Finalized Research Titles - 2014 Batch +edit

No Project Title
Lateral load resistance of earth

1
walls
Contribution of building
2 materials to the operational
energy of buildings
Fly ash stabilized mud concrete

3 blocks- types of mortar and their
characteristics
Impact on shading on thermal

comfort and lighting energy
4
demand of naturally ventilated
houses
Investigating the conditions
affecting the moisture buffering
5 measurement performed on in-
situ cast Mud-Concrete load
bearing walls.
Analysis of different types of

flooring materials use in Sri
6 Lanka, with respect to
sustainable construction
materials
Mechanical behavior of fly ash

stabilized mud concrete blocks in
7
comparison with Brick, cement
block, CSEB block and cabook
Geopolymerization of waste
plastic pieces as gravel
8
replacement to improve the
engineering properties of soil.
An Evaluation of Document
9 Management Systems for
Construction Projects
The Integration of BIM and ERP

10
Systems
Feasibility of Manufacturing of
11
Clay Tiles using Clay of Soils
Financial and Technical
12 Feasibility of production of sand
by washing soils
Construction Measurement and

13 Production of Interim Bills using
Smart Phones
Inadequacies of pre-construction
14 activities on cost overruns in
construction projects
Inadequacies of pre-construction
15 activities on time overruns in
construction projects
An Evaluation of cracks and

16 defects repair methods in
masonry structures
An Evaluation of dampness in
17 masonry walls in old buildings
and repair methods
An Evaluation of cracks and

18 defects repair methods in
concrete structures.
Development of a framework to
19 assess community resilience to
disasters
Evaluation of Efficiency and

Effectiveness of Current Disaster
20 Management Framework on
Floods - Case Study Dickwella
Divisional Secretariat
Assessment of construction
21 productivity in Sri Lankan
construction sites
A tool to evaluate the safety of

22
construction sites
Challenges of condominium
development projects to
23
investigate the long term
sustainability
Evaluation of adequacy of fire

24
escapes in condominiums
An Evaluation of concrete polish
25
as an Industrial flooring systems
Leaching of phthalate from PET

26 bottles under different
environmental conditions
Leaching of phthalate from food

and beverage grade plastic
27
containers under different
environmental conditions
Investigation of disinfection
potential of nano silver and
28
graphene oxide matrix in
drinking water
Removal of Escherichia coli in
29 drinking water using nano silver
impregnated in the sand
Removal of fluoride from

groundwater for potable water
30
use by nano iron oxide
impregnated in graphene oxide
Investigation of graphene oxide/

fly ash composite for the removal
31
of fluoride and hardness from
groundwater
Use of CaO.Al2O3 impregnated

32 in clay for removal of fluoride
from groundwater
Calcium oxide loaded
mesoporous alumina modified in
33
fly ash composite: an application
for removal of fluoride
Precipitation induced fate of

Glyphosate (dissolved in hard
34
water) in soils in CKDu
prevalent areas
Mobilization of Glyphosate
(dissolved in hard water) in the
35 presence of Triple Super
Phosphates (TSP) fertilizer in
soils in CKDu prevalent areas
Degradation of Phthalates
36 leached out from beverage grade
containers
Degradation potential of Total

Organic Carbon (TOC) in
37
potable waters: an application to
Irrigation tanks
Investigation of strength
38 behaviour in soft clays stabilized
with calcium carbide residues
Investigation of flow behaviour

in soft clays stabilized with
39
calcium carbide residues and fly
ash
Investigation of micro-structural
characteristics of soft clays
40
stabilized with calcium carbide
residues
A study on arching action of
41
soils.
An experimental investigation on
42 shaft resistance of cast in situ
bored piles in sound rock.
A study on the moment carrying

43
capacity of pad footings.
Effect of depth of embedment of

steel "H" sections on the
44
stability enhancement of soldier
pile retaining walls.
Establishment of Soil Water

45 Characteristic Curves for Sri
Lankan Residual Soils
Laboratory modelling of matric

46
suction loss due to infiltration
Settlement characteristics of
47
Residual Soils
Secondary Consolidation
48
Characteristics of Peaty Clay
Analysis of land use pattern for

49
tourism management using GIS.
Agricultural information
50
management system using GiS
Land use management in

51
Colombo City
Analysis and prediction land use

52 pattern in Awissawella area using
satellite image
Modelling the Landslide flow

53
paths
Monitoring the Influence of

54 slope rectification measures at
Badulusirigama landslide
Applicability of various
laboratory tests in the
55
measurement of undrained shear
strength of soils
Calcium carbide residues as a

catalyst to enhance the
56 pozzolanic reaction in soft clays
improved with fly ash: An
experimental study
Limiting wave transmission and

57 reflection and their impacts in
fishery harbours and estuaries
Tsunami Hazards: Assessment of

58 Exposure of Sri Lanka-Case
Study in the Eastern Coast

59 Exposure of Sri Lanka-Case
Study in the Southern Coast
Exposure of Sri Lanka-Case
60
Study in the South-
Western/Western Coast
Tsunami Hazards: Early

61 Warning, Public Awareness and
Response
Fishery Harbor Developments in

62 Sri Lanka: Breakwater Designs
and Cost Assessments
63 Storm surges at Colombo coast
Assessment of coastline
64 behaviour: Case study in the East
coast
65 behaviour: Case study in
Kalpitiya
66 behaviour: Case study in the
Northern Province
Impacts of time trends in
67 Colombo rainfall pattern on
design rain events

68 Ratnapura rainfall pattern on
design rain events

69 Kurunegala rainfall pattern on
design rain events
Significance of spatial variability

70 in precipitation for stream flow
modelling in a dry zone basin
Significance of spatial variability

