Sustainable Design & Construction

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Our primary research goal is to explore the sustainable design concepts with increased resource-use efficiency and environment protection. The major two key areas of the Sustainable design & Construction team are inventing sustainable materials and investigating the green infrastructure effects as a sustainable approach. The team also focuses on energy conservation methods by introducing passive features such as green roofs, super insulation, and sustainable urban environments. Life cycle cost analysis and embodied energy computations are some vital strategies used by our team to improve the future sustainability. The Energy modeling software packages are being used to perform advanced energy simulations.

PUBLICATIONS
JOURNALS
  1. Pathirana, S., Halwatura, R.U. and Rodrigo, A. (2020) ‘Sustainable approach to energy rating system for residential buildings’ Asian Journal of Civil Engineering, 21, pp. 1331-1342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42107-020-00280-w
  2. Rupasinghe, H.T. and Halwatura, R.U. (2020) ‘Benefits of implementing vertical greening in tropical climates’ Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 53, pp.1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126708
  3. Galkanda, H.H. and Halwatura, R.U. (2020) ‘Analysis the Performance of Chemical and Physical Additives to reduce Shrinkage of Drinking Water Treatment Sludge (DWTS)’, International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 11(4), pp. 175-179. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijesd.2020.11.4.1247
  4. Chandra, M.S., Nandapala, K. and Halwatura, R.U. (2020) ‘Developing a durable thermally insulated roof slab system using bamboo insulation panels’, International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, 10, pp. 511-522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40095-019-0308-x
  5. Galabada G.H., Rajapaksha. M. and Halwatura, R.U. (2019) ‘Identifying the impact of specimen’s size and shape on compressive strength; a case of mud concrete’ Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, 9(5), pp. 4667-4672.
  6. Pathirana, S., Rodrigo, A. and Halwatura, R.U. (2019) ‘Effect of building shape, orientation, window to wall ratios and zones on energy efficiency and thermal comfort of naturally ventilated houses in tropical climate’, International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, 10(1), pp. 107-120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40095-018-0295-3
  7. Udawattha, C., De Silva, D.E., Galkanda, H. and Halwatura, R.U. (2018) ‘Performance of natural polymers for stabilizing earth blocks’ Materialia, 2, pp. 23-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtla.2018.07.019
  8. Galagoda, R.U., Jayasinghea., Halwatura, R.U. and Rupasinghe, H.T. (2018) ‘The impact of urban green infrastructure as a sustainable approach towards tropical micro-climatic changes and human thermal comfort’ Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 34, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2018.05.008
  9. Herath, H.M.P.I.K., Halwatura, R.U. and Jayasinghe, G.Y. (2018) ‘Evaluation of green infrastructure effects on tropical Sri Lankan urban context as an adaptation strategy’ Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 29, pp. 212-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.11.013
  10. Herath, H., Halwatura, G.Y. and Jayasinghe, G.Y. (2018) ‘Modeling a tropical urban context with green walls and green roofs as an ruban adaptation strategy’, Procedia Engineering, 212, 691-698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2018.01.089
  11. Arooz, F.R. and Halwatura, R.U. (2018) ‘Mud-concrete block (MCB): mix design & durability characteristics’ Case Studies in Construction Materials, 8, pp. 39-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2017.12.004
  12. Udawattha, C., Galabada, H. and Halwatura, R.U. (2018) ‘Mud concrete paving block for pedestrian pavements’ Case Studies in Construction Materials, 7, pp. 249-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2017.08.005
  13.  Jayasinghe, C., Jayasinghe, M.T.R., Dissanayake, B. and Jayathilake, D. (2018) ‘Use of Recycled Building Demolition waste stabilized rammed earth’, Journal of International Masonry Society, 31(1), pp. 17-26.
  14. Fernando, P.L.N., Jayasinghe, M.T.R. and Jayasinghe, C. (2017) ‘A structural feasibility of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) based lightweight concrete sandwich wall panels’, Construction and Building Materials, 139, pp. 45-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.02.027
  15.  Dissanayake, D.M.K.W., Jayasinghe, C. and Jayasinghe M.T.R. (2017) ‘A Comparative embodied energy analysis of a house with recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) based foam concrete wall panels’ Energy and Buildings, 135, pp. 85-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.11.044
  16. Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R.U. (2017) ‘Life cycle cost of different Walling material used for affordable housing in tropics’ Case Studies in Construction Materials, 7, pp. 15-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2017.04.005
  17. Udawatthda, C. and Halwatura, R.U. (2017) ‘Geopolymerized self-compacting mud concrete masonry units’ Case Studies in Construction Materials, 9, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2018.e00177.
