to the future of a nation. Great civilizations have been recognized from the things that they had produced in the past, such is reflected in architecture, literature, arts & crafts, paintings and sculpture. Today, we look back in to history, seeking for the inspiration of the past. The continuity of the future from the search of the past can be understood as a continuous and healthy process, for the evolution of the new. The study area o f jewellery can be identified as a rich and valuable part of a culture. It can be observed that embellishment had always been an indication of a rich culture. It is understood that, the careful thoughts and synthesis made upon creating jewellery, unfold greater values and deep set roots of the culture. The intelligence, freedom of imagination and wisdom, nourished by the availability of resources and technological expertise are considered as the most important concerns, from which stem the valuable crafting of jewellery. This has been evident, in the Sri Lankan history, which runs back in to more than 2500 years of time. The rich inheritance of gems and pearls, have naturally made Sri Lanka, a renowned name for the trading of gems in the ancient trade. The influence that had brought in the migratory movement of people, due to religious or political alliances, marriage and trade activities are eminent in Sri Lankan jewellery traditions. Also they were subjected to the cross fertilization of other cultural influences. Due to these factors, along with the location of Sri L a n k a as a trade hub in the ancient sea routes had paved way for a unique tradition, of jewellery showcasing high technology and material advancement. It is evident, that design and manufacturing of jewellery had been synthesized along, these processes, that had occurred mainly, due to social, cultural, economical, politie^^arid' environmental reasons. Therefore it had built a tradition along the coursl of j ts history, with accumulated knowledge from the back grounds mentioned above. However, it is observed, that due to various reasons , monotony has resulted, in the recent past in the field of Sinhalese jewellery. With the change of economy, and having introduced the commerce oriented jewellery production, towards the demands of the West, State supported arts and crafts have been fast diminishing in the recent past. A s a result, the value for jewellery and greater enthusiasm and creativity that originated from the aspirations of local people had been ignored for a considerable period of time. With these changing sequences, a commercial oriented background had set in day by day, with the original creativity diminishing in to history. This has resulted in a complete ignorance for good design and creative artists work in the Sri Lankan jewellery. Particularly the local designers work had been completely 'handicapped' by the jewellery design catalogues sent from abroad. Therefore, a greater need has arisen, to enrich the field of Sri Lankan jewellery for innovation, creativity and high quality designs with identity and uniqueness. T h i s has become a national need, of the country at present. A greater need has arisen to search for the roots of the past, to identify the concepts, principles and methodologies used in design and production. Most importantly search for the indigenous processes of creating jewellery in the past tradition. Adaptation of the academic formulas which has the power to influence the jewellery design education.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Concepts and processes of generating and communicating meanings in fashion of dress
(2014-06-02) Karunaratne PVM; De Silva N
The apparel industry of Sri Lanka is one of the biggest industries in the island, and it plays a key role in advancing the country’s economy. The design, manufacture and export of textiles and apparel products are accounted for half of the country’s total exports. Sri Lanka is among the top apparel producing countries in the world and therefore it is required to carry out an in-depth study. Fashion designers are responsible for the changes in the fashion industry and create new meanings for fashion. Every new season, collections are launched worldwide and new styles are set for people to follow. Fashion designers need an artistic bent of mind and excellent sense of dress communication of the people in society. A new fashion of dress would not simply becomes none verbal communicative object, it requires certain theories to be revealed during the process of research. Selection of appropriate methodology to find sources, to design the research in systematic way proceeds to sorting and identifying the underlying theoretical concepts. The research is focused on how the different categories of people represented themselves and communicated through their dress. Some aspects of this phenomena is what social , cultural and political pressure give rise to new dress forms and fashion trend setting , how a wearer communicate fashion to the society, how communication of meanings in dress makes fashion popular or change. Several concepts show how the meaning of a dress emerged and how it communicated according to the theoretical system. The concept phrase of this exploration is that; ‘Social and Cultural factors are directly affected to the dress expression since the semantic meanings are highly arbitrary and the dress expressions are highly context dependant. If all contexts are removed from a dress all meanings are also removed’. The work presented in this thesis is diverse, though sufficient depth was ensured in the research; each area may have further potential for detailed research in the field of fashion. Key words: Dress, Fashion, Sign, Non verbal Communication, Culture
item: Thesis-Abstract
Investigation of an appropriate methodology for preservation of traditional Sri Lankan mural paintings
Perera, TDN; De Silva, TKNP
This research was founded with an objective of finding the most effective method of preservation of traditional Sri Lankan mural paintings. Investigation was separated into three main areas. These are determination of necessary actions in preservation, investigation of preservation mechanisms and investigation of applicability of these methods. Actions needed in preservation were identified by analyzing present condition of paintings. Paintings were classified into several logical groups to facilitate analysis. A criterion for classification was developed considering all possible factors of sorting. Classification of paintings according to the period of production was the most appropriate criterion since this automatically classified paintings on technique, school, climate, pattern of decay, pattern of deterioration and the degree of deterioration. Analysis of condition of paintings disclosed following facts: 1. all paintings are in a rapid rate of decay 2. deterioration is a result of natural decay and accelerated decay due to dilapidation 3. intervention based on synthetic resins prevented fragmentation and loss of material but accelerated the rate of decay This information led to the decision that adequate repair -and prevention of deterioration would be the most needed actions in conserving Sri Lankan