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: Thesis-Full-text
Assessing the impact of waste LDPE and SASOBIT additives on the techno-economic performance of warm mix asphalt in Sri Lanka
(2025) De Silva, LHDJ; Subasinghe, LU
This research focuses on the use of waste LDPE (waste shopping bags) as an additive in asphalt mixtures for road construction in Sri Lanka. With the country’s limited infrastructure, the accumulation of waste plastic remains a significant environmental challenge. Consequently, this research aims to address environmental concerns while enhancing road performance through the incorporation of waste LDPE in Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology. The related study investigates the mechanical properties, durability, and energy efficiency of waste LDPE-modified asphalt that includes Sasobit as an additive. Various laboratory experiments were carried out using different compositions of LDPE (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of bitumen) along with Sasobit (3% and 5% by weight of bitumen). Results showed that 6% LDPE combined with 3% Sasobit generated the most enhanced performance for stability, flexibility, and environmental stress, like cracking and rutting, compared to the conventional asphalt mixture. Besides, the produced LDPE modified asphalt exhibited excellent workability with lower bitumen heating temperatures, which can save considerable energy consumption in producing LDPE modified asphalt. The cost analysis confirmed that mixing both LDPE and Sasobit into the asphalt mixtures were more beneficial from an economic perspective, due to the reduction in cost of material and energy consumption. Moreover, the incorporates LDPE waste also helps cope with the plastic pollution, and it gives sustainable solution for plastic problems with other waste management and infrastructure development. In conclusion, this research signifies that LDPE-modified asphalt mixtures can be employed as a sustainable alternative for Sri Lankan Road construction, serving the dual purpose of improving road quality and ameliorating plastic waste. Additional investigations are required to assess the long-term durability of these mixtures and to consider the incorporation of other types of plastic waste in the asphalt
item: Conference-Full-text
Dexterous robotic finger with joint mobility modulation for adaptive grasping
(IEEE, 2024) Bandara, GMHD; Amarasinghe, DD; Hettiarachchi, HANP; De Silva, HHMJ; Ranaweera, RKPS; Gopura, RARC
Adaptive grasping is an essential feature in robotic hands for improving dexterity. The paper proposes a novel approach for enhancing dexterity in hand prostheses by implementing joint-mobility modulation in a robotic finger which uses an underactuated tendon-driven mechanism. The proposed finger design includes a locking mechanism for mobility modulation, enabling both precision and power grasping modes. A mathematical model was developed to calculate design parameters of the robotic finger. Physical experiments were conducted to compare joint kinematics between the human and robotic fingers for selected grasping patterns. Results show that the proposed mechanism can produce said grasping patterns using controlled mobility restriction of joints. The motion trajectory of the robotic finger has an average correlation of 89% with the human finger. There is potential for the proposed mechanism to be used in developing a dexterous robotic hand.
item: Conference-Full-text
SinhaLearn: NLP, CNN, and OCR based data driven approach for enhancing Sinhala proficiency of grade 5 scholarship students
(IEEE, 2024) Francis, JV; Bellanavithana, YL; Pulasinghe, TK; Silva, RD; Rathnayake, S; Karunathilaka, SV
The Sinhala language, deeply rooted in Pali and Sanskrit, holds immense cultural significance for the Sinhalese community in Sri Lanka. However, its intricate morphology and diglossic nature, where written and spoken forms diverge, pose significant challenges. In response, we present "SinhaLearn" an automated system designed specifically to enhance Sinhala language proficiency for the Grade 5 Scholarship examination domain. Our system leverages advanced Natural Language Processing algorithms, Optical Character Recognition technology, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Part-of-Speech tagging. Key functionalities include Sinhala Handwriting Capturing and Recognition, real-time error detection and correction in spelling and grammar within Sinhala Present Tense sentences, simplified explanations for complex Sinhala vocabulary aligned with the Grade 5 curriculum, and automated assessment of handwritten responses with instant feedback and scoring. Notably, informed by a comprehensive literature review, our research has made significant improvements by blending rule-based methods with hybrid components, effectively addressing critical gaps in the field. While existing systems often concentrate on singular functionalities such as spelling analysis, grammar analysis, dictionary functions, or content display, our "SinhaLearn" system provides a holistic solution by integrating these aspects. This comprehensive approach sets a new benchmark for automated systems in Sinhala language proficiency.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Novel nonlinear theoretical framework for composite theory: case study with PP-MCC composite
(IEEE, 2024) Kanchana, PK; Weerasinghe, IU; Rathnayake, S; Karunanayake, L; Amarasinghe, DAS; Samarasekara, AMPB; Attygalle, D; Weragoda, VSC
This research explores a novel theoretical approach to model tensile strength behavior in Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)-reinforced Polypropylene, with varying volume fraction of the reinforcing component. By modifying the MCC with a sunflower oil-based surface treatment, a deviation from the well-established linear Bowyer and Bader’s model is observed, especially at low volume fractions of surface-modified reinforcement. The study suggests a non-linear adjustment to the model to accurately describe these deviations, introducing a nonlinear exponent to better represent matrix-reinforcement interactions. This research provides a more delicate understanding of these interactions, offering insights that could lead to further refinement of existing theoretical models. The findings suggest that this approach could enhance the predictive accuracy of tensile strength in composite materials, ultimately contributing to the development of stronger, more reliable materials for a diverse range of applications.
item: Conference-Full-text
2nd International Research Conference of Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (Pre-Text)
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2025) Chathuranga, H; Dissanayake, B; Fernando, K