  18. Kariyawasam, K.K.G.K.D. and Jayasinghe, C. (2016) ‘Cement stabilized rammed earth as a sustainable construction material’, Construction and Building Materials, 105, pp. 519-527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.12.189
  19. Jayasinghe, C., Fonseka, W.M.C.D.J. and Abeygunawardene, Y.M. (2016) ‘Load bearing properties of composite masonry constructed with recycled building demolition waste and cement stabilized rammed earth’, Construction and Building Materials, 102, pp. 471-477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.10.136
  20. Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R.U. (2016) ‘Thermal performance and structural cooling analysis of brick, cement block, and mud concrete block’ Advances in Building Energy Research, 12(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512549.2016.1257438
  21. Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R.U. (2016) ‘Embodied Energy of Mud Concrete Block (MCB) Versus Brick and Cement Blocks’ Energy and Buildings, 126, pp. 28-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.04.059
  22. Nandapala, K. and Halwatura, R.U. (2016) ‘Design of a Durable Roof Slab Insulation System for Tropical Climatic Conditions’ Cogent Engineering, 3(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2016.1196526
  23. Senanayake, M.A.D. and Halwatura, R.U. (2015) ‘Human Perception and Acceptance of Natural Barriers’ Journal of Global Ecology and Environment, 3(1), pp. 39-55.
BOOKS
  1. Nandapala, K., Chandra, M.S. and Halwatura, R.U. (2018) ‘Roof Slab Insulation System for Tropical Climatic Conditions’ LAMBERT Academic Publishing, ISBN: 978-613-9-98025-3.
  2. Prabhashri, H.M., Herath, I.K., Halwatura, R.U. and Jayasinghe, G.Y. (2018) ‘Vegetation Alternatives for urban heat Island Mitigation- Modeling Urban Microclimate Using ENVI-met’ LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.
  3. C. Jayasinghe, MTR Jayasinghe, “Sustainable design of Built Environments, published in collaboration with Eco Ceylon Limited, 116 pages, 2009 (ISBN 978 – 955 – 51805 – 1- 1).
CHAPTERS
  1. Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R.U. (2018) ‘Alternative Stabilizer for Mud Concrete’ Cement Based Materials, 10, pp. 1-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76065
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
  1. Gunawardanaa, S.A.A., Galkanda, G.A.H.H. and Halwatura, R.U ‘Investigation of Fungus Growth and Moss Growth on Different Wall Care Putty Materials Along with Different Walling Materials’, in Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Moratuwa, 2020. pp. 96-101.
  2. Galabada, H., Galkanda, H., Dharmaratne, P.D. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Mud Concrete with Coconut Fiber Reinforcement’, in Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Moratuwa, 2020, pp. 102-106.
  3. Suluxan, S., Nanayakkara, I., Arooz, R. and Halwatura, R.U ‘A Preliminary Study on Fabric Formwork for a Mud-Concrete Slab System’ in Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Moratuwa, 2020, pp. 84-89.
  4. Galkanda, G.A.H.H., Halwatura, R.U. ‘Analysis the performance of chemical and physical additives to reduce shrinkage of drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS)’ in 4th Asia Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development, Japan, 9th to 11th November 2019.
  5. Muthukumara, S.A.U.R., Jayasinghe, G.Y. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Wild Grass Types as Green Roofing Materials for Urban Landscapes in a Tropical Climate’, in Proceedings of the 24th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Jayawardenepura, 2019.
  6.  Ranasinghe, R.M.G.B. and Jayasinghe, C. ‘Thermal performance of aerated concrete block’, in International Conference on Civil Engineering Applications’, Sri Lanka, 2019.
  7. Sudeshika, D.M.P., Mendis, M.S. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘A study on mostly abundantly utilized timber for structural application in Sri Lanka’ FARU - 12th International Research Conference, Colombo, 2019, pp. 107-114.
  8. Mendis, M.S., Arooz, R. and Halwatura, R.S. ‘Being Innovation Through Mud-concrete (MC) Technology’, in 2019 From Innovation to Impact (FITI), Colombo, 22nd November 2019.
  9. Galabada, H. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘A preliminary study on the use of soil as a floor finishing material’, in 2019 From Innovation to Impact (FITI), Colombo, 22nd November 2019.
  10. Jayasinghe, G.Y. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Utilization of Sustainable Timber Materials for Innovative Green Building Solutions’ in  International Research Conference of Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka, 2019.
  11. Galabada, G.H., Rajapaksha, M. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Paving Materials for Urban Heat Island Mitigation in Tropics; A Comparative Study On Mud Concrete Paving’, in, 4th Asia Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development (ACESD), Japan, 9th to 11th November, 2019.
  12. Dias, M.A.S.K., and Rupasinghe, H.T., Jayasinghe, G.Y. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Living Walls as an Approach for a Healthy Urban Environmental Quality’ in 12th International Research conference of General Sir John Kotelawa Defence University, Sri Lanka, 2019.
