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-Abstract
Bond characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced polymer strengthened concrete member exposed to acidic solution
(2023) Thushanthan, K; Gamage, JCPH
Deterioration of construction materials due to aggressive environments is becoming a serious issue nowadays. Concrete is a widely used construction materials however, due to its alkaline nature, it is highly susceptible to acidic corrosion. Therefore, the concrete structures lose the aesthetic appearance and become structurally unsafe even before it’s intended service life. In order to rehabilitate these deteriorated structures fiber composites were introduced in the civil engineering industry. Several types of fiber composites are available for the civil engineering application, however, due to the superior engineering properties Carbon Fiber composites are commonly used to strengthen buildings which may experience aggressive environments. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites consist of carbon fibers which are relatively immune to the aggressive environmental conditions and epoxy resin matrix which is highly susceptible to environmental degradation. Extensive researches were conducted all around the world to investigate structural strengthening and load transfer mechanisms of CFRP strengthened system however, environmental degradation of these systems were studied comprehensively. Especially, very minimum research studies were conducted to investigate the degradation of CFRP to concrete strengthened system in acidic environment.
This study aims to address the lacuna regarding the deterioration behaviour of CFRP to concrete strengthened system in acidic environmental conditions. Extensive literature review was conducted to identify available research studies and limitations in CFRP to concrete strengthened system in aggressive environmental conditions. At the beginning, a case study was conducted at Awissawela wastewater treatment, which was renovated from a near collapse condition by CFRP composite. Later experimental studies were conducted to study the degradation behaviour of CFRP, concrete and CFRP-Concrete interface under various acidic condition. These acidic conditions were simulated in order to achieve actual conditions identified in several locations. Series of accelerated environmental exposure were conducted and several tests were carried out.
Finally, the obtained results were statistically analysed and conclusions were presented.
item: Article-Full-text
Why Traffic Signals Fail in Sri Lanka: Reviewing the Realities of Heterogeneous Traffic Dynamics
(The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka) Salawavidana, SAST; Pasindu, HR; Bandara, JMSJ; Munasinghe, R
Traffic signal design in developing countries frequently underperforms due to the direct application of classical models—Webster's delay formula, HCM, ARR123, and ORN13— developed for homogeneous, lane-disciplined traffic conditions. Sri Lankan intersections exhibit fundamentally different characteristics: heterogeneous vehicle streams comprising motorcycles, threewheelers, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrians operating without strict lane discipline under geometric constraints. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence explaining why conventional signal design methods fail in such contexts. Following PRISMA principles, 138 records were screened, yielding 41 high-quality references spanning foundational theory, classical assumptions, regional adaptations, and Sri Lankan empirical data. The review demonstrates that local intersections systematically violate foundational assumptions regarding lane usage, headway uniformity, start-up behavior, and pedestrian compliance. Observed saturation flows reach 2574 pcu/h/lane—substantially exceeding HCM benchmarks—while behaviors such as motorcycle seepage, lateral filtering, initial surge, and dynamic clustering create discharge patterns that static PCU values cannot capture. A mathematical framework is presented mapping these deviations to quantifiable variables: lateral efficiency, surge discharge dynamics, dynamic vehicle equivalence, headway expansion, and geometric constraints affecting intersection capacity. The paper concludes by proposing context-sensitive design pathways incorporating dynamic PCU factors, behavioral modeling, and simulation-based calibration using SIDRA and SUMO to support locally relevant signal control methodologies..
item: Article-Full-text
Mineralogical Evolution and Geo-mechanical Characterization of Weathering Profiles Along the Central Expressway (CEP 3), Sri Lanka
(The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka) Sanjeewa, KWD; Nawagamuwa, UP; Abeysinghe, AMKB
This research investigates the mineralogical and geo-mechanical factors influencing slope stability along Section 3 of the Central Expressway Project (CEP 3), Sri Lanka. Through a combination of borehole logging, petrographic analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), a comprehensive weathering profile was established. Results delineate a transition from stable, fresh metamorphic gneissic rocks to highly unstable residual soils (SM and ML types). Petrographic data reveal the progressive alteration of primary minerals, specifically Feldspar, Biotite, and Hornblende, into secondary Clay phases. XRD analysis identified the presence of Smectite and Kaolinite, with the former presenting significant risks for moisture-induced volume changes and rotational slides in high-cut sections. The study concludes that the thickness and stability of the residual mantle are directly governed by the modal mineralogy of the metamorphic parent rock, providing a critical framework for geotechnical risk mitigation in hilly terrains
item: Article-Full-text
Mineralogical Evolution and Geo-mechanical Characterization of Weathering Profiles Along the Central Expressway (CEP 3), Sri Lanka
(The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka) Nikaweratiya, IPTPDB; Perera, LAHS; Karunadasa, JP; Madawala, RRTWMRAI
Accurate modelling of power system components is essential for reliable power system analysis, particularly in excitation system and AVR studies. While IEEE Std. 421.5–2016 defines how generator saturation factors should be obtained, practical modelling often continues to use standard or factory data, with limited measurement-based updates for aged generators in actual service. This is a key research gap, since saturation characteristics may vary over time due to aging and operating stresses. Accordingly, this study presents the experimental determination of saturation factors of a 20 MW synchronous generator at Sapugaskanda Power Station, Sri Lanka. An open-circuit test was selected because it provides the direct terminal voltage–field current characteristic required for IEEE-based saturation-factor calculation. With the AVR in manual mode, the field current was varied within specified protection limits, and steady-state terminal voltage and field current were recorded using a Hioki data acquisition system and analysed in Excel to construct the open-circuit saturation curve and air-gap line. The saturation factors at 1.0 pu and 1.2 pu were then calculated using the IEEE method. The results provide updated field-based inputs for improved AVR and exciter model accuracy.
item: Book
Fiction wonderland : a comprehensive guide to creating children's fiction books
(2025) Samarawickrama, Sumanthri
Fiction Wonderland: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Children’s Fiction Books is a research-informed and practice-oriented guide developed to support the creation and publication of quality children’s fiction in Sri Lanka. Grounded in research undertaken through the development of the National Policy for Children’s Books, the book brings together knowledge on child development, inclusive and culturally relevant storytelling, narrative construction, visual development, book design, and publishing practice. It guides authors, illustrators, designers, publishers, educators, and other stakeholders through the interconnected processes of developing children’s fiction—from understanding the child reader and shaping stories to visualising narratives and moving collaboratively from script to publication. The guide translates research and policy principles into practical frameworks, tools, and processes intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s children’s book ecosystem.