71 in precipitation for stream flow
modelling in a wet zone basin
Effect of different methods for
spatial interpolation of rainfall
72
data for hydrological modeling in
a dry zone basin
Effect of different methods for

spatial interpolation of rainfall
73
data for hydrological modeling in
a wet zone basin
Effects of Guage Density,

Interpolation and Land Use
74 Distribution on the Modeling of
Spatiotemporal Precipitation in
Dry Zone Basins
Effects of Guage Density,
Interpolation and Land Use
75 Distribution on the Modeling of
Spatiotemporal Precipitation in
Wet Zone Basins
Study on improvement of a urban

76
drainage system in Sri Lanka
Study on energy dissipation in a

77 hydraulic jump in an open
channel
Study on sedimentation on non-

78 vegetated flood plains of
compound channels
Study on sedimentation on
79 vegetated flood plains of
compound channels
Investigations on feasibility of
80
mini hydro power development
Study on flood risk analysis of a

81
river basin in Sri Lanka
Predicting non-linear bending

82 behaviour of thin woven fibre
composites
Simulation of deployable
83
membranes
Cost effective non-destructive

84 measurement systems for civil
engineering applications
Investigation of properties of
85 cellular lightweight concrete
blocks with bottom ash
Development of dry plaster mix

86
with manufactured sand
Development of geopolymer
87
concrete with bottom ash
Finite element modelling of

88 Glass Fiber Reinforced
Polymer(GFRP) concrete beams
Investigation on bond behaviour

89
between GFRP bars and concrete
Finite element modelling on

90 strength and fire performance of
GFRP concrete beam
Investigation on use of GFRP in

91
light weight concrete structures
Flexural performance of GFRP

92
concrete beams
System Dynamics approaches

93 for modeling socio-technical
problems
94 Studies in tsunami resistance
Study on textile reinforced

95
concrete
Development of low cost real

time structural health monitoring
96
system for high-rise buildings
using wireless sensors
Shaking table test and seismic

97 behavior of reinforced concrete
element/structures
Development of a simplified
method for the design of
98 pervious concrete mixes – Part I
Investigation of paste content
Development of a simplified
method for the design of
99 pervious concrete mixes – Part II
Investigation of particle size
distribution of coarse aggregate
Prediction of wall temperatures
100 to estimate thermal movements
in masonry walls.
The use of lightweight panels

101 for loadbearing walls of
apartment buildings
Embodied energy and carbon

foot print of apartment buildings
102
with light weight loadbearing
panels
Cost effective foundation

systems for apartment buildings
103
with light weight loadbearing
panels
Terrace housing with light weight

104
loadbearing panels
Energy performance of terrace

105 housing with loadbearing light
weight panels
Study on concrete slabs

106
reinforced with steel and bamboo
Study on structural engineering
107 related problems in apartment
buildings
Study on durability of reinforced

108
concrete structural elements
Study on concrete made with

109
manufactured sand.
Study on semi - rigid connections

110
in steel
Study on Use of fly ash

111
generated in textile industry
End sip measurement of

112 prestressed concrete beams to
predict transfer length
Formulation of a new approach

113 for coble design in reinforced
concrete
Use of light weight sub-grade for
114
various applications
Parametric Study on Bolted End

115
Plate Steel Joints
Determination of embedment
116 strength of tropical timber
species
Development of a pavement
117 performance model for national
highways
Highway asset management

118
system for low volume roads
Incorporating reliability in
119 transportation project feasibility
studies
Estimation of Fuel Economy and
120 Emission Characteristics of the
current vehicle fleet in Sri Lanka
Optimizing capacity at isolated

121 4-way intersections using Traffic
Engineering & ITS tools
Evaluation of the effectiveness of