  13. Jayasinghe, R.R., Nanayakkara, K.I.U., Arooz, F.R. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Catalan Vault Inspired Earthen Slab System for Houses in Sri Lanka: Form-Finding’ in International Research Symposium, Sri Lanka, 2019, pp. 8-13.
  14. Chandra, M.S., Madumal, M.R.D., Nandapala, K. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Feasibility of Rainwater Harvesting Systems for The Water Utilization of Landscaping Projects in Sri Lanka, International Conference on Water Security Through Rainwater Harvesting’ Colombo, Sri Lanka, 29th November 2018.
  15. Liyanarathne, B.L.S.W., Ranasinghe, W.M.N.D. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Form development of clay module for optimize evaporative cooling with wind flow’ in 11th International Research Conference, Sustainability for people – envisaging multi-disciplinary solutions, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2018.
  16. Nandapala, K., Chandra, M.S. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Effectiveness of a discretely supported slab insulation system in terms of thermal performance’ in 11th International Research Conference, Sustainability for people – envisaging multi-disciplinary solutions, Moratuwa, 2018.
  17. Jayathilaka, W.M.D.S., Chandrasena, N., Premachandra, J. and Halwatura R.U. ‘Possibility of recycling plastics from municipal solid waste (MSW) and their potential applications in construction industry’, in 11th International Research Conference, Sustainability for people – envisaging multi-disciplinary solutions, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2018.
  18. Arooz, F.R., Perera, T.H., Chandra, M.S. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Experimental investigation on the optimal lifting height of a self-compacting in-situ cast mud-concrete load-bearing wall segment’ in 11th International Research Conference, Sustainability for people – envisaging multi-disciplinary solutions, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2018.
  19. Rupasinghe, H.T, Perera, T.A.N.T. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Towards greener cities; investigating the potentials of vertical greening in tropics as a design approach to create sustainable urban environments’ in proceedings of the 6thInternational Conference on 'Cities, People and Places, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 5th – 6th October, 2018.
  20. Rupasinghe, H.T. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Vertical greening- a sustainable approach for greener cities’ in FIDIC-ASPAC conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 24th – 27th June 2018.
  21. Perera, T.A.N.T., Halwatura, R.U., Jayasinghe, G.Y. and Rupasinghe, H.T. ‘Assessment of the plant growth performances of vertical green walls developed with different plant types in tropical context’ in proceedings of the 2nd International research symposium of the Uvawellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, 1st to 2nd February 2018.
  22. Udawattha, C., Akmeemama, L. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Fly Ash-based Geopolymer Mud Concrete’ in 4th International Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2018.
  23. Sirisena, A., Halwatura, R.U., Herath, H. and Jayasinghe, G.Y. ‘Thermal performance of a green roof modular system fixed on gable roofs’ in Proceedings of the 22nd  International Forestry and Environment symposium, Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri lanka, 2017.
  24. Udawattha, C., Halwatura, R.U. ‘Character of Lime as an Alternative Stabilizer to Improve the Long-Term Strength of Mud Concrete Block’ in 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management (ICSECM2017), Kandy, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  25. Udawattha, C., Jayasinghe, D. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Investigation of bottom ash as alternative stabilizer for Mud Concrete Block’ in the Annual International Research Conference of General Sir John Kotelawa Defence University, 2017.
  26. Bandara, D.M.H., Arooz, F.R. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Effect of Gravel size on strength of Mud-Concrete’ in Civil Engineering symposium of University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  27. Udawattha, C., Halwatura, R.U. ‘Use of fly ash as alternative stabilizer for Mud Concrete Block’, in the Annual International Research Conference of General Sir John Kotelawa Defence University, 2017.
  28. Senanayake, I.K.G.S., Rupasinghe, H.T. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Mitigation of Traffic Induced Carbon Dioxide Concentration through Road-Side Greenery’ in 3rd International Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  29. Arooz, F. R., Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R. U. ‘Community empowerment through Mud-Concrete technology Sustainable building techniques to revitalize the war victim communities in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka’ in World Sustainable Built Environment Conference , 17, Hong Kong, Construction Industry Council and Hong Kong Green Building Council Limited, 2017.
  30. Arooz, F. R., Babilegedara, T. D. and Halwatura, R. U. ‘Effect of Aggregate Percentage on Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting In-Situ Cast Mud - Concrete Load Bearing Walls’ in 3rd International Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Mortauwa, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  31. Pathirana, S.M. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘An assessment of rooftop solar PV policies and domestic energy use: Scenario of Sri Lankan residential sector’ in 10th International Built Environment Research Conference, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  32. Bandara, B.V.D., Arooz, F.R. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Investigation of thermal optimization of Mud-Concrete’ in Civil Engineering symposium of University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2016.
