ORCID Profile
0000-0003-0896-1239
Current Organisation
University of Adelaide
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Publisher: University of Moratuwa
Date: 08-11-2019
DOI: 10.31705/WCS.2019.37
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-01-2021
DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-02-2020-0031
Abstract: In recent years, there has been an increased focus on creating sustainable buildings that have a reduced carbon footprint. The primary method to achieve this has been through reducing operational carbon of buildings. However, as the industry aims to produce “carbon neutral” buildings with extremely low operational carbon through measures such as insulation, embodied carbon (EC) component could get increased. As such, it is equally important to understand the state of EC emissions in buildings. The aim of this research was to analyse typical EC and cost profiles of school buildings within Australia to understand which building elements need more attention. The research involved measuring EC of five classroom blocks in schools in Sydney through a case study research approach and document survey. Bills of quantities from these projects were analysed to estimate the EC and cost profiles of the buildings. Results indicated that some elements such as roof, site works, upper floors and substructure had a higher cost also demonstrating an increased EC indicating a possibility of a relationship between carbon and cost. Accordingly, these elements were identified as the typical carbon hotspots within school buildings in Australia, which need greater attention in reducing EC. The study explores the carbon–cost profile of Australian school buildings and highlights the importance of reducing EC in carbon hotspots.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-09-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS11110560
Abstract: Blockchain can be introduced to use cases in the built environment where reliability of transaction records is paramount. Blockchain facilitates decentralised, cryptographically secure, trustworthy, and immutable recordkeeping of transactions. However, more research is urgently required to understand the process and complications in implementing blockchain solutions in the built environment. This paper demonstrates a methodology for developing a blockchain system starting from problem analysis, selection of blockchain platform, system modelling, prototype development, and evaluation. The evolutionary prototyping model was selected as the software development methodology for the use case of property transactions. A systematic process protocol involving the multi-criteria decision-making method, Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique (SMART), was used to select Hyperledger Fabric as the most suitable blockchain platform for the prototype. The system architecture facilitates a simplified, lean property transaction process implemented through chaincode (smart contract) algorithms and graphical user interfaces. System evaluation through test cases allowed iterative improvements, leading to an incubation-ready software prototype. The contribution to knowledge of this paper is in the demonstration of the process to follow to implement a blockchain solution for a specific domain. The findings provide the foundation for developing proofs of concept for other potential applications of blockchain in the built environment.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-08-2021
DOI: 10.3390/SU13169171
Abstract: Carbon estimating plays a vital role in the construction industry. The current focus on introducing zero-carbon construction projects reduces operational carbon, at the expense of Embodied Carbon (EC). However, it is important to reduce overall net carbon emissions. There are various methods to estimate carbon, but the accuracy of these estimates is questionable. This paper reviews a novel methodology, the Supply Chain based Embodied carbon Estimating Method (SCEEM), which was introduced recently to accurately estimate EC in construction supply chains. SCEEM is compared against existing EC estimating methods (Blackbook and eToolLCD) using a case study approach. It is also supplemented with a comprehensive literature review of existing EC methods. The EC values calculated using Blackbook and eToolLCD were mostly higher than SCEEM. Since SCEEM uses actual site data and considers first principles-based value addition method to estimate EC, it is considered accurate. The cross-case analysis revealed that SCEEM provided consistent results. Hence, SCEEM is recommended to accurately estimate EC of any type of project.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 16-07-2022
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-02-2021-0130
Abstract: Blockchain as an emerging technology has increased the interests within various industries because of its salient features. A potential application of blockchain for embodied carbon (EC) estimating is being explored. Though there are several databases/tools to estimate EC, the accuracy of estimates prepared using them is affected due to several limitations. As a solution, a prototype blockchain-based EC (BEC) Estimator for distributed supply chain-based EC estimating has been introduced. The data models and user flow diagram that lead to development of a BEC Estimator are developed and evaluated in this study. A case study approach assisted in developing the data models and user flow diagram for the BEC Estimator. A Delphi-based expert forum was used to evaluate and produce the refined data models and user flow diagram. The BEC Estimator adopts a waterfall model, a system development lifecycle model, in developing the application. The phases, system analysis and system design, consisting the development of the data models and user flow diagram for the BEC Estimator are discussed. Estimating EC accurately plays an important role in construction. The BEC Estimator uses the supply chain based embodied carbon estimating method to estimate EC accurately. This paper demonstrates the data models and user flow diagram developed for the BEC Estimator.