122 transport interventions using big
data
Field investigation of durability

123
of open Graded Friction Courses.
Analysis of compaction level of

124 Asphalt Mixtures using image
processing
125 Design of semi rigid pavement

Optimization of Fuel
126
Distribution in Sri Lanka
Development of a Mode Choice

127 Model for Low Floor Air
Condition Buses
Development of interprovincial
128 bus timetables based on crowd
sourced travel time Data.
Research Project
Brief Description
This project will look at the dynamic forces for which the earth walling material can be subjected to and evaluating th
This will be focused at the contribution of different walling and roofing materials to the operational energy of a buildi
Bond between masonry and mortar remains intact at the time of failure of the masonry unit or mortar. The influence o
compressive strength is not fully accounted for in these failure theories. But also, the materials type surface roughnes
influence of bond strength on fly ash stabilized mud concrete block compressive strength should be examined through
fly ash blocks and mortars. Masonry Units-mortar bond strength should be determined through flexure bond strength
relationship between the masonry prism compressive strength and bond strength should be obtains through this study
The micro climate heavily affects the thermal comfort and the lighting energy demand of a naturally ventilated house
with similar floor area need to be conducted. The project will need both outdoor climate modeling using Envi met and
simulation using Design Builder. The objective functions are aiming at minimizing the lighting demand and maximiz
microclimate variables include the shadings such as adjutant buildings and trees (of various height; leave size; etc.) an
will include the window to wall ratio, orientation, building materials and building shape etc.
Moisture buffering refers to the ability of materials to moderate changes in relative humidity by absorbing and desorb
surrounding air. Investigating of dynamic moisture storage and the moisture buffering capacity of Mud-Concrete load
improve indoor humidity, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in buildings. This work will experimentally explore
measurement and calculation of the buffering potential. Measurements of MBV and steady state properties (water vap
isotherms) could perform for series of samples. Then we can quantitatively show how the variability of experimental
measurement can change the obtained MBV (MBVpractical). Needed test to carry out : Water vapour permeability te
test
Comparison of LCC, EE, IAQ and Environment & health impact during the production, installation, maintenance, of
materials are expected to do in this investigation. Demand (user perception) and reasons for the demand also compare
Fly Ash stabilized mud concrete blocks are recent innovation. The compressive strength is more than 10 MP. In orde
structural behaviour under static loads an extensive compression and diagonal compression (shear) test campaign sho
material. And this should be investigated in comparison with exiting walling material such as Brick, cement block, CS
Geo polymerization to convert geo technical properties of soil into engineering properties was invented in late 21st ce
improve any soil type into stronger soil. But the gravel plays an important role in the strength of stabilized soil blocks
gravel or improve the soil by replacing gravel with waste plastic waste. This can be win-win invention for the sustain
Construction project involves many documents, drawings, calculations using spreadsheets, reports using word proces
videos and many others. Different staff produces These and quite often many upgrades are issued. As such managing
difficult and if not done properly can lead to many errors. There are many document management system, and their s
evaluated.
BIM (Building Information Model) will be center for all construction related work in the future. BIM can generate in
On the other hand, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are the key for management of operations. BIM has
to ERP systems but as generally expected as not easy as one claims. The project is looking into to technical and other
integration of BIM and ERP.
There are processes to extract clay from soils. The suitability of clay for the manufacture of clay tiles and bricks depe
liquid limit and chemical properties. Finally, the product should be economical as well. Therefore it is necessary to t
Soil contains more than 50% of sand and different soils contain different types of sands. There are many methods ava
from very large industrial washing systems to simple methods. It is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of these sand
aspects.
The measurement sheets are generally produced by use of traditional methods, use of tape and TDS sheets. The techn
changing and with the modern technology and today laser tapes, use of Smartphones are emerging for measurements.
of using Smartphones and laser tapes for the production measurement sheets and interim bills.
Different types of cracks and defects are common in both new and old masonry structures. Such cracks and defects a
project is looking into different repair techniques and materials available.
Dampness in masonry walls is a common defects especially in old buildings . The project is looking into different rep
available.
Different types of cracks and defects are common in both new and old concrete structures. Such cracks and defects ar
project is looking into different repair techniques and materials available.
Current Sri Lankan disaster management framework does not give enough attention to disaster risk reduction and resi
this study is to develop a framework to evaluate the level of community resilience to disasters.
Purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of current disaster management mechanisms in ha
Dikwella Divisional Secretarial will be taken as a case study
Improving construction productivity is one of major challenges which construction is facing today. When moving tow
productivity initial step is to develop an common assessment structure to evaluate the productivity. And, the next step
structure to measure the productivity. Hence, this study is focusses on those two steps.
This study is a continuation of the previous year where the student has to develop a software based tool to evaluate th
During last decade condominium development projects gathered a big demand in Sri Lanka. However, long term sust
to be evaluated. Therefore, purpose of this project is to investigate the challenges of condominium projects to underst
After the fire disaster of 24 story condominium in Grenfell, London; there was a big debate created about the adequac
residential towers located in suburbs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate adequacy of fire escapes an
of residents in case of a fire.
Concrete polish is to expose the rock in the concrete mix by grinding, densifying and polishing. The project is looking
concrete polish and its advantages and disadvantages.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is commonly used as water containers, of which one of the examples is the mineral
added with materials such as additives and monomers. It has been reported that the additives and monomers in PET b
into the water stored under different environmental conditions. Phthalate compounds (PCs) are widely used as additiv
a plasticizer, and PCs when leached out warrant taste problems. Exposure to high doses of PCs through drinking wate
