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: Conference-Full-text
Development of a blockchain-enabled smart contract framework for linear construction projects.
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Anil, NA; Prabhu, P; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Large-scale linear infrastructure projects such as high-speed rail corridors, metro systems, highways, and pipelines face major challenges in coordination, communication, material tracking, approval processes, and payment management due to their geographically distributed nature and involvement of multiple stakeholders. Conventional digital tools improve planning and monitoring but often fail to provide secure, transparent, and automated coordination across distributed project work fronts. Blockchain technology and smart contracts offer a decentralized and transparent solution for improving workflow synchronization, payment automation, material traceability, and progress verification in such projects. This paper introduces a blockchain-based smart contract implementation framework specifically designed for linear construction projects. The proposed framework deliberately avoids reliance on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and instead utilises chainage-based scheduling, integrated digital quantity and test records, and IoT/RFID-enabled logistics tracking. It adopts a seven-layer framework that segregates functions such as physical data capture, scheduling, quantity management, smart contract logic, blockchain infrastructure, user interfaces, and governance. The framework defines a segment-oriented workflow covering progress certification, material traceability, interface coordination across civil sub-zones and functional areas, and automated retention release. A schematic flowchart illustrates the end-to-end data and control sequence for a typical corridor segment. The paper further examines expected benefits—enhanced transparency, faster payment cycles, improved traceability, and better interface control—alongside key challenges in implementation, interoperability, scalability, and integration with existing construction management practises.
item: Conference-Full-text
Digital System for effective end-user engagement in higher education building design.
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Nazeer, FS; Kamardeen, I; Hasan, A; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Higher education (HE) buildings often experience performance gaps that undermine occupant comfort, health, and overall satisfaction. These gaps are partly attributed to fragmented end-user engagement during the design process and the lack of effective tools and strategies to support such engagement. To address this issue, this study aims to develop a computerised system that enables professionals to effectively engage end-users in HE building design within real-world practice. The study adopts the Design Science Research methodology to develop a practical and implementable solution. The system is grounded in a knowledge-to-action end-user engagement framework derived from three key knowledge domains: the building design process, user engagement principles, and critical design elements. This framework was systematically developed and refined through multiple empirical research phases. The framework was operationalised using MS Access. The resulting computerised system supports several functions, including user requirement acquisition during the pre-design stage and design evaluation during schematic and detailed design stages. It enables the systematic collection and aggregation of feedback from diverse end-user groups and generates consolidated reports that visualise user preferences and satisfaction levels. By providing a structured mechanism for integrating end-users throughout the design process, the system offers a practical roadmap for professionals. This study bridges theory and practice by delivering a holistic computerised system that translates research knowledge into an industry-ready solution to address persistent performance gaps in HE buildings.
item: Conference-Full-text
Digital transformation in large-scale construction: a real-world implementation
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Mahawatta, SI; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranasinghe, PHGMA; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Large-scale construction projects in developing economies are constrained by traditional manual site management practices and fragmented technological deployments that are structurally inadequate for the governance and productivity demands of high-density, multi-floor construction environments. While individual technologies demonstrated domain-specific benefits, their isolated deployment leaves the systemic interdependencies between workforce management, cost control and resource utilisation unresolved. This study addresses that gap through an evaluative single case study of a large-scale construction project in Sri Lanka exceeding 83,500m² with a workforce exceeding 1,000 personnel, in which a fully integrated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based digital site management ecosystem was designed and implemented over a ten-month period. The observations were made based on direct observation, system-generated reports and analytics obtained from project management dashboard. The findings demonstrate that the integrated ecosystem comprehensively reduced proxy attendance, payroll manipulation and resource misallocation while strengthening financial transparency, workforce accountability and operational governance. The direct linkage of labour deployment to cost codes, material withdrawals to specific work zones and machinery utilisation to verified task completion created end-to-end operational visibility. Workforce resistance was successfully resolved through phased implementation and structured change management, while the system's uninterrupted performance during the COVID-19 pandemic validated its value as a continuity infrastructure. The study provides practitioners with a replicable operational blueprint for construction digitalisation, and the implemented system validates and advances the theoretical foundation for integrated digital ecosystem research. Further research should identify multi-site cross-country replication as a critical direction for future research across developing economies.
item: Conference-Full-text
Digitalising urban drainage systems: barriers and implications for Vietnam.
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Mai, V; Nguyen, TQ; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Urban flooding is an increasing challenge for cities due to rapid urbanisation, climate change, and the growing complexity of urban infrastructure systems. Digital technologies such as Internet of Things monitoring networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital twins, and geographic information systems have been proposed to enhance the monitoring and management of Urban Drainage Systems (UDS). However, large-scale implementation of digitalised drainage infrastructure remains constrained by multiple socio-technical barriers. This study conducts a structured literature review to identify key barriers to the digitalisation of urban drainage systems and to examine their implications for digital infrastructure governance in Vietnam. Using the Scopus database, a multi-stage screening process identified 71 peer-reviewed publications addressing digital technologies in drainage infrastructure. The studies were analysed using thematic synthesis to identify recurring implementation challenges and develop a structured framework of barriers to UDS digitalisation. The analysis reveals four major barrier categories. Data-related barriers include incomplete infrastructure records, legacy datasets, fragmented data management, and unreliable sensor data. Technological barriers involve integration with legacy infrastructure, high computational requirements, limited model scalability, and low interpretability of AI systems. Institutional barriers relate to shortages of interdisciplinary expertise, fragmented governance structures, and risk-averse organisational cultures, while financial barriers include high capital investment, ongoing operational costs, and uncertain economic returns. The findings highlight several implications for Vietnam, including strengthening infrastructure data governance, adopting phased technology deployment strategies, improving coordination among urban infrastructure agencies, and developing sustainable financing mechanisms for digital infrastructure investment.
item: Conference-Full-text
Distance is no barrier: drivers of the deployment of remote construction management for project delivery in South Africa
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Ikuabe, M; Aigbavboa, C; Ogungbe, M; Aregbesola, T; Ogunade, T; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Addressing obstacles to effective project execution is an essential priority for stakeholders within the construction sector. Utilizing delivery methods such as remote construction management presents considerable advantages that aligns with the aforementioned goal. This research aims to evaluate the deployment of remote construction management in South Africa's construction industry. A quantitative research design was utilized to elicit data from construction professionals located in the Gauteng province of South Africa, selected through purposive sampling. A total of eighty-four responses were received and deemed appropriate for analysis. The collected data underwent suitable analytical techniques using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The results of the study revealed three primary constructs that serve as the drivers of the use of remote construction management. These are improved project performance and operational efficiency, enhanced health & safety and workforce wellbeing, and optimised organisational operations. Based on these findings, the study made recommendations that can help drive the espousal of remote construction management in the South African construction industry.