paintings. Analyzes of these facts emphasized that there was a definite need to develop a viable method of reduction of the rate of decay of paintings. Development of the most appropriate method needed following background information: principles of traditional technology; social aspects that led to creation, usage and maintenance of paintings and traditional methods of conservation and maintenance. There were few direct and indirect sources to gather this information. These were traditional technical texts, historic records, legend memory and information generated from physical and chemical analyses. Present social conditions that led to survival and destruction of paintings were also analyzed. Technical analyses were based on structure, composition and behavior of Sri Lankan paintings and survival and performance of different types of paintings in different climatic zones. Most appropriate chemical and physical analytical methods were used in the analysis. Constant nature of structure, composition, production process and procedure of painting in paintings belonging to a particular class and analogy among different classes indicated strict adherence of production techniques to rules and regulations of traditional technology. Seven major Sri Lankan painting techniques were identified. Classical, medieval and southern are the dominant techniques among them. The most major difference among these techniques is the structure and composition of ground. Two major techniques were therefore defined based on the usage of the process of carbonation in the ground. The characteristic feature of Sri Lankan painting techniques is the use of biotechnology. A heavy amount of microbiological actions and enzymatic reactions had been used to attain key properties not gained by other means. Use of most stable material is a law of traditional technology. Certain principles of traditional technology that realized appropriate coordination between paintings and environment were identified. A particular traditional painting technique fulfilled the needs of the corresponding painting school and users of paintings produced by that technique. Usage and maintenance also followed definite rules, regulations and guidelines. These were identified by analyzing later modifications to paintings. Special attention was given to understand actions occurring in paintings. These actions were identified as interactions of paintings with the environment. Interactions with environment and response of paintings to these interactions were defined as behavior. Water transmission and thermal movement of paintings were identified as main actions of behavior. These dynamic physical actions bear on most other physical, chemical and microbiological actions. Paintings on masonry and wood support absorb water through support, transmit towards the surface and evaporate on the surface. Paintings on rock support absorb water through the surface and disperse throughout the ground. Porosity of ground and permeability of paint layer are important parameters in both of these absorption types. Most actions occurring in paintings are detrimental to them and called actions of decay. Few favorable actions called actions of preservation were also identified. Various factors become favorable or detrimental in specific ranges and combinations with other factors. Decay is a continuous process associated with every painting. Decay results in a change of material, material properties and structure. These changes bring about deterioration, i.e. formation of defects. The rate of decay accelerates with the formation of defects. Behavior of every painting becomes destructive with the formation of defects. Prevention of decay is the principle action necessary in preserving paintings. This is the key task necessary to preserve deteriorated traditional mural paintings. Prevention of fragmentation and loss of material are other important needs. This investigation was centered on determination of the most effective method of minimizing the rate of decay. Simulated samples of paintings were used in the investigation. Production processes of these simulated samples were determined using information obtained from traditional technical texts and chemical and physical analyses of samples of paintings. It was found that two types of samples could represent all Sri Lankan paintings. These are samples with lime ground and samples with clay ground. 1twas decided to produce samples at four categories of increasing complexity to reduce errors during analysis. Elementary samples simulated the painting ground, basic samples simulated the multilayered structure of paintings and advanced samples simulated complex structure of paintings. Advanced samples had heterogeneous paint layers and complex ground. Representative samples represented the actual paintings. Enzymatic and microbiological actions mentioned in traditional technical texts were used to produce representative samples. This investigation needed methods to measure behavior and the rate of decay. Behavior could be adequately measured using parameters of main actions of behavior. An indirect method based on intensity of defects and difference in hue was used to measure relative rates of decay. Methods of reduction of rate of decay tested were removal of factors of decay, environmental control, repair of defects, induction of equilibrium behavior and few specific actions of preservation. These different methods were successful at various degrees. Removal of some factors of decay reduced the rate of decay at all instances. However, it had a limited amount of success due to the fact that total removal of some factors like water and thermal energy increased decay. Environmental control remarkably reduced the rate of decay. However, this did not guarantee the long-term existence of paintings. Furthermore it was difficult to adopt. Natural actions of preservation takes very long durations and difficult to manage. Maintaining conditions that enhancing these actions was the only external intervention possible. Further analysis of these methods of reduction of rate of decay disclosed the fact that all of these mechanisms were effective when they induce equilibrium. Special attention was therefore given to test possibility of reducing the rate of decay by inducing equilibrium behavior. Existence of a relationship between the degree of equilibrium and the rate of decay was the main hypothesis tested in this research. Relationship of equilibrium behavior and the rate of decay was studied at four levels using four categories of samples. A completely randomized design was used. Relationship between behavior and the rate of decay was tested with elementary, basic and advanced samples. Behavior was changed by altering input physical factors. A distinct relationship was observed. Relationship of degree of equilibrium with the rate of decay was also investigated with these samples. Equilibrium was quantitatively changed by allowing the samples to absorb moisture at different known rates under different known temperatures and relative humidity. A definite correlation existed. These relationships were significant (p

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