change in hormone levels which causes birth defects in rodents. It is also found that, PCs may act as endocrine disrup
study focuses to investigate leachability of PCs from PET bottles under different environmental conditions such as tem
exposure to sunlight etc.
Phthalate is considered to be an emerging contaminant in plastic grade food and beverage containers and phthalate is
increases the flexibility of the plastic products. It is not chemically bound in plastic polymer matrices and hence, it ca
stored in the plastic containers. Phthalate is found to bio-accumulate in fat and exposure to phthalate can induce adve
and reproductive organs of human. Hence, identification of phthalate leachability from plastic grade containers is of u
food safety of consumers. Therefore, the study focuses to investigate the leachability potential of phthalate products u
conditions.
Most of the drinking water sources are contaminated with the fecal matter. Contaminated water has a potential to brea
such as diarrhea, and chlorella. Silver compound shows a strong antibacterial activity in a broad range of microorgani
alone synthesized in nano scale and become unstable due to agglomeration and have reported decreasing antibacterial
of silver particles on suitable matrices increases their stability and antibacterial properties. Graphene oxide is an appro
impregnation, and graphene produces a mono-layer of carbon atoms that forms the crowded honeycomb structure. Th
as a promising material to stabilize silver in combination. Graphene oxide also exhibits antibacterial properties. Henc
investigate the disinfection potential of nano silver supported graphene oxide in water treatment.
Nano silver is an attractive material because of its distinctive property of antimicrobial activity. Escherichia coli is on
fecal contaminated water, which could break out water related diseases such as diarrhea, chlorella, and hepatitis B, etc
excellent in improving the microbial quality of drinking water by inhibiting the microbial activity in water. Hence, na
promising material to remove pathogenic microorganism in water. Nano scale properties of silver decrease its stability
agglomeration, which in turn reduces the antibacterial properties. Thus, impregnation of nano silver on the surface of
to be an activity which yields increasing stability of nano silver and thereby improves antibacterial properties of silve
study focuses to treat fecal contaminated drinking water using nano silver impregnated in the sand effectively.
Nano iron oxide has become a promising material in removing disease causing constituents in water such as fluoride.
ineffective to be used in water treatment due to its particle size distribution and subsequent aggregation of nano iron o
capacity. Accumulation of nano iron oxide in the body through drinking water may bring up adverse health effects. Im
in suitable matrixes is therefore important to retain nano iron oxide effectively and the composite matrix increases the
Hence, it is a prerequisite to impregnate nano iron oxide in graphene oxide, which has a high surface to volume ratio
pores on the surface and it has been used to impregnate different nano materials in the past studies. Hence, the study
oxide in graphene oxide matrix and evaluates the properties and performance in removal of fluoride in groundwater.
Modified fly ash has a potential to remove toxic constituents in water, such as fluoride and hardness. However, modif
be used in water treatment due to their nano and micro levels of particle size distribution and aggregation, which has
and stability in water. Therefore, anchoring of modified fly ash in suitable matrixes is most important to increase their
reactive performance. Graphene oxide has a large number of micro-pores on the surface and it has been used to impr
in the past. Modified fly ash impregnated graphene oxide seems to be a good combination to remove toxic constituen
study focuses to impregnate modified fly ash in graphene oxide matrix and evaluates the properties and performance
fluoride in groundwater.
Different toxic constituents such as fluoride have been reported to be contributing to adverse health effects in humans
concentrations in groundwater sources in dry zone areas. Hence, removal of fluoride is a prerequisite to provide safe
community. CaO. Al2O3 and clay are popular materials that can be used to adsorb fluoride in water. However, the perf
not evaluated together to identify their adsorption capacity in removal of fluoride. Hence, this study focuses to assess
impregnated in a clay matrix to remove fluoride in groundwater.
Calcium oxide loaded mesoporous alumina has been reported to be popular in removing fluoride in water. However, C
mesoporous alumina is not stable in water due to its particle size distribution. Therefore, impregnation of Calcium ox
on suitable matrices is vital to increase their performance profoundly. Modified fly ash is composed of micro and mes
and it may perform excellent to adsorb nano scale particles on their surface. The modified fly ash has shown enhance
water. Hence, the study focuses to investigate fluoride removal ability of Calcium oxide loaded mesoporous alumina
CKDu is one of the most critical illnesses prevailing in Sri Lanka and found to be widely spreading in the North Cent
factors for the CKDu are proposed by researches of which, chronic exposure to Glyphosate and its complexes is a sus
attention is paid. Glyphosate, which is commercially available as Roundup® is the most widely used herbicide in che
prevalent areas.In the proposed research, effects of precipitation (rainfall events) on Glyphosate retained in different s
Glyphosate mobilization and transportation from the application point (terrestrial environment) to the water sources (
surface runoff will be investigated using pilot scale plot studies. Water in CKDu prevalent areas comprises of high ha
and Glyphosate is able to form complexes with Ca2+ and Mg2+ present in hard water, thus changing its behavior. Th
dissolve Glyphosate prior to application can affect the sorption of Glyphosate onto soil particles. Therefore, in the pro
dissolved in hard water prior to application to the plot and then the study focuses on investigation of effects of hardne
onto soil particles.
CKDu is one of the most critical illnesses prevailing in Sri Lanka and found to be widely spreading in the North Cent
factors are proposed by researches of which, chronic exposure to Glyphosate and its complexes is a factor that needs
which is commercially available as Roundup® is the most widely used herbicide and TSP is the common fertilizer us
the CKDu prevalent areas. When applied to soils, Glyphosate and phosphate may compete for the same surface sites,
sorption and mobility in soils. In addition, Glyphosate is able to form complexes with Ca2+ and Mg2+ present in hard w
water to dissolve Glyphosate prior to application can affect the sorption of Glyphosate onto soil particles. Therefore, i
effects of Triple Super Phosphate fertilizer on Glyphosate in soils in CKDu prevalent areas will be investigated using
Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility of plastics that are used in the manufacturing of be
phthalates are loosely bonded to the polymeric matrix, which may allow the migration of phthalates into beverage und
conditions. Hence, Phthalates can potentially be transferred to the beverage that is stored in the containers, under diffe
Phthalates are reported to be endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC), which consequently affect vital functions in liv