  33. Udawattha, C., Arooz, F.R. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘New earth walling material: Integrating modern technology into ancient mud wall’ in Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 16th to 18th December 2016.
  34. Udawattha, C., Arooz, F. R. and Halwatura, R. U. ‘Energy Content of walling materials- A comparison of Mud Concrete Blocks, Bricks Cabook and Cement Blocks in Tropics’ in Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 16th to 18th December 2016.
  35. Pathirana, S. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Investigating the adaptability of existing building energy rating systems to Sri Lankan residential buildings’ in Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 16th to 18th December 2016.
  36. Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Comparative Study of Embodied Energy in Different Walling Materials’ in Proceedings of the International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka, 2016.
  37. Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Life cycle cost and energy analysis of an Affordable house in Sri Lanka’ in Wayamba International Conference, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka, 19th to 20th August, 2016.
  38. Udawattha, C. and Halwatura, R. U. ‘The embodied energy and life cycle costing: A case study on basic dwellings in Sri Lanka’ in National Green Conference of University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, 2016.
  39. Arooz, F. R., & Halwatura, R. U. ‘Mud-Concrete Block - A sustainable building material for green construction in developing countries’ in National Green Conference of University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, 2016.
  40. Udawattha, C., Arooz, F. R. and Halwatura, R. U. ‘Manufacturing framework and cost optimization for Building Mud-Concrete Blocks. In Science for the people’ in Mobilizing Modern Technologies for Sustainable Development in Asia, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016. pp. 326–331.
  41. Suja, A.C.A. and Halwatura, R.U. ‘Developing a Mud block for load bearing wall with 10% cement and low fines content’ in International Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 5th to 6th April, 2016.
  42. Dissanayake, D.M.K.W. and Jayasinghe. ‘Embodied Energy Analysis of a Pre-cast building system’, in 6th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management, Kandy, 2015, pp. 185-191.
THESES
  1. Kodituwakku, K.A.B.P. (2018) ‘Incorporating Sustainable Procurement Practices in the Sri Lankan Construction Industry Challenges, Benefits’
  2. Bandaranayake, B.M.S.D. (2018) ‘Mud Concrete as an Alternative Paving Material’.
  3. Arooz. F.R. (2019) ‘In-situ Mud-Concrete as a material for load-bearing walls and sustainable building practices’.

 

PATENTS
  1. Mud concrete block - Patent No: 17616
  2. A heat insulation system - Patent No: 17803
  3. Mud paving block - Patent No: 17724
  4. Self-compacting in-situ cast mud-concrete load bearing wall system - Patent No: 18762
  5. Vegetated Roof Slab system - Patent No: 18761
  6. Bamboo Heat Insulation Panels for Roof Slabs - Patent No: 18880
  7. A vegetated wall panel system for double skin wall envelop - Patent no: 19279
  8. Rubber stabilized earth block for load bearing walls - Patent no: 19379
  9. A vegetated roof tile system - Patent no:  19155
  10. Fly Ash stabilized self-compacting earth blocks for load bearing walls - Patent no: 19495
  11. Geo Polymerized self-compacting mud block – Patent No: 19567
ONGOING RESEARCH
  1. Structural behavior of the doubly curved shell structure using Mud-Concrete (MC).
  2. Development of soil based flooring material for tropics.
  3. Innovative approach of designing an office building with sustainable features for a low life cycle cost.
  4. Investigation on development of an educational model to enhance knowledge on sustainability applications in buildings.
  5. Embodied Energy, Embodied Carbon and Cost analysis for the Roofing materials available in Sri Lanka.
  6. Opinion mining of energy efficient applications in green buildings.
  7. In-situ Mud-Concrete as a material for load-bearing walls and sustainable building practices.
PROJECTS
  1. Constructing 750 houses using Mud Concrete Block in North East funded by European Union, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  2. Preparation of a green rating system for state buildings in Sri Lanka, 2016/2017.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
  1. Prof.(Mrs.) C. Jayasinghe, Sri Lankan collaborator for the GCRF project on Sustainable design framework, with Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom (2018).
CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  1. Prof. (Mrs.) C. Jayasinghe has prepared the Green rating system for Government buildings in collaboration with Urban Development Authority (UDA) Sri Lanka.
  2. Prof. (Mrs.) C. Jayasinghe has taken part of the Design team for the LEED platinum rated factory (Thutulie). It claims to be the world’s first clothing factory powered solely by carbon-neutral sources (https://www.scribd.com/document/393998162/Thurulie-Clothing-factory-Sri-Lanka-pdf)

 

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