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1108/JFMPC-11-2017-0044
Abstract: Historic buildings can make a significant contribution to the history and culture of a country. Today, land scarcity has led to the demolishing of existing buildings to meet the demand for new constructions. Adaptive reuse of buildings (ARB) while preserving the hidden prestige of historic buildings plays a pivotal role in regenerating the built environment to cater to the demand that exists for new buildings. Sri Lanka has so far not embraced ARB, which can help to preserve the historical and cultural values of the existing building stock in the country. Hence, the study aims to analyze the remedial actions that can overcome the barriers to and challenges of ARB in Sri Lanka. This study adopted a qualitative research approach by using three expert interviews and five case studies. The data collected from the case studies were analyzed using content analysis. As a part of the case studies, semi-structured interviews with 15 professionals who are already practicing ARB were conducted. When making the ARB decision, key drivers and parameters of ARB have to be considered. ARB has socio-cultural, environmental and economic benefits. Sri Lanka as a developing country will definitely face barriers and challenges when adopting ARB. These barriers/challenges could be categorized as social environmental economic legal-regulatory and physical-technical-other barriers/challenges. The economic barrier, “Higher opportunity costs,” and the legal barrier, “Health and safety requirements,” stipulated by the authorities were common to all five case studies. The study identifies the actions that can overcome ARB barriers and challenges present in Sri Lanka to reap maximum socio-cultural, environmental and economic benefits.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 27-07-2023
DOI: 10.1108/SASBE-05-2023-0111
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the literature related to the use of digital technologies for promoting circular economy (CE) in the construction industry. A comprehensive approach was adopted, involving bibliometric analysis, text-mining analysis and content analysis to meet three objectives (1) to unveil the evolutionary progress of the field, (2) to identify the key research themes in the field and (3) to identify challenges hindering the implementation of digital technologies for CE. A total of 365 publications was analysed. The results revealed eight key digital technologies categorised into two main clusters including “digitalisation and advanced technologies” and “sustainable construction technologies”. The former involved technologies, namely machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep learning, big data analytics and object detection and computer vision that were used for (1) forecasting construction and demolition (C& D) waste generation, (2) waste identification and classification and (3) computer vision for waste management. The latter included technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and building information modelling (BIM) that help optimise resource use, enhance transparency and sustainability practices in the industry. Overall, these technologies show great potential for improving waste management and enabling CE in construction. This research employs a holistic approach to provide a status-quo understanding of the digital technologies that can be utilised to support the implementation of CE in construction. Further, this study underlines the key challenges associated with adopting digital technologies, whilst also offering opportunities for future improvement of the field.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-08-2020
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS10080140
Abstract: Carbon emissions are categorised as Embodied Carbon (EC) occurring in the production phase and Operational Carbon (OC) occurring in the operational phase of buildings. The current focus on producing zero-carbon buildings, emphasises reducing OC and ignores the importance of reducing EC emissions. This study focuses on EC. Methods available in EC estimating currently produce estimates that often do not complement each other. This makes it important to develop a robust and accurate methodology for estimating EC. Blockchain is an emerging technology that has significant potential for transaction processing in supply chains. The construction industry being the second least digitalised industry, the adoption of innovative technologies is predominantly important. This paper explores the potential application of blockchain for accurate estimation of EC in construction supply chains. A detailed literature review and expert interviews revealed that, compared to traditional information systems, blockchain systems could eliminate issues in EC estimating highlighting its potential credible application for EC estimating. Scalability was identified as a feature that was lacking in a blockchain system, however, for EC estimating, its impact was identified as minimal. It will be difficult to generalise the findings of the study due to interview based qualitative methodology adopted in this study along with the fact that blockchain is an emerging and fairly new technology. However, a similar process could be followed by other studies to compare blockchain with traditional information systems, to evaluate the suitability of blockchain technology to develop prototype systems.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-01-2018-0007
Abstract: Governments of many developing countries that are unable to develop their infrastructure in order to obtain financial resources prefer to establish public–private partnerships (PPPs) for providing the much-required infrastructure. Time is thus opportune for Sri Lanka, which is also a developing country, to make use of PPPs to develop its road network. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to identify the PPP models that suit road construction in Sri Lanka. The study used a mixed approach. The characteristics of road construction, procurement selection factors to be considered in road construction, and the different PPP models that can be used for such procurements were identified through a comprehensive literature synthesis. The findings were validated using expert interviews. A questionnaire survey identified the PPP models that suit road construction in Sri Lanka. The most suitable model among them was identified by ranking the PPP models using procurement selection factors. Build–Own–Operate–Transfer was identified as the PPP model that best suits road construction in Sri Lanka. However, investors may not find it attractive because of its high payback period, a result of the low traffic volume in Sri Lanka. Therefore, a PPP model that involves road construction alone will not be feasible in Sri Lanka. It will have to include the construction of other infrastructure as well. The study identifies a PPP model that best suits the road construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
No related grants have been discovered for Navodana Rodrigo.