Phthalates have been associated with toxicity to the neural, reproductive and developmental systems. The effective re
vital before beverage being consumed. Therefore, this research focusses on the investigation of various options to rem
when present in the beverage containers.
Irrigation tanks receives an endless variety of organic compounds discharged specially from the pesticides, herbicides
fulvic and humic acids. All these carbon-based compounds that are collected in the irrigation tanks represent in terms
content and it would be convenient to measure the TOC levels rather than individual compound separately. The agricu
water from these tanks for direct consumption, including drinking, bathing and washing purposes. The elevated levels
toxicity or higher demand for dissolved oxygen. TOC content in potable water sources will give a better understandin
and aesthetic concerns. Therefore, this study focusses on the investigation of TOC content in various irrigation tanks
removal prior to drinking.
Calcium carbide residue (CCR) is an industrial by-product, stockpiles of which are rapidly accumulating worldwide a
economical, less energy intensive, and environmentally friendly chemical additive for soil stabilization. This project a
of CCR as an alternate soil stabilizer in common Sri Lankan soft clays by analysing the strength behaviour in the stab
Soft soils with lower shear strength, higher compressibility and higher permeability have become a major hindrance f
works. Chemical stabilization of soft soil using additives is a common approach in the field to overcome this problem
laboratory experimentations on using different industrial by products (calcium carbide residues –CCR and Fly ash – F
stabilizers to reduce the permeability of the Sri Lankan soft clays.
Although the effects of chemical additives on the geotechnical properties of soils have been investigated in recent yea
characteristics of clayey soils stabilized with calcium carbide residues (CCR), have not been clearly brought out spec
The objective of this study is therefore to investigate the time-dependent engineering properties, mineralogy and mole
stabilized soft clays.
Arching occurs when there is a difference of the stiffness between the installed structure and the surrounding soil. If t
soil then load arches onto the structure. Otherwise, if the structure is less stiff than the soil then load arches away from
study the effects of soil arching on rigid and flexible buried pipes by using the recently developed earth pressure cell.
It is planned to develop an experimental procedure to investigate the mobilization of shaft resistance of cast in situ bo
Specimens with an inclined rock concrete interface will be tested in triaxial or UCS apparatus for the determination o
concrete interface.
An experimental and numerical investigation will be carried out to investigate the moment carrying capacity of circu
on different soils. Different model foundations will be placed at different depths on different soils and their moment c
investigated.
Soldier pile retaining walls are a widely used economical solution for temporary shoring in deep excavations. Howev
walls, the depth of embedment of steel H sections is conservatively not taken in to consideration. In this study, it is pl
of depth of embedment and the horizontal spacing of steel H sections on the stability enhancement of soldier pile reta
Rain induced slope failures are a major challenge facing Sri Lankan Geotechnical engineers. Soil Water Characteristi
modelling the destruction of matric suction by infiltration of rainwater into a soil and establishment of threshold rainf
apparatus and tensiometers are two techniques used for establishment of SWCC. It can also be derived through the pa
The process of derivation of SWCC with particle size distribution curve and comparison with the experimentally deri
detail in this project.
Infiltration of rainwater into an unsaturated soil cause a reduction in matric suction and may lead to development of p
numerically modelled with SEEP/W software if the soil characteristics such as Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWC
are known. This research involves preparation of a model soil fill in the laboratory and monitoring the matric suction
artificial rainfall. The condition will be numerically modelled and compared with the experimental observations.
Conventional consolidation theories are developed for transported soils. The settlement characteristics of residual soil
weathering of parent rock are quite different. This research is aimed at identifying the differences through a thorough
currently available models (other than the Terzaghi model) to explain the behaviour of local soils. The study of the c
be done with Rowe Cell measuring both the pore water pressure and settlements.
Peaty clays exhibit high secondary consolidation characteristics. Studies done with conventional Oedometer have sho
by preloading the secondary consolidation characteristics can be significantly improved. The consolidation tests cond
significant amount of secondary consolidation. Hence these findings need to be confirmed by conducting consolidatio
measurement on larger specimen using Rowe Cell.
Need to make land information system using GIS software and find suitable changers to increase of attraction.
Case study :To identify un used potential agricultural Land and make suitable improvement using GIS and satellite
Find land usage and give recommendation and guild line for future development
Analysis of potential development of Awissawella area with Land use pattern and population migration.
The flow of the debris ( the mass of failed soil, rock and other matter) cause much destruction in its path causing loss
been witnessed in number of landslides such as Meeriyabedda caused by extremely high rainfall events. This research
flow and establishing areas at risk due to potential landsides using actual data.
Number of rectification measures in the form of surface and sub surface drainage had been adopted to stabilize the d
Badulusirigama (close to Uva Wellasa University). Number of monitoring devices such as extensometers, tilt sensors
project involves interpretation of the monitoring data to ascertain the effectiveness of the rectification measures adop
Unconsolidated Undrained triaxial test is widely used in the determination of undrained shear strength parameters of
to investigate the applicability of fall cone test, laboratory vane shear test and Atterberg limits test in the determinatio
parameters of soils.
Fly ash (FA) is an industrial by product which has been used by researchers to improve the hydro-mechanical propert
Sri Lanka, FA are mainly generated from the Norochcholai Power plant and is categorized under Class F, that is low c
using this Class F fly ash for the soft clay improvement, it could not provide the required enhancements and showed t
additives to enhance the pozzolanicrecations. Calcium Carbide Residues (CCR) is another industrial by product whic
this project involves laboratory experimentations on using CCR as a catalyst to improve the pozzolanic reaction in so
An internet based computer modelling study of tsunami generation, propagation and inundation
A study on the development of tsunami early warning system in Sri Lanka and a questionnaire survey based study on
tsunamis and public response to early warning
A study on cost assessment of breakwater designs commonly used in fishery harbor constructions in Sri Lanka
Analysis of hourly sea level records at Colombo wave gauge and extraction of storm surge heights
A study on coastline variations, based on historical coastal images

Collection of annual maximum rainfall data at Colombo, establishing the time trends and comparison with present de
Collection of annual maximum rainfall data at Ratnapura, establishing the time trends and comparison with present d
Collection of annual maximum rainfall data at Kurunegala, establishing the time trends and comparison with present
Rainfall runoff hydrologic models are widely applied to predict watershed response by simulating rainfall runoff gene
water resources management in ungauged basins. The study aims at identifying the effect of spatiotemporal variability
results targeting effective and sustainable water resources development and management.
This study aims at SWMM software modelling of the drainage system in a selected area in Colombo and providing im
urban flooding in that area
An experimental study to assess the difference in energy dissipation of a flow over a fixed and a movable weir in an o
A study based on laboratory scale experiments with physical simulation of possibility of sedimentation on non-vegeta
water channels
A study based on laboratory scale experiments with physical simulation of possibility of sedimentation on vegetated f
channels
Hydrological/Hydraulic study on feasibility of a mini hydro power developments for a suitable location in Sri Lanka
A study focused on hydrological and river flow modelling using HEC HMS and HEC RAS software to evaluate flood
Sri Lanka
Standard practice in estimating bending stiffness of unidirectional laminates is to use classical lamination theory. How
classical lamination theory over predicts the bending stiffness of thin woven composites by two to four times. Simula
(which represents the actual physical fibre arrangement) will be used to obtain more accurate estimate of bending stif
Deployable concepts are necessary for space explorations as they are required to pack into a compact configuration d
stages. Simulating folding and deployment behaviour of ultra-thin membranes folded using origami patterns is to be i
Measuring displacements with image processing. A series of photographs taken during loading/unloading of a structu
digital camera will be analyzed to measure the deformation of a structure.
There is a demand for lightweight concrete blocks in high-rise building construction in order to reduce the self-weigh
this research, it is necessary to carryout experimental investigations to explore the possibility of use of bottom ash wh
thermal power plants in combination with foam concrete.
There is severe shortage of river sand due to restrictions on river sand mining. As an alternative for river sand, manuf
popular due to availability and its cost effectiveness in producing concrete. However, use of manufactured sand for m
because of its workability issues. In order to promote manufactured sand in masonry work, it is necessary to develop
issues.
Binder in the geopolymer concrete is alkali activated fly ash which is a waste product of coal fired thermal power pla
waste product of coal fired thermal power plant which is much coarser than fly ash particles. In this research, it is nec
bottom ash to utilize in producing geopolymer concrete
Numerical modeling using ANSYS software & testing for validation
Experimental study
Numerical modeling with ANSYS & testing for validation
Review and statistics or experiment based
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Typical engineering projects interact with society, the environment and the economy. This often involves feedback lo
negative. The project will seek to identify such scenarios and use a software tool called VENSIM to model some of th
Many studies have been carried out of tsunami resistance. This project will seek to arrive at the current state of the ar
execute structural analysis models, inclusive of dynamic loading.
The use of reinforced concrete (RC) construction in the modern world stems from the extensive availability of its ing
disadvantage of RC is that its steel reinforcement is prone to corrosion. Uses of textile reinforced materials in concret
modern days in combination with materials science and textile technology.
The safety and reliability of civil infrastructure systems are essential for supporting the economic vitality of the socie
aims to develop automated systems for the continuous monitoring, inspection and damage detection of structures. The
effective structural health monitoring system that could be used in real time monitoring of health condition of structur
defects, can lead to safer and more durable structures with increased reliability and performance.
The use of shaking tables for the assessment of the dynamic and seismic behaviour of civil engineering structures is
This study aims to understand the behaviour of reinforced concrete elements/structures under seismic loading using a
The application of pervious concrete in local construction industry is limited due to lack of knowledge of its structura
the unavailability of proper mix design procedure. This research study aims to develop a simple and accurate mix des
concrete with required permeability and strength properties.
(This research study is based on experimental investigations)
The application of pervious concrete in local construction industry is limited due to lack of knowledge of its structura
the unavailability of proper mix design procedure. This research study aims to develop a simple and accurate mix des
concrete with required permeability and strength properties.
(This research study is based on experimental investigations)
Since the wall temperatures are higher than the ambient temperature, it is necessary to find the actual wall temperatur
movements in walls.
The light weight panel of 150 and 100 mm of thickness can be used as a loadbearing walling material in certain type
buildings and the detailed study will be into the feasibility of such usage
A detailed study into the multi-storey apartment buildings wit light weight loadbearing panels
A detailed study into the different soil types and the development of cost effective alternative foundation systems for
storey apartment buildings
Using bamboo alone as reinforcement leads to brittle failure. When bamboo is used together with steel rebars can hav
both laboratory models and finite element models (using MIDAS or ANSYS) need to made and tested. It is expected
theoretical models for prediction.
Involving in construction of apartments seems to be an attractive area for young civil engineers. However, a recent stu
recently constructed apartments there are several engineering related problems. Those problems need to be carefully s
mitigate those problems seem to be a timely need.
Durability of reinforced concrete is affected by several factors, In this study it is expected to carry out experiments an
predictions on durability.
Manufactured sand is used in many concrete plants as a replacement to river sand. But a careful study is needed to ide
mix design as well as preparing concrete.
Semi- rigid connections have moment resistance as well as rotations. Some experiments and modelling (ABACUS) a
enhance understanding.
There is a need to dump the fly ash generated in the textile industry in an environmental friendly way. Hence, need to
experiments to come up with a method to dispose the fly ash generated
To convert procedure to predict transfer length and compare with available test results. This will facilitate to develop
way to apply in a casting yard for factory produced prestressed beams
There are several empirical procedures available to design cobles in girder beams related to factories. However the co
not been attempted to design shear requirements in such applications.
It is desirable to introduce hard wickets dor cricket pitches by modifying the sub-grade as our cricketers have no such
engaging in a tour which consistently involve hard wickets like in Australia or South Africa
Assess the use of end plate steel joints in steel frame construction in Sri Lanka. Compare with the Eurocode recomme
bolted end plate joints and the accompanying UK recommendations. Recommend any changes if required to current p
Carry out extensive survey on existing literature on the topic. Identify the need if any for laboratory testing and carry
required tests. Recommend any changes if required to practices adopted in this country
Pavement performance relates to its structural and functional performance. Structural performance refers to the stren
functional performance refers to the surface condition, safety and user comfort. There are several parameters that can
Developing performance models is an important to assess the life cycle of a pavement and to evaluate the user and ag
is to develop a suitable performance model for national roads.
Low volume roads provide primary links to the transport network. They are maintained by provincial road authoritie
of systematic process of evaluation, budget limitation and resource constraints these roads are in poor condition and o
poorly utilized. Asset management systems offers a structured approach to evaluate the current condition of the roads
maintenance treatment and optimize the fund allocation and prioritize maintenance work. The study objective is to de
system for a provincial road network in Sri Lanka.
Reliability is an important aspect in transportation decision making. Due to lack of a methodology, this is often negle
feasibility of transportation projects. The study aims to develop a framework to incorporate reliability in the feasibilit
types of transportation projects. It will provide a useful tool for decision makers in assessing the viability of transport
The fuel economy and CO2 emission characteristics of ICE vehicles depend on several factors including the technica
engine capacity, fuel type) of the vehicle and also the driving pattern (as determined by the driving cycle). The averag
emissions for a given group of vehicles could be estimated by fuel economy and emission values of each vehicle type
characteristics of the individual vehicle types could be used to estimate the combined performance of a given group o
Intersections act as natural bottlenecks for smooth traffic flow on roads. Intersection control strategies such as sign co
roundabouts and flyovers are used to improve capacity through intersections depending on the traffic flow pattern. Ho
of controlling strategy may result in either waste of resources and valuable land space or increasing congestion levels
along with appropriate ITS tools could be used to optimize intersection capacities for different traffic flow scenarios.
Any transport related intervention; project or programme need to be evaluated to see whether the intended outcomes a
unavailability of baseline information and or difficulty in measuring/estimating the expected outcomes using perform
less interest in monitoring and evaluation process. Information available regarding land use changes in digital form an
information in the form of crowed source data could be used for monitoring and evaluation of outcomes with appropr
In OGFC, the load is carried by the stone and the asphalt holds everything in place. The voids of an OGFC plus its sto
type of mix many positive attributes. The porous nature of the OGFC allows immediate drainage of water from the pa
stone contact will increase resistance to permanent deformation. However, large void ratio of OGFC tends to fail imm
durability of OGFC mixtures under field conditions.
There are four components in super-pave mix design; (1) binder selection, (2) aggregate selection (3) volumetric mix
performance prediction. Binder and aggregate evaluations and mix designs was carried out in previous research for sr
this research is to analysis the compaction level and orientation of aggregate particle with compaction level and comp
Flexible pavements (roads with bitumen surfaces) and rigid pavement ( roads with concrete surface) are widely used
rigid pavement is a hybrid pavement type which made of filling the high pores bituminous pavement using cement gr
resistance and the rutting resistance need to be established.
CEYLON PETROLEUM STORAGE TERMINALS (CPSTL) is responsible for 95% of the Fuel deliveries in Sri La
CPC and LIOC are communicating with island wide CPSTL Depots in order to place orders. There are two main Term
(Muthurajawelaa) and eleven outstation bulk depots and two inland rail side depots in main cities. Replenishment of
inland rail side depots are through rail bogies located at Kolonnawa terminal and by road using CPSTL and hired tank
Dealers & Consumers of CPC and LIOC are buying the products from the bulk depots and main terminals directly. It
maximum fuel quantities to be delivered by using rail wagons and the balance bulk quantities to be delivered by using
lorries distance travelling to prevent many bowser movement and price advantage. Research is to optimize the fuel di
of transport.
The government is considering introducing higher quality bus service with low floor air condition buses. The researc
model to determine the mode share for a new bus service.
The Current time tables for inter provincial buses have a fixed operational time irrespective of departure time. The re
method to develop a time table based on dynamic travel time using Crowed Sourced Data
Batch
Pre-requisite Supervisor
Prof. (Mrs) C. Jayasinghe
Prof. (Mrs) C. Jayasinghe
1. Should build fly ash stabilized masonry units and

different mortar combinations to check
a. Compressive strength
b. Water absorption
c. Initial rate of absorption
Prof. Rangika Halwatura
d. Flexure strength
e. Secant modulus at 25% of ultimate stress
2. Then should test strength of masonry unit bond and
mortar type’s strength.
Basic statistics Prof. Rangika Halwatura

None Prof. Rangika Halwatura
Data collection from manufacturing factories, construction

& demolishing sites. The size of data resource must be
Prof. Rangika Halwatura
from very ample size to minor size throughout the country.
1. Should have enough fly ash from Norochola power

plant.
2. Testing methods and standards procedures. Prof. Rangika Halwatura
3. Should build series of 1m2 walls for testing.
Should check different mix proportions and see the

strength. The replacement of gravel and improving the soil
to build MCB would be finalized with a proper Prof. Rangika Halwatura
mathematical model.
None Prof. Asoka Perera

None Prof. Malik Ranasinghe
None Prof. Malik Ranasinghe
None Dr. Lesly Ekanayake

Dr. Chandana Siriwardana; Co
None
Supervisor Prof. S.S.L Hettiarachchi
Dr. Chandana Siriwardana; Co

None
Supervisor Prof. S.S.L Hettiarachchi
Construction site experience, Labour management skills Dr. Chandana Siriwardana
Basic programing skills Dr. Chandana Siriwardana
None Dr. Chandana Siriwardana
None Dr. Chandana Siriwardana

Dr. Lesly Ekanayake
None Dr. M.W.Jayaweera

None Dr. J. M. A. Manatunge

None Dr. (Ms) Buddhika Gunawardana

Interest in experimental studies Dr. (Mrs) A. S. Ranathunga

It is preferred to have a student with a genuine interest in
Dr. L. I. N. de Silva
Geotechnical engineering.



Interest in experimental studies Prof. S A S Kulathilaka
Interest in experimental studies and numerical modelling Prof. S A S Kulathilaka
Experimental studies after a thorough literature survey Prof. S A S Kulathilaka

Interest in experimental studies Prof. S A S Kulathilaka
None Mr T.D.C.Pushpakumara
Student need to be very competent in GIS software Prof. S A S Kulathilaka
Student should be keen on landslide studies Prof. S A S Kulathilaka

None Prof. S. S. L. Hettiarachchi
None Mr Harsha Ratnasooriya

None Dr.T.M.N.Wijayaratna
Dr.T.M.N.Wijayaratna, Co
None
Supervisor: Mr. Harsha Ratnasooriya
Interest in hydro-geo-ecological processes in river systems

and familiarity in issues related to local and global water
resource development and management. Ability to
conceptualize natural basin processes and use
Dr R. L. H. L. Rajapaksa
mathematical equations and functions to simulate them
referring to the physical processes would be useful.
Further Interest in water resources planning and
management and sustainability related aspects is preferred.



Dr Kasun de Silva, Co Supervisors:

None Dr Nimal Wijayaratna and Dr Lalith
Rajapaksa

Rajapaksa

Rajapaksa

Rajapaksa
Rajapaksa

Rajapaksa
Interest in finite element modelling and shell theory.

(Abaqus and Matlab software will be used but no need for Dr. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi
prior experience).
Interest in finite element modelling (Abaqus software will

Dr. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi
be used but no need for prior experience).
Basic knowledge on computer programming and interest

in experimental techniques. (Matlab software will be used Dr. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi
but no need for prior experience).
Prof. S M A Nanayakkara
Dr J C P H Gamage
Dr J C P H Gamage
Dr J C P H Gamage
Dr J C P H Gamage
Dr J C P H Gamage
Ability to write simple code. Appreciation of “big

picture” issues regarding engineering – i.e. socio- Prof. Priyan Dias
economic and environmental impacts.
Ability to model in SAP 2000. Also willingness to
Prof. Priyan Dias
explore Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling.
Dr. C.S. Lewangamage, Co-

supervisor: Dr. WDG Lanarolle
(textile)
Dr. C.S. Lewangamage, Co-

supervisor: Dr. K.J.C. Kumara
(mechatronics)
Dr. C.S. Lewangamage
None Dr. (Mrs) D Nanayakkara

A student who has taken Building Engineering, large

structures, computational geotechniques, computational Prof M T R Jayasinghe
mechanics, etc.

mechanics, etc.

mechanics, etc.
Prof M T R Jayasinghe
Prof M T R Jayasinghe
Interest in finite element modelling and laboratory work Dr K. Baskaran

Interest in apartment construction Dr K. Baskaran
Basic mechanisms through which harmful substances

Dr K. Baskaran
infiltrate concrete
Interest in concrete mixes Dr K. Baskaran
Interest in finite element modelling and physical

Dr K. Baskaran
modelling
Interest in experimental investigation. Need to look at

Dr K. Baskaran
various factors
Experience with using numerical analysis and a basic

knowledge in pretensioned prestressed concrete Prof. Ruwan Weerasekara
technology
Cohesive cracking is a new approach succcessfully

Prof. Ruwan Weerasekara
applied for shear design
Knowledge of light weight concrete and soil mechanics
Prof. Ruwan Weerasekara
related properties such as bouncing
Sound Understanding of Structural principles, Knowledge

of steel Eurocodes, Good analytical skills to develop Dr. (Mrs.) M T P Hettiarachchi
spreadsheet designs, ability to think independently
Ability to read and summarize information, Knowledge of

Timber Eurocodes, Good analytical Skills to develop Dr. (Mrs.) M T P Hettiarachchi
spreadsheet designs, Ability to think independently
- Dr H R Pasindu
Knowledge in programming is required. Dr H R Pasindu
Dr H R Pasindu
Prof. J. M. S. J. Bandara, Co
Interest in Automobile Engineering Supervisor Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala
– Mechanical Engineering)
Basic knowledge in Traffic Engineering (CE 4352) Prof. J. M. S. J. Bandara
Basic knowledge in GIS applications and big data

Prof. J. M. S. J. Bandara
handling
CE 4532 Highway Construction & Maintenance

Prof W. K. Mampearachchi
Management

Management

Management
Fair knowledge in Traffic Engineering & operation of
Dr. G.L.D.I. De Silva
transport systems

transport systems

transport systems
12 25 19 25 33
Group Envi CM Geo Hy Stru
Construction Management
18 35
12 24
Environmental Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Hydraulic Engineering
Structural Engineering
Transportation Engineering
12 126
Tra

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No Project Title

Lateral load resistance of earth

Fly ash stabilized mud concrete

Impact on shading on thermal

Analysis of different types of

Mechanical behavior of fly ash

The Integration of BIM and ERP

Construction Measurement and

An Evaluation of cracks and

An Evaluation of cracks and

Evaluation of Efficiency and

A tool to evaluate the safety of

Evaluation of adequacy of fire

Leaching of phthalate from PET

Leaching of phthalate from food

Removal of fluoride from

Investigation of graphene oxide/

Use of CaO.Al2O3 impregnated

Precipitation induced fate of

Degradation potential of Total

Investigation of flow behaviour

A study on the moment carrying

Effect of depth of embedment of

Establishment of Soil Water

Laboratory modelling of matric

Analysis of land use pattern for

Land use management in

Analysis and prediction land use

Modelling the Landslide flow

Monitoring the Influence of

Calcium carbide residues as a

Limiting wave transmission and

Tsunami Hazards: Assessment of

Tsunami Hazards: Assessment of

Tsunami Hazards: Early

Fishery Harbor Developments in

63 Storm surges at Colombo coast

Impacts of time trends in

Impacts of time trends in

Significance of spatial variability

Significance of spatial variability

Effect of different methods for

Effects of Guage Density,

Study on improvement of a urban

Study on energy dissipation in a

Study on sedimentation on non-

Study on flood risk analysis of a

Predicting non-linear bending

Cost effective non-destructive

Development of dry plaster mix

Finite element modelling of

Investigation on bond behaviour

Finite element modelling on

Investigation on use of GFRP in

Flexural performance of GFRP

System Dynamics approaches

Study on textile reinforced

Development of low cost real

Shaking table test and seismic

The use of lightweight panels

Embodied energy and carbon

Cost effective foundation

Terrace housing with light weight